Connectors and methods for assembling a connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector (1) configured for connecting to a mating connector (2) of a device for extracting energy from an energy source of the device, the connector (1) comprising: -- a longitudinal axis (L); -- a transverse axis (Q) that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L); -- an outer casing (8) with a base element (9), a cover element (10) and an interior (11), wherein a first connection (12) for connection with the mating connector (2) of the device is provided on an outer side of the outer housing (8), wherein a second connection (13) is provided in the interior (11) of the outer housing (8) for connection to a consumer connector (15) of a consumer (16), in particular connected to a cable (14), wherein the cover element (10) is arranged to be rotatable or hinged on an outer housing element (86) from a first, closed position (S1) to a second, open position (S2) relative to the base element (9) about a pivot axis (A), wherein the lid element (10) has a locking element (17), wherein the outer housing element (86) has a counter-locking element (18), wherein the locking element (17) is arranged on the cover element (10) such that it couples with the counter-locking element (18) in a holding position (SH) different from the first position (S1), so that the cover element (10) is held in the holding position (SH) without external force.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and a method for assembling a connector. State of the art

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector, in particular a connector designed as a “Vehicle-To-Load” (V2L) connector, and a method for assembling such a (V2L) connector.

[0003] Connectors known from the prior art are designed as V2L connectors or V2L connector adapters. In the course of vehicle electrification, it is sometimes possible not only to charge the vehicle's energy storage device (e.g., a battery) with energy (e.g., electrical energy), but also to draw energy from this energy storage device (e.g., up to 400V and / or up to 30A, typically from approximately 100V to 240V and / or up to 20A or even up to 25A, although these values ​​may vary depending on the country), particularly via the vehicle's charging socket or charging port. In other words, the energy can not only be used internally within the vehicle (e.g., to supply an electrical system or to power the vehicle), but it may also be possible to operate external (especially electrical) consumers using the energy storage device ("vehicle-to-load").that this energy is transferred to another vehicle ("Vehicle-to-Vehicle," V2V), fed into the power grid ("Vehicle-to-Grid," V2G), or fed into a residential unit or home network ("Vehicle-to-Home," V2H). In the following, all these and other energy extraction possibilities will be referred to as "Vehicle-to-Load" (V2L) for ease of reading; the other possibilities (V2V, V2G, V2H, etc.) are included. It is understood that standard cigarette lighter sockets (e.g., in the vehicle's interior) are not to be understood as V2L, nor are the (permanently installed) sockets in the vehicle interior that are available as accessories or special equipment in some vehicles, into which, for example, a Europlug or a USB plug can be inserted.

[0004] In many cases, energy is drawn from the energy storage system in a V2L application by inserting a connector into the vehicle's charging port (usually located on the vehicle's exterior). However, the mechanical connection of this vehicle-side charging port (e.g., Type 2 connector) is often incompatible with standard connectors (e.g., Schuko plugs or Europlugs) of electrical devices (e.g., lamps, lawnmowers, grills, etc.). Therefore, to utilize a vehicle's V2L capability, connectors designed as adapters (V2L adapters or V2L connector adapters) are available. These connectors feature a housing with a primary connector that connects to the vehicle, specifically its charging port.Furthermore, they have a second connection for connecting to a consumer connector. This second connection is either permanently attached to the connector housing or connected to the first via a longer cable that extends from the connector housing at one end. In the latter case, the second connection may be located on another connector housing, which in turn is connected to another end of the cable.

[0005] From US 2023 / 0137396 A1, a V2L cable system is known which has a first connector for coupling to a vehicle and a second connector or a multi-connector connected to it via a longer cable for connecting one or more consumers, so that overall an adapter system for V2L applications is realized.

[0006] From CN 109177778 A a V2L connector adapter with two connections (vehicle-side first connection and consumer-side second connection) in a single connector housing is known.

[0007] US Patent 5,605,466 A discloses a socket adapter which has a cover that can be moved between a closed and an open position, wherein the cover has an opening for passing an electrical cable through it.

[0008] From the subsequently published DE 10 2023 212 804 B3, a connector adapter is known which has a rotatable connection and a cover for covering the connection.

[0009] From DE 20 2013 009 554 U1 an electrical plug connection for electric vehicles is known, which has a socket and a plug, as well as a flap for covering the socket.

[0010] From DE 10 2023 109 637 A1, an extension cable for a charging cable of a charging station is known, wherein one cable end has a plug and a locking device covering the plug. Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The invention is based on the understanding that such known connectors or cable systems, especially for V2L applications, are not particularly well suited for outdoor use under all conceivable weather conditions. In particular, operation in damp conditions (rain, snow, splashing water, etc.) poses a significant challenge with regard to operational reliability. Using a longer cable to connect the second terminal on the consumer side can help to relocate the second terminal outside the area exposed to moisture; however, such a cable requires a relatively large amount of storage space. Furthermore, the invention is based on the understanding that access to the second terminal on the consumer side can be very difficult in some cases, depending on the design of the consumer-side connector. One design, for example, might feature a straight connector exit, where, for example...The connector pins run approximately along the direction of a connected cable or line. Another design could be, for example, an angled connector exit, where the connector pins run at an angle to the connected cable (e.g., rotated 90°). Furthermore, the invention is based on the understanding that conventional V2L connectors can easily lead to energy theft or the theft of a connected device. If the vehicle owner leaves the vehicle with the V2L connector plugged in, an unauthorized third party can easily connect their own device (possibly...).by first disconnecting the owner's electrical device) and illicitly diverting energy from the vehicle's energy storage for their own device, or this unauthorized third party can simply steal the owner's connected device by unplugging its connector from the V2L adapter and then disappearing with the device. Finally, the invention is based on the understanding that connectors with a (hinged, pivoting, or rotatable) cover element as protection against moisture ingress can be displaced from a defined position by external forces (e.g., an impact or gravity) into an undesirable position. This can be inconvenient, for example, because it makes operating the connector (e.g.,The insertion of a consumer connector is made more difficult (the cover element must be manually prevented from shifting), and it can also lead to an operator accidentally pinching their fingers due to a shifting cover element. Finally, the invention is based on the understanding that mounting a movable cover element on an outer housing element of the outer housing (e.g., a base element, another cover element, or a housing shell) of the connector's outer housing can be very complex or critical. A hinge using a film hinge is possible, but requires a complex injection mold. An embodiment in which, for example,If the cover has a hollow axle through which an axle is inserted which is mounted on a bearing block of the outer housing element, or if a design in which an axle is to be inserted into a cover mounting structure opening, this requires very precise positioning of the hollow axle or the cover mounting structure opening relative to the axle mounted in the bearing, which makes the assembly process time-consuming and prone to errors.

[0012] Therefore, there may be a need to provide a device, in particular a connector, especially for V2L applications, that allows a device to be connected to the charging port or energy transfer port of another device. This device, in particular the connector, should be designed to be particularly space-saving, offer high operational reliability, especially under adverse weather conditions (humidity, wetness), provide the simplest possible access to the second (device-side) connection, regardless of the type of connector (straight cable exit vs. angled cable exit), and prevent unauthorized connection of devices and theft of a connected device. Furthermore, there may be a need to simplify the operation of the connector, e.g.,The goal is to make inserting a consumer connector as simple and safe as possible; ideally, for example, one-handed insertion should be possible in a simple and safe manner. Finally, there may be a need to enable the assembly or manufacture of the connector to be particularly cost-effective, simple, quick, and of high quality, as well as to allow for cost-effective, simple, and quick repair of the connector. Advantages of the invention

[0013] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector is proposed, configured for connecting to a mating connector of a device for extracting energy from the device, in particular from an energy storage device of the device. In particular, a connector is proposed that is configured for use in V2L applications. Specifically, the connector is configured to be coupled or connected to a charging port or an energy transfer port of a device. The device can, for example, be configured as a vehicle, energy storage system, power storage system, energy supply system (e.g., a charging station), wallbox, etc., in particular as a vehicle capable of bidirectional operation with respect to energy flow.

[0015] The connector has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis (Q) that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). The connector comprises an outer housing with a base element, a cover element, and an interior. A first connection for connecting to the mating connector of the device is provided on an outer surface of the outer housing, and a second connection for connecting to a consumer connector, in particular one connected to a cable, is provided inside the outer housing.

[0016] A particularly advantageous feature of this connector is, for example, that the cover element is arranged to be rotatable or hinged relative to the base element around an axis of rotation from a first, closed position to a second, open position on an outer housing element of the outer housing.

[0017] The outer housing element can be, for example, a part of the outer housing, such as the base element or another cover element, which represents, for example, a housing shell or one of several housing shells, etc. The cover element can be mounted on this outer housing element.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous in this connector, for example, that the cover element has a locking element, wherein the outer housing element, in particular the base element or the further cover element, has a counter-locking element, in particular designed to be complementary to the locking element.

[0019] A particularly advantageous feature of this connector is, for example, that the locking element is arranged on the cover element in such a way that it couples with the counter-locking element in a holding position different from the first position, so that the cover element is held in the holding position without external force.

[0020] The second connection, or rather the interior, is advantageously well protected against external influences (e.g., mechanical impacts, moisture, dampness, splashing water, temperature fluctuations, etc.) particularly through the interaction of the cover element and the base element, thus improving the operational reliability and service life of the connector and any connected device. Finally, protection against unauthorized use of the second connection and against the unauthorized removal of a device connector connected to the second connection is advantageously provided in a simple manner.

[0021] The exemplary locking position, when coupling the exemplary locking element and the exemplary counter-locking element, advantageously prevents the cover element from being moved from the defined position (the locking position) to another position without external (especially manual) intervention. In other words, movement from the locking position, particularly into the first (closed) position, is prevented or significantly hindered, for example, solely by the effect of gravity. Put another way, movement from the locking position, especially towards or into the first position, should preferably only be possible through a deliberate action by a user. This enables simple, especially one-handed, operation of the connector (e.g., one-handed insertion of a consumer connector).Furthermore, the risk of injury to a user's limbs or damage to an object (e.g., a cable of a consumer connector) is advantageously reduced. This allows for a particularly safe and easy-to-use connector. The exemplary locking position and the prevention of the cover element moving out of its locked position, for example, make it possible to design the cover element to open upwards. In typical devices (e.g., vehicles, etc.) into which the connector is plugged for power extraction, the mating connector (e.g., a vehicle charging socket) is located at a height significantly below eye level, for example, approximately at knee, hip, or chest height for an average-sized adult.An upward-facing opening of the cover element (especially against gravity) or an upward-facing open interior (e.g., facing the field of vision of a standing person) allows a clear view of the interior when operating the connector (e.g., especially without twisting the body or head to look into the interior from below), for example, when inserting the consumer connector. The clear view of the interior and the second connection enables, for example, quick and precise coupling of the consumer connector to the second connection. The cover element can also advantageously provide a kind of weather protection (e.g., in the holding position), similar to an umbrella or canopy.

[0022] It may be intended, for example, that the first position is a completely closed position, in particular a first end position.

[0023] It may be intended, for example, that the second position is a fully open position, in particular a second end position.

[0024] For example, it may be intended that the second position represents the holding position.

[0025] It may be intended, for example, that the holding position is reached in a position between the first position and the second position.

[0026] It may be possible, for example, to provide multiple locking positions (e.g., a fully open state or position of the lid element, one or more partially open states or positions of the lid element). This can be achieved, for example, by a plurality of locking elements and / or counter-locking elements. It may also be possible, for example, for a locking element to optionally couple with a plurality of counter-locking elements located at different points along the trajectory of the locking element, and for the lid element to be fixed in the respective (coupling) positions achieved. Further movement or reversal of the lid element from the achieved locking position is not possible without applying a defined external force or torque (e.g., by manually applying force to the lid element).

[0027] For example, it may be provided that the second connection is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection.

[0028] This results in a particularly compact connector that takes up little space. The second connection is advantageously well protected against external influences (e.g., mechanical impacts, moisture, dampness, splashing water, temperature fluctuations, etc.), especially by the cover element and / or the base element, thus improving the operational reliability and service life of the connector and any connected device. Furthermore, connecting a device is particularly convenient and easy, especially since the connection is easily possible regardless of the type of cable exit, simplifying operation and improving operational reliability.Finally, protection against unauthorized use of the second connection and protection against unauthorized removal of a consumer connector connected to the second connection is advantageously provided in a simple manner, in particular through an interaction of the base element and the cover element.

[0029] The longitudinal axis can, for example, be an axis that extends parallel to the insertion direction of the first connector into a mating connector of the device (e.g., of a vehicle), through the first connector and / or through the second connector. In particular, the longitudinal axis can, for example, lie in a plane in which the insertion direction of the connector into the mating connector of the device lies and in which the cable exit direction of a cable of a plugged-in device lies.

[0030] The cover element, together with the base element, can enclose or define the interior space, in particular enclose or define that part of the interior space in which the second connection is located.

[0031] The first connection can be located, for example, on the base element or the outer housing element, e.g., in a first section of the outer housing or the base element and / or the subsequent cover element or the outer housing element. The second connection can be located, for example, on the base element and / or the subsequent cover element or the outer housing element, e.g., in a second section of the outer housing or the base element and / or the subsequent cover element or the outer housing element that differs from the first section.

[0032] For example, a first position (rotational position) and a second position for the second connector can be provided. In the first position, a consumer connector with a straight cable exit can be inserted particularly easily, and in the second position, a consumer connector with an angled (e.g., 90° angled) cable exit can be inserted particularly easily, so that the cable does not collide with the base element and / or the cover element of the outer housing or run in a sharply curved manner inside. It is understood that, in principle, further positions can be provided, which lie, for example, between the first and second positions, or which—starting from the first position and a specific direction of rotation—lie behind the second position. For example, the first and second positions are rotated apart by at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, about an axis of rotation.

[0033] It may be designed, for example, that the second connection can only be rotated from the first position to the second position in a single direction (e.g., only clockwise or only counterclockwise when looking at the second housing section). Alternatively, it may be designed, for example, that the second housing section is rotatable in opposite directions relative to the first connection, thus allowing, for example, a transition from the first position to the second position in both possible directions.

[0034] For example, it may be provided that the first and second terminals are located directly adjacent to each other. It may be provided, for example, that the first and second terminals are not connected by a longer, flexible cable running outside the housing, i.e., not by a cable or such line running freely between the two terminals. It may be provided, for example, that the outer housing is rigid and that the first and second terminals are fixed to the outer housing (except for the rotation of the second terminal). It may be provided, for example, that the first and second terminals have a substantially defined or fixed distance relative to each other, particularly when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the connector.along a connecting line from the first connection to the second connection.

[0035] The outer housing can, for example, be designed as a single piece. It can be rigid (except for the rotation of the second connection relative to the first connection) (opening the cover element does not compromise the rigidity of the outer housing). It can be designed such that the first connection is captive to the outer housing, and the second connection is also captive to the outer housing. In particular, it can be provided that the outer housing and / or its base element, its further cover element, or its outer housing element does not consist of two elements that can rotate relative to each other.

[0036] For example, the outer housing may be designed to include means that prevent the interior from being opened (e.g., by opening the cover element). Such means may be selected from the following: a lock, at least one eyelet on the base element or on the additional cover element or on the outer housing element and on the cover element (a padlock or similar item can be threaded through these eyelets), or a bolt. This advantageously prevents unauthorized connection of a device to the connector or its second terminal. It also advantageously prevents unauthorized removal of a connected device and thus theft of the connected device.

[0037] The outer casing can, for example, comprise or consist of a metal, particularly predominantly. Alternatively or additionally, it can also contain plastic. It is particularly advantageous for the outer casing to be manufactured as an injection-molded part or assembled from a plurality of injection-molded parts.

[0038] The outer housing can, by way of example, include additional elements besides the base element and the cover element, which in particular define an outer contour. The outer housing can, for instance, have another cover element or, more generally, at least one outer housing element. For example, the additional cover element or the outer housing element can be permanently connected to the base element (e.g., screwed in) when the connector is assembled and cannot be moved relative to it. It can be provided, for example, that the interior space in which the second connection is located is predominantly defined by the cover element and the base element. A portion of the interior space can, for example, be bounded by other parts or elements of the outer housing (e.g., by the outer housing element or another cover element).

[0039] It may be provided, for example, that the cover element is hinged or rotatable on the outer housing element, in particular on the base element or on the further cover element or a housing shell, and / or that the cover element is hinged or rotatable relative to the outer housing element, in particular relative to the base element or to the further cover element or to the housing shell.

[0040] This allows for particularly easy operation of the outer casing. Furthermore, it prevents the cover element from being accidentally lost. It also makes it particularly easy to prevent unauthorized access.

[0041] In the second alternative, the cover element can be arranged, for example, on another cover element or a housing shell of the outer housing. In this case, a hinge can be provided between the cover element and the other cover element, but only as an example. The hinge can be designed as a hinge with at least one pivot or bearing and at least one axis, e.g., a plug-in axle. Alternatively or additionally, a film hinge can be provided.

[0042] The term "show" is used synonymously with the term "comprise" unless otherwise stated.

[0043] In a further development, it is provided that the cover element has a cover fastening section, wherein the outer housing element, in particular the base element or the further cover element or a housing shell of the outer housing, has an outer housing fastening section, wherein the cover element is rotatably or hingedly attached to the outer housing fastening section in the cover fastening section.

[0044] This advantageously allows the cover element to be mounted in a defined section of the outer housing element, e.g., on the base element or on the other cover element or the housing shell. The risk of incorrect assembly (e.g., by a user) is prevented. It can be advantageously ensured, for example, that the cover element is always correctly mounted (e.g., already at the factory) and thus the interior of the connector is optimally protected against external influences, especially when the cover is closed. Furthermore, functional separation can be advantageously achieved: the mounting sections can be designed to be particularly robust against mechanical stress (e.g., with a thick wall), while the outer housing element and cover element can have thinner walls, as they are not subject to greater mechanical stress.This method allows for advantageous savings in material and weight. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the locking element and / or the counter-locking element can be designed particularly simply and in a well-defined location on the connector, requiring little space.

[0045] For example, the cover element can be designed to be non-destructively detachable from the outer housing mounting section. This allows for particularly simple and cost-effective repair of the connector. If, for example, the cover element is damaged, it can simply be replaced. It is not necessary to replace the entire connector. This design makes the connector particularly durable.

[0046] In a further development, it is provided that the cover fastening section, in a first axial configuration, has a hollow cover axis, wherein the outer housing fastening section has an axis with an axial diameter that passes through the hollow cover axis (in particular through it). This further development can, for example, be referred to as the first axis configuration.

[0047] This advantageously results in a particularly simple manufacturing process for the cover element and base element. For example, the hollow cover axle can be designed to clip onto or be attached to the axle of the outer housing element (e.g., the base element or the additional cover element). The axle can also be designed as a stub axle. Such a stub axle can be arranged, for example, on a bearing block. Multiple bearing blocks can also be provided. Each bearing block can, for example, have a stub axle. It is understood that such a bearing block can alternatively or additionally have a recess or a through-opening in which the axle (or a cover axle) is supported or guided through. Furthermore, this advantageously allows for a particularly simple provision of the locking element (e.g.,...on a wall of the lid's hollow axis) and in the correct position (especially relative to the counter-locking element).

[0048] For example, the axle can be designed as a detachable (especially non-destructively detachable), movable, or removable axle. This allows the axle to be advantageously designed with regard to the loads acting upon it. It can, for example, be made of the same material as the outer housing element and / or the cover element. However, it can also be made of a different material. In all cases, it can have a wall thickness or diameter relevant to its function as an axle. A separate axle (from the outer housing element and the cover element) is thus advantageously not subject to any geometric or material-related restrictions arising from the manufacturing of the outer housing element and / or the cover element.If the axle is initially completely separate, it can, in this configuration, be considered part of the outer housing element, for example, when assembled, especially if it is substantially attached, supported, or mounted to elements of the outer housing element. The hollow cover axle, in particular, only pivots or rotates around this axle.

[0049] For example, it may be provided that the lid hollow axis has a hollow axis wall that is at least partially closed all around.

[0050] This advantageously enables a secure, captive mounting of the cover element on the axle. Simply "clipping" the cover element off an axle guided through the hollow cover axle to detach the cover element from the outer housing element is not possible.

[0051] The locking element can be positioned on or formed within the hollow shaft wall. It can be located on or within an outer surface of the hollow shaft wall. It can be formed there in the same manufacturing step. This allows the cover element to be manufactured with minimal (additional) space required for the locking element. This also makes mounting the locking element in the correct position relative to the mating locking element particularly easy.

[0052] In a further development, it is provided that, in particular for the first axle design, the outer housing mounting section has an axle stub with an axle stub diameter and with an axle stub recess, wherein the outer housing mounting section has a bearing block with a bearing block recess, wherein the cover hollow axle has at least a section of a wall opening in a hollow axle wall on its side facing the axle stub and is supported in particular in the area of ​​the wall opening on the axle stub, wherein the axle is guided through the bearing block recess, the cover hollow axle and the axle stub recess.

[0053] This advantageously makes it particularly easy to mount the cover element to the outer housing element (e.g., the base element or the additional cover element), especially by pre-mounting it. In other words, it is possible to first pre-mount the cover element on the axle stub. This allows for rapid positioning relative to the outer housing element and the base element, which, together with the cover element, defines the interior space, at least partially, preferably predominantly. This pre-assembly subsequently enables a particularly simple, fast, and error-free installation of an axle (especially one that is inserted separately) through the hollow cover shaft, and especially through it. For this axle installation, for example, an installer or a manufacturing robot can reposition its grip after pre-assembly without significantly altering the relative positioning of the cover element and the outer housing element with respect to the axle installation direction.Furthermore, this design offers the advantage of making it particularly easy to mount the locking element in the correct position (especially relative to the mating locking element) and to check its function: even after pre-assembly, it can be verified whether the locking element and mating locking element are correctly aligned relative to each other. In principle, it is also possible to check whether the locking element engages with the mating locking element in the locked position by rotating or tilting the cover element relative to the outer housing element around the axle stub. If this is not the case, it can be checked at a lower stage of the value chain (before axle assembly) why this is the case and, for example, the pre-assembly can be corrected or the cover element replaced, etc.

[0054] The cover element can, for example, be slid onto the axle stub in the axial direction of the axle stub and / or be slid or clipped onto the axle stub via the wall opening (in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the axle stub). Furthermore, the wall opening advantageously allows, for example, visual inspection of the axle stub. This could be, for instance, a mounting mark on the axle stub, which allows, for example, visual verification of the correct mounting position of the cover element on the outer housing element. The hollow axle of the cover is advantageously mounted, at least in sections, on the axle stub so that it can be rotated, tilted, or folded.

[0055] It may be provided, for example, that the axle stub is formed or arranged on one or the other bearing block. It may also be provided, for example, that the other bearing block is formed within, located in, or arranged in the outer housing mounting section, or that it is part of this outer housing mounting section. Furthermore, it is conceivable, by way of example, that another axle stub is also provided on the bearing block. This other axle stub can, for example, face the axle stub (on the other bearing block). It can, for example, have a through-opening, e.g., for guiding the axle through it.

[0056] For example, the bearing block may be designed to be spaced apart from the axle stub, or from the other bearing block to which the axle stub is attached. The distance between the bearing block and the other bearing block can be dimensioned to approximately correspond to the length of the hollow axle of the cover, or possibly to have a slight excess length. In other words, the hollow axle of the cover can be positioned precisely between the two bearing blocks.

[0057] For example, the wall opening may have a width that is smaller than the axle stub diameter. This advantageously ensures that the cover element can be securely mounted to the axle stub (particularly with respect to an axle stub radial direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the axle stub), especially by clipping the cover element or the hollow cover axle onto the axle stub.

[0058] For example, the axle can be supported in the stub axle recess and the bearing block recess. This advantageously results in particularly secure support. For instance, if the stub axle and the bearing block recess are spaced apart, and the hollow cover axle is thus positioned between or on these two elements and / or on the stub axle, a particularly well-defined and tilt-proof support for the cover element can be provided. In other words, a displacement of the cover element by a user who grasps one of its outer ends (when viewed laterally) can be effectively transferred mechanically to the two support points, thus ensuring tilt-proof displacement of the cover element. Furthermore, the proposed support arrangement eliminates the need for an additional bearing on the stub axle and / or the bearing block.The number of elements required for assembly and storage is therefore advantageously reduced.

[0059] For example, the axle stub recess may be designed to form a kind of through-opening through the (entire) axle stub. This allows for easy axle assembly.

[0060] Alternatively, the axle stub recess can be designed as a blind hole. This allows for the mounting of an axle which is automatically secured against displacement along the axial direction of the axle by the bottom of the blind hole.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally to the first axis design, it can be provided that the cover mounting section in a second axis design has a cover axis with a first cover axis diameter, which may in particular be a large or largest cover axis diameter, wherein the outer housing mounting section has a bearing with a bearing diameter, and the cover axis is rotatably mounted in the bearing. This further development can, for example, be referred to as the second axis design.

[0062] This advantageously allows for a particularly simple design of the cover element. The cover element, or rather the cover axle, can be easily inspected for quality after manufacturing or during operation. This is especially simple if the cover axle is, for example, made of solid material. Furthermore, the locking element on the cover element can be designed particularly easily in this way. It can, for example, be formed or arranged on or in the cover axle (especially on its outer surface).

[0063] The first axis design and the second axis design can, for example, be provided simultaneously on the connector or simultaneously for one and the same cover element for mounting on the outer housing element. This can be the case, by way of example only (and without limitation to this example), if two or more, in particular spaced-apart, mounting sections (outer housing mounting sections and / or cover mounting sections) are provided on the same outer housing element or cover element. Then, for example, it can be provided that one mounting section (on the outer housing element and cover element) is designed with the first axis design and another mounting section (on the outer housing element and cover element) is designed with the second axis design.

[0064] For example, the lid axis may be formed integrally with the lid element. It may be manufactured together with the lid element (particularly in a single manufacturing step or using a single tool) (e.g., injection-molded onto the lid element, milled from the lid element, or 3D-printed onto the lid element, etc.). It may be formed on a lid mounting structure (e.g., a lid arm). It may also be located between two lid mounting structures (e.g., between two lid arms).

[0065] The bearing receptacle on the outer housing mounting section can, for example, be designed as a type of outer housing element hollow axle or outer housing element bearing, which has an opening in the axle wall (e.g., a C-shaped or U-shaped hollow axle or C-shaped or U-shaped bearing) through which the cover axle is clipped into the outer housing element hollow axle or into the outer housing element bearing (oversize of the cover axle diameter compared to the opening in the hollow axle wall or compared to an insertion opening in the outer housing element bearing). Alternatively, it can also be provided that, after the cover axle is mounted in an outer housing element bearing (first bearing shell), which is designed in a C-shaped manner (only by way of example), the outer housing element bearing is closed by a second bearing shell (e.g., the second bearing shell can also have a C-shaped profile).

[0066] In a further development, particularly for the second axis design, the bearing is provided with a bearing insertion opening with a bearing insertion opening width that is smaller than the bearing diameter, wherein the cover axis is inserted into the bearing through the bearing insertion opening. The outer housing mounting section has a bearing block with a bearing block recess, wherein the cover element has a cover mounting structure with a cover mounting structure opening. The axis is guided through the bearing block recess and the cover mounting structure opening. The cover mounting structure is rotatably mounted on the axis by means of the cover mounting structure opening.

[0067] This advantageously enables a particularly secure and stable coupling or fastening of the cover element to the outer housing element, especially to the base element and / or to the additional cover element. The axle can, for example, secure the cover element against disassembly. At the same time, the bearing of the cover axle allows for quick, error-free, and simple pre-assembly of the cover element, which significantly simplifies the installation of the axle in the bearing block recess and the opening of the cover mounting structure.

[0068] For this axle assembly, for example, a fitter or a production robot can reposition the workpiece after pre-assembly without significantly altering the relative positioning of the cover element and the outer housing element with respect to the axle assembly direction. Furthermore, this method is particularly advantageous because it allows the locking element to be easily mounted in the correct position (especially relative to the mating locking element) and its function to be checked: even after pre-assembly, it can be verified whether the locking element and mating locking element are correctly aligned relative to each other. In principle, it is also possible to check whether the locking element engages with the mating locking element in the holding position by rotating or tilting the cover element relative to the outer housing element around the axle stub. If this is not the case, it can be checked at a lower stage of the value chain (before axle assembly) why this is not the case and, for example,The pre-assembly needs to be corrected or the cover element needs to be replaced, etc.

[0069] For example, the width of the insertion opening can be smaller than the diameter of the first cover shaft. This allows for a secure, captive pre-assembly of the cover element onto the outer housing element. The cover shaft can, for instance, be pushed or pressed through the insertion opening, similar to a clip closure. This prevents the shaft from leaving the bearing through the insertion opening without deliberate force. Alternatively, the insertion opening can have an undercut on the inside (facing the bearing), further increasing the captiveness. The insertion opening can also feature an outward-facing funnel or chamfer to facilitate insertion of the cover shaft into the bearing. For example, in the case of a clip-type assembly, this feature can widen the insertion opening during insertion.Once the first cover axle diameter has passed the insertion opening width (e.g., the point with the smallest distance), the insertion opening can elastically and reversibly snap back, reducing the insertion opening width and thus preventing removal of the cover axle without external force.

[0070] For example, the bearing insertion opening can be designed to run essentially perpendicular to the cover axis. This advantageously simplifies the assembly of the cover element or the cover axis on or in the bearing.

[0071] For example, the bearing block can be designed to be spaced apart from the bearing. This advantageously improves the stability of the connection between the cover element and the outer housing element. Furthermore, it advantageously reduces the risk of tilting when the cover element rotates.

[0072] The lid fastening structure can, for example, be designed as a lid arm. It can be, for example, that exactly one lid fastening structure is provided. In other embodiments, for example, several lid fastening structures can be provided. For example, two, three, four, or five, etc. They can, for example, run essentially parallel to each other. It can be, for example, that the lid axis is formed between two adjacent lid fastening structures.

[0073] The lid fastening structure opening can be located, for example, at or in a free end of the lid fastening structure. It can be designed, for example, as a through-hole. Alternatively, it can also be designed as a blind hole. It is possible that one lid fastening structure has a through-hole and another lid fastening structure has a blind hole opening. In particular, the lid axis can be arranged on one side of a lid fastening structure, and a blind hole opening can be located on the other side (e.g., approximately in line with the lid axis).

[0074] It may be provided, for example, that the cover axle has a second cover axle diameter that is smaller than the bearing insertion opening width (and also smaller than the first cover axle diameter). It may be provided, for example, that the first cover axle diameter is the largest diameter of the cover axle (in this section) and that the second cover axle diameter is the smallest diameter of the cover axle (in this section). In other words, in this case, the cover axle does not have a round cross-section, at least in part. It may, for example, have a cross-section in the form of an oval, a rectangle, a circular segment, etc., at least in part. In particular, this section with the two different cover axle diameters may be located at the point on the cover axle that is inserted through the bearing insertion opening during assembly.It is intended that the cover element, and thus the cover axle, is rotated into a third position, or assembly position, as described below, during installation. In this third position, the cover axle is positioned so that its second diameter passes through the insertion opening, meaning it can be inserted into the bearing without widening the opening. If the cover axle is rotated in the bearing after installation, removal of the cover element from the bearing may be prevented due to the larger diameter of the cover axle relative to the width of the insertion opening. This allows for simple, secure installation of the cover element in the bearing without having to widen the insertion opening.

[0075] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for assembling a connector as described above.

[0076] The procedure involves the following steps: -- Providing an outer housing element, in particular a base element or a further cover element or housing shell; -- Providing a lid element; -- Providing an axis; -- in the first axis design ---- Mounting the cover element (especially in the first axis design), in particular captive mounting of the cover element to the outer housing element by clipping or sliding the cover hollow axis in the area of ​​the wall opening onto the axis stub (of the outer housing mounting section); ---- Inserting the axle along an assembly direction into the bearing block recess (32), into the cover hollow axle and into the axle stub recess; and / or -- in the second axis design ---- Mounting the cover element (especially in the second axis configuration), in particular captive mounting of the cover element on the outer housing element by inserting the cover axis into the bearing through the bearing insertion opening, in particular in a third position in which the cover axis with the second cover axis diameter passes through the bearing insertion opening and which is in particular different from the first position and from the second position; ---- Inserting the axle along a mounting direction into the bearing block recess and into the cover fastening structure opening (especially in the second axle design).

[0077] This design offers the advantage of making the outer housing element particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture, and of enabling quick, reliable, and low-error assembly of the cover element to the outer housing element (especially due to the pre-assembly of the cover element to the outer housing element (the assembly step) before the insertion of the axle). Disassembly of the cover element is also particularly easy. Furthermore, this design makes it advantageous for the axle, as a potential wear part, to be replaced easily and cost-effectively. Additionally, this design allows for particularly easy mounting of the locking element in the correct position (especially relative to the mating locking element) and verification of its function: even after pre-assembly, it can be checked whether the locking element and mating locking element are correctly aligned relative to each other.Basically, it can also be checked whether the locking element engages with the counter-locking element in the holding position by rotating or tilting the cover element relative to the outer housing element around the axle stub or around the cover axis in the bearing. If this is not the case, it can be checked at a lower value-added stage (before assembly of the axle) why this is not the case and, for example, the pre-assembly can be corrected or the cover element replaced, etc.

[0078] The design of the axle stub with the axle stub recess on the outer housing element (first axle design) allows for particularly simple manufacturing of the outer housing element; forming a hollow axle of the outer housing element, for example between two bearing blocks, is not necessary. Clipping the cover element onto the axle stub enables very quick and easy pre-assembly of the cover element onto the outer housing element during the assembly process. This positions the cover element relative to the outer housing element in such a way that inserting the axle through the hollow cover axle is particularly easy, preferably without extensive alignment. It is especially advantageous if the cover element, in the clipped-on position, is securely mounted to the outer housing element, at least during the assembly process.Then, a technician or a manufacturing robot can release the cover element without losing its pre-positioning relative to the outer housing element. This can be helpful, for example, when repositioning or inserting the axle with both hands, in a different assembly position, or when this pre-assembly (clipping step) and the axle assembly step take place at different locations (e.g., at a different production station). This results in a highly flexible, fast, simple, safe, and low-error assembly of the cover element to the outer housing element. Furthermore, the outer housing element and the cover element can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively. The axle can also be made from any material (e.g., metal or plastic, or formed from metal or plastic). This axle material can be, for example...Depending on requirements, the material of the outer housing element and / or the cover element can differ (e.g., these two elements can be made of a thermoplastic and / or thermosetting plastic). In this way, the axle can, for example, have a particularly thin diameter, as the chosen material provides the necessary stability. It goes without saying that the use of the same materials is also possible.

[0079] The same or similar advantages arise with the second axle design. Here, the cover element can be pre-assembled onto the outer housing element, for example, using a clip-on process in which the cover axle is pressed through the insertion opening into the bearing. Alternatively or additionally, for a cover axle with a non-circular cross-section, the assembly step (pre-assembly) can be performed in the third position, in which the cover axle, with its second diameter (smaller than the bearing insertion opening width), can simply be pushed or guided through the insertion opening. Pre-assembly and thus pre-positioning of the cover element on the connector simplifies axle assembly and therefore the final fastening of the cover element.This assembly of the axis during the insertion step can be carried out easily, simply, and quickly, even after repositioning or transporting the pre-assembled connector to another location, thanks to the pre-assembly. This also allows for better control over the choice of materials. Advantageously, more degrees of freedom are gained in the assembly process.

[0080] Preferably, the first axis design can still include, for example, the following step: Securing, in particular reversibly securing, the axle in or on the bearing block recess (first axle design) and / or in or on the axle stub recess (first axle design) against the axle being led out of the axle stub recess (first axle design) and / or out of the cover hollow axle (first axle design) and / or out of the bearing block recess (first axle design).

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the second axis design can still include, for example, the following step: Securing, in particular reversibly securing, the axle in or on the bearing block recess (second axle design) and / or in or on the cover mounting structure opening (second axle design) against the axle being led out of the cover mounting structure opening (second axle design) and / or out of the bearing block recess (second axle design).

[0082] This advantageously ensures that the cover element is permanently attached to the outer housing element. The axle is thus advantageously secured against unintentional or accidental detachment (e.g., due to vibrations, etc.) from the outer housing element.

[0083] The locking mechanism can be reversible. In other words, the locking mechanism can be released by a deliberate action of the user, so that the axle can be removed again (e.g., for replacing the cover element). Such a locking mechanism can be, for example, friction-fit, positive-locking, spring-loaded, or secured by a cap nut, etc.

[0084] In principle, a non-removable locking mechanism (e.g., a bonded locking device) is also conceivable to ensure that the axle cannot be removed by unauthorized persons. This can, for example, provide a particularly simple form of burglary protection for the interior.

[0085] In a further development, it is provided that the locking element is arranged on or in the cover mounting section, wherein the counter-locking element is formed on the outer housing element, in particular on the base element or on the further cover element or a housing shell, in the area of ​​the outer housing mounting section.

[0086] This results in a particularly compact and small-scale connector. Furthermore, the positioning of the locking element and its counterpart can be carried out directly during the assembly of the cover element to the outer housing element, for example, at a glance or with a single movement. This significantly reduces the complexity of the assembly process. Advantageously, no additional, separate elements, such as loose locking elements (for supporting the cover element), are required. This also significantly reduces the complexity and the risk of damage to the connector or its components.

[0087] This arrangement is particularly advantageous if the outer housing element has a stub axle and the cover element has a hollow cover axle with a wall opening, or if a cover axle is provided. This arrangement is especially advantageous if such a hollow cover axle is initially clipped onto the stub axle or if such a cover axle is supported in a bearing. In this case, the coupling of the locking element and the counter-locking element in the holding position can be advantageously checked in a pre-assembly state, allowing the assembler to easily grip the components, and the pre-assembly can be easily corrected if necessary.

[0088] In a further development, it is provided that the locking element is designed as a projection, with the counter-locking element being designed as a recess, wherein the projection engages in the recess or couples with the recess when the holding position is reached.

[0089] This advantageously provides a pairing of locking element and counter-locking element that is particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture, testable and assemble.

[0090] For example, the projection can be designed in a single process step or integrally with the lid element, e.g. in an injection molding process or a 3D printing process or the like.

[0091] For example, the recess can be designed in a single process step or integrally with the outer housing element, e.g. in an injection molding process or a 3D printing process or the like.

[0092] It may be provided, for example, that the projection has a rounded or chamfered edge, in particular in the manner of an insertion chamfer or exit chamfer.

[0093] This allows for a particularly simple and material-friendly locking or coupling and / or unlocking or decoupling relative to the recess from the holding position.

[0094] For example, the recess may be designed to have a rounded or chamfered edge, particularly in the form of an insertion or exit chamfer. This can advantageously enable a particularly simple and material-friendly engagement or coupling and / or disengagement or decoupling relative to the projection from the holding position.

[0095] Alternatively, it is provided that the locking element is designed as a locking element recess, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, wherein the counter-locking element is designed as a counter-locking element projection, wherein the counter-locking element projection engages in the locking element recess when the holding position is reached.

[0096] This advantageously provides a pairing of locking element and counter-locking element that is particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture, testable and assemble.

[0097] For example, the counter-locking element projection can be designed in a single process step or integrally with the outer housing element, e.g. in an injection molding process or a 3D printing process or the like.

[0098] For example, the locking element recess can be designed in a single process step or integrally with the cover element, e.g. in an injection molding process or a 3D printing process or the like.

[0099] For example, the counter-locking element projection may have a rounded or chamfered edge, particularly in the form of an insertion or exit chamfer. This advantageously allows for particularly simple and material-friendly engagement or coupling and / or disengagement or decoupling relative to the locking element recess from the holding position.

[0100] For example, the locking element recess may have a rounded or chamfered edge, particularly in the form of an insertion or exit chamfer. This advantageously allows for particularly easy and material-friendly engagement or coupling and / or disengagement or decoupling relative to the counter-locking element projection from the holding position.

[0101] In a further development, it is provided that the connector is designed in such a way that, during normal connection with the mating connector, the cover element is displaced or is displaced against gravity when moving from the first position to the second position.

[0102] This design effectively moves the cover element into the first, closed position automatically or with minimal manual effort. This improves the protection of the interior, as the cover element automatically rests, at least loosely, on the base element, thus protecting the interior. Furthermore, when inserting a connector at a height below eye level, the operator can see the interior at a glance when the cover element is open (e.g., in the second position and / or the holding position). Twisting the body or head to look inside from below is unnecessary. This makes operation (e.g., inserting a consumer connector with the second terminal) particularly easy, convenient, and safe.

[0103] In a further training, it is stipulated that the second connection is designed to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis L of the connector relative to the first connection.

[0104] This provides a particularly high degree of flexibility for finding a user-friendly insertion position for a consumer connector. Furthermore, it allows for the easy insertion of both straight and angled consumer connectors, enabling secure and protected placement within the outer housing while maintaining the connector's compact dimensions.

[0105] The rotation about the longitudinal axis of the second connection relative to the first connection can be, for example, at least 90°, preferably at least 180°.

[0106] The second connection can, for example, be rotated in the second position relative to the first position by an angle of rotation in the range of 165° to 195°, preferably by 180°.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second connection is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection around the transverse axis of the connector.

[0108] This provides a particularly high degree of flexibility for finding a user-friendly insertion position for a consumer connector. Furthermore, it allows for the easy insertion of both straight and angled consumer connectors. Additionally, it enables a particularly simple electrical connection between the first and second terminals. Finally, it allows for a particularly compact connector design.

[0109] The second connection can be designed to rotate around the transverse axis by at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, relative to the first connection.

[0110] In a further development, it is provided that the second connection can be rotated relative to the first connection in such a way that, when the consumer connector is plugged into the second connection, the cover element can be mounted on the base element without a gap, especially in the case of a straight cable exit of the consumer connector and in the case of an angled cable exit of the consumer connector.

[0111] This design advantageously provides particularly good protection for the second connection against external influences and against misuse of the connector. Furthermore, it allows for a particularly compact connector design. Unauthorized disconnection of a coupled consumer connector is also effectively prevented. These advantages are also achievable regardless of the chosen cable exit of the consumer connector.

[0112] An optional slot for cable entry, described below, does not preclude gap-free mounting of the cover element to the base element. "Gap-free mounting" can mean, for example, that the cover element can be moved into its initial position without any gap to the base element, i.e., that the cover element can be completely closed (and is not held (partially) open by the consumer connector with an unsuitable cable exit), so that the interior is protected against the ingress of fluids, dirt, and / or debris through a lateral gap between the cover element and the base element. If the cover element is not permanently attached to the outer housing element, gap-free mounting can also mean, for example, placing or resting the (initially separate) cover element onto the base element. This can then, for example,It should be provided that the cover element is fixed to the base element after this assembly, in particular in a captive manner.

[0113] In a further training course, it is stipulated that a seal be provided between the base element and the cover element.

[0114] This provides particularly good protection for the interior and thus the second connection against external influences (e.g., the ingress of moisture, dampness, splashing water, dirt, grime, insects, etc.). Operational reliability and service life are thus significantly increased.

[0115] The seal can be located, for example, on the lid element. Alternatively, it can be located on the base element. It is also conceivable that a seal is provided on both the lid element and the base element. The seal can be, for example, in the form of a sealing cord. It can be mounted, for example, on or in the base element and / or on or in the lid element (initially provided separately). Alternatively or additionally, it can be formed integrally with the base element and / or the lid element, for example, by injection molding.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that a slot for routing a cable of the consumer connector is provided in the base element and / or in the cover element.

[0117] This advantageously increases operational reliability. Pinching of the cable as it exits the outer housing is effectively avoided, as is deformation of the base element and / or the cover element in the area of ​​the cable entry.

[0118] A slot seal can be installed in the slot, for example. This provides excellent protection for the interior against the ingress of fluids, dirt, grime, insects, etc. Operational reliability and service life are thus improved.

[0119] When the cover element is in the first (closed) position, the cable can be routed through the slot from the interior without being pinched. The presence of this slot does not prevent a gap-free installation or a gap-free closing of the cover element.

[0120] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the first connection is designed for connection to a high-voltage energy system of the device (e.g., the vehicle, etc.).

[0121] This advantageously enables the extraction of high power (several kW) from the device or the energy storage of the device without jeopardizing the operational safety of the connector or of connected consumers.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the first connector is selected from the group comprising: Type 1 connector, Type 2 connector, Type 3A connector, Type 3C connector, CHADEMO connector, CCS COMBO TYPE1 connector, CCS COMBO TYPE2 connector, GB / T connector, Supercharger connector.

[0123] This advantageously enables connection to all common device connections or mating connectors of a device (e.g., a vehicle, an energy storage system, a power storage system, a power supply system, a wall box, etc.) that are common in 2023 and / or 2024.

[0124] It is understood that the first connection may also be designed as a connection type that only becomes relevant in the period after the filing of this application.

[0125] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the second connection is designed for connecting a consumer connector for a low-voltage network, in particular for voltages from 90V to 440V.

[0126] This advantageously enables the connection of devices that can also be plugged into standard household sockets or three-phase sockets. The transmission of high power (several kW) to the device is thus facilitated without compromising the operational safety of the connector or the connected devices.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second connection, in particular designed as a socket, is selected from the group comprising: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type G, Type H, Type I, Type J, Type K, Type L, Type M, Type N, CEE, USB-A, USB-C.

[0128] This advantageously allows for the connection of all common consumer connectors that are standard in different countries in 2023 and / or 2024.

[0129] It is understood that the second connection may also be designed as a connection type that only becomes relevant in the period after the filing of this application.

[0130] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the connector is designed to transmit currents of at least 1A, or at least 5A, or at least 10A, or at least 16A, or at least 20A.

[0131] This advantageously enables the connector to be used for transmitting high power. This allows for the broadest possible and most reliable use of the connector, from operating low-power LED lights to operating high-power devices such as electric grills, heaters, hair dryers, power tools, etc.

[0132] In a further training, it is stipulated that when the consumer connector is plugged into the second connection, the consumer connector is located completely inside the outer housing.

[0133] This advantageously provides particularly good protection for the second connection and also for the consumer connector against external influences, thus increasing the service life of these components and improving operational reliability. Furthermore, this makes it more difficult for unauthorized third parties to tamper with the second connection and / or the consumer connector.

[0134] In a further development, it is provided that the outer housing has a first outer housing section and a second outer housing section, wherein the first outer housing section faces the first connection, wherein the second outer housing section faces away from the first connection, wherein the second outer housing section is angled relative to the first outer housing section, wherein a first angle between the first outer housing section and the second outer angle section lies in a range of 15° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 50°.

[0135] This advantageously makes it more difficult for moisture to penetrate the interior of the outer housing. For example, a cable from the consumer connector can be routed out of the interior through the angled second section of the outer housing. It is particularly advantageous for the second section of the outer housing to point downwards (geodesically downwards), especially when the connector is coupled to the mating connector of the device (e.g., a vehicle, etc.). Furthermore, it is advantageous that any moisture or liquid that has accumulated in the outer housing can be channeled in a defined manner to the lowest point – viewed from the direction of gravity – thus increasing operational reliability. Such a lowest point can, for example, be located as far away as possible from the second connection, e.g., within the second section of the outer housing. An opening for the drainage of moisture or liquid can be provided.Liquid should be provided in the area of ​​the lowest point. Furthermore, the angled design advantageously ensures that a cable from the consumer connector, regardless of its exit direction (straight or angled), always leaves the outer housing in approximately the same direction and does not need to be bent within the interior, or at least runs largely straight. The angled design also allows the consumer cable to be routed into the interior through a defined opening in the second section of the outer housing. If this second section and this opening point downwards, it prevents moisture from penetrating the interior along the cable due to gravity in damp or wet environments (e.g., rain).

[0136] In a further development, it is provided that an insertion direction of the second connection is angled relative to the longitudinal axis by a second angle, wherein the second angle, in particular an absolute value of the second angle, lies in a range of 15° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 50°.

[0137] This advantageously allows the cable of a consumer connector to be routed away from the connector without significant bending or curvature, regardless of the cable exit. When the connector is coupled or plugged into the mating connector of the device (e.g., the vehicle, etc.), the second terminal can, for example, point diagonally downwards in the first position. In this position, a consumer connector with a straight cable exit can be inserted particularly easily, and the cable runs diagonally downwards. If the second housing section is rotated into the second position (e.g., by approximately 160° to 200° around the longitudinal axis and / or approximately 45° to 110° around the transverse axis), the second terminal points diagonally upwards in this example. In this second position, a consumer connector with an angled cable exit can now be easily inserted.In this case, too, the cable of the consumer connector runs diagonally downwards. This advantageously allows for a well-defined cable routing direction for the consumer, regardless of the cable exit point of the consumer connector. This, in turn, provides a high degree of flexibility for connecting consumers.

[0138] In a further training course, it is stipulated that a hinge be provided between the lid element and the base element.

[0139] This design advantageously enables particularly safe and easy operation of the lid. The outer casing is then designed to be especially robust and durable, as the lid closes along a defined trajectory (dictated by the hinge). Furthermore, this design advantageously prevents the lid element from being accidentally lost. It also makes it particularly easy to prevent unauthorized access.

[0140] The hinge can be designed as a hinge with at least one pivot or bearing and at least one axle, e.g., a stub axle. Alternatively or additionally, a film hinge can be provided. Drawings

[0141] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0142] They show Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a connector, Fig. 2a a perspective view of a connector with the cover element open and with a second connector in a first position, Fig. 2b remove the connector Fig. 2a, in which the second connection is in a second position rotated 180° about a longitudinal axis relative to the first position, Fig. 3a A first perspective view of a connector with a closed cover element, Fig. 3b a second perspective view of the connector from Fig. 3a with closed lid element, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of another connector, Fig. 5a a schematic side view of a detail of the connector made of Fig. 4 with a plugged-in consumer connector with straight cable exit, Fig. 5b a schematic side view of a detail of the connector made of Fig. 4 with a plugged-in consumer connector with angled cable exit; Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b: Schematic cross-sections of a connector with the cover element in the first position ( Fig. 6a) and in the second position ( Fig. 6b); Fig. 7: A detailed view of a cross-section of the connector made of Fig. 6b; Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b: Perspective detail views of a mounting area of ​​the cover element on an outer housing element of the connector made of Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b; Fig. 9: a schematic representation of another connector, Fig. 10a, Fig. 10b: Perspective (detail) views of a mounting area of ​​the cover element on an outer housing element of the connector made of Fig. 9; Fig. 11a, Fig. 11b: Schematic (detailed) views of the assembly of the cover element on the outer housing element of the connector made of Fig. 9 with the lid element in a third position ( Fig. 11a) and in a first position ( Fig. 11b); Fig. 12: a schematic view of the cover element on the outer housing element of the connector made of Fig. 9 in a holding position; Fig. 13: an embodiment of a method for assembling a connector.

[0143] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a connector 1. This connector is designed for connection to a mating connector 2 of a device, which is exemplified here as a vehicle 3, for extracting energy from the device, in particular from an energy storage device 4 of the device (here, for example, the vehicle 3). The connector 1 comprises a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis Q, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The connector 1 further comprises an outer housing 8 with a base element 9, a cover element 10, and an interior 11, wherein a first connection 12 for connection to the mating connector 2 of the device (here, for example, the vehicle 3) is provided on an outer surface of the outer housing 8, exemplified here in a first section 6 of the outer housing 8.Inside the inner chamber 11 of the outer housing 8, a second connection 13 is provided (here shown by way of example in a second section 7 of the outer housing 8) for connection to a consumer connector 15 of a consumer 16, in particular connected to a cable 14. The second connection 13 is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection 12 (see e.g. Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 4, Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b).

[0144] The outer housing 8 can, in addition to the cover element 10, generally have one or more outer housing elements 86. The base element 9, for example, is an outer housing element 86. A further discussion below in connection with the Fig. 4, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b and the Fig. The additional cover element 85 described in sections 6a to 12 can also represent an outer housing element 86. This additional cover element 85 can, for example, represent a type of housing shell (here: upper housing shell).

[0145] The lid element 10 is in the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6a, Fig. 9, Fig. 10a, Fig. 11b for example in a first, closed, position S1 and in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 4, Fig. 6b, Fig. 7, Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b, Fig. Figure 12 shows an example in a second, open position S2. The cover element 10 is rotatable or hinged on the outer housing element 86 (base element 9 and / or further cover element 85) from the first position S1 to the second position S2 relative to the outer housing element 86 (base element 9 and / or further cover element 85) about a rotational axis A.

[0146] The direction of gravity is denoted here by "G" and points in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 each downwards. The interior 11 is therefore particularly easy to see when the cover element 10 is open, provided that the connector 1 – as is often the case – is below the eye level of a normal-sized, standing, adult user with the mating connector 2 (see Fig. 1) is coupled or plugged into it.

[0147] In the Fig. In 2a to 3b, 6a to 7, the second connection 13 is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection 12 about the longitudinal axis L of the connector 1, here by at least 180°.

[0148] In the Fig. 4 to 5b, 10a the second connection 13 is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection 12 about the transverse axis Q of the connector 1, here by way of example by at least 30°, preferably by at least 45°.

[0149] The longitudinal axis L is, by way of example, an axis that extends parallel to a plugging direction of the first connection 12 into a mating connection or mating connector 2 of the device (e.g., of the vehicle 3) through the first connection 12. It can also extend through the second connection 13.

[0150] In Fig. For the sake of clarity, connector 1 is not yet coupled or connected to the device (here: the vehicle 3) and not yet to the consumer 16, shown here as an example of a hairdryer.

[0151] Connector 1 can be considered a type of connector adapter that allows the consumer connector 15 to be electrically connected to the mating connector 2 of the vehicle 3. Connector 1 can therefore be used for V2L applications, in which energy is drawn from the (high-voltage) energy storage device of the operation (here: the vehicle 3). In principle, V2G ("Vehicle-to-Grid"), V2V ("Vehicle-to-Vehicle"), V2H ("Vehicle-to-Home") applications, etc., can also be implemented using connector 1.

[0152] Advantageously, the connector 1 has only small external dimensions, e.g., when connected or plugged together or coupled with the mating connector 2 of the device (here: of the vehicle 3), it protrudes at most 35 cm from the device (here e.g., from the vehicle 3), preferably at most 30 cm, particularly preferably at most 25 cm, and most preferably at most 20 cm.

[0153] It is evident (see also) Fig. 2a to 5b, 6a, 6b, 9, 10a), that the second connection 13 is well protected by the outer housing 8, e.g. from external influences (mechanical but also from fluid media, splashing water, dirt, grime, insects, etc.). Furthermore, a consumer connector 15 can be easily arranged in the interior 11 and coupled to the second connection 13, regardless of its cable exit (straight or angled), without cable kinking. Finally, it is generally possible to easily (in the Fig. (1 to 5b and 6a to 12 not shown) unauthorized access to the second terminal 13 is prevented and / or theft of a consumer 16 connected to the second terminal 13 is prevented (to prevent theft it is sufficient that the consumer connector 15 is located in the interior 11 and is larger than an opening in the outer housing 8).

[0154] The Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows a perspective view of a connector 1 with the cover element 10 open (second position S2) and with a second terminal 13 in a first position P1 ( Fig. 2a) or which is in a second position P2 rotated approximately 180° around the longitudinal axis L relative to the first position P1 ( Fig. 2b).

[0155] The Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows a first perspective view of a connector 1 with closed cover element 10 (first position S1) with a front end facing the viewer ( Fig. 3a) or with a rear end facing the viewer ( Fig. 3b). In Fig. Figure 3b shows two cables 14. These represent the cable exit from the outer housing 8 for the two different positions, the first position P1 and the second position P2, which are for different cable exits (straight cable exit, see Figure 3b). Fig. 2a and angled cable exit, see Fig. 2b) can be selected. In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 2a to 3b usually only have a single cable 14 which leaves the outer casing 8.

[0156] The Fig. Sections 2a to 5b are described together below.

[0157] The second terminal 13 can be rotated relative to the first terminal 12 as an example, such that when the consumer connector 15 is plugged into the second terminal 13, the cover element 10 can be mounted on the base element 9 without a gap (see Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6, Fig. 9), especially in the case of a straight cable exit of the consumer connector 15 (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 5a) and in the case of an angled cable exit of the consumer connector 15 (see Fig. 2b, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6).

[0158] It goes without saying that the one in the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b and Fig. The slot 27 shown in Figure 10a and described below for cable routing does not prevent gap-free mounting of the cover element 10 on the base element 9 or gap-free closing of the cover element 10 on the base element 9. This also applies in the same way to the cable routing of the connectors 1 of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12. In the illustrated figures, the gap-free assembly or gap-free closing of exemplary connectors 1 refers in particular to the fact that an inserted consumer connector 15 does not prevent the closing of the cover element 10 or its transition into the first (closed) position S1. This is shown in the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 6a and Fig. 9 clearly visible: the cover element 10 and the base element 9 are abutting each other on the side walls and on the back of the connector, in particular without gaps.

[0159] The second connection, number 13, is located in Fig. 2a, Fig. 5a in the first position P1 and in Fig. 2b, Fig. 4, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 10a in the second housing position P2. The rotatability of the second terminal 13 relative to the first terminal 13 (in particular from the first position P1 to the second position P2 or vice versa) is indicated by the double arrow in each case (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 4).

[0160] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shows that the housing tapers to a point at the rear end (distal end) of the second connection 13 and, by way of example, has a first chamfer 71 or a first chamfer section and a second chamfer 72 or a second chamfer section. The second connection 13 is arranged in the first chamfer section by way of example (in Fig. 2a shows this pointing downwards, in Fig. 2b upwards). The first chamfer 71 or the first chamfer section and the second chamfer 72 or the second chamfer section advantageously also facilitate gap-free closing of the cover element 10 on the base element 9 with a particularly compact design in length and height of the outer housing 8 or the cover element 10. In particular, the first chamfer 71 with the second connection 13 arranged in this (first) chamfer section enables a very compact design in height and length, since even in the second position P2 (with angled cable exit of the consumer connector 15) a cable exit area 35 (see Fig. 2b) of the consumer connector 15 does not or only very slightly protrudes beyond an upper edge 36 of an element arranged in the interior 11, which has the second connection 13, in the second section 7 of the outer housing 8.

[0161] With the consumer connector 15 plugged into the second terminal 13, the consumer connector 15 is shown here as an example completely inside the interior 11 of the outer housing 8, see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6a, Fig. 9. 10a.

[0162] The outer casing 8 here (and also by way of example in the embodiment of the Fig. Figures 6a to 12 show, by way of example, a first outer housing section 81 and a second outer housing section 82, wherein the first outer housing section 81 faces the first terminal 12 and the second outer housing section 82 faces away from the first terminal 12. The second outer housing section 82 is, by way of example, angled relative to the first outer housing section 81 (here it is angled downwards, in particular, gravity G also points downwards). A first angle W1 between the first outer housing section 81 and the second angled outer housing section 82 can, for example, be in a range of 15° to 60°, preferably 20° to 50°. This advantageously prevents the ingress of splash water or rain from above into the interior 11. Furthermore, the cable routing for both positions P1, P2 of the second terminal 12 is approximately the same, regardless of whether an angled consumer connector 15 (in particular with approx.a 90° cable exit) in the second position P2 or a straight consumer connector 15 in the first position P1.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 5b (and also in the embodiment of Fig. 6a to 8b) provides by way of example that the bending on a lower side 84 of the outer housing 8, viewed along the longitudinal axis L starting from the first connection 12, begins earlier than on a upper side 83 of the outer housing 8.

[0164] In the embodiment shown here as an example, the underside 83 and the upper side 84 of the outer housing 8 run approximately parallel to each other only in the first outer housing section 81. In the second outer housing section 82, the upper side 84 slopes towards the distal end of the outer housing 8 and towards the underside 83. In other words, the angle of inclination on the upper side 83 is greater than the first angle W1 on the underside 84. The first angle W1 relates in particular to the Fig. 1 to 3b on the underside 84. However, there may also be embodiments in which the underside 83 and the top side 84 in the second outer housing section 82 are approximately parallel to each other or diverge from each other. The first angle W1 can, however, also be determined, for example, between the longitudinal axis L and approximately a seam line between the cover element 10 and the outer housing element 86 (see, for example, Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b).

[0165] How particularly good in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b (and also in Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10a), the insertion direction E of the second connection 13 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis L by a second angle W2. The second angle W2, in particular its absolute value, can be, for example, in a range of 15° to 60°, preferably from 20° to 50°. Fig. 2a and Fig. 5a the second angle W2 lies below the longitudinal axis L, in Fig. 2b, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 10a it lies above the longitudinal axis L. Therefore, the angle specifications preferably refer to the absolute value of the second angle W2.

[0166] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b This angled arrangement of the second connection 13 is achieved particularly easily by arranging the second connection 13 in or on the first chamfer section of the first chamfer 71, whereby an angled arrangement is of course also conceivable without this chamfer 71 (see e.g. Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b).

[0167] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 to 5b and 10a, the angled arrangement is achieved by a suitable rotation of the second connection 13 about the transverse axis Q.

[0168] The insertion direction E can be defined, for example, as the insertion direction of the consumer connector 15 into the second connection 13.

[0169] A seal 26 is provided here as an example between the base element 9 and the cover element 10 (see e.g. Fig. 2a to 4, 6b to 8b). This seal 26 can, for example, be designed as a sealing cord. It can be arranged or mounted on the base element 9, the further cover element 85, the outer housing element 86, and / or the cover element 10 (e.g., in a way that allows for non-destructive removal). In other embodiments, it can also be attached to the base element 9, the further cover element 85, the outer housing element 86, and / or the cover element 10 in a way that is not removable without damage, e.g., by injection molding. The seal 26 enables a particularly good seal of the interior 11 against moisture, wetness, splashing water, dirt, grime, insects, etc.

[0170] The lid element 10 is in the Fig. 1 to 3b are arranged, for example, in a way that they are foldable, pivotable, or rotatable (in particular about a rotational axis A) on the base element 9 as an outer housing element 86. Here, the cover element 10 can, for example, be pivoted upwards in the direction of the first connection 12.

[0171] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 to 5b (and in the Fig. In Figures 6a to 12, the cover element 10 is arranged to be hinged or rotatable (in particular about a rotational axis A) relative to the base element 9. Here, the cover element 10 is coupled to another cover element 85 as an outer housing element 86. In this case, the other cover element 85 does not contribute, or does not contribute significantly, to the enclosure of the interior 11 or that part of the interior 11 in which the second connection 13 is located. This interior 11 (or part of the interior 11) is shown here by way of example – as also in the Fig. 1 to 3b - predominantly or only limited or enclosed or defined by the base element 9 and the cover element 10.

[0172] Between cover element 10 and base element 9 as an outer housing element 86 is in Fig. 1 to 2b show, for example, a hinge 34. This can be designed as a hinge 34, e.g., with a pin axis and one or more pivots or bearings, or as a film hinge, or in the form of another hinge design or joint design.

[0173] The hinge 34 is shown here as an example on a top surface 83 of the outer housing 8, approximately halfway along the length of the first outer housing section 81.

[0174] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 the hinge 34 is arranged between the cover element 10 and the further cover element 85 as an outer housing element 86.

[0175] Basically, the cover element 10 can be assembled as described in the assembly procedure below (see Fig. 13) are mounted on the outer housing element 86. It can then be provided, for example, that the cover element 10 has a hollow cover axle 21 and the outer housing element 86 has an axle stub 29 (see, for example, Figure 1). Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b for an exemplary embodiment). These elements can, for example, form a hinge 34 or part of a hinge 34.

[0176] In other embodiments, the cover element 10 may also have a cover axis 38 and the outer housing element 86 a bearing 39 into which the cover axis is inserted or is inserted (see e.g. Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12). These elements can, for example, form a hinge 34 or part of a hinge 34.

[0177] Alternatively or additionally, the cover element 10 can optionally have a locking element 17 and the outer housing element 86 a counter-locking element 18 (in the embodiments of the Fig. (1 to 5b these elements are present, but not shown visibly). This locking element 17 can, for example, be arranged on the lid element 10 such that, in a holding position SH different from the first position S1, in particular in the second position S2, it couples with the counter-locking element 18, so that the lid element 10 is held in the holding position SH without external force. In other words: In a defined holding position SH, e.g., in the second position S2, or e.g., a position of the lid element 10 between the first position S1 and the second position S2, or e.g., a position before the first position S1, or e.g., a position after the second position S2, a coupling of locking element 17 and counter-locking element 18 can be effected, which holds the lid element 10 in this holding position SH as long as no external, in particular manual, additional force (in particular an additional force that exceeds gravity, e.g.,(exceeds by at least 10%) acts on the lid element 10.

[0178] In the embodiment shown here, the Fig. In sections 1 to 3b, a slot 27 is provided in both the base element 9 and the cover element 10 for the passage of a cable 14 of the consumer connector 15. The two slots are aligned when the cover element 10 is closed (see Fig. 3b). It is understood that in other embodiments only the basic element 9 (e.g. Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 10a) or the cover element 10 may simply have a slot 27 or a recess for routing the cable 14. In principle, the slot 27 can even be omitted.

[0179] Each of the two slots 27 is fitted with a slotted seal 28. The slotted seal 28 can be formed integrally with the seal 26, which allows for particularly simple, secure, and durable installation. However, such an integral design is not strictly necessary.

[0180] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 to 5b shows an opening or recess at the rear end of the base element 9, shown here as an example in the deepest part, through which the cable 14 can be routed. This opening is not completely closed by the cover element 10. This cable entry should not impede a gap-free installation of the cover element 10 on the base element 9.

[0181] The first connection 12 is here ( Fig. 1 to 5b) are designed for connection to a high-voltage energy system of the device (here, by way of example, the vehicle 3). It is designed here by way of example as a Type 2 connector. The first connector 12 can be selected in other embodiments from the group comprising: Type 1 connector, Type 3A connector, Type 3C connector, CHAdeMO connector, CCS Combo Type 1 connector, CCS Combo Type 2 connector, GB / T connector, Supercharger connector. Other connector types are, of course, also conceivable (this also applies, by way of example, to the connectors 1 described later). Fig. 6a to 12).

[0182] The second connection 13 is here ( Fig. 1 to 5b) are designed, by way of example, for connecting a consumer connector 15 for a low-voltage network, in particular for voltages from 90V to 440V. The second connection 13, in particular designed as a socket, can be selected, for example, from the group comprising: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type G, Type H, Type I, Type J, Type K, Type L, Type M, Type N, CEE, USB-A, USB-C. Here, it is designed by way of example for connecting a Schuko® plug commonly used in Germany (this also applies, by way of example, to the connectors 1 described later). Fig. 6a to 12).

[0183] Connector 1 is here ( Fig. 1 to 5b) are designed, for example, to transmit currents of at least 1 A, at least 5 A, at least 10 A, at least 16 A, or at least 20 A, particularly at a voltage between 90 V and 440 V. In this way, even high-power consumers, such as heaters, hair dryers, kettles, electrical tools, etc., can be operated safely and reliably in V2L mode using connector 1 (this also applies, for example, to the connectors 1 described later). Fig. 6a to 12).

[0184] In the Fig. Figures 6a to 12 show further example connectors 1. Fig. Sections 6a to 12 are described together below.

[0185] Connector 1 is designed for connection with a mating connector 2 of a device, which is exemplified here as a vehicle 3 (see Fig. 1) It is designed to extract energy from the device or to extract energy from an energy source of the device, in particular from an energy storage device 4 of the device (in Fig. 1 e.g. of the vehicle 3). In this respect, the respective connector 1 is similar to or the same as the Fig. 6a to 12 the in the Fig. Connectors shown in Figures 1 to 5b. 1. It is understood that the device can alternatively also be an energy storage system, an electricity storage system, an energy supply system, a wall box, or the like.

[0186] The connector 1 comprises (or has) a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis Q, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. It further comprises an outer housing 8 with a base element 9, a cover element 10, and an interior 11. A first connection 12 for connecting to the mating connector 2 of the device is provided on an outer surface of the outer housing 8. A second connection 13 for connecting to a consumer connector 15 of a consumer 16, in particular one connected to a cable 14, is provided in the interior 11 of the outer housing 8. It is here (as also in the Fig. 1 to 5b) merely provide, as an example and as an option, that the second connection 13 is rotatable or hinged relative to the first connection 12 (here only by way of example about the longitudinal axis L or about an axis parallel to this longitudinal axis). It is also possible, in principle, for the second connection 13 to be non-rotatable. The cover element 10 is rotatable or hinged relative to the base element 9 about a rotational axis A on an outer housing element 86 of the outer housing 8 (here: by way of example on another cover element 86 or on a housing shell of the outer housing 8 that differs from the base element 9). Fig. 1 to 3b: on the basic element 9).

[0187] The lid element 10 has, for example, a locking element 17 (see e.g. Fig. 7, Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b, Fig. 10b, Fig. 12) The outer housing element 86 (here: the further cover element 85 or the upper housing shell) has, by way of example, a counter-locking element 18, which is designed to be complementary to the locking element 17 (see e.g. Fig. 7, Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b, Fig. 10b, Fig. 12).

[0188] In the event that the locking element 17 and the counter-locking element 18 are present, the locking element 17 is preferably arranged on the cover element 10 such that it couples with the counter-locking element 18 in a holding position SH different from the first position S1, in particular in the second position S2, so that the cover element 10 is held in the holding position SH without external force (see e.g. Fig. 6b, Fig. 7, Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b, Fig. 12) It is understood that the holding position SH can also be a position different from the second position S2. Furthermore, it may be provided that more than one holding position SH is provided. The locking element 17 can, for example, couple with different counter-locking elements 18 in different holding positions, or conversely, several locking elements 17 can be provided that couple with a single counter-locking element 18 in different holding positions of the cover element 10.

[0189] For the following section in connection with Fig. In the assembly procedure described in section 13, it is not absolutely necessary that the locking element 17 or the counter-locking element 18 is / are present, or that these two elements are coupled in the holding position SH. Nevertheless, the assembly procedure (see, for example, section 13) is not mandatory. Fig. 13) The assembly process is simplified and correct assembly is easier to verify if locking element 17 and counter-locking element 18 are present. Conversely, the assembly procedure described below also makes it particularly easy and quick to ensure that the cover element 10 is correctly positioned on the outer housing element 86 and that locking element 17 and counter-locking element 18 are correctly positioned relative to each other. Furthermore, in the holding position SH, the step of inserting the axis 23 described below can be carried out particularly easily (e.g., with one hand) in the assembly procedure described below. Thus, locking element 17 and counter-locking element 18 are also an advantageous addition to the assembly procedure.

[0190] The cover element 10 has a cover fastening section 19, wherein the outer housing element 86 (in Fig. Figures 6a to 12 show, for example, the further cover element 85) having an outer housing mounting section 20, wherein the cover element 10 is rotatably or hingedly attached to the outer housing mounting section 20 in the cover mounting section 19, and in particular is attached in a non-destructively detachable manner. The cover mounting section 19 projects slightly beyond the cover element 10 or a cover contour line.

[0191] In the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6a to 8b (in the form of a first axle design), the cover fastening section 19 has a hollow cover axle 21, wherein the hollow cover axle 21 has, by way of example, a hollow axle wall 22 that is closed at least partially around its circumference. It is understood that in other embodiments the hollow cover axle has a kind of slot or opening in the hollow axle wall along its entire length (like a straw cut open on the side). The outer housing fastening section 20 has an axle 23, in particular a detachable one, with an axle diameter DA, which runs through the hollow cover axle 21. The axle 23 can, for example, be designed as a kind of pin axle.

[0192] In the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, which is merely an example (in the form of a second axis design), it is provided that the cover fastening section 19 has a cover axis 38 with a first cover axis diameter DAD1, wherein the outer housing fastening section 20 has a bearing 39, wherein the cover axis 38 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 39.

[0193] Bearing 39 can, for example, be designed as a kind of bearing opening.

[0194] In other embodiments, the cover element 10 or the cover fastening section 19 can have both a cover hollow axis 21 and a cover axis. For example, these two structures can be spatially separated from each other (e.g., on different sides, e.g., left and right sides, of the cover element 10, in particular in separate hinges 34, or lying side by side in a single hinge block).

[0195] In the Fig. 7, Fig. 8a and Fig. Figure 8b clearly shows that the locking element 17 is arranged on or in the cover mounting section 19 and that the counter-locking element 18 is formed on the outer housing element 86 (here: only by way of example on or in the further cover element 85) in the area of ​​the outer housing mounting section 20. This also applies to the embodiment of Fig. 4 to 5b (but not visible there). In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3b, the counter-locking element 18 can be formed, for example, on or in the base element 9 (in Fig. 1 to 3b not visible).

[0196] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the Fig. Figures 6a to 12 provide that the (here by way of example only) locking element 17 is designed as a projection 24, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, and that the (here by way of example only) counter-locking element 18 is designed as a recess 25, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge. The projection 24 engages in the recess 25 when the holding position SH is reached.

[0197] It is understood that more than one locking element 17 and / or more than one counter-locking element 18 may be provided. For example, several locking elements 17 may be arranged spaced apart from one another, particularly when considered in an axial or lateral direction along the lid's hollow axis 21 (see Fig. 6a to 8b) or along the lid axis 38 or along a lid fastening structure 40 described in more detail below (see Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12). This advantageously results in a higher holding force with smaller dimensions of the locking elements 17 and / or redundancy against wear of individual locking elements 17 during use of the connector 1.

[0198] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that several locking elements 17 are arranged in a circumferential direction (around the lid hollow axis 21, or around the lid axis 38, or around the lid fastening structure 40), in particular spaced apart from one another. In this way, several defined holding positions SH can be achieved, from which the lid element 10 can only be moved out by an external force.

[0199] In an embodiment not shown here, alternatively or additionally (with a plurality of locking elements 17 or counter-locking elements 18), the locking element 17 can be designed as a locking element recess, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, and the counter-locking element 18 can be designed as a counter-locking element projection, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge. In this case, the counter-locking element projection engages in the locking element recess when the holding position SH is reached.

[0200] In the Fig. 6a to 12, in particular in connection with the device (here: the vehicle 3) from Fig. Figure 1 shows that the connector 1 is designed such that, during normal connection with the mating connector 2, the cover element 10 is displaced against gravity or the direction of gravity G when moving from the first position S1 to the second position S2. This makes the interior 11 particularly easy to access when the connector 1 is inserted below eye level (e.g., at hip or waist height of a normal-sized, standing, adult user, or at a height between 10 cm and 140 cm above the floor).

[0201] At connector 1 of the Fig. 6a to 8b provides by way of example and as an option that the second connection 13 is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection 12 about the longitudinal axis L of the connector 1, in particular rotatable by at least 90°, preferably by at least 180°.

[0202] At connector 1 of the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 is exemplified by the provision that the second connection 13 is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection 12 about the transverse axis Q of the connector 1, in particular by at least 30°, preferably by at least 45°.

[0203] As described above, it is also possible in principle to provide for no rotatability (rigid second connection 13).

[0204] It may also be intended, for example, that connector 1 of the Fig. 6a to 8b has a second connection 13 rotatable about the transverse axis Q and / or the connector of Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 a second connection rotatable about the longitudinal axis L 13.

[0205] Regarding connector 1 of the Fig. 6a to 12 is (as with those of the Fig. 1 to 5b) by way of example, it is provided that the second connection 13 can be rotated relative to the first connection 6 in such a way that, when the consumer connector 15 is inserted into the second connection 13, the cover element 10 can be mounted on the base element 9 without a gap, in particular with a straight cable exit of the consumer connector 15 and with an angled cable exit of the consumer connector 15. Slots 27 or openings for the passage of the cable 14 do not impede the gap-free mounting.

[0206] For example, a seal 26 is provided between base element 9 and cover element 10. This seal 26 can be arranged, for example, on the base element 9 (see, for example, figure 1). Fig. 6b, Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b), e.g. in the form of a sealing cord or injection-molded, etc. Alternatively, it can be arranged, e.g., on the cover element 10 (see e.g. Fig. 6b 8a, 8b), e.g. in the form of a sealing cord or injection-molded, etc. In principle, it is also possible that a seal 26 is arranged on both the base element 9 and the cover element 10 (see e.g. Fig. 6b 8a, 8b). These two seals 27 can, for example, be pressed together in the first position S1. They can also interlock in the manner of a grooved sealing cord and a sealing cord. They can, for example, form a type of labyrinth seal. In principle, the seal 26 can also be omitted in other embodiments.

[0207] As in the Fig. 1 to 5b is also the case here with connector 1 of the Fig. 6a to 12 in the base element 9 (in alternative embodiments alternatively or additionally also in the cover element 10) a slot 27 or a cable gland for the passage of the cable 14 of the consumer connector 15 is provided. A slot seal 28 is provided in the slot 27 by way of example (particularly clearly visible in Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 10a). The slot seal 28 can, for example, have two lamellar or leaf-like elements which are separated by the cable 14 during installation and close behind the cable 14 like a kind of sealing collar. This is shown in Fig. 10a is particularly easy to see. The slot 27 does not prevent the cover element 10 from being mounted without a gap on the base element 9, nor does it prevent the cover element 10 from being closed without a gap on the base element 9 in the first position S1. In principle, the slot 27 or the slotted seal 28 can also be omitted.

[0208] The outer housing mounting section 20 has a connector 1 Fig. Figures 6 to 8b (in the manner of the first axle design) show, by way of example, an axle stub 29 with an axle stub diameter DS and with an axle stub recess 30. The outer housing mounting section 20 has a bearing block 31 with a bearing block recess 32, which is spaced apart, in particular, from the axle stub 29. The hollow cover axle 21 has, at least partially, a wall opening 33 in a hollow axle wall 22 on its side facing the axle stub 29. The wall opening 33 has, by way of example, an opening width B that is less than the axle stub diameter DS. The axle 23 is guided, in particular in the following order, through the bearing block recess 32, through the hollow cover axle 21, and through the axle stub recess 30. The axle 23 is shown here as an example mounted in the axle stub recess 30 and the bearing block recess 32.

[0209] The axle stub recess 30 is shown here as an example designed as a blind hole. A through opening is also conceivable in principle.

[0210] The axle stub 29 is shown here as an example on a further bearing block 37, which is spaced apart from the bearing block 31 (in the axial direction). The hollow cover shaft 21 is arranged in the axial direction (here parallel to the transverse axis Q) between the bearing block 31 and the further bearing block 37. The hollow cover shaft 21 is, for example, only slightly shorter than the distance between the bearing blocks 31 and 37, e.g., between 0.5 mm and 4 mm shorter.

[0211] Fig. Figure 13 shows a flowchart of a procedure for assembling a connector 1 (in the first axis configuration), as used, for example, in the Fig. 6a to 8b is shown.

[0212] The procedure involves the following steps: -- Providing 100 of an outer housing element 86, in particular a base element 9 or - as shown here by way of example - a further cover element 86 or a housing shell; -- Provide 200 of a cover element 10 (different in particular from the outer casing element 86); -- Provide 300 of an axis 23; -- Mounting 400 of the cover element 10, in particular captive mounting of the cover element 10, to the outer housing element 86 by clipping the cover hollow axle 21 in the area of ​​the wall opening 33 to the axle stub 29 (in other embodiments it is also conceivable that the cover hollow axle 21 is pushed onto the axle stub 29) - the cover hollow axle 21 can be rotated around the axle stub 29 or is at least partially rotatably mounted on it; -- Inserting 500 of the axis 23 along an assembly direction M, in particular in the sequence specified below, into the bearing block recess 32, into the cover hollow axis 21 and into the axis stub recess 30;

[0213] The following optional step is provided as an example: -- Securing 600, in particular reversible securing 600, the axle 23 in or on the bearing block recess 32 and / or in or on the axle stub recess 30 against the axle 23 being led out of the axle stub recess 30 and / or out of the cover hollow axle 21 and / or out of the bearing block recess 32.

[0214] The securing 600 can be achieved, for example, by positive locking (e.g., by a type of bayonet lock, or a latching mechanism behind an undercut, or by a locking hook engaging in an undercut of the axle 23, etc.) and / or by frictional locking (e.g., by an interference fit of the axle 23 in a section, e.g., compared to the bearing block recess 32 and / or the axle stub recess 30) and / or by material locking (e.g., by bonding or fusing, etc., with the bearing block 31 and / or the axle stub 29 and / or the further bearing block 37) and / or by attaching an additional element, e.g., by clipping a snap ring onto the axle 23, which prevents axial withdrawal through one of the openings 32, 42, etc.

[0215] In the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. Figure 12 (in the form of a second axis design) shows another connector 1 in which - only by way of example - the second connection 13 is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection 12 about the transverse axis Q of the connector 1.

[0216] The cover mounting section 19 has – as already described above – a cover axis 38 with a first cover axis diameter DAD1. The outer housing mounting section 20 has – as already described above – a bearing 39 with a bearing diameter DL, wherein the cover axis 38 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 39.

[0217] The bearing 39 has a bearing insertion opening 43 with a bearing insertion opening width BL that is smaller than the bearing diameter DL and, in particular, smaller than the first cover axis diameter DAD1. Here, the bearing insertion opening 43 is, by way of example, essentially perpendicular to the cover axis 38 (here, by way of example, the bearing insertion opening 43 is aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L). The cover axis 38 is inserted into the bearing 39 through the bearing insertion opening 43. The outer housing mounting section 20 has a bearing block 31 with a bearing block recess 32, which is, by way of example, spaced apart from the bearing 39. The cover element 10 has a cover mounting structure 40 (here: three cover mounting structures 40), each, by way of example, designed as a cover arm 41. Two of the cover fastening structures 40 each have a cover fastening structure opening 42. The in Fig. 10a and Fig. The left outer cover arm 41 shown in Figure 10b has, by way of example, a through-hole. The middle cover arm 41 has, by way of example, a blind hole on its side facing the left cover arm 41. Here, by way of example, the cover axis 38 is formed between the right cover arm 41 and the middle cover arm 41. Here, by way of example, it is approximately aligned with the two cover mounting openings 42. The axis 23 (initially separate) is guided through the bearing block recess 32 and the cover mounting opening 42 (here, through that of the left cover arm 41). Here, by way of example, it is also inserted into the cover mounting opening 42 of the middle cover arm 41. The sequence here is thus determined by insertion through the cover mounting opening 42 of the middle cover arm 41. Fig. 10 and Fig. 10b Left cover arm 41 (outermost cover arm 41), passing through the bearing block recess 32 of the bearing block 31 arranged between the left cover arm 41 and the adjacent middle cover arm 41, and inserting into the cover fastening opening 42 of the middle cover arm 41. The cover fastening structure 40 is rotatably mounted on the axis 23 by means of the two cover fastening structure openings 42. The cover axis 38 has, by way of example, a second cover axis diameter DAD2, which is smaller than the bearing insertion opening width BL (see Fig. 11a, Fig. 11b, Fig. 12).

[0218] Due to the non-circular design of the cover axis 38, which is at least partially illustrated here as an example, with two different cover axis diameters DAD1, DAD2, wherein the bearing insertion width BL has a dimension that lies between the two cover axis diameters DAD1, DAD2 (DAD2 < BL < DAD1), the cover element 10 can preferably be mounted particularly easily in a defined position (assembly position) or third position S3 (as described below) and is securely held in the bearing 39 in other positions (see Fig. 11b for the first position S1 and Fig. 12 for the second position S2, which here is also the holding position SH as an example). Here, the third position S3 is located between the first (closed) position S1 and the second (here: fully open) position S2. If the cover element 10 has been mounted on the outer housing element 86 in the third position S3, the cover element 10 can, for example, simply be moved into the first position S1 or the second position S2 and then, due to the pre-positioning, the axis 23 can be inserted easily and without difficulty along a mounting direction M (see the procedure described below and the schematic diagram). Fig. 9 and Fig. 10a).

[0219] In contrast to the other bearing block 37, in which the bearing 39 and the bearing insertion opening 43 are formed, the bearing block 31 does not have a bearing insertion opening. In other words, the axle 23 cannot be inserted "from the front" into the cover mounting structure opening 42, but only laterally or parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the cover element 10.

[0220] It is understood that embodiments are also conceivable in which, for example, only two lid fastening structures 40 (e.g. as lid arms 41) are provided.

[0221] In the Fig. 10b, Fig. 11a, Fig. Figure 12 clearly shows that, for example, the cover element 10 on the middle cover arm 41 has a locking element 17 (here shown only as an example in the form of a projection 24), and the outer housing element 86 (here shown only as an example in the form of the further cover element 85) has a counter-locking element 18 (here shown only as an example in the form of a recess 25), which is designed to be complementary to the locking element 17. It is understood that the locking element 17 can also be arranged at a different location on the cover element 10 and / or on another (or more) cover fastening structure(s) 40.

[0222] The in Fig. The flowchart shown in section 13 also represents a method for assembling a connector 1, as described in the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. Figure 12 shows that, depending on the design of the connector 1, the following method can be applied as an alternative or in addition to the method described above (it would also be applicable, for example, if the cover element 10 had both a cover axis 23 and a cover hollow axis 21).

[0223] This procedure involves the following steps: -- Providing 100 of an outer housing element 86, in particular a base element 9 or - as shown here by way of example - a further cover element 86 or a housing shell; -- Provide 200 of a cover element 10 (different in particular from the outer casing element 86); -- Provide 300 of an axis 23;

[0224] These three steps are identical to the procedure described above.

[0225] The procedure further indicates: -- Mounting 400 of the cover element 10, in particular captive mounting 400 of the cover element 10, on the outer housing element 86 by inserting the cover axis 38 into the bearing 39 through the bearing insertion opening 43, here only as an example in a third position S3 (see Fig. 11a: Here it can be seen how the cover element 10 is inserted from right to left into the bearing insertion opening 43, in which the cover axis 38 with the second cover axis diameter DAD2 passes through the bearing insertion opening 43 and which, for illustrative purposes, differs from the first position S1 and the second position S2. It is understood that this assembly step 400 can be carried out, for example, by pressing or clipping the cover axis 38 into the bearing 39 through the bearing insertion opening 43 if the cover axis 38 has a cover axis diameter larger than the bearing insertion opening 43 at all points. The cover axis 38 can be rotated in the bearing 39 or is at least partially rotatably mounted in the bearing 39. -- Inserting 500 of the axis 23 along a mounting direction M into the bearing block recess 32 and into the cover mounting structure opening 42 (here: as described above: first through the cover mounting structure opening 42 of the in the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 left (outermost) cover arm 41, then through the bearing block recess 32 of the bearing block 31 and then into the cover fastening structure opening 42 of the middle cover arm 41, which is designed here as a blind hole.

[0226] The following optional step is provided as an example: -- Securing 600, in particular reversible securing 600, the axis 23 in or on the bearing block recess 32 and / or in or on the (or on one of the) cover fastening structure opening(s) 42 against the axis 23 being led out of the (or from one of the) cover fastening structure opening(s) 42 and / or out of the bearing block recess (32).

[0227] The securing 600 can be achieved, for example, by positive locking (e.g., by a type of bayonet lock, or a latching mechanism behind an undercut, or by a locking hook engaging in an undercut of the axle 23, etc.) and / or by force locking (e.g., by an interference fit of the axle 23 in a section, e.g., compared to the bearing block recess 32 and / or compared to the cover fastening structure opening 42) and / or by material locking (e.g., by bonding or fusing, etc., with the bearing block 31 and / or the cover fastening structure 40) and / or by attaching an additional element, e.g., by clipping a snap ring onto the axle 23, which prevents axial pulling out through one of the openings 32, 42, etc.

Claims

[1] Connector (1) designed to connect to a mating connector (2) of a device, in particular a vehicle (3) or an energy storage system or an electricity storage system or an energy supply system or a wall-box, for extracting energy from an energy source, in particular an energy storage device (4), of the device, the connector (1) comprising: -- a longitudinal axis (L); -- a transverse axis (Q) that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L); -- an outer casing (8) with a base element (9), a cover element (10) and an interior (11), wherein a first connection (12) for connection with the mating connector (2) of the device is provided on an outside of the outer housing (8), wherein a second connection (13) for connection with a consumer connector (15) of a consumer (16), in particular connected with a cable (14), is provided in the interior (11) of the outer housing (8), in particular wherein the second connection (13) is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection (12), wherein the cover element (10) is arranged to be rotatable or hinged from a first, closed position (S1) to a second, open position (S2) relative to the base element (9) about an axis of rotation (A) on an outer housing element (86) of the outer housing (8), in particular on the base element (9) or a further cover element (85) of the outer housing (8), wherein the lid element (10) has a locking element (17), wherein the outer housing element (86), in particular the base element (9) or the further cover element (85), has a counter-locking element (18) which is designed to be complementary to the locking element (17), wherein the locking element (17) is arranged on the cover element (10) such that it couples with the counter-locking element (18) in a holding position (SH) different from the first position (S1), in particular in the second position (S2), so that the cover element (10) is held in the holding position (SH) without external force. [2] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover element (10) has a cover fastening section (19), wherein the outer housing element (86), in particular the base element (9) or the further cover element (85), has an outer housing fastening section (20), wherein the cover element (10) is rotatably or hingeably attached to the outer housing mounting section (20) in the cover mounting section (19), in particular being detachably attached without damage. [3] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover fastening section (19) has a cover hollow axis (21) in a first axis configuration, wherein the lid hollow axis (21) in particular has a hollow axis wall (22) that is closed at least in sections around the circumference, wherein the outer housing fastening section (20) has an axle (23), in particular a detachable one, with an axle diameter (DA) which passes through the lid hollow axle (21), and / or wherein the cover fastening section (19) in a second axis configuration has a cover axis (38) with a first cover axis diameter (DAD1), wherein the outer housing fastening section (20) has a bearing (39) with a bearing diameter (DL), wherein the cover axis (38) is rotatably mounted in the bearing (39). [4] Connector (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the locking element (17) is arranged on or in the lid fastening section (19), wherein the counter-locking element (18) is formed on the outer housing element (86), in particular on the base element (9) or on the further cover element (85), in the area of ​​the outer housing mounting section (20). [5] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (17) is designed as a projection (24), in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, wherein the counter-locking element (18) is designed as a recess (25), in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, wherein the projection (24) engages in the recess (25) when the holding position (SH) is reached, or wherein the locking element (17) is designed as a locking element recess, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, wherein the counter-locking element (18) is designed as a counter-locking element projection, in particular with a rounded or chamfered edge, the counter-locking element projection engages in the locking element recess when the holding position (SH) is reached. [6] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) is designed such that, during normal connection with the mating connector (2), the cover element (10) is displaced against gravity (G) when moving from the first position (S1) to the second position (S2). [7] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second connection (13) is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection (12) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector (1), especially rotatable by at least 90°, preferably by at least 180°, and / or wherein the second connection (13) is designed to be rotatable relative to the first connection (12) about the transverse axis (Q) of the connector (1), especially rotatable by at least 30°, preferably by at least 45°. [8] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second connection (13) can be rotated relative to the first connection (6) such that, when the consumer connector (15) is inserted into the second connection (13), the cover element (10) can be mounted on the base element (9) without gaps, particularly in the case of a straight cable exit of the consumer connector (15) and in the case of an angled cable exit of the consumer connector (15). [9] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a seal (26) is provided between the base element (9) and the cover element (10), and / or wherein a slot (27) for the passage of the cable (14) of the consumer connector (15) is provided in the base element (9) and / or in the cover element (10), wherein in particular a slot seal (28) is provided in the slot (27). [10] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims and according to claim 3, wherein in the first axle design the outer housing mounting section (20) has an axle stub (29) with an axle stub diameter (DS) and with an axle stub recess (30), wherein the outer housing mounting section (20) has a bearing block (31) with a bearing block recess (32), which is spaced apart in particular from the axle stub (29), wherein the cover hollow axle (21) has at least a section of a wall opening (33) in a hollow axle wall (22) on its side facing the axle stub (29) and is in particular mounted on the axle stub (29) in the area of ​​the wall opening (33), wherein the wall opening (33) in particular has an opening width (B) which is less than the axle stub diameter (DS), wherein the axle (23) is guided through the bearing block recess (32), the cover hollow axle (21) and the axle stub recess (30), wherein the axle (23) is supported in particular in the axle stub recess (30) and the bearing block recess (32), or wherein in the second axis design the bearing (39) has a bearing insertion opening (43) with a bearing insertion opening width (BL) which is smaller than the bearing diameter (DL) and in particular smaller than the first cover axis diameter (DAD1), in particular wherein the bearing insertion opening (43) is essentially perpendicular to the cover axis (38), wherein the cover axis (38) is inserted into the bearing (39) through the bearing insertion opening (43), wherein the outer housing mounting section (20) has a bearing block (31) with a bearing block recess (32), which is spaced apart, in particular from the bearing (39), wherein the cover element (10) has a cover fastening structure (40), in particular a cover arm (41), with a cover fastening structure opening (42), wherein the axis (23) is guided through the bearing block recess (32) and the cover fastening structure opening (42), wherein the lid fastening structure (40) is rotatably mounted on the axis (23) by means of the lid fastening structure opening (42), in particular wherein the cover axis (38) has a second cover axis diameter (DAD2) which is smaller than the bearing insertion opening width (BL). [11] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection (12) is designed for connection to a high-voltage energy system of the device, in particular of the vehicle (3), and / or wherein the first connector (12) is selected from the group comprising: Type 1 connector, Type 2 connector, Type 3A connector, Type 3C connector, CHADEMO connector, CCS COMBO TYPE1 connector, CCS COMBO TYPE2 connector, GB / T connector, Supercharger connector. [12] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection (13) is designed for connecting a consumer connector (15) for a low-voltage network, in particular for voltages from 90V to 440V, and / or wherein the second connection (13), in particular designed as a socket outlet, is selected from the group comprising: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type G, Type H, Type I, Type J, Type K, Type L, Type M, Type N, CEE, USB-A, USB-C. [13] Connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) is configured to transmit currents of at least 1A or at least 5A or at least 10A or at least 16A or at least 20A. [14] Method for assembling a connector (1) according to claim 10, the method comprising the following steps: -- Providing (100) an outer casing element (86), in particular a base element (9) or a further cover element (85); -- Providing (200) a lid element (10); -- Providing (300) an axis (23); -- in the first axis design ---- Mounting (400) the cover element (10), in particular captive mounting of the cover element (10) to the outer housing element (86) by clipping or sliding the cover hollow axle (21) in the area of ​​the wall opening (33) onto the axle stub (29), ---- Inserting (500) the axle (23) along an assembly direction (M) into the bearing block recess (32), into the cover hollow axle (21) and into the axle stub recess (30), ---- in particular securing (600), in particular reversible securing (600), the axle (23) in or on the bearing block recess (32) and / or in or on the axle stub recess (30) against the axle (23) being led out of the axle stub recess (30) and / or out of the cover hollow axle (21) and / or out of the bearing block recess (32), and / or -- in the second axis design ---- Mounting (400) the cover element (10), in particular captive mounting of the cover element (10) on the outer housing element (86) by inserting the cover axis (38) into the bearing (39) through the bearing insertion opening (43), in particular in a third position (S3) in which the cover axis (38) with the second cover axis diameter (DAD2) passes through the bearing insertion opening (43) and which is in particular different from the first position (S1) and from the second position (S2); ---- Inserting (500) the axis (23) along an assembly direction (M) into the bearing block recess (32) and into the cover fastening structure opening (42); ---- in particular securing (600), in particular reversible securing (600), the axis (23) in or on the bearing block recess (32) and / or in or on the cover fastening structure opening (42) against the axis (23) being led out of the cover fastening structure opening (42) and / or out of the bearing block recess (32).

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