Cooling arrangement for a charging socket and charging socket

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling arrangement (1) for a charging socket (2), in particular a charging socket (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a first plate (3) and a second plate (4), wherein the first plate (3) and the second plate (4) are arranged opposite each other, wherein the first plate (3) has a first side (5) facing the second plate (4) and a second side (6) facing away from the second plate (4), and the second plate (4) has a first side (7) facing the first plate (3) and a second side (8) facing away from the first plate (3), and wherein at least one busbar (9, 10) for supplying electrical power to a charging socket (2) is arranged between the two plates (3, 4), wherein the two plates (3, 4) are in thermal contact with the busbar (9, 10) or busbars (9, 10) with their respective first sides (5, 7), and wherein at least one of the two plates (3, 4) has a first side (5, 7) facing the second plate (6, 7) of the first plate (3, 4).8) has arranged cooling fins (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling arrangement for a charging socket and a charging socket with a cooling arrangement, in particular for an electrically powered motor vehicle.

[0002] Electrically powered motor vehicles are typically equipped with a battery system to store electrical energy in order to use this electrical energy, for example, to power the motor vehicle.

[0003] The vehicles are equipped with a charging socket to allow the battery system to be charged from a charging network using a charging cable.

[0004] It has been observed that the charging socket and its electrical connections can heat up considerably during charging due to the high currents, which can reach up to 650 kW in the future. This can lead to thermal damage to the charging socket and other components, such as contacts and wiring, which is undesirable. This is particularly problematic because the charging socket's maximum operating temperature is only around 90°C. One solution would be to reduce the charging current or even terminate the charging process. However, this is often highly undesirable because it significantly extends the charging time. If the charging process is an intermediate charging step during a charging stop, it is typically desirable for the charging to be completed as quickly as possible, making a reduction in the charging current less desirable.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2022 004 755 A1 discloses a cooling system for a charging port in which each charging cable is provided with a number of radially projecting cooling fins, and a fan with a fan wheel arranged coaxially to the charging cable is arranged to generate an airflow over the fins. Such a cooling system is very complex and expensive, and also prone to failure.

[0006] DE 10 2021 128 651 A1 discloses the subject matter of the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] DE 20 2018 006 166 U1 discloses a connector part of a charging cable for connecting to a mating connector part of a motor vehicle, wherein the connector part is provided with a cooling device.

[0008] DE 10 2019 104 655 A1 discloses a high-current wiring for charging connectors of a charging cable.

[0009] The task is to create a cooling arrangement for a charging socket and a charging port that provides improved cooling and is nevertheless simple and straightforward in design.

[0010] The problem is solved by the cooling arrangement with the features of claim 1.

[0011] One embodiment of the invention relates to a cooling arrangement for a charging socket, in particular a charging socket of a motor vehicle, comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are arranged opposite each other, wherein the first plate has a first side facing the second plate and a second side facing away from the second plate, and the second plate has a first side facing the first plate and a second side facing away from the first plate, and wherein at least one busbar or busbars for the electrical supply of a charging socket are arranged between the two plates, wherein the two plates are in thermal contact with the busbar or busbars with their respective first sides, and wherein at least one of the two plates has cooling fins arranged on its second side.This allows for effective cooling of busbars, which can represent an electrical supply line to a charging socket, so that cooling the busbars as a whole can also result in cooling of the charging socket.

[0012] It is also advantageous if both plates have cooling fins arranged on their other side. This allows for effective cooling.

[0013] In another embodiment, it is also advantageous if the busbar or busbars between the two plates are electrically insulated. This allows the entire cooling arrangement to be operated in an electrically neutral manner, thus eliminating any danger.

[0014] According to the invention, at least one electrical connection element is provided, or electrical connection elements are provided, which is or are arranged between the two plates or can extend through at least one plate or the plates and are electrically insulated from the busbar(s), and / or which is thermally contacted with at least one of the plates. This allows the electrical contact of the charging socket to be cooled directly by means of the connection elements. Preferably, the connection elements serve to connect the wiring harness coming from the charging socket, which runs through the heat sink, to the subsequent standard wiring harness that leads to the battery.

[0015] In another embodiment, it is also advantageous if the busbar(s) between the two plates are electrically insulated in the area of ​​the electrical contact of the connection element(s). This ensures good cooling of the electrical connection element(s). The contacts of the electrical connection elements are electrically insulated from the heat sink and their surroundings. Insulation can be achieved, for example, by enclosing the contacts in an insulated plastic housing.

[0016] It is also advisable for the connecting element(s) to protrude through at least one opening in one of the plates. This ensures a secure design.

[0017] It is also advantageous if at least one of the panels has an opening through which at least one of the busbars protrudes. This allows for a safe and space-saving design.

[0018] It is also advantageous if the busbars between the two plates each have a section that is spaced apart and runs parallel to each other. This also allows for a safe and space-saving design.

[0019] The problem with the charging socket is solved by the features of claim 9.

[0020] One embodiment of the invention relates to a charging socket for a motor vehicle with a housing having a plug receptacle for inserting a charging cable, wherein electrical connection elements are provided in the plug receptacle which are electrically contacted by means of busbars, furthermore with a cooling arrangement according to the invention. This allows for improved cooling of the charging socket, the design being simple, space-saving and reliable.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the housing has at least one opening through which the cooling fins of the cooling assembly protrude. This allows air to flow around the cooling fins, enabling effective cooling.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a cooling arrangement, Fig. 2 a further schematic representation of part of the cooling arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a further schematic representation of the cooling arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a further schematic representation of the cooling arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a charging socket with a cooling arrangement, Fig. 6 a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a cooling arrangement, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of another embodiment of a charging socket with a cooling arrangement, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a charging socket with a cooling arrangement according to Fig. 7, Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a charging socket with a cooling arrangement, and Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a charging socket with a cooling arrangement according to Fig. 9.

[0023] The invention relates to a cooling arrangement, in particular for a charging socket of a motor vehicle, and furthermore relates to such a charging socket.

[0024] The Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show different representations of an exemplary embodiment of a cooling arrangement 1 and the Fig. Figure 5 shows a charging socket 2 with such a cooling arrangement 1. The Fig. Figures 6 to 10 show various illustrations of further embodiments of a cooling arrangement 1 of a charging socket 2.

[0025] The cooling arrangement 1 is specifically designed for a charging socket 2 of a motor vehicle. However, it can also be used in other ways.

[0026] The cooling arrangement 1 has a first plate 3 and a second plate 4, wherein the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are arranged opposite each other.

[0027] The first plate 3 has a first side 5 facing the second plate 4 and a second side 6 facing away from the second plate 4. The second plate 4 has a first side 7 facing the first plate 3 and a second side 8 facing away from the first plate 3. According to Fig. 1 is or are at least one busbar 9, 10 or busbars 9, 10 for the electrical supply in particular of a charging socket arranged between the two plates 3, 4.

[0028] The two plates 3, 4 are in thermal contact with their respective first sides 5, 7 with the busbar 9, 10 or with the busbars 9, 10 in order to dissipate heat from the busbar 9, 10 or from the busbars 9, 10.

[0029] To improve this heat dissipation, cooling fins 11 are provided on at least one of the two plates 3, 4 on their respective second side 6, 8.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, cooling fins 11 are provided only on one of the plates 3, 4. Alternatively, both plates 3, 4 can have cooling fins 11 arranged on their second side 6, 8.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the busbar 9, 10 or busbars 9, 10 between the two plates 3, 4 are electrically insulated. This electrically isolates the arrangement of the two plates 3, 4 from the busbars 9, 10, thus improving safety.

[0032] It is also advantageous if at least one electrical connection element 12 is provided, or that electrical connection elements 12 are provided. The connection elements 12 serve to electrically connect the charging socket 2 to a standard wiring harness.

[0033] From the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 It is evident that the connecting element 12 or the connecting elements 12 protrude through at least one opening 13 in one of the plates 3.

[0034] Furthermore, in Fig. 1 It is also apparent that one of the plates 3 has at least one opening 14 through which at least one of the busbars 9 protrudes.

[0035] For reasons of installation space and for better thermal contact, it is also advantageous if the busbars 9, 10 between the two plates 3, 4 each have a region 15 which is spaced between the plates 3, 4 and arranged parallel to each other.

[0036] The in Fig. The charging socket 2 shown in Figure 5, in particular for a motor vehicle, is designed with a housing 16 with a plug receptacle 17 for plugging in a charging cable, wherein electrical connection elements 12 or alternative connection elements are provided in the plug receptacle 17, which are electrically contacted by means of busbars 9, 10, wherein a cooling arrangement 1 according to the invention is further provided.

[0037] It can be seen that at least one opening 18 is provided in the housing 16, through which cooling fins 11 of the cooling arrangement 1 protrude for improved cooling.

[0038] The Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show various illustrations of a further embodiment of a cooling arrangement 1 for a charging socket 2. The cooling arrangement 1 is intended in particular for a charging socket 2 of a motor vehicle. It can also be used alternatively.

[0039] The cooling arrangement 1 of the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6 to 8 has a first plate 3 and a second plate 4, wherein the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are arranged opposite each other.

[0040] The first plate 3 has a first side 5 facing the second plate 4 and a second side 6 facing away from the second plate 4. The second plate 4 has a first side 7 facing the first plate 3 and a second side 8 facing away from the first plate 3. According to the Fig. 6 to 8, at least one busbar 9, 10 for electrical supply, in particular a charging socket 2, is or are arranged between the two plates 3, 4. In the specific embodiment shown, the Fig. 6 to 8, two busbars 9, 10 are arranged between the two plates 3, 4.

[0041] The two plates 3, 4 are in thermal contact with the busbar(s) 9, 10 with their respective first sides 5, 7 in order to dissipate heat from the busbar(s). It is particularly advantageous if the at least one busbar 9, 10 or the busbars 9, 10 are arranged between the two plates 3, 4 with electrical insulation. This electrically isolates the arrangement of the two plates 3, 4 from the busbars 9, 10, thus improving safety.

[0042] To improve heat dissipation, cooling fins 11 are provided on at least one of the two plates 3, 4, on their respective second side 6, 8. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling fins 11 are provided only on one of the plates 3, 4. Specifically, only plate 4 is provided with cooling fins 11. Alternatively, both plates 3, 4 can have cooling fins 11 arranged on their second side 6, 8.

[0043] Furthermore, in the Fig. Figures 6 to 8 also show that one of the plates 3 has at least one laterally open recess 19 through which one busbar 9 passes. The other busbar 10 is guided laterally between the two plates 3, 4 and does not require a recess 19.

[0044] For reasons of installation space and for better thermal contact, it is also advantageous if the busbars 9, 10 between the two plates 3, 4 each have a region 15 which is spaced between the plates 3, 4 and arranged parallel to each other.

[0045] A DC connector 23 is arranged at the ends 21, 22 of the two busbars 9, 10, which contacts the charging socket 2. Overall, the charging socket 2 is positioned at a distance from the two plates 3, 4.

[0046] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment of the Fig. 6 to 8, wherein an additional plate 25 is provided, which serves as a support plate for the charging socket 2. The additional plate 25 is attached to the first plate 3 by means of spacers 26. Preferably, four spacers 26 are provided, which are attached to the respective corners of the two plates 3, 25. Otherwise, reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. Reference is made to Figures 6 to 8. This design provides good strain relief for the DC connector 23. In the exemplary embodiments, the heat sink 11 is shown with a number of fins. These fins can also be configured differently. If the airflow over the fins needs to be increased for cooling due to convection, a fan (not shown) could also be provided, which would increase the airflow to the heat sink 11. Reference symbol list 1 Cooling arrangement 2 charging sockets 3 first record 4 second plate 5 first page 6 second page 7 first page 8 second page 9 busbar 10 busbar 11 cooling fins 12 Connection element 13 Opening 14 Opening 15 area 16 cases 17 Plug socket 18 Opening 19 recess 21 End 22 End 23 DC connectors 25 plates 26 spacers

Claims

[1] Cooling arrangement (1) for a charging socket (2), in particular a charging socket (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a first plate (3) and a second plate (4), wherein the first plate (3) and the second plate (4) are arranged opposite each other, wherein the first plate (3) has a first side (5) facing the second plate (4) and a second side (6) facing away from the second plate (4), and the second plate (4) has a first side (7) facing the first plate (3) and a second side (8) facing away from the first plate (3), and wherein at least one busbar (9, 10) or busbars (9, 10) for supplying electrical power to a charging socket (2) are arranged between the two plates (3, 4), wherein the two plates (3, 4) are in thermal contact with the busbar (9, 10) or busbars (9, 10) with their respective first sides (5, 7), and wherein at least one of the two plates (3, 4) has a second side (6, 8) has arranged cooling fins (11), characterized by, that at least one electrical connection element (12) is provided, or that electrical connection elements (12) are provided which are arranged between the two plates (3,4) or which can protrude through at least one plate (3,4) or the plates (3,4) and are arranged in electrical isolation from the busbar(s) (9,10) and / or that at least one electrical connection element (12) is thermally contacted with at least one of the plates (3,4). [2] Cooling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that both plates (3,4) have cooling fins (11) arranged on their second side (6,8). [3] Cooling arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the busbar (9,10) or busbars (9,10) between the two plates (3,4) are electrically insulated by means of electrical insulation. [4] Cooling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by, that the busbar (9,10) or busbars (9,10) between the two plates (3,4) in the area (15) of the electrical contacting of the connection element (12) or connection elements (12) is or are electrically insulated. [5] Cooling arrangement (1) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized by that the connecting element (12) or the connecting elements (12) protrude through at least one opening (13) in one of the plates (3,4). [6] Cooling arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one of the plates (3,4) has at least one opening (14) through which at least one of the busbars (9,10) protrudes. [7] Cooling arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the busbars (9,10) between the two plates (3,4) each have a section which is spaced apart between the plates (3,4) and arranged parallel to each other. [8] Charging socket (2) for a motor vehicle with a housing (16) with a plug receptacle (17) for plugging in a charging cable, wherein electrical connection elements (12) are provided in the plug receptacle (17) which are electrically contacted by means of busbars (9,10), further comprising a cooling arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Charging socket (2) according to claim 8, characterized by , that at least one opening (18) is provided in the housing (16) through which cooling fins (11) of the cooling arrangement (1) protrude.

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