A charging connector for a vehicle, a method for operating a charging connector, and a corresponding vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle charging connector (10, Fig. 1) has a plug 14 received in a socket 12. The socket is in a capsule 18, in turn contained by shell 20. Electrical contacts pass from the capsule and shell via a

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a charging connector for a vehicle, in particular an electric passenger car. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a charging connector and a corresponding vehicle. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Currently, when an electric vehicle is being charged, it cannot be started or go into ready mode. In order to start the vehicle, a user needs to exit the vehicle in order to stop the charging process and physically unplug a charging plug.

[0003] In case of an emergency a user would be trapped or may be trapped in the vehicle and / or would have to exit the vehicle in order to end the charging process and be able to drive away, thereby, putting themselves at risk. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a charging connector, a method for operating said charging connector and a vehicle, by which in particular in case of an emergency an automatic stopping of a charging process and an unplugging of a charging plug which is connected to the vehicle, is feasible.

[0005] A charging connector, a method for operating the charging connector and a vehicle according to the present invention, solves this object. Advantageous embodiments are presented in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a charging connector for a vehicle comprising a charging socket for receiving a charging plug, in particular for realizing a charging via a charging infrastructure, wherein the charging socket is arranged in a capsule which is held in a shell, and electrical contacts and in particular data contacts of the charging socket are passed on via a plug connection of the shell or on the vehicle side, wherein at least one shifting element is provided which is capable of being shifted from a non-use position to a use position, whereby the plug connection is separable and the capsule is capable of being moved out of the shell, thus disconnecting the charging plug.

[0007] The charging socket in its position on the vehicle is, in particular, arranged on the outside on a body of the vehicle. The vehicle is, in particular, a passenger vehicle and / or an electric vehicle. The charging plug is, in particular, part of an infrastructure used to charge the battery of the vehicle. The electrical contacts on the charging socket are the contacts corresponding to the charging plug. The shifting element is, in particular, motor driven. The plug connection may connect the electrical contacts and in particular, the data contacts, for example, to an electronic system of the vehicle.

[0008] The capsule is an ejectable capsule for disconnecting the charging plug. In other words, a cartridge-based ejection system for a charging socket, which is in particular built as a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket, is provided. The entire charging socket can act as a removable cartridge. The present invention would eject the plug with the cartridge-based socket still attached to it, which is, in particular, completely enclosed in accordance with high voltage safety. Instead of using motors for the at least one shifting element, it is also possible to use ejection pins powered by thrusters to blast the plug along with the cartridge-based socket out so that the at least one shifting element may comprise the thruster.

[0009] An advantage of the invention is that a user of the vehicle does not have to be put at risk in case of an emergency situation requiring the release of the charging plug.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the plug connection comprises an internal thread for one of the at least one shifting element and / or is continued on the vehicle side as a cable so that the contacts of the plug connection are connected to an energy system of the vehicle, and / or a spring-loaded shutter for covering electrical contacts when the capsule is ejected.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a handle is provided on a side of the capsule opposite the charging socket, the handle is usable when releasing the capsule from the charging plug.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a control element for initiating the release of the connector plug is provided, the control element being arranged in its intended position on the vehicle inner roof, on a steering wheel column, in a driver footwell and / or a head unit softkey.

[0013] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is provided, by which an actuator and / or motor for shifting the at least one shifting element may be controlled.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one shifting element comprises a threaded rod and / or a leadscrew and / or the charging socket is configured as a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a charging connector for a vehicle comprising a charging socket for receiving a charging plug, wherein the charging socket is arranged in a capsule which is held in a shell and electrical contacts of the charging socket are capable of being passed on via a plug connection of the shell, wherein at least one shifting element is shifted from a non-use position into a use position, whereby the plug connection is disconnected and the capsule is moved out of the shell.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the capsule is moved out of the shell due to the actuation of an operating element or control element, such as an emergency button, and / or due to the detection of an emergency situation, for example via a sensor, and / or that a charging process is terminated before the capsule is moved out of the shell.

[0018] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes or comprises a charging connector according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or is configured to perform a method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

[0020] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0022] The drawings show in:

[0023] Fig. 1 a schematic rear view of a capsule of a charging connector for a vehicle;

[0024] Fig. 2 a second rear view of the capsule in a disconnected state;

[0025] Fig. 3 a schematic perspective side and top view of an internally threaded ejector of the charging connector; and

[0026] Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the charging connector with a charging plug connected to it.

[0027] In the figures, the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0029] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0031] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a schematic rear view of a capsule 18 of a charging connector 10 for a vehicle (not shown), wherein the capsule 18 comprises a charging socket 12 (in Fig. 4) on the opposite side of the capsule 18 that is shown and secured with a pin mechanism 44, and the capsule is held in a shell 20 shown in Fig. 4. The charging socket 12 is built to receive a charging plug 14 (in Fig. 4) and furthermore in particular as a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket. In some embodiments, the socket may be configured for another comparable charging standard. The charging socket 12 is arranged in the capsule 18 which is held in a shell 20 and electrical contacts of the charging socket 12 are capable of being passed on by a plug connection 22 of the shell 20 or on the vehicle side, wherein at least one shifting element 24 is provided which is capable of being shifted from a non-use position to a use position whereby the plug connection 22 is separable and the capsule 18 is capable of being moved out of the shell 20.

[0033] A corresponding method for operating the charging connector 10 is also provided, wherein especially if an emergency occurs while a user is charging their vehicle via the charging connector 10 at a charging station, the user may press an emergency disconnect button or a control element 32, which triggers a charging stop action first which stops the charging process. After which, in particular, a motor 26 of the at least one shifting element 24 disengages and drives the connector connecting the car to the charging connector capsule 18 out of its socket 20.

[0034] A spring cover or shutter 28 snaps or moves from the position shown in Fig. 1 when the connector 22 is still connected via a plug 30, to the position shown in Fig. 2 when the connector is disconnected. This closes of the contact area with any high voltage components or contacts included in the plug 30, thereby protecting the user or anyone who were to interact with the capsule 18 after injection.

[0035] After the spring cover or shutter 28 is closed, a pin mechanism 44 may be released via mechanical means such as a motor so that the capsule 18 may be released. The motor may receive a signal from the control element 32 for the emergency disconnect feature. The pin mechanism 44 secures the capsule 18 in the vehicle to prevent the capsule 18 from being removed from the vehicle during normal operation.

[0036] In particular, two motors 26 begin ejecting the capsule 18 from the vehicle in doing so the charging plug 12 with the capsule 18 is ejected from the vehicle and the customer is free to drive away without leaving the safety of the vehicle.

[0037] The control element 32 is provided for initiating the release of the connector plug 14 and for ejecting the capsule 18. The control element 32 in its intended position of use may be arranged on the vehicle’s inner roof, on a steering wheel column, in a driver footwell and / or a head unit softkey. In the inner roof, the position may be close to an SOS-button. In the steering wheel column, the position may be between the steering wheel and the instrument cluster. On the driver’s footwell, the position may be on the opposite side of the hook release. The position on the head unit softkey may be only available while charging.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the capsule 18 may comprise capsule ejection pads 34 that serve as contact points or support pins of the at least one or, in particular, two shifting elements 24, as shown in Fig. 2, wherein the respective shifting element 24 comprises a lead screw 36 that is displaced by rotating the motors 26 to eject the capsule 18. The shifting element 24 may be supported by an internally threaded ejector 40 (shown in Fig. 3).

[0039] Fig. 3 shows that the internally threaded ejector 40 includes at least one arrestor 42 in a perspective side view and top view. In the top view, one can see the arrestor 42 to hold the shifting element 24 (as shown in Fig. 2), and the internally threaded ejector 40 straight throughout the range of motion which is provided by turning the motor 26.

[0040] Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a handle 38 may be provided for removing the charging plug 14 (as shown in Fig. 4) of the capsule 18. The plug connection 22 or the plug 30 may comprise an internal thread 16 for the at least one shifting element 24 so that the plug connection 22 and the plug 30 could be easily removed from the capsule 18.

[0041] A corresponding vehicle comprising the charging connector 10 and being able to perform the method may also be provided. Reference Signs 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 charging connector charging socket charging plug internal thread capsule shell plug connection shifting element motor shutter Plug control element capsule ejection pad lead screw handle internally threaded ejector arrestor pin mechanism

Claims

1. A charging connector (10) for a vehicle comprising a charging socket (12) for receiving a charging plug (14), wherein the charging socket (12) is arranged in a capsule (18) which is held in a shell (20) and electrical contacts of the charging socket (12) are capable of being passed on via a plug connection (22) of the shell (20), wherein at least one shifting element (24) is provided which is capable of being shifted from a non-use position to a use position, whereby the plug connection (22) is separable and the capsule (18) is capable of being moved out of the shell (20).

2. The charging connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe plug connection (22) comprises an internal thread (16) for one of the at least one shifting element (18) and / or is continued on the vehicle side as a cable and / or a spring-loaded shutter (18) for covering electrical contacts at the capsule (18).

3. The charging connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thata handle (38) is provided on a side of the capsule (18) opposite the charging socket (12), which handle (38) is usable when releasing the charging plug (14) from the capsule (18).

4. The charging connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thata control element (32) for initiating the release of the charging plug (14) is provided,and the control element (32) is arranged in its intended position on the vehicle inner roof, on a steering wheel column, in a driver footwell and / or as a head unit softkey.

5. The charging connection (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata control unit is provided, by which an actuator and / or motor (26) for shifting the at least one shifting element (24) is capable of being controlled.

6. The charging connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe at least one shifting element (24) comprises a threaded rod and / or a leadscrew (36) and / or the charging socket (12) is configured as a Combined Charging System socket.

7. A method for operating a charging connector (10) for a vehicle comprising a charging socket (12) for receiving a charging plug (14), wherein the charging socket (12) is arranged in a capsule (18) which is held in a shell (20) and electrical contacts of the charging socket (12) are capable of being passed on via a plug connection (22) of the shell (18), wherein at least one shifting element (24) is shifted from a non-use position into a use position, whereby the plug connection (22) is disconnected and the capsule (18) is moved out of the shell (20).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe capsule (18) is moved out of the shell (20) due to the actuation of an operating element (32) and / or due to the detection of an emergency situation and / or that a charging process is terminated before the capsule (18) is moved out of the shell (20).

9. A vehicle comprising a charging connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or configured to perform a method according to claim 7 or 8.

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