Charging station and charging station assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging station and a charging station assembly. The charging station comprises: a charging station housing (6) formed with a connector socket (61) and a plug slot (62) connected to the connector socket (61); a connection arrangement (5) comprising a power connector (50) inserted into the connector socket (61); and a temperature sensing module (100) inserted into the plug slot (62) from outside the charging station housing (6) to detect the temperature of the power connector (50). The temperature sensing module (100) comprises a connector interface (120) arranged outside the charging station housing (6) for interlocking with a connector (8), wherein a limiting device (68) is formed on the charging station housing (6).When the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into a predetermined installation position, the limiting device (68) is in a position where it does not obstruct the connector housing (80), allowing the connector (8) to be connected to the connector interface (120). However, if the temperature sensing module (100) is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device (68) is in a position where it obstructs the connector housing (80), preventing the connector (8) from being connected to the connector interface (120). Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined installation position and improve the resistance of the connector and connector interface to external influences.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION This application claims the benefits of Chinese patent application No. CN202411998257.0, which was filed with the State Intellectual Property Administration of China on December 31, 2024, and whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of invention The present invention relates to a charging station and a charging station assembly comprising the charging station. Description of the state of the art In current technology, charging the batteries of new types of electric vehicles requires the installation of a charging station compatible with the vehicle's charging gun. To improve charging speed, the charging current must be increased. Currently, the charging current is up to 600 A and could potentially rise to 1000 A in the future. When a high current flows through the charging port, a significant amount of heat is generated, which can cause a substantial temperature increase at the charging port. If this temperature rise cannot be controlled in time, it can lead to safety hazards, such as the charging station or other electrical equipment burning out. In current technology, a ladder frame is typically installed in the charging station to monitor the temperature rise of the electrical connections, and a temperature sensing module is integrated into this frame. The temperature sensing module comprises a temperature sensor and a thermal pad wrapped around the outside of the sensor. The thermal pad is in thermal contact with the electrical connection, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the ladder frame. However, in the prior art, the ladder frame is bulky and must be pre-installed in the charging station housing, which is highly impractical. Furthermore, the prior art requires the charging station housing to have a split design to facilitate ladder frame installation, resulting in a complex housing structure.Furthermore, the existing ladder frame must be rotatable between a locking position to lock the power connection and an unlocking position to unlock the power connection, which makes the ladder frame and charging station housing more complex, assembly more difficult and costs higher. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention exhibits at least one aspect of the aforementioned disadvantages and was developed to overcome or mitigate them. According to one aspect of the present invention, a charging station is provided. The charging station comprises: a charging station housing provided with a connector socket and a plug slot connected to the connector socket; a connection assembly comprising a power connector and inserted into the connector socket; and a temperature sensing module inserted into the plug slot from outside the charging station housing to sensing the temperature of the power connector. The temperature sensing module comprises a connector interface located outside the charging station housing for connection to a connector, with a limiting device formed on the charging station housing.When the temperature sensing module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting device is in a position where it does not obstruct the connector housing, allowing the connector to engage with the connector interface. If the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting device is in a position where it obstructs the connector housing and prevents the connector from engaging with the connector interface. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limiting device is designed to engage with a connecting element on the connector housing. When the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined installation position and the connector is connected to the connector interface, the limiting device on the charging station housing engages with the connecting element on the connector housing, thus connecting the connector housing to the charging station housing. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limiting device on the housing of the charging station is shaped like a protruding tongue or column and is suitable for engaging in a slot on the housing of the connector. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device is aligned with the connecting element on the connector housing so that the connector can be connected to the connector interface; when the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device is in a position that is not aligned with the connecting element on the connector housing, thus preventing the connector from being connected to the connector interface. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensing module comprises: an insulator; a thermal pad mounted on the insulator to establish thermal contact with the power terminal; a temperature sensor provided in the thermal pad to detect the temperature of the power terminal; and a conductor wire provided in the insulator and electrically connected to the temperature sensor. The thermal pad comes into thermal contact with the power terminal when the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined installation position to transfer the heat from the power terminal to the temperature sensor. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator is an injection-molded part that is injected directly onto the conductor wire, so that the conductor wire and the insulator become an integrated part. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductor wire has a terminal end that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and an outer pin for electrical connection to a connector terminal. The insulator comprises: a clamping part suitable for insertion into the insertion slot of the charging station housing; and a counterpart designed to be positioned outside the charging station housing. The thermal pad and the temperature sensor are installed on the clamping part, and the connector part has an insertion cavity into which the connector terminal can be inserted, the outer pin of the conductor wire extending into the insertion cavity, and the connector part and the outer pin forming the connector interface. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring mounting groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the clamp part, and the temperature sensing module further comprises a sealing ring installed in the sealing ring mounting groove, wherein the sealing ring is designed to be compressed between the clamp part and the inner circumferential wall of the insertion slot of the charging station housing in order to achieve a seal between the two. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping part has a cover plate part for covering the entrance of the insertion slot of the charging station housing, and several projections are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate part, which are distributed at intervals around the outer circumference of the cover plate part; several buckles are formed on the outside of the outer circumferential wall of the insertion slot of the charging station housing, which are distributed at intervals around the insertion slot and each engage with the several projections in order to lock the temperature sensing module to the charging station housing. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping part has a cover plate part for covering the entrance of the insertion slot of the charging station housing, and a plurality of connecting tabs are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate part, which are distributed at intervals around the outer circumference of the cover plate part; a connecting hole is formed in the connecting tab, and a threaded hole is formed in the housing of the charging station, wherein the temperature sensing module further comprises a threaded connecting piece that passes through the connecting hole in the connecting tab and is screwed into the threaded hole in the housing of the charging station in order to attach the temperature sensing module to the charging station housing. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductor wire comprises a positive wire and a negative wire, each of which is electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the temperature sensor; the outer pins of the positive wire and the negative wire protrude into the insertion cavity of the connecting part to establish an electrical connection with the connecting terminals of the inserted connector. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging station housing has several connection sockets, wherein the charging station comprises several connection assemblies, each of which is inserted into the several connection sockets, wherein the insertion slot is connected to the several connection sockets and the temperature sensing module comprises several thermal pads in thermal contact with the power connections of the several connection assemblies and several temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the several power connections. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductor wire comprises several positive wires and a single negative wire; the terminal ends of the several positive wires are each electrically connected to the positive terminals of the several temperature sensors, and the single negative wire has several terminal ends, each of which is electrically connected to the negative terminals of the several temperature sensors. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thermal pad is block-shaped, and a recessed receiving part is formed on the insulator, wherein the thermal pad is positioned and installed in the receiving part; a socket is formed in the insulator, and an elastic buckle, which engages with the socket, is formed on the thermal pad to lock the thermal pad onto the insulator. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mounting slot is formed in the thermal pad, and the main body of the temperature sensor is inserted into the mounting slot of the thermal pad, with the positive and negative poles of the temperature sensor extending from the thermal pad. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thermal pad is block-shaped and has an arc-shaped contact surface which is suitable for attachment to the outer circumferential surface of the electrical connection in order to increase the thermal contact area between the thermal pad and the electrical connection. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the axial direction of the insertion slot is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector socket, and the temperature sensing module is inserted into the insertion slot along the radial direction of the connector socket. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power connector comprises: a cylindrical section for mating with a countercurrent connector; and a connecting section connected to the rear end of the cylindrical section to establish an electrical connection to a cable, wherein the edge section of the insulator of the temperature sensing module is pressed axially against the rear end face of the cylindrical section of the power connector to lock the power connector in the terminal socket. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection arrangement further comprises: a cable that is electrically connected to the connecting part of the power connector; and a sealing plug that is placed on the cable and inserted into the rear opening of the connector socket, wherein the connection arrangement is inserted through the rear opening of the connector socket and the sealing plug is used to seal the rear opening of the connector socket. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensing module is inserted into the insertion slot of the charging station housing, the edge area of ​​the insulator is pressed against the power connection inside the charging station housing in order to lock the power connection in the charging station housing. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging station housing is a one-piece injection-molded part. According to another aspect of the present invention, a charging station assembly is provided. The charging station assembly comprises: the charging station mentioned above; and a connector that meshes with the connector interface of the charging station's temperature sensing module. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector comprises: a connector housing and a terminal provided in the connector housing. A connecting element is formed on the connector housing, which engages with the limiting device on the charging station housing, and the terminal is electrically connected to the outer pin of the temperature sensing module. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a signal cable which is electrically connected to the connector and is led out of the connector housing. In the exemplary embodiments mentioned above according to the present invention, the limiting device on the charging station housing only does not impede the engagement between the connector and the connector interface of the temperature sensing module if the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined installation position. Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined installation position. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments according to the present invention, the limiting device on the housing of the charging station can also engage with the connector housing, so that the connector and the connector interface can withstand large external forces and are not damaged by external forces. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments mentioned above according to the present invention, the temperature sensing module is not only small, but can also be inserted directly from the outside into the slot in the charging station housing, which makes installation and use very convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned and other features of the present invention will become clearer through the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side; Fig. 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side; Fig. 3 shows an illustrative exploded view of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the other side; Fig.Fig. 4 shows an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, seen from the other side; Fig. 5 shows an illustrative assembly view of a thermal pad and a temperature sensor of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 shows an illustrative exploded view of the thermal pad and the temperature sensor of the temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 shows an illustrative exploded view of the insulator and the conductor wires of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 shows an illustrative view of the electrical connection between the conductor wires of the temperature sensing module and the temperature sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig.Fig. 9 shows an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 shows an illustrative exploded view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 shows an exploded sectional view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 shows an axial sectional view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 shows an illustrative perspective view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig.Figure 15 shows an illustrative exploded view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector is not yet connected to the connector interface; Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector has been connected to the connector interface; Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined installation position and the limiting device prevents the connector from being connected to the connector interface; FigureFigure 19 shows an illustrative perspective view of a charging station assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 shows an illustrative exploded view of a charging station assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXECUTIONS OF THE INVENTION Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is complete and comprehensive and the concept of the disclosure is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description provides numerous specific details for explanatory purposes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments can also be realized without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are shown schematically to simplify the drawing. According to a general concept of the present invention, a charging station is provided. The charging station comprises: a charging station housing formed with a connector socket and a plug slot connected to the connector socket; a connection assembly comprising a power connector and inserted into the connector socket; and a temperature sensing module inserted into the plug slot from outside the charging station housing to sensing the temperature of the power connector. The temperature sensing module comprises a connector interface located outside the charging station housing for connection to a connector, with a limiting device formed on the charging station housing.When the temperature sensing module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting device is in a position where it does not obstruct the connector housing, allowing the connector to be connected to the connector interface. If the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting device is in a position where it obstructs the connector housing and prevents the connector from being connected to the connector interface. According to a further general concept of the present invention, a charging station assembly is provided. The charging station assembly comprises: the charging station mentioned above; and a connector that is connected to the connector interface of the temperature sensing module of the charging station. Fig. 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 shows an illustrative exploded view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 shows an exploded sectional view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 shows an axial sectional view of a charging station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 shows an illustrative perspective view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15 shows an illustrative exploded view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig.Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector 8 is not yet connected to the connector interface 120; Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector 8 is connected to the connector interface 120; Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging station assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the temperature sensing module 100 is not inserted into the predetermined installation position and the limiting device 68 prevents the connector 8 from engaging with the connector interface 120. As shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a charging station. The charging station comprises: a charging station housing 6, a connection assembly 5, and a temperature sensing module 100. The charging station housing 6 is provided with a connector socket 61 and a slot 62, which is connected to the connector socket 61. The connection assembly 5 comprises a power connector 50 and is inserted into the connector socket 61. The temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the slot 62 from outside the charging station housing 6 to detect the temperature of the power connector 50. The temperature sensing module 100 includes a connector interface 120, which is located outside the charging station housing 6 and serves to interlock with a plug connector 8. As shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, a limiting device 68 is formed on the outside of the charging station housing 6 in the illustrated embodiment. When the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into a predetermined installation position, the limiting device 68 is in a position where it does not obstruct the connector housing 80, allowing the plug connector 8 to be connected to the connector interface 120. When the temperature sensing module 100 is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device 68 is in a position where it obstructs the connector housing 80 (as shown in Figure 18), thus preventing the plug connector 8 from engaging with the connector interface 120.Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the limiting device 68 on the charging station housing 6 only does not impede the engagement of the connector 8 with the connector interface 120 of the temperature sensing module 100 when the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the predetermined installation position. Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the predetermined installation position. As shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment the limiting device 68 is designed to engage with a connecting element 88 on the connector housing 80. When the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the predetermined installation position and the connector 8 is connected to the connector interface 120, the limiting device 68 on the charging station housing 6 engages with the connecting element 88 on the connector housing 80, so that the connector housing 80 engages with the charging station housing 6. This enables the connector 8 and the connector interface 120 to withstand large external forces and prevents damage from external forces. As shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment the limiting device 68 on the charging station housing 6 is a projecting, tongue-shaped device suitable for engaging with the slot (i.e., the aforementioned connecting element 88) on the connector housing 80. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the limiting device 68 on the charging station housing 6 can have a projecting cylindrical shape and be designed to engage in the slot on the connector housing 80. As shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, when the temperature sensing module 100 is installed in the predetermined mounting position, the limiting device 68 is aligned with the connecting element 88 on the connector housing 80 so that the plug 8 can engage with the connector interface 120. If the temperature sensing module 100 is not inserted in the predetermined mounting position, the limiting device 68 is not aligned with the connecting element 88 on the connector housing 80, thus preventing the plug 8 from being connected to the connector interface 120. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 18, the limiting device 68 presses against the front end face of the connector housing 80 when the temperature sensing module 100 is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, thus preventing the interlocking between the connector 8 and the connector interface 120. Fig. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side; Fig. 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side; Fig. 3 shows an illustrative exploded view of the temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the other side; Fig. 4 shows an illustrative perspective view of the temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the other side; Fig.Figure 5 shows an illustrative assembly view of the thermal pad 2 and the temperature sensor 3 of the temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows an illustrative exploded view of the thermal pad 2 and the temperature sensor 3 of the temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows an illustrative exploded view of the insulator 1 and the conductor wire 4 of the temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows an illustrative view of the electrical connection between the conductor wire 4 and the temperature sensor 3 of the temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows an illustrative perspective view of a temperature sensing module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, the temperature sensing module 100 in the illustrated embodiment comprises an insulator 1, a thermal pad 2, a temperature sensor 3, and a conductor wire 4. The thermal pad 2 is mounted on the insulator 1 to establish thermal contact with the power connector 50 (see Figure 13) of the charging station. The temperature sensor 3 is provided in the thermal pad 2 to detect the temperature of the power connector 50. The conductor wire 4 is arranged in the insulator 1 and electrically connected to the temperature sensor 3. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, the temperature sensing module 100 in the illustrated embodiment is designed to be installed from outside the charging station housing 6 into the insertion slot 62 in the charging station housing 6. The thermal pad 2 is in thermal contact with the power connector 50 when the temperature sensing module 100 is installed in the insertion slot 62 in order to transfer the heat from the power connector 50 to the temperature sensor 3. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, if the temperature sensing module 100 is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the thermal pad 2 may not be in reliable thermal contact with the power connector 50. To ensure reliable thermal contact between the thermal pad 2 and the power connector 50, the temperature sensing module 100 must be inserted into the predetermined installation position mentioned above. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment the insulator 1 is an injection-molded part that is directly injection-molded onto the conductor wire 4, so that the conductor wire 4 and the insulator 1 become an integral part. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, a slot is formed in the insulator 1, and the conductor wire 4 is held and fixed in the slot on the insulator 1. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the conductor wire 4 in the illustrated embodiment has a terminal end 4a for the electrical connection with the temperature sensor 3 and an outer pin 4b for the electrical connection with the connector 8 arranged outside the charging station housing 6. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the insulator 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a clamping part 11 and a connecting part 12. The clamping part 11 is suitable for insertion into the insertion slot 62 of the charging station housing 6. The connecting part 12 is designed to be positioned on the outside of the charging station housing 6 in order to engage with the connector 8 located outside the charging station housing 6. The thermal pad 2 and the temperature sensor 3 are installed on the clamping part 11, and the connecting part 12 has an insertion cavity 14 into which the connector 8 can be inserted. The outer pin 4b of the conductor wire 4 extends into the insertion cavity 14 to establish an electrical connection with the inserted connector 8.In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting part 12 of the insulator 1 and the outer pin 4b of the conductor wire 4 together form the connector interface 120 for plugging together with the connector 8. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment a sealing ring mounting groove 15 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the clamp part 11. The temperature sensing module 100 also includes a sealing ring 17, which is installed in the sealing ring mounting groove 15 and can be compressed between the clamp part 11 and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot 62 of the charging station housing 6 to achieve a seal between the two. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the clamping part 11 in the illustrated embodiment has a cover plate part 13 for covering the entrance of the insertion slot 62 of the charging station housing 6. Several projections 16 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate part 13, which are distributed around the outer circumference of the cover plate part 13 and serve to engage with several buckles 66 on the charging station housing 6 in order to lock the temperature sensing module 100 in the insertion slot 62 of the charging station housing 6. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the conductor wire 4 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a positive wire 41 and a negative wire 42, each electrically connected to the positive terminal 31 and the negative terminal 32 of the temperature sensor 3. The outer pins 4b of the positive wire 41 and the negative wire 42 extend into the insertion cavity 14 of the connecting part 12 to establish an electrical connection with the inserted connector 8. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal end 4a of the positive wire 41 is suitable for a pluggable electrical connection with the positive terminal 31 of the temperature sensor 3. The terminal end 4a of the negative wire 42 is suitable for a pluggable electrical connection with the negative terminal 32 of the temperature sensor 3. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, the terminal end 4a of the positive wire 41 can be welded, crimped, or riveted to the positive terminal 31 of the temperature sensor 3. The terminal end 4a of the negative wire 42 can be welded, crimped or riveted to the negative terminal 32 of the temperature sensor 3. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal end 4a of the positive wire 41 has an elastic clamp shape suitable for clamping the positive terminal 31 of the temperature sensor 3. The terminal end 4a of the negative wire 42 has an elastic clamp shape suitable for clamping the negative terminal 32 of the temperature sensor 3. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the temperature sensing module 100 in the illustrated embodiment comprises several thermal pads 2 and several temperature sensors 3, each arranged in the several thermal pads 2. The several thermal pads 2 serve to establish thermal contact with several electrical terminals 50, and the several temperature sensors 3 serve to detect the temperature of each of the several electrical terminals 50. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the conductor wire 4 in the illustrated embodiment comprises several positive wires 41 and a single negative wire 42. The terminal ends 4a of the several positive wires 41 are each electrically connected to the positive terminals 31 of the several temperature sensors 3, and the single negative wire 42 has several terminal ends 4a, each of which is electrically connected to the negative terminals 32 of the several temperature sensors 3. The outer pins 4b of the multiple positive wires 41 and the outer pins 4b of the single negative wire 42 extend into the insertion cavity 14 of the connecting part 12 to establish an electrical connection with the inserted connector 8. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. For example, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the conductor wire 4 comprises several positive wires 41 and several negative wires 42. The terminal ends 4a of the several positive wires 41 are each electrically connected to the positive terminals 31 of the several temperature sensors 3, and the terminal ends 4a of the several negative wires 42 are each electrically connected to the negative terminals 32 of the several temperature sensors 3. The outer pins 4b of the several positive wires 41 and the several negative wires 42 extend into the insertion cavity 14 of the connecting part 12 to establish an electrical connection with the inserted connector 8. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the thermal pad 2 in the illustrated embodiment has the shape of a block, and a recessed receiving part 101 is formed on the insulator 1. The thermal pad 2 is positioned and installed in the receiving part 101. A bushing 102 is formed in the insulator 1, and an elastic buckle 22 is formed on the thermal pad 2, which engages with the bushing 102 to lock the thermal pad 2 to the insulator 1. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment a mounting slot 20 is formed in the thermal pad 2, and the main body 30 of the temperature sensor 3 is inserted into the mounting slot 20 of the thermal pad 2. The positive terminal 31 and the negative terminal 32 of the temperature sensor 3 extend from the thermal pad 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for example, the thermal pad 2 can be injection molded onto the main body 30 of the temperature sensor 3, so that the thermal pad 2 and the temperature sensor 3 become an integral part. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the thermal pad 2 in the illustrated embodiment is block-shaped and has an arc-shaped contact surface 2a, which is suitable for attachment to the outer circumferential surface of the electrical connection 50 in order to increase the thermal contact area between the thermal pad 2 and the electrical connection 50. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment the edge region 11a of the insulator 1 simultaneously presses against the multiple power connections 50 inside the charging station housing 6 when the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the slot 62 of the charging station housing 6 in order to lock the multiple power connections 50 in the charging station housing 6. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention also discloses a charging station. The charging station comprises: a charging station housing 6, a connection arrangement 5, and a temperature sensing module 100. The charging station housing 6 is provided with a connection socket 61 and a plug slot 62 connected to the connection socket 61. The connection arrangement 5 includes a power connection 50 and is inserted into the connection socket 61. The temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the plug slot 62 from outside the charging station housing 6. The thermal pad 2 of the temperature sensing module 100 is in thermal contact with the power connector 50 in order to transfer the heat of the power connector 50 to the temperature sensor 3. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment several buckles 66 are formed on the outside of the outer circumferential wall of the insertion slot 62 of the charging station housing 6, and the several buckles 66 are distributed at intervals around the insertion slot 62 in order to engage with the several projections 16 on the insulator 1 of the temperature sensing module 100 in order to lock the temperature sensing module 100 in the insertion slot 62. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment the axial direction of the insertion slot 62 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector 61, and the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 62 along the radial direction of the connector 61. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the insertion slot 62 is elliptical. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the current connector 50 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a cylindrical section 51 and a connecting section 52. The cylindrical section 51 is used for connection to a counter-current connector (not shown). The connecting section 52 is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical section 51 to establish an electrical connection to a cable 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting section 52 is flat and welded to the conductor of the cable 53. The edge section 11a of the insulator 1 of the temperature sensing module 100 is pressed axially against the rear end face of the cylindrical section 51 of the power connector 50 to lock the power connector 50 in the terminal socket 61. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the connection arrangement 5 in the illustrated embodiment further comprises a cable 53 and a sealing plug 54. The cable 53 is electrically connected to the connecting section 52 of the power connector 50. The sealing plug 54 is placed onto the cable 53 and inserted into the rear opening of the connector socket 61. The connection arrangement 5 is inserted through the rear opening of the connector socket 61, and the sealing plug 54 is used to seal the rear opening of the connector socket 61. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13, the charging station housing 6 in the illustrated embodiment has several connection sockets 61, and the charging station has several connection assemblies 5, each of which is inserted into the several connection sockets 61. The insertion slot 62 is connected to the several connection sockets 61, and the temperature sensing module 100 comprises several thermal pads 2, which are in thermal contact with the power terminals 50 of the several connection assemblies 5, as well as several temperature sensors 3 for sensing the temperature of the several power terminals 50.In the illustrated embodiment, the edge section 11a of the insulator 1 of the temperature sensing module 100 is simultaneously pressed axially against the rear end faces of the cylindrical sections 51 of the multiple current connections 50 in order to lock the multiple current connections 50 in the connection socket 61. As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13, in the illustrated embodiment the charging station housing 6 is an integral injection-molded part. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18, the projection 16 on the temperature sensing module 100 engages with the buckle 66 on the charging station housing 6, and the temperature sensing module 100 is locked to the charging station housing 6 by the buckle. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. For example, the temperature sensing module 100 can also be attached to the charging station housing 6 in other suitable ways. Fig. 19 shows an illustrative perspective view of a charging station assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 20 shows an illustrative exploded view of a charging station assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The only difference between the charging station assembly shown in Figs. 19 and 20 and the charging station assembly shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18 is the method of attaching the temperature sensing module 100 to the charging station housing 6. The other technical features of the charging station assembly shown in Figs. 19 and 20 are essentially the same as those shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18. The charging station assembly shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18 can be referred to as the charging station assembly according to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to 18. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the clamping part 11 in the illustrated embodiment has a cover plate part 13 for covering the entrance of the insertion slot 62 of the charging station housing 6. Several connecting tabs 131 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate part 13, which are distributed at intervals around the outer circumference of the cover plate part 13. A connecting hole 130 is formed in the connecting tab 131, and a threaded hole 63 is formed in the charging station housing 6. The temperature sensing module 100 also includes a connecting piece 19 that passes through the connecting hole 130 in the connecting tab 131 and is screwed into the threaded hole 63 in the charging station housing 6 to attach the temperature sensing module 100 to the charging station housing 6. Experts in this field should be aware that the embodiments mentioned above are for illustrative purposes only and are not restrictive. For example, experts in this field can make many modifications to the embodiments mentioned above, and various features described in different embodiments can be freely combined without conflicting configurations or principles. Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. As used herein, an element referred to in the singular and introduced by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding the plural of those elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" of the present invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also have the aforementioned features. Unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" an element or a plurality of elements with a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature CN 202411998257.0

[0001]

Claims

A charging station comprising: a charging station housing (6) which is provided with a connection socket (61) and a plug slot (62) connected to the connection socket (61); a connection arrangement (5) which includes a power connection (50) and is inserted into the connection socket (61);and a temperature sensing module (100) which is inserted from outside the charging station housing (6) into the insertion slot (62) to sense the temperature of the power connector (50), wherein the temperature sensing module (100) comprises a connector interface (120) arranged outside the charging station housing (6) for interlocking with a connector (8), wherein a limiting device (68) is formed on the charging station housing (6), wherein when the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into a predetermined installation position, the limiting device (68) is in a position which does not obstruct a connector housing (80) so that the connector (8) can be connected to the connector interface (120);wherein, if the temperature sensing module (100) is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device (68) is in a position in which it obstructs the connector housing (80), thereby preventing the connector (8) from being connected to the connector interface (120). The charging station according to claim 1, wherein the limiting device (68) is designed to engage with a connecting element (88) on the connector housing (80); wherein, when the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into the predetermined installation position and the connector (8) is connected to the connector interface (120), the limiting device (68) on the charging station housing (6) engages with the connecting element (88) on the connector housing (80), so that the connector housing (80) is brought into engagement with the charging station housing (6). The charging station according to claim 2, wherein the limiting device (68) on the charging station housing (6) is shaped like a protruding tongue or column and is suitable for engagement with a slot on the connector housing (80). The charging station according to claim 2, wherein, when the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device (68) is aligned with the connecting element (88) on the connector housing (80) so that the connector (8) can be connected to the connector interface (120); and wherein, when the temperature sensing module (100) is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the limiting device (68) is in a position that is not aligned with the connecting element (88) on the connector housing (80), thereby preventing the connector (8) from being connected to the connector interface (120). The charging station according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing module (100) comprises: an insulator (1); a thermal pad (2) mounted on the insulator (1) to establish thermal contact with the power terminal (50); a temperature sensor (3) provided in the thermal pad (2) to detect the temperature of the power terminal (50); and a conductor wire (4) provided in the insulator (1) and electrically connected to the temperature sensor (3), wherein the thermal pad (2) comes into thermal contact with the power terminal (50) when the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into the predetermined installation position to transfer the heat from the power terminal (50) to the temperature sensor (3). The charging station according to claim 5, wherein the insulator (1) is an injection-molded part directly onto the conductor wire (4), such that the conductor wire (4) and the insulator (1) form an integral part. The charging station according to claim 5, wherein the conductor wire (4) has a terminal end (4a) which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (3) and an outer pin (4b) for electrical connection with a terminal (81) of the connector (8); wherein the insulator (1) comprises: a clamping part (11) which is suitable for insertion into the insertion slot (62) of the charging station housing (6); and a connecting part (12) designed to be positioned outside the charging station housing (6), wherein the thermal pad (2) and the temperature sensor (3) are installed on the clamp part (11), and the connecting part (12) has an insertion cavity (14) into which the terminal (81) of the connector (8) can be inserted, wherein the outer pin (4b) of the conductor wire (4) extends into the insertion cavity (14) and the connecting part (12) and the outer pin (4b) form the connector interface (120). The charging station according to claim 7, wherein a sealing ring installation groove (15) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the clamp part (11), and the temperature sensing module (100) further comprises a sealing ring (17) which is installed in the sealing ring installation groove (15), wherein the sealing ring (17) is designed to be compressed between the clamp part (11) and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot (62) of the charging station housing (6) to achieve a seal between the two. The charging station according to claim 7, wherein the clamping part (11) has a cover plate part (13) for covering the entrance of the insertion slot (62) of the charging station housing (6), and several projections (16) are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate part (13), which are distributed at intervals around the outer circumference of the cover plate part (13); wherein several buckles (66) are formed on the outer circumferential wall of the insertion slot (62) of the charging station housing (6), and the several buckles (66) are distributed at intervals around the insertion slot (62) and each engage with the several projections (16) to lock the temperature sensing module (100) to the charging station housing (6). The charging station according to claim 7, wherein the clamping part (11) has a cover plate part (13) for covering the entrance of the insertion slot (62) of the charging station housing (6) and a plurality of connecting tabs (131) are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate part (13), which are distributed at intervals around the outer circumference of the cover plate part (13); wherein a connecting hole (130) is formed in the connecting tab (131) and a threaded hole (63) is formed in the charging station housing (6), the temperature sensing module (100) further comprises a connecting piece (19) which passes through the connecting hole (130) in the connecting tab (131) and is screwed into the threaded hole (63) in the charging station housing (6) to attach the temperature sensing module (100) to the charging station housing (6). The charging station according to claim 7, wherein the conductor wire (4) comprises a positive conductor (41) and a negative conductor (42) which are electrically connected to the positive terminal (31) and the negative terminal (32) of the temperature sensor (3), respectively; and wherein the outer pins (4b) of the positive conductor (41) and the negative conductor (42) extend into the insertion cavity (14) of the connecting part (12) to establish an electrical connection with the connecting terminals (81) of the inserted connector (8). The charging station according to claim 7, wherein the charging station housing (6) has several connection sockets (61), the charging station comprises several connection assemblies (5) which are each inserted into the several connection sockets (61), the insertion slot (62) is connected to the several connection sockets (61), and the temperature sensing module (100) comprises several thermal pads (2) which are in thermal contact with the power terminals (50) of the several connection assemblies (5), as well as several temperature sensors (3) for sensing the temperature of the several power terminals (50). The charging station according to claim 12, wherein the conductor wire (4) comprises several positive conductors (41) and a single negative conductor (42); wherein the terminal ends (4a) of the several positive conductors (41) are each electrically connected to the positive terminals (31) of the several temperature sensors (3) and the single negative conductor (42) has several terminal ends (4a) which are each electrically connected to the negative terminals (32) of the several temperature sensors (3). The charging station according to claim 5, wherein the thermal pad (2) is block-shaped and a recessed receptacle (101) is formed on the insulator (1), wherein the thermal pad (2) is positioned and installed in the receptacle (101); and wherein a socket (102) is formed in the insulator (1) and an elastic buckle (22) engaging in the socket (102) is formed on the thermal pad (2) to lock the thermal pad (2) to the insulator (1). The charging station according to claim 5, wherein a mounting slot (20) is formed in the thermal pad (2) and the main body (30) of the temperature sensor (3) is inserted into the mounting slot (20) of the thermal pad (2), wherein the positive terminal (31) and the negative terminal (32) of the temperature sensor (3) extend from the thermal pad (2). The charging station according to claim 5, wherein the thermal pad (2) is block-shaped and has an arc-shaped contact surface (2a) suitable for attachment to the outer circumferential surface of the power connector (50) in order to increase the thermal contact area between the thermal pad (2) and the power connector (50). The charging station according to claim 5, wherein the axial direction of the insertion slot (62) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector socket (61) and the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into the insertion slot (62) along the radial direction of the connector socket (61). The charging station according to claim 17, wherein the power connector (50) comprises: a cylindrical section (51) used for interlocking with a matching power connector; and a connecting section (52) connected to the rear end of the cylindrical section (51) to establish an electrical connection to a cable (53), wherein the edge section (11a) of the insulator (1) of the temperature sensing module (100) is pressed axially against the rear end face of the cylindrical section (51) of the power connector (50) to lock the power connector (50) in the connector socket (61). The charging station according to claim 18, wherein the connection arrangement (5) further comprises: a cable (53) which is electrically connected to the connecting section (52) of the power connector (50); and a sealing plug (54) which is placed on the cable (53) and inserted into the rear opening of the connector socket (61), wherein the connection arrangement (5) is inserted through the rear opening of the connector socket (61) and the sealing plug (54) is used to seal the rear opening of the connector socket (61). The charging station according to one of claims 5 to 19, wherein, when the temperature sensing module (100) is inserted into the slot (62) of the charging station housing (6), the edge region (11a) of the insulator (1) is pressed against the power connection (50) inside the charging station housing (6) to lock the power connection (50) in the charging station housing (6). The charging station according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the charging station housing (6) is an integral injection-molded part. A charging station assembly comprising: the charging station according to any one of claims 1 to 21; and a connector (8) which is connected to the connector interface (120) of the temperature sensing module (100) of the charging station. The charging station assembly according to claim 22, wherein the connector (8) comprises: a connector housing (80); and a connection terminal (81) provided in the connector housing (80), wherein a connecting element (88) is formed on the connector housing (80) which engages with the limiting device (68) on the charging station housing (6), and the connection terminal (81) is electrically connected to the outer pin (4b) of the temperature sensing module (100). The charging station assembly according to claim 23, wherein the connector (8) further comprises: a signal cable (82) which is electrically connected to the connection terminal (81) and leads out of the connector housing (80).

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