Underbody charging unit and vehicle with an underbody charging unit

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an underbody charging unit, in particular for an electrical charging system for an electrically powered vehicle, and to a vehicle having an underbody charging unit.

[0002] For electrically powered vehicles, conductive charging systems are known in which an electrical line is automatically established between a vehicle-side part (also called vehicle contact unit) and a part fixed to the ground (also called ground contact unit).

[0003] For this purpose, electrical contacts are usually required on the underbody of the vehicle, which can be brought into contact with the corresponding contact surfaces of the ground contact unit if necessary.

[0004] Regardless of whether a vehicle contact unit moves from the vehicle to the ground contact unit or whether the movement occurs from the ground contact unit to the vehicle, it is necessary to protect the contacts provided on the underbody of the vehicle from contamination while driving in order to avoid losses during charging.

[0005] From WO 2017 / 054858 A1, an underbody charging unit is known which can be lowered from the underbody of a vehicle by means of an actuator in order to establish electrical contact with a floor charging unit and to charge a vehicle battery.

[0006] US 2011 / 066515 A1 discloses a ground contact unit that can establish electrical contact with an underbody charging unit of a vehicle to charge a vehicle's battery. The ground contact unit is arranged in a recess that can be closed by a cover.

[0007] DE 10 2016 121 355 A1 discloses an underbody charging unit for electrically connecting a vehicle contact unit to a ground contact unit of an electric charging infrastructure. The underbody charging unit comprises a contact actuator that can move the vehicle contact unit toward and away from the ground contact unit.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 197 32 529 A1 shows a closure cover for a body opening with a sealing lip extending over the edge of the body opening and locking means for securing the closure cover in the body opening and at least one water outlet opening provided on the closure cover for water drainage.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 008 108 A1 discloses a closure device for closing a through-opening in a vehicle body. An interior compartment with a filling or connection device is accessible through the through-opening.

[0010] US 2012 / 286730 A1 shows an underbody charging unit with a robot that is lowered from the vehicle floor and locates a contact unit on the ground, drives toward it, and connects itself to it. The robot is connected to the vehicle via a cable. The storage compartment is closed by flaps on the vehicle that are locked with pins.

[0011] DE 10 2011 090205 A1 concerns a fuel filler flap provided on the side of the body, which can also be used in electric vehicles.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an underbody charging unit and a vehicle in which contacts of the underbody charging unit are sufficiently protected while driving.

[0013] The object is achieved by an underbody charging unit, in particular for an electric charging system for an electrically powered vehicle, with a housing having a top side and a contact opening, a cover and a drive device for actuating the cover, and with a vehicle contact unit with contacts which is arranged in the housing and the vehicle contact unit can be moved out of the underbody charging unit through the contact opening, wherein the cover covers the contact opening in a closed position and exposes the contact opening in an open position, and wherein the drive device is designed to move the cover automatically from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position, wherein the cover is closer to the top side in the closed position than in the open position.The drive device is designed to rotate the cover around a rotational axis. The underbody charging unit has a sensor designed to detect whether the cover is in the closed position. A contact actuator in the form of a pneumatically operated bellows is provided, which moves the underbody charging unit downward through the contact opening out of the housing until the vehicle contact unit contacts a floor contact unit to establish a closed circuit for charging the vehicle.

[0014] The top of the housing is the side that faces upwards in the intended mounting position of the underbody charging unit, e.g., closest to the vehicle's roof. The top of the housing can also be open or partially open.

[0015] The contact opening is provided in particular on the top side opposite the bottom side, ie the side of the housing facing away from the vehicle.

[0016] The position of the cover relative to the top of the housing can be defined, for example, by the position of the center of mass of the cover.

[0017] For example, in the closed position the cover is closer to the top by a distance than in the open position, the distance being greater than the thickness of the cover in the vertical direction.

[0018] Because the contact opening is concealed by the cover in the closed position, the interior of the housing and thus the contacts located there are mechanically protected. Furthermore, because the cover can be moved automatically from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position, no laborious intervention by the vehicle user is necessary.

[0019] In particular, the contact opening is at least partially, in particular completely, covered by the cover in the closed position. The cover can be mechanically locked in the closed position.

[0020] In the context of this invention, "release" means that the contact opening is largely accessible, in particular more than 80%.

[0021] For example, in the open position the cover is arranged parallel to the housing.

[0022] The underbody charging unit is preferably provided on the underbody of the electrically powered vehicle. The cover preferably moves parallel to the vehicle underbody or to the underside of the housing. For example, the drive device is provided inside the housing.

[0023] For example, the underbody charging unit has contacts for charging the vehicle, which are covered by the cover in the closed position. The contacts can be brought into electrical contact with mating contacts—such as contact surfaces of a ground contact unit—to charge the vehicle. A vehicle contact unit carrying the contacts can be moved through the contact opening, for example, from the inside of the housing. Alternatively, a ground contact unit with contact surfaces can be moved into the inside of the housing through the contact opening to contact the contacts.

[0024] Examples of electrically powered vehicles include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises several parts, such as half-shells, and has, for example, a two-box design. In addition to the contact opening, the housing can have additional openings, such as ventilation openings.

[0026] For example, the drive device is designed to move the cover both in the vertical direction, e.g. by a translational movement, and in the horizontal direction, e.g. by a rotational movement.

[0027] The movements in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction can, but do not have to, be separate from each other, as in a pivoting movement.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the drive device is designed to move the cover translationally by the drive device, in particular wherein the drive device is designed to first move the cover translationally in a translational direction away from the housing interior and then to move the cover rotationally about a rotation axis into the open position in order to transfer the cover from the closed position to the open position. In this way, the space required to move the cover from the closed position to the open position can be kept to a minimum. In particular, no space-intensive pivoting movements about a pivot axis parallel to the vehicle underbody are necessary.

[0029] Preferably, the rotation axis and / or the translation direction run perpendicular to the cover and / or the contact opening in order to further reduce the required space.

[0030] In particular, the axis of rotation is parallel to the direction of translation. During the rotational movement, the cover can always be parallel to the housing, especially to the outer surface or the underbody plane.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the cover has several cover parts that are movable relative to one another, in particular overlapping one another. This allows the installation space required for the cover in the open position to be reduced. The cover can be designed, for example, as an iris diaphragm.

[0032] To protect the drive unit with the cover, the cover can have an outer side and an inner side, with the cover being connected to the drive device on the inner side. The outer side can be the side of the cover facing away from the housing interior, and the inner side can be the side of the cover facing the housing interior.

[0033] One aspect of the invention provides that the contact opening is delimited by an edge region of the housing, wherein the underbody charging unit has a sealing lip that, in the closed position, is arranged between the cover and the edge region and that surrounds the contact opening, in particular completely surrounds it, thereby reliably protecting the housing interior in the closed position. For example, in the closed position, the sealing lip prevents liquids and / or dirt from entering the housing interior.

[0034] For example, the sealing lip is made of rubber, felt, and / or a bead, a slat, a hollow profile, or a brush. In the closed position, the sealing lip can be located axially between the cover and the edge area and / or it can be attached to the edge area or to the cover.

[0035] In the case of a two-part sealing lip, the sealing lip can also be attached to the edge area and to the cover.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the underbody loading unit has a guide, in particular a link and / or a shaft bearing, which guides the movement of the cover, thereby ensuring reliable movement of the cover.

[0037] To improve the service life of the underbody loading unit, the sealing lip can circulate around the guide in the closed position.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the housing has an outer surface with a recess, wherein the contact opening is provided in the recess, in particular wherein the cover has the same contour as the recess. This makes it possible to provide a receptacle, in particular with stops, for the cover in the closed position.

[0039] The outer surface is provided in particular on an underside of the underbody loading unit.

[0040] In a space-saving design, the recess has a bottom, with at least parts of the bottom forming an edge region of the housing that delimits the contact opening.

[0041] The bottom of the recess is offset, in particular relative to the outer surface, toward the interior of the housing. Additional openings, such as a functional opening for the drive device and / or a ventilation opening, can be provided in the recess, particularly in the bottom of the recess.

[0042] Preferably, the cover is completely received in the recess in the closed position, thereby reducing air resistance while driving.

[0043] For example, the outside of the cover is flush with the outer surface when closed.

[0044] In order to protect the drive unit from contamination, the drive device can be provided in the area of ​​the recess in the interior of the housing, in particular when viewed perpendicular to the opening.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the drive device comprises at least one assembly for generating the movement of the cover. In particular, the drive device comprises a first assembly for generating the translational movement and a second assembly for generating the rotational movement. In this way, the drive device can be constructed using standard components.

[0046] In one embodiment, the drive device has a first link and a second link different therefrom, in which a common guide pin is guided, wherein the first link is movable relative to the second link, so that complex movement sequences of the cover are possible.

[0047] In this case, only one assembly and / or one electric motor of the drive unit is required. The complex motion sequence can, for example, comprise a substantially translational movement and a separate substantially rotational movement.

[0048] Preferably, the cover is attached to the guide bolt.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first gate is provided on a gate component and the second gate is provided on a gate wall, wherein the gate wall surrounds the gate component in the circumferential direction, and wherein the gate component is rotatable relative to the gate wall or vice versa, whereby the relative movement of the gates is easily realized.

[0050] The gate component is preferably cylindrical or conical and can also be hollow.

[0051] For example, the splitter wall is stationary relative to the housing and / or the splitter component can be driven by an electric motor.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the invention, the underbody loading unit has a locking device for locking the cover in the closed position, in particular wherein the locking device is arranged substantially diametrically opposite the drive device with respect to the contact opening. The locking device allows the cover to be securely locked in the closed position.

[0053] For example, the locking device is located inside the housing. The locking device can also be integrated into the cover.

[0054] For example, locking means can be attached to the parts of the cover or to different parts of the cover, which engage with each other in the closed position.

[0055] In addition, the sealing lip can also circulate around the locking device when the cover is in the closed position.

[0056] For example, the cover has a closure area, in particular a closure recess with an undercut, which is arranged in the region of the closure device in the closed position. In particular, the closure device has a locking element that engages in the closure area, in particular the undercut. In this way, a simple but mechanically secure locking mechanism can be achieved.

[0057] To securely grip the undercut, the locking element can have an elongated base body and a lip, with the lip being provided at the end of the base body facing the cover. The lip preferably only partially surrounds the base body in the circumferential direction.

[0058] The contact opening has in particular the shape of the outer contour of the vehicle contact unit.

[0059] For example, the cover rests against the vehicle contact unit in the closed position and locks the vehicle contact unit in place, and / or the cover is designed to clean the contacts during movement, and / or the cover is electrically conductive and electrically shorts the contacts in the closed position. This allows the cover to fulfill additional functions, thus reducing costs.

[0060] The cover can be connected to the vehicle's ground potential so that contacts in the closed position are grounded through the cover.

[0061] In order to prevent the cover from coming loose during travel, the cover can rest against at least one stop of the underbody loading unit in the closed position, in particular against a stop opposite to the direction of travel and / or a stop above the cover.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has an outer surface, wherein at least one cleaning device, in particular a cleaning blade, is provided on the outer surface such that the inside of the cover is at least partially, in particular completely, cleaned by the cleaning device when the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position. In this way, for example, dirt that has reached the inside of the cover in the open position is reliably prevented from being transported into the housing interior during closing.

[0063] For example, the cleaning device extends parallel to the direction of travel to reduce flow resistance.

[0064] For example, the cleaning device can be designed as a brush, lip or strip.

[0065] For example, the horizontal movement is at least partially perpendicular to the cleaning device, so that the cleaning device completely covers the inside.

[0066] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a vehicle with an underbody charging unit as described above, wherein the underbody charging unit is provided underneath the vehicle, in particular on the vehicle underbody. The possible configurations and advantages listed for the underbody charging unit apply equally to the vehicle.

[0067] For example, the vehicle underbody forms an underbody plane, with the cover, in the open and / or closed positions, located on the side of the underbody plane facing the vehicle. This means that the underbody loading unit does not increase the vehicle's dimensions.

[0068] The cover may be located entirely on the side of the underbody plane facing the vehicle, in particular in position between the closed position and the open position, i.e. during the movement of the cover.

[0069] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings: Figure 1 a vehicle according to the invention with an underbody loading unit according to the invention schematically, Figure 2 a schematic diagram of the underbody loading unit according to Figure 1 , Figure 3a perspective view of the underbody loading unit according to Figure 1 , Figure 4 an embodiment of a cover of the underbody loading unit according to Figure 3 , the Figures 5a to 5c a sectional view through the underbody loading unit according to Figure 2 in different positions of the cover, Figure 6 a sectional view of a drive assembly of the underbody loading unit according to Figure 2 , Figure 7 a sectional view of a locking device of the underbody loading unit according to Figure 2 , the Figures 8a to 8d a second embodiment of a drive device for an underbody loading unit according to the invention, which Figures 9a to 9d the scenes of the second embodiment according to Figure 8 during different positions when opening the cover, Figure 10 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the invention of a drive device of the underbody loading unit, which Figures 11a and 11ba further embodiment of a cover of the underbody loading unit according to the invention according to Figure 2 in closed position or open position, and the Figures 12a and 12b a further embodiment of a cover of an underbody loading unit according to the invention according to Figure 2 in closed position or open position.

[0070] In Figure 1 A vehicle 10 with an underbody loading unit 12 is shown very schematically.

[0071] The vehicle 10 is parked above a ground contact unit 14, wherein the underbody charging unit 12 and the ground contact unit 14 form an electrical charging system 16 for the vehicle 10.

[0072] The vehicle 10 is an electrically powered vehicle, e.g., a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV).

[0073] The vehicle 10 has a vehicle underbody 18 to which the underbody loading unit 12 is attached. The underbody loading unit 12 is thus located beneath the rest of the vehicle 10 (except for the vehicle's wheels).

[0074] The vehicle underbody 18 defines an underbody plane U, with the vehicle 10 (with the exception of the wheels) lying above the underbody plane U. This side is also referred to as the side of the underbody plane U facing the vehicle 10.

[0075] In the Figures 2 and 3 the underbody loading unit 12 is shown enlarged.

[0076] The underbody charging unit 12 has a housing 20 with a contact opening 22, a cover 24, a drive device 26 and a vehicle contact unit 28.

[0077] The vehicle contact unit 28 is provided inside the housing, i.e., inside the housing 20, and can be moved downwards out of the housing 20 through the contact opening 22 by means of a contact actuator 30 of the underbody charging unit 12. The movement occurs until the vehicle contact unit 28 contacts the ground contact unit 14, more precisely, contacts 32 of the vehicle contact unit touch contact surfaces 34 of the ground contact unit 14 to establish a closed circuit for charging the vehicle 10.

[0078] The contact opening 22 has the same contour and size as the outer contour of the vehicle contact unit 28, so that the contact opening 22 is designed to be as small as possible.

[0079] Such vehicle contact units 28 with contact actuators 30, which may be, for example, a pneumatically operated bellows, are known from the prior art.

[0080] The housing 20 may comprise several parts, e.g., it may be made of two half shells or have a two-box design.

[0081] In addition, the housing 20 can also have further openings 36, which are, for example, ventilation openings and serve to ventilate the interior of the housing.

[0082] The housing 20 has a top side 37 and a bottom side 38.

[0083] The top side 37 is the side of the housing 20 which is in the intended mounting position of the underbody loading unit 12, which is e.g. Figure 1 shown, is on top, for example facing a vehicle roof.

[0084] The underside 38 faces away from the vehicle 10 and faces the ground when the underbody loading unit 12 is properly mounted on the vehicle 10. On the underside 38, the housing 20 has an outer surface 40, which is, for example, the outer surface of a wall of the housing 20.

[0085] Also formed on the underside 38 is a recess 42 with a base 44. The base 44 is, for example, parallel to the remaining outer surface 40 and / or to the subfloor plane U.

[0086] In addition, the floor 44 can be offset towards the rest of the vehicle 10, ie upwards, relative to the rest of the outer surface 40.

[0087] The contact opening 22 is provided in the base 44, i.e., parts of the base 44 form an edge region 46 that delimits the contact opening 22. Further openings 36, for example, ventilation openings, can also be provided in the base 44.

[0088] In the first embodiment shown, the cover 24 is plate-shaped, wherein the contour of the cover 24 essentially corresponds to the contour of the recess 42.

[0089] In addition, the thickness of the cover 24 is substantially as great as the offset of the bottom 44 from the remaining outer surface 40.

[0090] As in Figure 4 As can be seen, the cover 24 has an outer side 48 and an inner side 50.

[0091] The outer side 48 faces away from the housing 20, whereas the inner side faces the housing 20.

[0092] On the inner side 50, for example, the drive device 26 is connected to the cover 24. A locking device 52 of the underbody loading unit 12 can also engage the cover 24 via the inner side 50.

[0093] As in Figure 4 As can be seen, the point on the inner side 50 of the cover 24 at which the drive device 26 is connected to the cover 24 and the point at which the closure device 52 engages the cover 24 are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the contact opening 22 and / or the axis of rotation D.

[0094] The cover 24 may be made of metal or have a conductive coating on the inside 50.

[0095] The drive device 26 is provided inside the housing and arranged in the region of the recess 42. This means that when viewed perpendicularly to the contact opening 22, the drive device 26 is located in the recess 42.

[0096] The drive device 26 is connected to the inside 50 of the cover 24 through a functional opening - for example a further opening 36 - in the base 44.

[0097] Likewise, the closure device 52 is provided inside the housing and arranged in the region of the recess 42. The closure device 52 can also interact with the inner side 50 of the cover 24 via a functional opening—for example, a further opening 36—in the base 44.

[0098] In the edge region 46, a sealing lip 54 is also provided, which completely surrounds at least the contact opening 22 in a view perpendicular to the contact opening 22.

[0099] The sealing lip 54 is made of rubber or felt, for example, and can be designed as a bead, hollow profile, or brush. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing lip 54 or another sealing lip can also be arranged on the cover 24, in particular the inner side 50.

[0100] In addition, in the embodiment shown, a cleaning device 57 is provided on the housing 20, here in the form of a cleaning lamella.

[0101] The cleaning device 57 is attached to the underside 38, for example to the outer surface 40 of the housing 20.

[0102] The cleaning device 57 extends parallel to the direction of travel F and is arranged such that the inner side 50 of the cover 24 at least partially, in particular completely, brushes over the cleaning device 57 when the cover 24 is moved from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position.

[0103] As in the Figures 5a to 5c , which shows a more detailed sectional view through the housing 20, the cover 24 can assume different positions relative to the housing 20.

[0104] In Figure 5a the position referred to as the closed position is shown, in which the cover 24 completely covers the contact opening 22 and thus closes it, so that the interior of the housing is mechanically protected.

[0105] For example, in the closed position, the cover 24 rests completely within the recess 42, so that the outer side 48 of the cover 24 is flush with the outer surface 40. The sealing lip 54 lies axially between the cover 24 and the edge region 46, preventing liquids and / or dirt from entering the housing interior.

[0106] In the closed position, the interior of the housing is thus mechanically protected.

[0107] In addition, the edge region 46 or the base 44 forms a stop above the cover 24 for the cover 24.

[0108] The step between the outer surface 40 and the base 44 forms a stop for the cover 24 opposite to the direction of travel F, against which the cover 24 rests, so that the cover 24 is not moved relative to the housing 20 even in the event of strong vibrations during travel.

[0109] In addition, the cover 24 can be mechanically locked in the closed position, for example by the locking device 52, as will be explained below.

[0110] The vehicle contact unit 28 with its contacts 32 is arranged inside the housing behind the contact opening 22 (in Figure 5a shown in dashed lines), so that the cover 24 covers the contacts 32 of the vehicle contact unit 28.

[0111] The contacts 32 can touch the inner side 50 so that the contacts 32 are electrically short-circuited, in particular connected to the earth potential.

[0112] For this purpose, the cover 24 can be made of a conductive material or have an electrically conductive coating on the inner side 50. The cover 24 and / or the conductive coating are then connected to ground potential.

[0113] Via an intermediate position, which is Figure 5b As shown, the cover 24 can be automatically moved into its opening position by the drive device 26, which is shown in Figure 5c is shown.

[0114] In the opening position, the contact opening 22 is released, ie in a bottom view of the underbody loading unit 12, the contact opening 22 can be seen in the opening position to at least 80%, in particular completely.

[0115] In the opening position, the vehicle contact unit 28 can then be moved through the contact opening 22 by means of the contact actuator 30, as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 is indicated.

[0116] As with a comparison of the Figures 5a and 5c As can be clearly seen, the cover 24 is positioned a distance closer to the top side 37 in the closed position than in the open position. The offset between the open position and the closed position is greater than the thickness of the cover 24 in the vertical direction.

[0117] The movement from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position is generated automatically by the drive device 26.

[0118] The horizontal movement to release the contact opening 22 takes place essentially parallel to the vehicle underbody 18 or the underbody plane U.

[0119] In the example shown, as well as in Figure 1 As can be seen, the cover 24 is located on the side of the underbody plane U facing the vehicle, both in the open position and in the closed position and in the positions in between.

[0120] The cover 24 can be designed in such a way, for example by providing cleaning means on the inner side 50, that the contacts 32 of the vehicle contact unit 28 are cleaned when the cover 24 moves.

[0121] In addition, the underbody loading unit 12 may include a sensor 56 that detects the position of the cover 24. In particular, the sensor 56 is configured to check whether the cover 24 is in the closed position.

[0122] The sensor 56 is, for example, an optical sensor or a contact sensor.

[0123] The movement from the closed position according to Figure 5a to the opening position according to Figure 5cinitially occurs through a translational movement in a translation direction T.

[0124] The translation direction T is in particular perpendicular to the contact opening 22 and can coincide with the direction of movement B of the vehicle contact unit 28.

[0125] The vertical movement of the cover 24, here a translational movement, initially takes place away from the interior of the housing, ie towards the underbody plane U, until the cover has completely left the recess 42. This position is in Figure 5b shown.

[0126] Subsequently, a horizontal movement occurs, for example, a rotational movement around a rotational axis D, which is also generated by the drive device 26. The rotational axis D runs parallel to the translation direction T and is thus also perpendicular to the contact opening 22 and the cover 24.

[0127] The cover 24 is rotated until the opening position in Figure 5c is reached.

[0128] The horizontal movement of the cover 24 is parallel in such a way that the cover 24 is always parallel to the vehicle underbody 18 or to the underbody plane U and also to the outer side 48 of the housing 20.

[0129] In particular, the cover 24 is arranged parallel to the outer side 48 of the housing 20 in its open position.

[0130] An embodiment of the drive device 26, which provides both the translational movement and the rotational movement, is shown in Figure 6 shown in section.

[0131] The drive device 26 has a first assembly 58 for generating the translational movement and a second assembly 60 for generating the rotational movement as well as a fastening piece 62.

[0132] The drive device 26 is fastened to the cover 24 by means of the fastening piece 62.

[0133] The first assembly 58 has a first electric motor 64, a first gear stage 66 and a screw gear 68 with a displaceable component 70.

[0134] The helical gear 68 is, for example, a spindle drive, wherein the movable component 70 can be a threaded spindle. The spindle drive itself, ie, the helical gear 68, can represent the gear stage 66.

[0135] The movable component 70, in the embodiment shown the threaded spindle, is firmly connected to the fastening piece 62.

[0136] By operating the first electric motor 64, the screw gear 68 is actuated, whereby the fastening piece 62 and thus the cover 24 attached thereto are moved in the translation direction T.

[0137] The second assembly 60 has a second electric motor 72 with a motor-side gear 74 and a cover-side gear 76 which is non-rotatably connected to the fastening piece 62.

[0138] In particular, the displaceable component 70, e.g., the threaded spindle, extends through the cover-side gear 76.

[0139] In this case, the axis of rotation D runs through the threaded spindle or the movable component 70. The cover-side gear 76 is thus arranged concentrically with the movable component 70 or it completely revolves around the movable component 70 in the circumferential direction.

[0140] To generate the rotary movement, the second electric motor 72 is actuated, whereby the fastening piece 62 and thus the cover 24 attached thereto are rotated about the rotation axis D.

[0141] It is of course also conceivable that the drive device 26 has only one electric motor, which represents the first electric motor and the second electric motor 64, 72. It is also conceivable that one or the first electric motor 64 and the second electric motor 72 drive further components of the underbody loading unit 12.

[0142] To remove the cover 24 from the closed position ( Fig. 5a ) into the opening position ( Fig. 5c ), the first electric motor 64 is initially activated until the Figure 5b shown position is reached. Then, the first electric motor 64 is switched off and the second electric motor 72 is activated, so that the cover 24 is rotated into the open position.

[0143] In order to automatically move the cover 24 from the open position to the closed position, the second electric motor 72 is first activated and then the first electric motor 64.

[0144] In this case, the inner side 50 of the cover 24 moves at least partially, in particular completely, over the cleaning device 57, so that dirt is wiped off the inner side 50 and does not get into the interior of the housing.

[0145] As soon as the cover 24 is again within the recess 42, the locking device 52 can be activated to achieve the final closed position. This is shown in section in Figure 7 shown.

[0146] In the embodiment shown, the closure device 52 has a locking element 78 which can engage in a closure area 80 on the inner side 50 of the cover 24.

[0147] In the closure region 80, a closure recess 102 is provided in the cover 24, wherein a projection 104 projects into the closure recess 102 on one side and thus creates an undercut.

[0148] The projection 104 may be formed by a plate 106 inserted into the cover 24.

[0149] In addition, the locking device 52 has a receptacle 82 for the locking element 78, a locking motor 84, in particular an electric motor, and a gear 86.

[0150] The locking element 78 has an elongated base body 88 with a lip 90.

[0151] The lip 90 is provided at the end of the base body 88 facing the cover 24 and extends radially outward. However, the lip 90 only partially surrounds the base body 88.

[0152] The base body 88 is hollow at the end opposite the lip 90 and has there a guide pin 94 which extends radially inwards.

[0153] A bolt guide 96 with a slotted guide 98 is formed in the receptacle 82 of the locking device 52. The bolt guide 96 is inserted into the base body 88, and the guide bolt 94 of the base body 88 engages the slotted guide 98.

[0154] At the same time, a gear 100 is attached to the outside of the base body 88, which meshes with the gear 86.

[0155] When the locking motor 84 is actuated, the base body is set in rotation, whereby the guide pin 94 follows the path predetermined by the link 98 and thus moves the base body 88.

[0156] The link 98 initially has a first section running in the axial direction and an adjoining second section running in the circumferential direction.

[0157] First, the guide pin 94 runs in the first section of the link 98, so that an axial movement of the guide pin 94 and thus of the base body 88 is achieved with simultaneous rotation.

[0158] This allows the base body 88 to be moved towards the cover 24.

[0159] The guide 98 is designed such that when the base body 88 fully engages the locking recess 102, the first section is passed through by the guide pin 94, and the guide pin is now only guided in the circumferential direction in the second section. This means that only one rotation of the base body 88 takes place.

[0160] The base body 88 and in particular the lip 90 thus rotates in the closure recess 102 until the lip 90 engages behind the undercut created by the projection and thus the cover 24 is locked.

[0161] It is of course also conceivable that the closure device 52 is integrated into the cover 24. For example, closure means can be provided on the cover 24 that engage with the housing 20 in the closed position.

[0162] The locking motor 84 together with the bolt guide 96 can be regarded as an actuator which is designed to first move the base body 88 in the axial direction towards the cover 24 and then to rotate it.

[0163] It is of course also conceivable that the closure device 52 is magnetic. In this case, for example, a magnet can be provided in the closure device 52 and a magnetic counterpart, such as a ferromagnetic material or a magnet, can be provided in the cover 24.

[0164] The magnet in the locking device 52 can be an electromagnet that is switched on to lock the cover 24. It is also conceivable that the magnet of the locking device 52 is a permanent magnet, whereby the drive device 26 can overcome the magnetic force acting between the permanent magnet and the magnetic counterpart.

[0165] In the Figures 8 to 10 Further embodiments of the underbody loading unit 12 are partially described, which essentially correspond to the first embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 7 Therefore, only the differences will be discussed below, and identical and functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0166] In the Figures 8a to 8d a part of a drive device 26 according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0167] In this embodiment, the drive device has only a single assembly which is driven by a single electric motor 108.

[0168] In this second embodiment, the drive device 26 has a cylindrical or conical link component 110, which may be a threaded rod. The link component 110 is surrounded by a link wall 112 in the circumferential direction. For reasons of simplicity, Figure 8a only a part of the backdrop wall 112 is shown.

[0169] The link component 110 is rotatable relative to the link wall 112 and can be driven, for example, by the electric motor 108.

[0170] The splitter wall 112 is stationary, ie it is immovable relative to the housing 20.

[0171] On the peripheral wall of the gate component 110, a first gate 114 is formed, which in Figure 8b is shown unrolled.

[0172] The first guide 114 extends essentially horizontally at both ends, i.e., in the circumferential direction. However, the two ends are axially offset from one another, so that a section of the first guide 114 extends between these ends, which is at least partially axial.

[0173] In the embodiment shown, the first gate 114 has approximately an S-shape.

[0174] The gate wall 112 has a second gate 116 of the drive device 26, which faces the gate component 110. This gate is unrolled in Figure 8c shown.

[0175] It can be clearly seen that the second link 116 has a first, substantially axially extending section and a second, substantially circumferentially extending section, whereby the translational movement and the rotational movement of the cover 24 can be generated separately from one another.

[0176] The ends of the first link 114 are at the same axial height as the corresponding ends of the second link 116.

[0177] A common guide pin 118 is inserted simultaneously in the first link 114 and in the second link 116, so that it is positively guided by both links 114, 116.

[0178] The guide pin 118 is connected to the cover 24, for example, by means of the fastening piece 62.

[0179] This means that the cover 24 performs the same movement as the guide pin 118.

[0180] To explain the functional principle, only the simplest case is described.

[0181] Of course, the gate wall 112 can also completely surround the gate component 110 in the circumferential direction. For example, two identical, diametrically opposed first gates 114 can be provided on the gate component 110, and two identical, diametrically opposed second gates 116 can be provided on the gate wall 112. The gate component 110 can be hollow for this purpose.

[0182] In this case, two guide pins 118 may be present or one guide pin 118 extends radially through the link component 110 and lies in all four links 114, 116.

[0183] It is of course also conceivable that the splitter wall 112 is driven and the splitter component 110 is stationary.

[0184] In Figure 8dThe first link 114 and the second link 116 are shown superimposed. The guide pin 118 is also shown, with a movement of the guide pin 118 along the y-axis corresponding to an axial movement of the guide pin 118 and thus of the cover 24. A movement of the guide pin 118 along the x-axis corresponds to a movement of the guide pin in the circumferential direction and thus a rotation of the guide pin 118 and the cover 24 about the rotation axis D.

[0185] Because the link component 110 is movable relative to the link wall 112, the first link 114 is also movable relative to the second link 116, so that the Figure 8d shown position of the two links 114, 116 relative to each other is variable.

[0186] In the Figures 9a to 9d the functional principle of this drive device 26 according to the second embodiment is illustrated, wherein Figure 9a corresponds to the closed position of the cover 24 and Figure 9d the opening position.

[0187] As in Figure 9a As can be seen, the guide pin 118 is initially located at the upper ends of the first link 114 and the second link 116.

[0188] If the link component 110 and thus the first link 114 are now rotated relative to the link wall 112, for example by means of the electric motor 108, the guide pin 118 runs along the first link 114, since it is prevented from moving in the circumferential direction by the second link 116.

[0189] Due to the axially extending section of the first link 114, the guide pin 118, as in Figure 9b as can be seen, moved axially downwards through the axial section of the second link 116.

[0190] While the guide pin 118 runs through the first section of the second link 116, it and the cover 24 complete the vertical, translational movement in the translation direction T.

[0191] After completion of the axially extending section of the first link 114, the guide pin 118 is located in the second link 116 at the transition between the first axial section and the second section in the circumferential direction.

[0192] If the link component 110 and the link wall 112 are rotated further relative to each other, the guide pin 118 in the first link 114 reaches the end of the first link 114 and is then, as in Figure 9c As can be seen, it is carried along in the circumferential direction by the end of the first link 114. In other words, the axially lower end of the first link 114 in the guide pin 118 now pulls through the second section of the second link 116.

[0193] Meanwhile, both the guide pin 118 and the cover 24 connected to it are rotated about the axis of rotation D, so that the horizontal, rotary movement occurs.

[0194] To move the cover 24 from the open position to the closed position, the direction of rotation of the electric motor 108 and thus the direction of rotation of the guide member 110 are reversed, causing the guide pin 118 to complete the second guide 116 in the opposite direction. Thus, the cover 24 is first rotated back and then moved axially into the recess 42.

[0195] In Figure 10 A third embodiment of the drive device 26 is shown schematically.

[0196] In this third embodiment, the cover 24 is guided in guide pins 122 by means of guide bolts 120.

[0197] The links 122 extend essentially parallel to the outer surface 40 of the housing 20 or to the underbody plane U. Only at one end, which is assigned to the closed position, is a partially axially extending section provided.

[0198] To move the cover 24, the guide pins 120 or the fastening piece 62 are moved translationally parallel to the outer surface 40. For example, this movement is generated by a single electric motor 124 and a helical gear 126, for example a spindle drive. Figure 10 the cover 24 is shown completely in the closed position, in the open position with a dash-dotted line.

[0199] Here too, the cover 24 is located a distance closer to the top 37 in the closed position than in the open position, the distance being greater than the thickness of the cover in the vertical direction.

[0200] From the closed position, the guide pins 120 are initially moved in the axial direction by the sections of the links 122 which also run in the axial direction, whereby the translational movement in the translation direction T is achieved.

[0201] Subsequently, a translational movement parallel to the outer surface 40 or to the underbody plane U takes place in order to remove the cover 24 from the contact opening 22 and to release it.

[0202] In Figure 11 Various further embodiments of the cover 24 are shown. The Figures 11a and 11b The covers 24 shown have a plurality of cover parts 128 which together form the cover 24.

[0203] The cover parts 128 are movable relative to each other and can in particular overlap each other in order to release the contact opening 22 and thus reach the opening position.

[0204] In Figure 11a the cover parts 128 are rectangular and can be pushed over each other (cf. Figure 11b ) to release the cover.

[0205] The overlap can be achieved in such a way that the center of mass of all cover parts 128 together, and thus the center of mass of the cover 24, is closer to the top in the closed position than in the open position. This is the case, for example, when the cover parts 128 are slid over one another.

[0206] In the embodiment according to Figure 12 the cover parts 128 form a cover which resembles an iris diaphragm, wherein the iris diaphragm is Figure 12a in closed position and in Figure 12d in open position.

[0207] To lock the cover 24 and the cover parts 128, the cover parts 128 can have locking means that engage with each other in the closed position.

[0208] The features of the illustrated embodiments can, of course, be combined with one another in any desired way. In particular, the various covers shown can be used with the various drive devices shown.

[0209] In the various embodiments, the movement of the cover 24 is always guided by a guide. These are, for example, the guides 114, 116, and 122 or, as in the first embodiment, a shaft bearing of the drive device 26, e.g., a shaft bearing that supports the mounting piece 62.

[0210] In a plan view of the contact opening 22 from below, the sealing lip 54 also runs around these guides in the closed position in order to prevent the guides from becoming dirty.

[0211] The sealing lip 54 can also rotate around the locking device 52 in the closed position.

Claims

1. An underfloor charging unit, in particular for an electric charging system for an electrically driven vehicle (10), comprising a housing (20) having an upper side (37) and a lower side opposite to the upper side (37), the lower side being the side of the housing (20) facing away from the vehicle, a contacting opening (22) being provided on the lower side, a cover (24), and a driving device (26) for actuating the cover (24), and comprising a vehicle contact unit (28) having contacts (32), which is arranged in the housing (20) and which is adapted to be moved out of the underfloor charging unit (12) through the contacting opening (22), the cover (24) covering the contacting opening (22) in a closed position and unblocking the contacting opening (22) in an open position, the driving device (26) being configured to move the cover (24) from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position in an automated manner, the cover (24), in the closed position, being located closer to the upper side (37) than in the open position, the driving device (26) being configured to move the cover (24) from the driving device (26) rotationally about an axis of rotation (D), characterized in that the underfloor charging unit (12) includes a sensor (56) which is configured to detect whether the cover (24) is in the closed position, and in that a contacting actuator (30) in the form of a pneumatically operated bellows is provided, which moves the underfloor charging unit (12) downwards through the contacting opening (22) and out of the housing (20) to such an extent that the vehicle contact unit (28) contacts a ground contact unit (14).

2. The underfloor charging unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving device (26) is configured to move the cover (24) from the driving device (26) translationally, the driving device (26) being in particular configured to first move the cover (24) translationally in a direction of translation (T) away from the interior of the housing and then move the cover (24) rotationally about an axis of rotation (D) into the open position to transfer the cover (24) from the closed position to the open position.

3. The underfloor charging unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis of rotation (D) extends perpendicularly to the cover (24) and / or to the contacting opening (22).

4. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24) has a plurality of cover parts (128) which are movable relative to each other, in particular overlap each other.

5. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting opening (22) is delimited by a marginal area (46) of the housing (20), the underfloor charging unit (12) having a sealing lip (54) which, in the closed position, is arranged between the cover (24) and the marginal area (46) and surrounds, in particular entirely surrounds the contacting opening (22).

6. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underfloor charging unit (12) has a guide, in particular a slotted link (114, 116; 122) and / or a shaft bearing, which guides the movement of the cover (24).

7. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (20) includes an outer surface (40) having a recess (42), the contacting opening (22) being provided in the recess (42), the cover (24) having in particular the same contour as the recess (42).

8. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving device (26) includes at least one assembly (58, 60) for generating the movement of the cover (24), the driving device (26) in particular including a first assembly (58) for generating the translational movement and a second assembly (60) for generating the rotational movement.

9. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving device (26) includes a first slotted link (114) and a different second slotted link (116) in which a common guide pin (118) is guided, the first slotted link (114) being movable relative to the second slotted link (116).

10. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underfloor charging unit (12) has a closure device (52) for arresting the cover (24) in the closed position, the closure device (52) being in particular arranged substantially diametrically opposed to the driving device (26) with respect to the contacting opening (22).

11. The underfloor charging unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover (24) includes a closure area (80), in particular a closure recess (102) having an undercut which, in the closed position, is arranged in the region of the closure device (52), the closure device (52) in particular having a locking element (78) which engages in the closure area (80), in particular in the undercut.

12. The underfloor charging unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (20) has an outer surface (40), at least one cleaning device (57), in particular a cleaning blade being provided on the outer surface (40) such that the inner side (50) of the cover (24) is at least partially, in particular fully cleaned by the cleaning device (57) when the cover (24) is moved from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position.

13. A vehicle comprising an underfloor charging unit (12) according to any of the preceding claims, the underfloor charging unit (12) being provided below the vehicle (10), in particular on the vehicle underfloor (18).