Adapter device for connecting a charging socket to a charging plug for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter device (24) for contacting a charging socket (20) with a charging plug (18) for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle (10), comprising at least a first adapter part (26) designed for placement on the charging socket (20) and a second adapter part (28) designed for placement on the charging plug (18), wherein the first adapter part (26) corresponds to the second adapter part (28), wherein at least the first adapter part (26) is connectable to the charging socket (20) in a non-destructive manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter device for contacting a charging socket with a charging plug for an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle, with at least a first adapter part which is designed to be arranged on the charging socket, and with a second adapter part which is designed to be arranged on the charging plug, wherein the first adapter part corresponds to the second adapter part.

[0002] Charging plug arrangements are already known from the prior art, for example, so-called Type 2 charging plugs, which enable the electrical energy storage device of an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle to be charged externally. For this purpose, charging plugs are provided, particularly at corresponding charging stations, which can then be plugged into a charging socket on the motor vehicle, with the charging socket in turn being connected to the electrical energy storage device. Thus, the electrical energy storage device can be charged via the external charging station.

[0003] EP 3 512 053 B1 relates to a charging plug for an electric car, the charging plug comprises a plug head, an insulating body and contact pins, the plug head and the insulating body are detachably connected in such a way that the insulating body can be replaced, the contact pins comprise signal contact pins, a protective earth and power contact pins, wherein the plug head has a housing with a front plate, cable, contact pin receptacles and a contact shell.

[0004] DE 10 2018 001 645 A1 relates to a charging system for charging a storage device of a motor vehicle with electrical energy. Charging plugs are often mounted in a floating manner to compensate for tolerances. In electric vehicles, charging plugs can be large and bulky. Assistance in establishing a connection between the charging plug and a charging socket is desirable. Therefore, several magnets are arranged around the charging plug; this arrangement can be implemented in a magnetic ring. This concept can be applied analogously to the charging socket, thus providing an ergonomic charging system.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an adapter device which can be designed in a highly flexible manner on the motor vehicle and on a charging station and in particular enables automated charging.

[0006] This object is achieved by an adapter device according to the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to an adapter device for contacting a charging socket with a charging plug for an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle, having at least a first adapter part which is designed to be arranged on the charging socket, and having a second adapter part which is designed to be arranged on the charging plug, wherein the first adapter part corresponds to the second adapter part.

[0008] It is intended that at least the first adapter part is connected to the charging socket in a non-destructive manner.

[0009] In particular, the first adapter part can thus be removed from the charging socket without destroying the connection. In other words, the first adapter part can be reinserted at least in the charging socket. This makes it possible, for example, to simplify charging, which means that automated charging, for example using a robot, can be achieved without the need for large supporting forces. Furthermore, no supporting forces are built up between the corresponding plug elements, in particular the charging socket and the charging plug, during the plugging process using the adapter device, so that, for example, a person can carry out the corresponding charging process even on black ice. In other words, the first adapter part and the second adapter part can be plugged into one another essentially without any counterforce.

[0010] It has also proven advantageous if the second adapter part is also connected to the charging plug in a non-destructive manner. In other words, the second adapter part is also designed to be non-destructively detachable from the charging plug. This makes it possible, for example, for the person to remove both the first adapter part and the second adapter part accordingly and carry them with them, so that the adapter device can be configured at different locations. This makes the adapter device highly flexible and usable from any location.

[0011] It has also proven advantageous if the adapter device is designed for a standardized charging plug and a standardized charging socket. In other words, the charging socket and the charging plug can be Type 2 charging plugs, for example. In particular, direct current charging and / or alternating current charging can be realized using the charging socket and the charging plug. This makes it possible, in particular, to use the adapter device in existing charging stations without sacrificing standardized concepts.

[0012] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the adapter device to be designed for a Type 2 charging plug. The Type 2 charging plug is a plug design that is particularly widespread in the greater European region. In particular, both direct current and alternating current charging can be realized with the Type 2 plug. This allows for highly flexible use of the adapter device.

[0013] It has also proven advantageous if the first adapter part has a substantially cylindrical receptacle for receiving the substantially cylindrical second adapter part. In particular, the second adapter part can thus be pushed into the first adapter part. In particular, current can then be transmitted from the second adapter part to the first adapter part based on appropriate contact. The cylindrical shape thus allows the second adapter part to be held in the first adapter part. The adapter device can thus be reliably formed.

[0014] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the cylindrical second adapter part has a conical end that serves as a guide for the cylindrical receptacle. This allows, for example, automated guidance of the second adapter part into the first adapter part. The conical end allows the second adapter part to be reliably inserted into the receptacle of the first adapter part. This allows, for example, simple automated loading as well as simple manual loading.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the adapter device is designed for inductive charging. In other words, electrical energy is transferred inductively, for example, from the second adapter part to the first adapter part.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the adapter device is designed for conductive charging. This allows, for example, a direct electrical connection to be established between the second adapter part and the first adapter part, allowing electrical energy to be reliably transferred from the charging plug to the charging socket.

[0017] It has also proven advantageous if the adapter device has a magnetic device, so that when the second adapter part is plugged in, a holding force is formed in the first adapter part. In particular, a low holding force can be generated by means of the magnetic device, so that only the contact between the first adapter part and the second adapter part can be realized for energy transmission. The magnetic device thus reliably holds the second adapter part in the first adapter part, and energy transmission can be reliably realized.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous if a first magnetic pole is formed on the first adapter part and a second, corresponding pole is formed on the second adapter part. For example, the first magnetic pole can be designed as a north pole and the second magnetic pole can be designed as a south pole. Thus, a holding force can be generated between the individual poles, which allows for reliable charging of the electrical energy storage device.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an adapter device according to the preceding aspect. The motor vehicle is designed, in particular, as an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle or as a fully electrically powered motor vehicle.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments of the adapter device are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the motor vehicle.

[0021] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with a charging station with an embodiment of a charging plug arrangement with an embodiment of an adapter device; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a charging socket; and Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a charging plug.

[0023] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 is designed as an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle or as a fully electrically operated motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 10 has at least one electrical energy storage device 12. The electrical energy storage device 12 can be designed, for example, in the form of a high-voltage energy storage device and in particular in the form of a traction battery. Furthermore, the Fig. 1 a charging station 14 for electrically charging the energy storage device 12.

[0025] For this purpose, a charging plug assembly 16 is provided. The charging plug assembly 16 comprises, in particular, a charging plug 18, which is particularly designed on the charging station side, and a charging socket 20, which is particularly designed on the motor vehicle side. For example, the charging plug 18 can be coupled to the charging station 14 via a cable 22. The charging socket 20 is particularly designed on the motor vehicle side, for example, on a body of the motor vehicle 10.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view according to an embodiment of a charging socket 20 with a corresponding adapter device 26. In particular, it is shown here that a first adapter part 26 is formed on the charging socket 20. The Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the charging plug 18 with the second adapter part 28.

[0027] In particular, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows the adapter device 26 for contacting the charging socket 20 with the charging plug 18 for the at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, the adapter device 26 has at least the first adapter part 26, which is designed to be arranged on the charging socket 20, and the second adapter part 28, which is designed to be arranged on the charging plug 18, wherein the first adapter part 26 corresponds to the second adapter part 28. It is provided that at least the first adapter part 26 is non-destructively detachably connected to the charging socket 20, and additionally the second adapter part 28 is non-destructively detachably connected to the charging plug 18.

[0028] In particular, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, that the charging plug 18 and the charging socket 20 are standardized units, in particular designed for charging with Type 2 charging plug 18.

[0029] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, that the first adapter part 26 essentially has a cylindrical receptacle 36 for receiving the essentially cylindrical second adapter part 28. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the cylindrical second adapter part 28 has a conical end 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the adapter device 26 can be configured for inductive charging. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter device 26 can also be configured for conductive charging.

[0031] Furthermore, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, that the adapter device 26 has a magnetic device 32, 34, so that when the second adapter part 28 is inserted, a holding force is formed in the first adapter part 26. It can be provided that a first magnetic pole 32 is formed on the first adapter part 26 and a second corresponding pole 34 is formed on the second adapter part 28.

[0032] In the following embodiment, it is shown in particular that the first magnetic pole 32 can be designed as a north pole and the second magnetic pole 34 can be designed as a south pole.

[0033] In particular, the Fig. 2 and Fig.3 shows the adapter device 24, which is designed to simplify or automate the haptically and sensorically complex plugging process when charging the electric motor vehicle 10. Two separate adapter parts 26, 28 are provided with a magnetic coupling. The first adapter part 26 can be arranged on the charging socket 20, and the second adapter part 28 can be arranged on the charging plug 18. The connection of the two adapter parts 26, 28 is analogous to conductive charging, in particular with the conical end 30 or with inductive charging from below. Two different use cases are possible. For example, the adapter device 24 can be used accordingly for home and public charging. List of reference symbols 10 motor vehicle 12 Electrical energy storage 14 charging station 16 Charging plug arrangement 18 charging plugs 20 Charging socket 22 cables 24 adapter device 26 First adapter part 28 Second adapter part 30 Tapered end 32 North Pole 34 South Pole 36 recording QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 512 053 B1

[0003] DE 10 2018 001 645 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Adapter device (24) for contacting a charging socket (20) with a charging plug (18) for an at least partially electrically operated motor vehicle (10), with at least a first adapter part (26) which is designed to be arranged on the charging socket (20), and with a second adapter part (28) which is designed to be arranged on the charging plug (18), wherein the first adapter part (26) corresponds to the second adapter part (28), characterized by that at least the first adapter part (26) can be detachably connected to the charging socket (20) in a non-destructive manner. [2] Adapter device (24) according to claim 1, characterized by that in addition the second adapter part (28) can be connected to the charging plug (18) in a non-destructive manner. [3] Adapter device (24) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the adapter device (24) is designed for standardized charging plugs (18) and charging sockets (20). [4] Adapter device (24) according to claim 3, characterized by that the adapter device is designed for a type 2 charging plug (18). [5] Adapter device (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first adapter part (26) has a substantially cylindrical receptacle (36) for receiving the substantially cylindrical second adapter part (28). [6] Adapter device (24) according to claim 5, characterized by that the cylindrical second adapter part (28) has a conical end (30) as a guide for the cylindrical receptacle (36). [7] Adapter device (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adapter device (24) is designed for inductive charging. [8] Adapter device (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adapter device (24) is designed for conductive charging. [9] Adapter device (24) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the adapter device (24) has a magnetic device (32, 34) so ​​that in an inserted state of the second adapter part (28) a holding force is formed in the first adapter part (26). [10] Adapter device (24) according to claim 9, characterized by that a first magnetic pole (32) is formed on the first adapter part (26) and a second corresponding pole (34) is formed on the second adapter part (28).

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