Charging connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging connection device (100) for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle, having a charging housing (80) with at least two charging connections (10, 20), arranged next to each other, for charger plugs, wherein an inner covering element (30) which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections (10, 20) is arranged in the charging housing (80). In a first pivoted position, the covering element (30) has a first closure position (12, 22) and, in a second pivoted position, has a second closure position (22, 12). The charging housing (80) or the covering element (30) has at least one magnetic element (50) which interacts with a magnetic counter element (52) positioned on the covering element (30) or on the charging housing (80), as a result of which the covering element (30) is held in the closure position (12, 22). The charging housing (80) has at least one electromagnet (62) which can be energized at least temporarily and counteracts the magnetic field of the magnetic element (50) in order to release the covering element (30) from its closure position (12, 22).

Description

[0001] Charging connection device

[0002] The invention relates to a charging connection device for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle with a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs arranged next to one another.

[0003] If at least two charging ports, for example, one AC charging port and one DC charging port, or two AC charging ports, or two DC charging ports, are to be arranged in a charging bay, the required installation space becomes a major challenge, as the installation space is usually very limited in all directions. Furthermore, unused charging ports must be covered for safety reasons and to protect them from contamination. Before such a cover can be opened, the cover usually has to be unlocked.

[0004] DE 102021 006 063 A1 describes a charging connection device for an electrically powered vehicle with at least one charging connection configured as a combined DC / AC charging connection with AC contact elements and DC contact elements. Furthermore, the charging connection device comprises a cover assembly having a covering position and at least two releasing positions, wherein the releasing positions of the cover assembly are each assigned to a charging mode. The cover assembly comprises at least one movably mounted cover element that can be moved between a covering position and at least one releasing position.In a first release position of the cover assembly, the AC contact elements of the DC-AC charging port are released, and the DC contact elements of the DC-AC charging port are covered by at least one of the cover elements. In the second release position of the cover assembly, the AC contact elements and the DC contact elements of the DC-AC charging port are released. In the covering position of the cover assembly, the charging ports are covered by at least one cover element.

[0005] DE 102021 003654 A1 discloses a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle with at least two charging connections, in particular charging sockets, in particular a first direct current charging connection and a second direct current and / or alternating current charging connection, wherein the at least two charging connections can each be covered with a charging connection cover, and with an actuating device via which accessibility for contacting one of the at least two charging connections can be selectively changed. The at least two charging connection covers are coupled to one another via a coupling device such that the at least two charging connection covers can be moved synchronously with one another.

[0006] DE 102022 001 702 A1 describes a charging connection device for an electrically powered vehicle, comprising a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs and a charging recess cover for covering the charging recess, which has an open position and a closed position. Arranged within the charging recess cover is a cover element with an adjustable width, which selectively covers one of the at least two charging connections and is adjustable according to the respective widths of the at least two charging connections.

[0007] For example, CN 109 301 591 A shows a protective cover for a charging port with two charging sockets for an electric vehicle. The protective cover can be moved from one charging socket to the other via a drive unit and a lead screw. The protective cover is pressed against the charging sockets to create a seal, with the sealing also being supported by magnetic forces between the protective cover and the charging socket. In an electric vehicle equipped with the protective cover, the protective cover does not need to be manually removed and replaced when the charging socket needs to be used.

[0008] In addition, EP 4 186 743 A1 discloses an interface for a vehicle charging socket that is suitable for transmitting information about the battery's charge status to the user. For this purpose, the interface is arranged on the charging socket and processes the data of the battery's charging process, as well as detecting the position of the locking element.

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide an improved charging connection device for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle.

[0010] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the features of the independent claim.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a charging connection device for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle is proposed, comprising a charging cradle with at least two charging connections for charging plugs arranged next to one another, wherein an inner cover element is arranged in the charging cradle, which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections, in particular in a touch-safe and / or contamination-protected manner. The cover element is arranged with a pivot axis in or on the charging cradle and has a first closed position in a first pivoted position and a second closed position in a second pivoted position. The charging cradle or the cover element has at least one magnetic element, which interacts with a magnetic counter-element arranged on the cover element or on the charging cradle, whereby the cover element is held in the closed position.The charging cradle has at least one electromagnet which can be energized at least temporarily and counteracts the magnetic field of the magnetic element to release the cover element from its closed position.

[0013] The proposed charging connection device has a cover of a charging recess with at least two charging connections, which, contrary to the prior art, is not designed with a sliding mechanism, but with a pivotable flap as a cover element, which covers either one charging connection or the other charging connection.

[0014] According to the invention, the charging connection device has at least one hinge, which is arranged centrally between the at least two charging connections and as a result of which the pivot axis of the cover element is defined along the at least one hinge, wherein the cover element is held by the at least one hinge. In this way, as little installation space as possible outside the area of ​​the charging connections is required for the arrangement of the cover element. The cover element is fixed in the closed position by a magnet. The cover element can be moved automatically by means of a drive. A metallic counter-element is attached to the cover element for fixing it in the closed position, which counter-element interacts in each of the closed positions with a magnet, for example a permanent magnet, which is arranged on the charging recess and thus holds the cover element in the respective closed position.This magnetic force is strong enough to securely hold the cover in place, but not so strong that a driver can release the cover and move it to the other locked position by manually overcoming the magnetic force. Securely securing the cover means, among other things, that the cover cannot move out of the locked position on its own or unintentionally. Furthermore, the attractive force of the magnetic force can also provide a certain degree of tightness or at least protection against contamination between the cover in the locked position and the covered charging port.So that a drive for rotating and thus folding the cover element does not have to be so large that it can also overcome the magnetic force, which otherwise only requires a small torque to rotate the cover element, the magnetic field of the magnet, for example a permanent magnet, is weakened by an electromagnet in the event of a drive-induced movement. For this purpose, an electromagnet is arranged on each of the two magnets for the closed positions of the cover element. This electromagnet generates a magnetic field that is opposite to the magnetic field of the magnet or at least weakens the magnetic field of the magnet. This electromagnet is only energized when the cover element is to be moved out of the respective closed position. The electromagnet can remain de-energized again as soon as the cover element has reached the other closed position. The electromagnet in the new closed position to be reached remains de-energized.As a result, the movement and reaching of the closing position of the cover element in the new closing position is supported by the attractive effect of the permanent magnet.

[0015] Advantageously, the electromagnet can be arranged in the same position as the magnetic element or the magnet that holds the cover element in its closed position, with the electromagnet, for example, surrounding the magnet, or the magnet, for example, surrounding the electromagnet. This advantageously ensures operability in the event of a frozen or dirty cover element or a failure of the automation via manual operation by the driver. The cover element can be pressed onto the holding frame with a certain force to ensure tightness. Furthermore, the cover element can be held in place so that it is not arbitrarily positioned in the plug-in area of ​​a charging port, thus ensuring contact protection.

[0016] This can be achieved by a cover element positioned centrally between two charging ports, which alternately covers one of the two charging ports, ensuring contact safety, sealing against environmental influences, and the desired position of the cover element. The force required to maintain the closed position and the tightness of the flap is represented here by a magnet. In order to optimize the implementation of the cover element and its mechanics, cost, installation space, and weight, the force required to ensure tightness and maintain the closed position is temporarily minimized. This can be achieved using a magnet whose magnetic field can be temporarily weakened. This allows the driver to manually move the cover element and only has to overcome the reduced magnetic force. Otherwise, the cover element remains on the unused charging port.

[0017] Position sensors can determine the position of the cover element and thus serve for automation and load release. A drive can be permanently mechanically connected to the cover element. For manual operation, the counter-torque can be used by the driver for handling. The induced voltage that occurs when moving the cover element and thus also the drive can be advantageously taken into account and thus does not pose any impairment.

[0018] By using the temporarily weakened magnetic field of the magnet as a holding element in conjunction with the cover element in application with two charging connections in a charging recess, the cover element and components required for the cover, such as the drive motor, transmission / gear wheels, handlebars, and holders, can be designed to be smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective.

[0019] Furthermore, manual actuation of the charging process by the driver can be advantageously implemented in this way. The driver can manually change the locking position and only has to overcome the force of the magnet required for sealing, without first having to unlock a mechanical lock. According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can be coupled to at least one drive and can be automatically pivoted from one of the locking positions of one of the at least two charging connections to another of the locking positions of the other of the at least two charging connections. By means of the drive, which can be accommodated in the charging recess in a space-saving manner, the movement of the cover element can be automated, so that, for example, the required charging connection can be released by electrically controlling the drive.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can be coupled to at least one angle sensor, which detects an angular position of the cover element about the pivot axis. This makes it easy to determine whether a movement of the cover element was initiated manually. Furthermore, the angle sensor can advantageously be used to control and / or regulate the drive of the cover element.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the electromagnet can be energized when the cover element pivots between the locking positions until it reaches a center position between the two locking positions. The center position can be detected via the angle sensor or the drive. This allows the operation of the cover element control to be favorably optimized. From the center position, the cover element can already be attracted by the magnet of the locking position to be reached.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, at least two sensors can be arranged in or on the charging recess, each of which is assigned to the respective one of the at least two charging connections, whereby the closed position of the cover element at the respective charging connection can be detected. This allows reliable detection of whether one charging connection is securely covered before the other charging connection is released for charging. The sensors can thus be used to automate the charging release process.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can be disk-shaped and have a sealing element on each of its two opposite surfaces, which is designed to correspond to the respective charging connection and which, in the respective closed position, tightly surrounds the corresponding charging connection. The sealing element can thus be favorably adapted to the contour of the respective charging connection and reliably cover it tightly.

[0024] The magnetic force securing the cover element in the closed position is sufficiently strong to ensure the sealing element's tightness. The sealing element primarily protects the covered charging port from contamination. To ensure the proper function of the sealing element, especially a seal or sealing lip, at least a small amount of contact pressure is usually required, which presses the sealing element of the cover element against the charging port or its outer edge or surrounding area in such a way that the sealing element creates a tight seal.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can have a recess in the region of its pivot axis. At least two hinges can be arranged centrally between two of the charging connections along the pivot axis, wherein the cover element is held by the at least two hinges, and wherein the recess is arranged between the at least two hinges. In a particularly space-optimized embodiment, the cover element can have a recess on the inside on the pivot axis, so that although both charging connections are still covered in each state, the cover element still allows handling of the charging plug at the exposed charging connection. In this way, the installation space can be optimally utilized without hindering handling of the charging plug in the standard handle area.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, the cover element can have an actuating element in the form of a rear grip, in particular a rear grip arranged on the front side, for manually releasing the cover element from the closed position. Thus, the cover element can conveniently be manually folded from one closed position to the other.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the charging connection device, a guide for a drive axle of the cover element can be arranged on a side of the charging recess facing the vehicle interior. This allows the drive to be arranged in the charging recess under optimized installation space conditions. Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0028] Showing:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a charging connection device for an electrically powered or drivable vehicle, with a charging recess with at least two charging connections for charging plugs arranged next to one another, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a side of the charging connection device according to Fig. 1 facing the vehicle interior; and

[0031] Fig. 3 is a plan view of a charging connection device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0032] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals. The figures show only examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a charging connection device 100 for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle, with a charging recess 80 with at least two charging connections 10, 20 for charging plugs arranged next to one another, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] An inner cover element 30 is arranged in the charging recess 80, which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections 10, 20, in particular covers it in a touch-proof manner.

[0035] The cover element 30 is arranged with a pivot axis 32 in or on the charging recess 80 and, in a first pivoted position, has a first closed position 12, 22 and, in a second pivoted position, a second closed position 22, 12 of the at least two charging ports 10, 20. The pivot axis 32 is arranged centrally between the two charging ports 10, 20. In the illustrated position of the cover element 30, one charging port 10 is exposed. The cover element 30 is shown in the second closed position 22. At least one further charging port 20 is arranged beneath the cover element 30. However, a further charging port could also be arranged, so that the cover element 30 can also cover two charging ports simultaneously.

[0036] A hinge 34 is arranged centrally between the at least two charging ports 10, 20 and has a pivot axis 32. The cover element 30 is held by the hinge 34 and can thus be pivoted about the pivot axis 32.

[0037] The cover element 30 is disc-shaped and has a sealing element 40 on each of its two opposing surfaces 36, 38, which is designed to correspond to the respective charging port 10, 20. Thus, in the respective closed position 12, 22, the sealing element 40 can tightly surround the corresponding charging port 10, 20 all the way around and reliably seal it against environmental influences.

[0038] As shown, a charge level indicator 58 can be arranged in the charging recess 80, by means of which it can be seen from the outside whether the vehicle is charging.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the side of the charging connection device 100 facing the vehicle interior. For the sake of simplicity, the two charging connections 10, 20 are shown as openings in the contour of the charging recess 80 without corresponding plug contacts.

[0040] As can be seen particularly in Figure 2, the charging cradle 80 has a magnetic element 50 adjacent to each of the charging ports 10, 20, which interacts with a magnetic counter-element 52 arranged on the cover element 30, for example, a metal plate (visible on the cover element 30 in Figure 1). This allows the cover element 30, once it has reached a closed position 12, 22, to be held in the closed position 12, 22.

[0041] Two electromagnets 62 are also arranged in the charging recess 80. The electromagnets 62 can be arranged at the same position as the permanent magnets 50, for example, surrounding them. The electromagnets 62 can be energized at least temporarily, thereby generating a magnetic field that counteracts and weakens the magnetic field of the permanent magnets 50. This allows the cover element 30 to be released from its closed position 12, 22.

[0042] The cover element 40 is coupled to a drive 60 and can thus be pivoted automatically from the closed position 12, 22 of one charging port 10, 20 to the closed position 12, 22 of the other charging port 10, 20.

[0043] For such automated operation of the cover element 30, the drive 60 can advantageously be controlled jointly with the electromagnet 62. The drive 60 is thus expediently only activated when the electromagnet 62 has already weakened the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 50.

[0044] The electromagnet 62 can advantageously be energized when the cover element 30 pivots between the locking positions 12, 22 until a center position between the two locking positions 12, 22 is reached. The center position can be detected via the angle sensor 56 or via the drive 60.

[0045] The cover element 30 can be automatically moved from one locking position 12, 22 to the other locking position 22, 12 via the drive 60.

[0046] The cover element 30 has an actuating element 44 (see Figure 1) designed as a rear grip arranged on the front side for manually releasing the cover element 30 from the closed position 12, 22. This allows the holding force of the magnetic element 50 to be overcome and the cover element 30 to be folded from one closed position 12, 22 to the other closed position 22, 12.

[0047] Two sensors 54 are also arranged in the charging recess 80, which are assigned to the respective charging port 10, 20. The sensors 54 can be used to determine whether the cover element 30 is in the corresponding locking position 12, 22 at the respective charging port 10, 20. This information can also be advantageously incorporated into the control of the drive 60 of the cover element 30 during automated operation of the cover element 30.

[0048] Furthermore, the cover element 30 can be coupled, for example via the pivot axis 32, to an angle sensor 56, which detects an angular position of the cover element 30 about the pivot axis 32. This allows the current position of the cover element 30 to be determined for automated release of one of the charging ports 10, 20. This information is expediently also incorporated into the control of the drive 60 of the cover element 30 during automated operation of the cover element 30.

[0049] Angle sensor 56 and drive 60 can be arranged in a housing. For space reasons, a guide 46 of a drive axle of the cover element 30 can advantageously be arranged on the side 82 of the loading trough 80 facing the vehicle interior.

[0050] The charge level indicator 58 is mounted on the back 82 of the charging cradle 80, as can be seen in Figure 2.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a plan view of a charging connection device 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0052] The charging connection device 100 shown in Figure 3 is essentially designed like the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] The difference is that the cover element 30 shown in Figure 3 has a recess 42 in the region of its pivot axis 32. Two hinges 34, 35 are arranged centrally between the charging ports 10, 20, along the pivot axis 32. The cover element 30 is thus held by the two hinges 34, 35. The recess 42 of the cover element 30 is arranged between the hinges 34, 35.

[0054] In this particularly space-optimized design, the cover element 30 has a recess 42 on the inside of the pivot axis 32, so that both charging ports 10, 20 are still covered in their respective states, but the cover element 30 still allows handling of the charging plug at the exposed charging port 10, 20. In this way, the installation space can be optimally utilized.

[0055] 10 Charging port

[0056] 12 locking position

[0057] 20 Charging port

[0058] 22 locking position

[0059] 30 cover element

[0060] 32 swivel axis

[0061] 34 Hinge

[0062] 35 Hinge

[0063] 36 side surface

[0064] 38 side surface

[0065] 40 sealing element

[0066] 42 recess

[0067] 44 Actuating element

[0068] 46 Guide

[0069] 50 magnetic elements

[0070] 52 Counter element

[0071] 54 Sensor

[0072] 56 angle sensor

[0073] 58 Charge level indicator

[0074] 60 drive

[0075] 62 Electromagnet

[0076] 80 loading trough

[0077] 82 pages

[0078] 100 charging connection device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Charging connection device (100) for an electrically driven or drivable vehicle with a charging recess (80) with at least two charging connections (10, 20) for charging plugs arranged next to one another, wherein an inner cover element (30) is arranged in the charging recess (80), which optionally covers at least one of the at least two charging connections (10, 20), wherein the charging recess (80) or the cover element (30) has at least one magnetic element (50) which cooperates with a magnetic counter-element (52) arranged on the cover element (30) or on the charging recess (80), whereby the cover element (30) is held in the closed position (12, 22), characterized in that the cover element (30) is arranged with a pivot axis (32) in or on the charging recess (80) and in a first pivoted position has a first closed position (12, 22) and in a second pivoted position a second locking position (22.12), wherein at least one hinge (34, 35) is arranged centrally between the at least two charging connections (10, 20) and the pivot axis (32) of the cover element (30) is defined along the at least one hinge (34, 35), wherein the cover element (30) is held by the at least one hinge (34, 35), and the charging recess (80) has at least one electromagnet (62) which can be energized at least temporarily and which, in order to release the cover element (30) from its closed position (12, 22), counteracts and weakens the magnetic field of the magnetic element (50) which holds the cover element (30) in its closed position (12, 22).

2. Charging connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnet (62) is arranged at the same position as the magnetic element (50) which holds the cover element (30) in its closed position (12, 22), and the electromagnet (62) surrounds the magnetic element (50) or the magnetic element (50) surrounds the electromagnet (62).

3. Charging connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover element (40) is coupled to at least one drive (60) and can be pivoted automatically from one of the closed positions (12, 22) of one charging connection (10, 20) of the at least two charging connections (10, 20) to another of the closed positions (12, 22) of the other of the at least two charging connections (10, 20).

4. Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (30) is coupled to at least one angle sensor (56) which detects an angular position of the cover element (30) about the pivot axis (32).

5. Charging connection device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the electromagnet (62) can be energized when the cover element (30) is pivoted between the closed positions (12, 22) until a middle position between the two closed positions (12, 22) is reached, wherein the middle position can be detected via the angle sensor (56) according to claim 4 or via the drive (60) according to claim 3.

6. Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two sensors (54) are arranged in or on the charging recess (80), which are assigned to the respective one of the at least two charging connections (10, 20). whereby the closure position (12, 22) of the cover element (30) at the respective charging port (10, 20) can be detected.

7. Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (30) is designed like a disc and has on each of its two opposite surfaces (36, 38) a sealing element (40) which is designed to correspond to the respective charging connection (10, 20) and which, in the respective closed position (12, 22), tightly surrounds the corresponding charging connection (10, 20) all the way around.

8. Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (30) has a recess (42) in the region of its pivot axis (32), wherein at least two hinges (34, 35) are arranged centrally between two of the charging connections (10, 20) along the pivot axis (32), wherein the cover element (30) is held by the at least two hinges (34, 35), wherein the recess (42) is arranged between the at least two hinges (34, 35).

9. Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (30) has an actuating element (44) in the form of a rear grip for manually releasing the cover element (30) from the closed position (12, 22).

10. Charging connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide (46) of a drive axle of the cover element (30) is arranged on a side (82) of the charging trough (80) facing the vehicle interior.

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