A connection device for charging electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to connection devices (10, 100, 200, 301, 400) configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or charging station for charging an electric vehicle. The connection devices (10, 100, 200, 301) include a closing mechanism (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) adjustable between a closed position and an open position. The change in position of the closing mechanism (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) from the closed position to the open position is automatically caused by inserting the plug of a charging cable into the housing (12, 202, 304, 412) in a direction (D) facing the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station in the current interface (AC, DC).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device configured to be equipped on an electric vehicle or a charging station to charge an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In FIG. 1, an example of an electric vehicle and a charging station is shown. The electric vehicle 1 in FIG. 1 includes a connection device 3, and the battery of the electric vehicle 1 (not visible in FIG. 1) can be charged by the charging cable 5 and the charging station 7 via the connection device 3. The charging cable 5 includes a first end 9 having a plug 11 and a handle 13. The plug 11 can be inserted into the connection device 3 of the electric vehicle 1. A second end 15 located on the opposite side of the first end 9 of the charging cable 5 can be inserted into the connection device 17 of the charging station 7. The charging station 7 can be, for example, a home charging station located in a garage of a house, a filling station accessible on a public road, or a charging station in a car garage. The connection device 3 of the electric vehicle 1, and further the connection device 17 of the charging station 7, can include two interfaces, namely an interface for alternating current (AC) and an interface for direct current (DC). Each of the AC and DC interfaces includes connector pins (or terminals) in a known manner, but these connector pins are not visible in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1. During AC charging, it is necessary to insert the charging cable 5 into the AC interface of the connection device. In the case of DC charging, it is necessary to insert the charging cable 5 into the DC interface of the connection device. [[ID=__]]

[0003] [[ID=__]] There are a plurality of connection device standards adapted according to geographical zones for commercializing vehicles. The Combined Charging System (CCS) is a charging standard established for the European Union (EU). In Japan, the "CHAdeMO" type of charging socket is used for direct current (DC) charging.

[0004] The CCS standard allows for the supply of power at a voltage exceeding 400V, with a minimum of 150kW and a maximum of 350kW. This enables electric vehicles to be charged with direct current (DC) in approximately 30 minutes, thus allowing for rapid charging of electric vehicle batteries. Therefore, the main advantage of DC charging over AC charging for electric vehicles is the higher power output and the resulting time savings.

[0005] However, charging with direct current (DC) is not always possible, especially in homes where only AC sockets are typically available. Since either the AC interface or the DC interface is not necessarily used during charging, it is recommended to prevent access to the unused interface for user safety (in the event of a water leak, if the pins are connected to the battery, leakage current can form in the unused interface even if these pins are not energized) and to protect the inside of the connected device from dust or splashes of water. It is known that the AC interface and / or DC interface can be protected by either a removable cap or elastomer stopper 19 as shown in Figure 1(A), or one or more protective flaps 21 that are hinged to be pivotable as shown in Figure 1(B).

[0006] However, these known solutions require the user to use both hands; that is, one hand to hold the charging cable 5, particularly on the handle 13, and the other hand to remove the stopper 19 or rotate the protective flap 21.

[0007] Holding an 8-meter-long charging cable weighing approximately 5 kilograms in one hand is not necessarily easy for some users. Therefore, it is advantageous to allow users to use both hands to handle the charging cable and plug it into the connected device. Furthermore, it is even more advantageous if users can connect the charging cable to the connected device with only one hand, making charging more accessible, especially for people with disabilities.

[0008] Other drawbacks of known solutions include the fact that the cap or stopper may not be returned precisely to its proper position after charging, and that users may forget to return the cap or stopper to its proper position. Therefore, in these two situations, there is a risk of water entering the connected device and the vehicle. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the object of the present invention is to make it easier for users to control the charging of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to make the connection device safer by further preventing water from entering the vehicle interior, for example, through the connection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The object of the present invention is a connection device configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or charging station for charging an electric vehicle, comprising a housing having at least one current interface (AC, DC), the outer wall of the current interface being capable of receiving a current plug of a charging cable, the current interface (AC, DC) comprising at least one passage penetrating the housing, the passage being adapted to receive connector pins located inside the electric vehicle or charging station, the current interface (AC, DC) comprising a closing means adjustable between a closed position and an open position, particularly a sealed closing means, thereby configured to close particularly sealed in the closed position of the closing means to close an opening to the outside of the passage, and in the open position of the closing means to release an opening to the outside of the passage to allow electrical contact with the connector pins received in the passage, the change in position of the closing means from the closed position to the open position is automatically caused by inserting a current plug of a charging cable into the housing in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the inside of the charging station at the current interface.

[0011] Since the opening of the closing mechanism occurs automatically as a result of inserting the charging cable, a separate opening step to open the closing mechanism is not required before the step of inserting the charging cable. Therefore, the user can connect the charging cable to the connected device according to the present invention more quickly. This is because the connection can be made in one less step (without the step of opening the closing mechanism) compared to the prior art described above. The connecting device according to the present invention eliminates the need to keep the other hand free to remove a protective stopper or pivot a protective flap, as is the case with known devices of the prior art. Therefore, the user can handle and carry the charging cable with both hands. Alternatively, the user can connect the charging cable to the connecting device with only one hand. Furthermore, the plugging operation becomes more intuitive and "user-friendly" because the user only needs to insert the plug into the housing without having to consider how to remove the closing mechanism, such as which axis the flap should pivot on.

[0012] A method according to the present invention for plugging a charging cable into the current interface (AC, DC) of a connecting device according to the present invention for charging an electric vehicle may include the step of inserting the plug into the corresponding interface in a direction facing the interior of the electric vehicle or the interior of the charging station. The insertion step automatically opens the passage, enabling electrical contact between the plug conductors and the pins of the device.

[0013] Therefore, since the position of the closing mechanism can be changed with just one cable insertion, the plugging operation becomes even easier for people with visual impairments or vision problems.

[0014] The change in the position of the closing mechanism from the closed position to the open position can be mechanically achieved simply by inserting the charging cable plug into the housing. Therefore, an electric system is not required to plug the charging cable into the housing, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the connected device.

[0015] The change in position of the closing mechanism from the open position to the closed position can be automatically triggered by unplugging the charging cable from the current interface toward the outside of the housing, in the direction opposite to the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station.

[0016] The sealing means are configured to seal the passages of current interfaces in particular. Sealing of passages achieved by the sealing means includes dustproof sealing and / or waterproof sealing, and sealing and / or protection against finger insertion. The level of protection is generally defined by the "ingress protection class (IP)". The ingress protection class (IP) is a standard approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is succeeded by the European standard EN60529. IP54 ingress protection rating applies to electrical equipment protected from limited dust ingress and splash-type liquid splashes. Furthermore, the sealing mechanism can also be configured to seal the current interface passage in accordance with the IP55 ingress protection rating. The IP55 ingress protection rating provides protection against dust and water splashes regardless of the angle of the splash, and it is not important whether the connector pins are energized or not. Intrusion protection ratings IP54 and IP55 are suitable for protecting connected devices configured to be installed in electric vehicles or charging stations for charging electric vehicles. In other words, the closing means according to the present invention can be a sealing closing means corresponding to the intrusion protection rating IP54 or IP55, and can be configured to seally close the opening to the outside of the passage according to the intrusion protection rating IP54 or IP55. This closure mechanism allows the connected device to be configured to conform to the IEC 62196-3, 2022 edition standard (IEC being an abbreviation for the International Electrotechnical Commission).

[0017] The present invention relating to a connecting device can be further improved by the following embodiments.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the connecting device may be characterized in that the closing means is the only means provided in the housing for closing the opening to the outside of the passage.

[0019] In other words, the outer wall portion of the housing of the connection device may be characterized in that it does not have a cover or a protective stopper that can be manually operated, as is known in the prior art. This contributes to further reducing the number of components of the connection device and simplifying the interface of the connection device for the user.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a closing means or at least one cap of the closing means may be removably attached to the housing.

[0021] Therefore, at least one element of the closing means, such as a closing means or a cap or a flap, can be advantageously exchanged without the need to replace the entire connection device. Thus, this makes it possible to easily replace a faulty closing means, particularly without damaging other parts of the connection device. Therefore, the closing means can be exchanged, reused, or recycled.

[0022] The closing means or at least one cap of the closing means can be attached to the housing by snap fitting. The snap fit connection can also be called a latch connection. Preferably, the snap fit connection relates to a connection formed by interlocking the locking means of the closing means with the mating locking means of the housing. A clicking sound can be generated by the interlocking of each locking means. The interlocking can be performed in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the inside of the charging station.

[0023] The closing means or at least one cap of the closing means can be attached to the housing by a positive fit. These closing means and the housing can be connected to each other only by a positive fit. Their surfaces that come into contact at the interface maintain their connection by the surfaces themselves and the forces transmitted.

[0024] The closing means or at least one cap of the closing means can be attached to the housing by screwing. Each of these closing means and the housing can be provided with tapped holes, and the closing means can be held in the housing by inserting and screwing the same single fixing screw into these tapped holes. Screw fixing enables reliable removable retention, which facilitates assembly and disassembly.

[0025] The closing means or at least one cap of the closing means can be attached, in particular, by a combination of at least two connecting means of snap fitting, positive fit connection, and screwing. Therefore, due to the redundancy of these connections, better mechanical retention of the closing means with respect to the housing can be achieved.

[0026] According to the first embodiment, the closing means can comprise a deformable membrane having at least one main orifice, and the main orifice of the membrane can be configured to receive the connector pin in a sealing manner, particularly in the closed position of the closing means. The membrane is deformable from the closed position to the open position of the closing means by inserting the plug of the charging cable into the housing in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the inside of the charging station at the current interface, and the membrane is deformable from the open position to the closed position of the closing means by removing the plug from the charging cable in a direction opposite to the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0027] The characteristics of the membrane provide both sealing means and means that are automatically deformable by the insertion of the plug. Furthermore, the membrane results in reversible deformation. That is, the membrane returns to its initial state in the closed position when the stress caused by the insertion of the plug is removed. Therefore, the membrane can be an elastic membrane. In particular, the membrane is adapted to withstand the resistance of thousands of insertion cycles. Preferably, the membrane has water resistance, which is advantageous.

[0028] The shape and dimensions of the main orifice of the membrane are determined according to the structure of the connector pin. Seal between the connector pin and the membrane can be ensured by tightly sealing the connector pin against the main orifice of the membrane, for example, to prevent water from passing through. Within the passage, a portion of the connector pin may extend beyond the main orifice from the membrane to the outside of the connected device. This extended portion of the connector pin can be covered with a cap made of an electrical insulating material, particularly an elastomer.

[0029] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the membrane can partially contact the inner wall of the passage when the closing means is in the open position.

[0030] Inserting the plug applies thrust to the front surface of the membrane. Because the membrane is deformable, the rear surface of the membrane is pressed against and in contact with the inner wall of the passage. In the open position, the membrane is positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall of the plug. In this position, access to the passage is no longer closed, and therefore connection with the connector pins becomes possible.

[0031] According to one modification of the first embodiment, at least one of these surfaces of the membrane may have one or more recesses arranged radially with respect to the main orifice of the membrane.

[0032] The formation of a weak line by a radial recess can facilitate the deformation of the membrane. The radial recesses can reduce the thickness of the membrane in a predetermined region of the membrane, allowing the membrane to be housed in the space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the plug when in the open position.

[0033] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the inner wall portion of the passage can be provided with one or more protruding ridges having a shape and dimensions complementary to the recess of the membrane.

[0034] Therefore, the membrane can be housed between the inner wall of the passage and the connector pin.

[0035] Furthermore, these protruding ridges make it possible to further form fixing studs for the membrane.

[0036] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the membrane may further comprise at least one fixing orifice for connection to the housing, particularly to the corresponding fixing stud of the housing by positive fit.

[0037] Therefore, the assembly of the membrane to the housing can be carried out easily and at low cost. The length of the protruding ridge provided on the inner wall of the passageway can be extended longitudinally toward the outside of the passageway in order to form fixing studs around the opening of the passageway.

[0038] Preferably, the membrane has sufficient flexibility to deform without excessive resistance during plug insertion. Preferably, the membrane has sufficient rigidity to prevent the closing mechanism from opening unintentionally. Thus, the membrane can have a Shore A hardness between 20 and 80. The membrane may be made of an electrical insulating material. The membrane may also be made of an elastic material, and in particular, an elastic material having a sufficient elastic limit for a closing mechanism of a connection device configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or charging station for charging an electric vehicle.

[0039] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the membrane can be made from an elastomer, and in particular from silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

[0040] Silicone membranes and EPDM membranes are suitable for overmolding. Therefore, by selecting these materials, it becomes possible to manufacture closure means by overmolding.

[0041] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the closing means may further include a cap, the cap comprising at least one orifice for receiving the conductor of the plug of the charging cable, and a membrane disposed between the cap and the outer wall portion of the current interface of the housing.

[0042] The cap allows the deformable membrane to be held in contact with the housing in particular. Preferably, the cap is made of a material that is harder than the membrane. The cap can be made of plastic. The cap can be formed by injection molding.

[0043] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the edge of the cap facing the membrane may be provided with multiple notches for guiding and discharging water into the drainage conduit of the housing.

[0044] Therefore, the cap of the closing mechanism is designed for water drainage and discharge. This makes it possible to prevent water from entering the passage.

[0045] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the housing may comprise at least one centering pin configured to be accommodated in a corresponding recess of the cap, the cap comprising at least one such recess.

[0046] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the membrane and the cap are formed as a single component, particularly by overmolding.

[0047] Therefore, advantageously, it becomes possible to reduce the number of parts that form the closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can be formed from only a single overmolding part. Overmolding is a technique that uses chemical and / or mechanical connections to irreversibly join two parts.

[0048] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the cap can be welded to the housing, particularly by ultrasonic welding, or bonded to it. The cap and housing can be assembled by hot welding. The cap and housing can be assembled by cold welding. In particular, the cap and housing can be assembled by ultrasonic welding.

[0049] Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the cap from unintentionally disengaging. The advantage of ultrasonic welding, or welding using ultrasound, is that it does not require external heat because heat is generated naturally between the materials. Another advantage of ultrasonic welding is its speed. Another advantage of ultrasonic welding is that the resulting joint can be effectively sealed. Another advantage of ultrasonic welding is its compatibility with the plastic materials forming the housing and cap.

[0050] According to one modification of the first embodiment, in the closed position of the closing means, the membrane has at least one fold, and in the open position of the closing means, at least one fold of the membrane is at least partially unfolded, and in particular at least one fold of the membrane is unfoldable. In particular, the membrane has at least two folds, preferably four folds. These folds may be arranged at equal distances from each other. The membrane may have a relaxed state in which the membrane has at least one fold. The membrane may have a stressed state in which at least one fold of the membrane is unfolded. The membrane may be configured to automatically return from a stressed state to a relaxed state. Therefore, the change in position of the closing mechanism from the open position to the closed position can be automatically caused by unplugging the power plug of the charging cable from the power interface of the housing. The closing mechanism may be formed by a foldable membrane. Advantageously, the closing mechanism does not have to have movable mechanical parts. The closing mechanism may be easy and inexpensive to maintain. The membrane of the closing mechanism may be easily replaceable as needed. A membrane having at least one folding portion can be manufactured inexpensively, particularly by molding. In other words, at least one folding portion of the membrane can be formed by molding. The membrane is in a relaxed state when removed from the mold. The membrane can be formed as a single, integrated component. The membrane can be formed from layers of a consistent thickness.

[0051] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the membrane is positioned such that it unfolds toward the interior of the housing when the closing mechanism moves from the closed position to the open position. This reduces the exposure of the membrane to the external environment when charging the electric vehicle. Furthermore, this facilitates the insertion of the power plug of the charging cable into the housing.

[0052] According to one modification of the first embodiment, at least one folding portion may extend radially from at least one main orifice of the membrane. In other words, these folding portions may be arranged radially around the main orifice of the membrane.

[0053] The membrane may have an outer surface, a portion of which is at least partially conical in the closed position of the closing mechanism, thereby enabling drainage of water that may accumulate on the outer surface of the membrane, particularly in the closed position of the closing mechanism. According to one modification of the first embodiment, the membrane may have a substantially conical shape in the closed position of the closing mechanism. The membrane may have a cylindrical shape in the open position of the closing mechanism. In particular, the membrane may have a frustoconical shape. The smallest opening of this frustoconical shape may correspond to the main orifice of the membrane. In other words, the truncated apex of the cone may define the main orifice of the membrane. This truncated apex of the cone may have an inner diameter complementary to the outer diameter of the connecting pin or the protective cap covering the connecting pin. In the closed position of the closing mechanism, the main orifice of the membrane may be positioned further inside the housing than the rest of the membrane. The main orifice of the membrane is sized to be in close contact with the connecting pin or the protective cap covering the connecting pin in the closed position of the closing mechanism, thereby preventing dust or water from entering, particularly at the interface between the membrane and the connecting pin or the protective cap covering the connecting pin.

[0054] According to one modification of the first embodiment, the cap may include at least one locking latch configured to snap into place with a locking element of the housing. Thus, the cap can be easily attached to the housing, particularly by snapping into place.

[0055] A method for manufacturing a closing mechanism according to the first embodiment may include forming a part as a single unit by overmolding the cap and membrane.

[0056] A method for assembling a connection device according to the first embodiment may include the steps of: installing a closing mechanism overmolded into a housing; and securing the closing mechanism overmolded into the housing. This assembly step may include guiding and centering the closing mechanism using the housing's centering pin. The fixing step may include ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or in combination, the fixing step may include additional connections (i.e., using adhesive). Alternatively, for the purpose of reversible fastening, the fastening steps may include interlocking, snap-fitting, positive-fitting, or screw-fastening connections.

[0057] Another method for manufacturing a closure means according to the first embodiment may include the steps of forming a cap, particularly by injection molding, and forming a membrane. Optionally, this method may include the step of forming the closure means by assembling the cap to the membrane, particularly by a positive fit connection.

[0058] A method for assembling a connection device according to the first embodiment may include a first step of assembling the membrane into the housing, in particular by positive-fitting the fixing studs of the housing to the fixing orifice of the membrane. This method may include a second step of assembling a cap into the assembly formed by the housing and the membrane. This second assembly step may include guiding and centering the cap using a centering pin of the housing. This method may include a third step of securing the cap to an assembly formed by the housing and membrane. This third securing step may include ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or in combination, the third securing step may include additional connections (i.e., using adhesive). Alternatively, for the purpose of reversible fastening, the third fastening step may include interlocking, snap-fitting, positive-fitting, or screw fastening. According to the first or second embodiment, the closing means can be longitudinally movable toward the interior of the passage by the elastic means, in particular by at least one spring, between a closed position in which the elastic means is relaxed and an open position in which the elastic means is deformed, in particular in a compressed or extended state.

[0059] Therefore, the closing mechanism can be partially or completely disposed inside the housing, particularly inside the corresponding passage of the housing, thereby reducing the size of the connected device.

[0060] Furthermore, the fact that the elastic means is in a relaxed state in the closed position, particularly with minimal or zero potential energy, contributes to the stability of the closing means in the closed position.

[0061] The closing means according to the first and second embodiments each comprises at least one main opening. The main opening of the closing means is configured to receive a connector pin. The main opening of the closing means is configured to receive the connector pin particularly securely in the closed position of the closing means. In this closed position, the free end of the connector pin may protrude from the main opening of the closing means. The free end of the connector pin may be covered by a cap, particularly a protective cap. This cap can prevent its surface from directly contacting the free end of the connector pin. The cap may be made of an electrical insulating material, particularly an elastomer. The main orifice of the closing means may be configured to receive the cap of the connecting pin particularly securely in the closed and open positions of the closing means. Advantageously, the orifice of the closing mechanism does not need to be closed by an additional closing element when the closing mechanism is in the closed position. Therefore, the design of the closing mechanism can be simplified.

[0062] According to a second embodiment, the closing means may comprise a closing element having a shape complementary to the passage, the closing element having a main orifice, the main orifice of the closing element being configured to receive a connector pin, and the front of the closing element being configured to be pushed into the passage and compress or extend the elastic means when the plug of the charging cable is inserted into the housing in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station in the current interface.

[0063] In the second embodiment, a simple mechanism, such as a push button, is specifically designed to ensure sealing of the current interface path.

[0064] Furthermore, this elastic mechanism automatically causes a change in the position of the closing mechanism from the open position to the closed position when the plug is removed from the housing in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. In fact, under conditions where no stress is applied, especially when no thrust is applied to the closing element by the plug, the elastic mechanism returns to its initial state, also known as the "relaxed state." This state defines the closed position of the closing mechanism.

[0065] Therefore, just like the connection, disconnecting the charging cable of the connected device according to the second embodiment can also be done easily and quickly by the user.

[0066] According to one modification of the second embodiment, the closing means may further comprise at least two seals, in particular two O-rings, the first seal being positioned around the main orifice of the closing element so as to be positioned between the closing element and the connector pins of an electric vehicle or a charging station, and the second seal being positioned around the outer circumference of the closing element so as to be positioned between the closing element and the inner wall portion of the passage. These seals allow for further improvement of the sealing performance on both sides of the closing element that separates the interior of the passage from the outside. These seals are even more advantageous when positioned at the edges of the closing element, as these edges are configured to translate along the connector pins and along the inner wall of the passage in the housing, respectively, and therefore the risk of leakage may be higher.

[0067] According to a third embodiment, the closing means may include an actuation mechanism, which is disposed in the housing and connected to at least one flap for closing the opening to the outside of the passage in the closed position of the closing means. The flap is pivotably mounted between the closed and open positions of the closing means, and the actuation mechanism is configured to pivot the flap from the closed position to the open position by inserting a plug of a charging cable into the housing in a direction facing the inside of an electric vehicle or charging station at the current interface.

[0068] Therefore, this third embodiment provides a solution that does not require the insertion or placement of a closing mechanism inside the passage. Such a configuration makes it possible to facilitate, for example, inspection of the closing mechanism.

[0069] According to all these embodiments, the housing may include an alternating current (AC) interface and a direct current (DC) interface, and the closing means is positioned over the DC interface in particular to seal the DC interface in accordance with the IP54 standard.

[0070] The following three embodiments of connection devices each relate to a first aspect of the present invention relating to a closing means for a connection device configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or charging station for charging an electric vehicle.

[0071] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a closing means is provided for opening and closing the interface of a plug or plug-in device. The plug-in device may be, but is not limited to, a connection device configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or charging station for charging an electric vehicle. The plug-in device may be an automatic connection system, for example, for connecting to a battery pack or for electrical connection of a vehicle trailer. The closing mechanism comprises a membrane that can be deployed between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the closing mechanism, the membrane has at least one fold and is configured to particularly seal the interface of the plug-in device. In the open position of the closing mechanism, the membrane is at least partially deployed to release the interface of the plug-in device. The change in position of the closing mechanism from the closed position to the open position is automatically triggered by the insertion of the mating device into the interface of the plug-in device.

[0072] When the closing mechanism is in the closed position, it can prevent water and / or dust from entering through the interface. When the closing mechanism is in the open position, it can allow water and / or dust to enter through the interface.

[0073] This closing mechanism can be used in any type of connector. The closing mechanism may be configured to limit or prevent exposure to environments that could adversely affect the connector's service life. The closing mechanism may be used in power distribution unit connectors. The closing mechanism may be used in battery packs. The closing mechanism may be used for electrical connections in vehicle trailers.

[0074] The closing mechanism does not require an electric system, which reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the closing mechanism, the change in position of the closing mechanism from the open position to the closed position is automatically triggered by removing or disconnecting the other device from the interface of the plug-in device.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the closing mechanism, the membrane comprises at least one main orifice, and at least one folding portion may extend radially from this at least one main orifice. This configuration makes the membrane foldable. In particular, the membrane may comprise at least two folding portions, preferably four. These folding portions may be arranged at equal distances from each other.

[0077] The membrane may have an outer surface, a portion of which is at least partially conical in the closed position of the closing mechanism, thereby allowing drainage of water that may accumulate on the outer surface of the membrane in the closed position of the closing mechanism. According to one embodiment of the closing mechanism, the membrane may be substantially conical in the closed position of the closing mechanism. In particular, the membrane may be frustoconical. The smallest opening of this frustoconical shape may correspond to the main orifice of the membrane.

[0078] The membrane may be made from an electrical insulating material. The membrane may also be made from an elastic material, particularly one with an elastic limit sufficient for application to a closure mechanism. According to one embodiment of the closure mechanism, the membrane may be made from an elastomer, particularly silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Both silicone and EPDM membranes are suitable for overmolding. Therefore, by selecting these materials, the closure mechanism can be manufactured by overmolding.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the closing means, the closing means may further comprise a cap that can be attached to the interface of the plug-in device, particularly by snap-fitting, and the membrane can be assembled to the cap, particularly by overmolding. The edge of the cap facing the membrane may comprise at least one notch for guiding and draining water into a drain conduit of the plug-in device. Thus, the cap of the closing means may be adapted for drainage and water discharge.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the closing mechanism, the cap may include at least one locking latch configured to snap into place with the locking element of the plug-in device. This allows the cap to be easily attached to the plug-in device and facilitates the replacement of the cap.

[0081] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising a plug-in device and a closing means according to at least one of the embodiments described above. In the assembly, the closing means is positioned at the interface of the plug-in device to open and close the interface of the plug-in device.

[0082] The features and advantages of the membrane of the closure means according to the first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention may be applied individually or in combination to the closure means according to the second aspect of the present invention and the assembly according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0083] The present invention will be described in more detail below, using a favorable embodiment as an example and with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described are merely possible configurations, and the individual features described may be combined with each other or provided independently. The three embodiments of connection devices shown and described below are each adapted for electric vehicles. These connection devices may also be adapted for charging stations. In all cases, the connection devices of these three embodiments are adapted to plug into a charging cable, particularly with currently available charging cables. Implementation of the present invention does not require modification of existing charging cables. The connection devices according to the present invention also do not require modification of connector pins in electric vehicles or charging stations.

[0084] Various closing mechanisms will be described individually below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention also includes connecting devices that combine at least two closing mechanisms according to various embodiments. The redundant presence of closing mechanisms for the same passage can further improve protection of the interior of the passage.

[0085] The present invention and its advantages will be described in more detail below using preferred embodiments, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0086] [Figure 1] This figure shows an electric vehicle equipped with a connectivity device. The examples in Figure (A) and Figure (B) constitute part of the prior art. [Figure 2] (A) is an exploded view of the connection device according to the first embodiment, and (B) is a diagram of the same connection device with the closing means assembled into the housing. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the interior of the passageway within the housing. [Figure 4] These are schematic diagrams of the front (A) and rear (B) surfaces of the membrane of the closing means according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is an exploded view of the connecting device, Figure 5(B) is a diagram of the connecting device in a partially assembled state, and Figure 5(C) is a diagram of the connecting device in an assembled state. [Figure 6A] This figure shows one of three consecutive steps during plugging into a connecting device according to the first embodiment, with the closing means in the closed position. [Figure 6B] This figure shows one of three consecutive steps during plugging into a connecting device according to the first embodiment, with the closing mechanism in the open position. [Figure 6C] This figure shows one of three consecutive steps during plugging into a connecting device according to the first embodiment, with the closing mechanism in the open position. [Figure 7] (A) is an exploded view of the connecting device according to the second embodiment, and (B) is a partial cross-sectional view of the same connecting device with the closing means assembled to the housing. [Figure 8] This figure shows one of three consecutive steps during plugging into a connecting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) shows the closed position of the closing means, Figure 9(B) shows the partially open position of the closing means, and Figure 9(C) shows the open position of the closing means. [Figure 10] This is an exploded view of a connection device according to one modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the closing mechanism shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a partial view of the connection device with the closing mechanism incorporated. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing one step in plugging the power plug into the connection device of Figure 10, with the closing mechanism in the closed position. [Figure 14]This is a cross-sectional view showing another stage in the insertion of the power plug into the connection device of Figure 10, with the closing mechanism in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0087] Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle 1 that can be equipped with the connection device according to the present invention. The device according to the present invention can also be installed in a charging station for the purpose of charging an electric vehicle.

[0088] First Embodiment Figure 2 shows an exploded view (A) of the connection device 10 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows (B) the connection device 10 with the closing means assembled into the housing.

[0089] The connecting device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is formed from an electrically insulating material. Preferably, the housing 12 is made from plastic. The housing 12 can be formed by injection molding. Therefore, the housing 12 can be manufactured easily, in large quantities, and inexpensively.

[0090] The housing 12 is intended to be mounted on the vehicle body. The housing 12 can be mounted on the vehicle body by mechanical fastening, particularly by screw fastening. For this purpose, the housing 12 is provided with holes 14 adapted to receive fastening means, particularly fastening screws.

[0091] The housing 12 defines an internal receptacle (not visible in Figure 2 due to the orientation of the housing), which is located on the interior surface of the vehicle when the connection device 10 is installed in the vehicle. In particular, this internal receptacle allows for the acceptance of connector pins located inside the vehicle or charging station (not shown in Figure 2; only the connection device is shown in Figure 2). The housing 12 has a front surface 16 that faces outwards from the vehicle when the connection device 10 is installed in the vehicle. The front surface 16 of the housing 12 is visible and accessible to the user.

[0092] The housing 12, in particular the front 16, is equipped with two current interfaces, namely an alternating current interface (AC) and a direct current interface (DC).

[0093] A space 20 for receiving a charging cable plug is defined between the AC and DC current interfaces and the wall 22. The wall 22 protrudes vertically from the front surface 16. The wall 22 is shaped roughly in a figure-eight shape. Furthermore, the space 20 allows water to be drained, in particular toward the drainage conduit of the housing 12.

[0094] Each current interface, AC and DC, comprises multiple passages 18, each adapted to receive connector pins located inside an electric vehicle (not shown in Figure 2; only the connecting device is shown in Figure 2). Each passage 18 penetrates the housing 12 through an opening 26 on the front 16 and opens to the rear of the housing 12 in an internal receptacle of the housing 12. Each passage 18 is substantially tubular in shape. Each passage 18 has a circular cross-section. The passages 18 of the DC current interface have a larger diameter than the passages of the AC current interface.

[0095] The outer wall portion 24 of each current interface AC and DC allows for the insertion of a charging cable plug. The charging cable is shown in Figure 5(A).

[0096] If the charging cable is not plugged into at least one of the AC or DC current interfaces of the connecting device 10, it is recommended, and may even be necessary, to protect the unused AC or DC current interfaces. The protection of the AC and DC current interfaces is intended to avoid contact with fingers. Furthermore, it is necessary to protect the inside of the passage 18, particularly to protect the connector pins received into the passage 18 from water and dust that may enter through the opening 26. To this end, the opening 26 of the passage 18 must be reversibly closed while still allowing insertion into the connecting device 10. Thus, the connecting device 10 may be equipped with a closing means 28.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 2, the closing mechanism 28 is designed for a DC interface.

[0098] However, in any embodiment, the closing mechanism can also be designed for the AC interface.

[0099] In the example shown in Figure 2, the closing mechanism 28 is formed as a single component, for example, by overmolding. Therefore, advantageously, by designing the closing mechanism 28 as a single part, it is possible to reduce the number of parts in the connecting device 10.

[0100] The closing means 28 according to the first embodiment consists of a membrane 30 and a cap 32. The cap 32, intended for a DC current interface, has an oblong parallelepiped shape. The thickness of the cap 32 is indicated by reference numeral 34 in Figure 2. The cap 32 has two orifices 36, which are specifically circular. The circular orifices 36 of the cap 32 are each sized to accept the conductor of a plug for a charging cable (not shown in Figure 2). Thus, the diameter of each orifice 36 of the cap 32 substantially coincides with the diameter of the passage 28 of the housing 12, which is formed to be aligned in the assembled state of the connecting device 10.

[0101] As can be seen further in the cross-sectional views of Figures 3 and 5, the oval edge 38 of the cap 32 facing the membrane 30 is provided with a number of notches 40. These notches 40 of the cap 32 allow water to be guided into and discharged into the space 20, and then discharged into the drainage conduit of the housing 12.

[0102] To facilitate the assembly of the closing mechanism 28 to the housing 12, the housing 12 is provided with two centering pins 42. As shown in Figures 2(A) and 3, each centering pin 42 protrudes from the outer wall portion 24 of the DC current interface. The number, shape, and dimensions of the centering pins 42 are not limited. Each centering pin 42 is configured to be housed in a corresponding recess 44 of the cap 32. The recess 44 of the cap 32 can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3.

[0103] In the example shown in Figure 3, the closing mechanism 28 is fixedly attached to the housing 12, as opposed to being removable. The cap 32 is welded to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding. The cap 32 can be welded to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding at the connection points of the cap 32 with each centering pin 42, i.e., at the recesses 44 of the cap 32.

[0104] Alternatively, the cap 32 can be bonded to the housing 12 using an adhesive, such as epoxy adhesive.

[0105] As described above, the closing means 28 according to the first embodiment consists of a cap 32 and a membrane 30. The membrane 30 will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0106] Figure 4 schematically shows the front (Figure A) and rear (Figure B) of the membrane 30. The membrane 30 has an oval parallelepiped shape. The thickness of the membrane 30 is indicated by reference numeral 46 in Figure 4. The membrane 46 can have a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter. In particular, the membrane 46 can have a thickness between a few tenths of a millimeter and several millimeters. The thickness 46 of the membrane 30 is smaller than the thickness 34 of the cap 32 (see Figure 3), and is especially about one-tenth smaller.

[0107] The membrane 30 is made from an elastomer, particularly silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). The membrane 30 is elastically deformable.

[0108] The membrane 30 comprises two main orifices 48 configured to receive connector pins, and in particular, protective caps for the connector pins (not shown in Figure 4, see Figure 6B). The main orifices 48 of the membrane 30 have a circular cross-section, similar to the cross-sections of the connector pins and their caps (which can be seen in Figure 6B). Thus, the diameter of each main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 substantially matches the diameter of the portion of the connector pin that is received by the orifice. This tight fit ensures a seal at the contact point between the connector pin (or protective cap for the pin) and the membrane 30.

[0109] The membrane 30 further comprises two sub-orifices 50. These sub-orifices 50 have a circular shape and a smaller diameter than the main orifice 48, specifically by about one-fifth of the diameter. The sub-orifices 50 have a shape and dimensions complementary to the centering pin 42 of the housing 12. The sub-orifices 50 of the membrane 30 allow the centering pin 42 to penetrate the membrane 30 and extend to the recess 44 of the cap 32 (see Figure 3).

[0110] The membrane 30 further comprises a plurality of fixing orifices 52. In the example shown in Figure 4, the fixing orifices 52 have an oval hole shape. These fixing orifices 52 are positioned in a circular shape centered on each main orifice 48. The fixing orifices 52 have a shape complementary to the corresponding fixing studs 54 of the housing 12. The fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 can be seen in Figure 2(A). The membrane 30 can be assembled into the housing 12 by a positive fit connection between the fixing studs 54 and the fixing orifices 52. The tight adjustment between the fixing studs 54 and the fixing orifices 52 makes it possible to generate a force that allows the membrane 30 to be held in place by the housing 12. Furthermore, between the fixing studs 54 of the housing, the rear surface 58 of the membrane 30 can be pressed against the surface of the wall portion 24 of the housing 12 in the assembled state of the connecting device 10. This improves the retention of the membrane 30 by friction and the sealing between the closing means 28 and the housing 12.

[0111] The membrane 30 of the closing means 28 can have a mainly flat front surface 56, as shown in Figure 4(A).

[0112] In one alternative, the front surface 56 of the membrane 30 may have recesses, ridges, or grooves.

[0113] The rear surface 58, located opposite the front surface 56, comprises a plurality of recesses 60 arranged radially with respect to each main orifice 48 of the membrane 30. In the example shown in Figure 4, the recesses 60 extend particularly linearly between the main orifices 48 and the fixing orifice 52. The recesses 60 are formed by removing material from the rear surface 58 within the thickness 46 of the membrane 30. The recesses 60 do not cross any surface of the membrane 30 and only form grooves.

[0114] These recesses 60 of the membrane 30 have a shape complementary to the protruding ridges 62 provided on the inner wall portion 64 of each opening 26 of the passage 18.

[0115] The protruding ridges 62 of the inner wall 64 of the housing 12 can be seen in Figures 2(A) and 3. The length of each protruding ridge 62 extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the passage 18. The ridges 62 protrude from the inner wall 64 of the passage 18. In the illustrated example, the protruding ridges 62 are arranged equidistant from each other on the inner wall 64 of the passage 18. Each portion (54) of the protruding ridge 62 that extends outward beyond the wall 24 forms a fixing stud 54 of the housing 12. The shape, dimensions, and number of the ridges 62 and fixing studs 54 are not limited.

[0116] In the assembled state of the connecting device 10, these fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 are each received in mounting recesses 66 of the cap 32, as shown in Figure 3, for example. Each mounting recess 66 of the cap 32 corresponds to a location where material of a shape complementary to the fixing stud 54 has been removed from the edge 68 of the orifice 36 of the cap 32. The edge 38 has a circular shape, similar to the orifice 36 of the cap 32. The cap 32 can be welded to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding at the connection points of the cap 32 with each fixing stud 54, i.e., at each recess 66 of the cap 32.

[0117] The assembly of the closing mechanism 28, which is overmolded onto the housing 12, is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The closing mechanism 28 is positioned so that the rear surface 58 of the membrane 30 faces the outer wall 24 of the housing 12, similar to the position shown in Figure 2(A). Centering of the closing mechanism relative to the DC interface can be guided by centering pins 42 of the housing 12. The closing mechanism 28 is assembled to the DC interface such that each centering pin 42 is accommodated in a corresponding recess 44 of the cap 32 (see Figure 3). Furthermore, in the assembled state shown, for example, in Figures 2(B) and 3, the fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 pass through the fixing studs 52 of the membrane 30, respectively. The fixing studs 54 are each received in mounting recesses 66 of the cap 32. In the illustrated example, the cap 32 is fixed to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding. In an alternative example not shown, another technique may be used to fix the cap 32 to the housing 12.

[0118] In the assembled state of the connection device 10 according to the first embodiment, the membrane 30 is positioned between the cap 32 and the outer wall portion 24 of the DC current interface of the housing 12. This makes it possible to firmly hold the membrane 30 between the cap 32 and the housing 12.

[0119] Furthermore, in the assembled state of the connection device 10 according to the first embodiment, with respect to each passage 18, the longitudinal central axis of the passage 18 is aligned with the longitudinal central axis of the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 and the longitudinal central axis of the orifice 36 of the cap 32.

[0120] In one modification of the first embodiment, the closing means may consist of two parts, or more specifically, only two parts. This modification is shown in Figure 5, where Figure 5(A) shows an exploded view of the closing mechanism 280 comprising the membrane 300 and the cap 320 as two separate parts. In this modification of the first embodiment, the housing 12 is identical to that shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0121] Elements having the same reference numerals as those mentioned above will not be explained again; instead, refer to the explanations given in the preceding paragraphs.

[0122] The membrane 300 has the same structure as the membrane 30 shown in Figure 4. Therefore, the membrane 300 comprises a main orifice 48, a secondary orifice 50, and a fixing orifice 42, as described with respect to Figure 4, for example.

[0123] Cap 320 has the same structure as cap 32 described above, and this structure is to be referenced.

[0124] For example, in this modified version of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5(B), the membrane 300 is first assembled to the housing 12 by a positive fit connection between the fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 and the fixing orifices 52 of the membrane 300, in a direction D facing the internal receptacle of the housing 12. The fixing studs 54 each pass through the fixing orifices 52. The centering pins 42 of the housing 12 each pass through the sub-orifices 50 of the membrane 300.

[0125] Next, the cap 320 is assembled in direction D to the assembly formed by the housing 12 and the membrane 300.

[0126] Next, the cap 320 is fixed to the housing 12 to form the connecting device 100. The closing means 280 is fixed in the same manner as the closing means 28. Therefore, for details regarding the fixing of the closing means 28 and 280 to the housing 12, please refer to the preceding paragraph.

[0127] The methods of operating the closing means 28 and the closing means 280 are substantially identical, and the plugging methods described hereafter with reference to Figures 6a, 6B, and 6C apply to both the connecting device 10 and the connecting device 100.

[0128] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show three consecutive steps during the insertion of the plug 11 into the connection devices 10, 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0129] The closing means 28 and 280 are in the closed position in Figures 6A and 6B, and in the open position in Figure 6C.

[0130] Elements having the same reference numerals as those mentioned above will not be explained again; instead, refer to the explanations given in the preceding paragraphs.

[0131] Figure 6A shows the elements that are assembled together during connection (plugging) for charging an electric vehicle. On the left side of Figure 6A, the charging cable 5 is partially shown, with only one of its ends illustrated.

[0132] Such charging cable 5 is known to those skilled in the art. No connection device according to any embodiment of the present invention requires modification of charging cables known from the prior art. Therefore, only a brief description of the structure of the charging cable 5 attached in Figure 6A is provided.

[0133] The charging cable 5 has a plug 11 and a handle 13 at one end 9. The plug 11 has two tubular funnel assemblies 19 and 21. The plug 11 comprises a first assembly 19 consisting of two tubular funnels 23 dedicated to direct current (DC). The plug 11 includes a second assembly 21 consisting of a tubular funnel 25 specifically for alternating current (AC). This second assembly 21 can include 3 to 7 tubular funnels 25 depending on the type of charging cable. In assemblies 19 and 21, the tubular funnels 23 and 25 are defined by a circular wall portion 27 of thickness T surrounding a tubular passage 29. The funnel 23 of the first assembly 19 has a tubular passage 29 having a larger diameter than the funnel 25 of the second assembly 21. The tubular funnels 23 and 25 can be inserted into corresponding passages 18 of the housings 12 of the connecting devices 10 and 100, respectively. The passages 29 of each tubular funnel 21 and 25 are sized to accommodate the connector pins of the vehicle (or charging station) to be charged.

[0134] Furthermore, the first assembly 19 of the tubular funnel 23 for DC is surrounded by an oval wall portion 31. Thus, a receiving space 33 is defined between the oval wall portion 31 and the outer surface of the circular wall portion 27 of the tubular funnel 23.

[0135] On the right side of Figure 6A, a connection device 10 according to the first embodiment is shown, which is mounted on a vehicle or a charging station (not shown). The connector pins of the vehicle (or charging station) are positioned in each passage 18 of the housing, respectively.

[0136] In Figure 6A, the connector pins of the AC current interface are not shown.

[0137] Each passage 18 of the DC current interface accepts a DC connector pin 35. These DC pins 35 can be seen more clearly in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6B and 6C. In the example shown in Figure 6B, each distal end 37 of the DC pin 35 is covered by a cap 39. The cap 39 can be made from an electrically insulating material. The cap 39 is preferably fixed to the pin, i.e., irremovably attached. In the so-called closed position of the closing means 28, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, for example, each cap 39 protrudes outward through the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30. Therefore, in the closed position of the closing means 28, the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 is tightly adjusted at the cap 39 of the DC pin 35, thereby preventing access to the interior of the passage 18, especially from splashes of water and dust. As a result, in the closed position of the closing means 28, the closing means 28 is configured to particularly seal the opening 26 facing outwards from the passage 18.

[0138] Figure 6B shows the insertion step during partial insertion of the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 into the connecting device 10 in insertion direction D, facing the interior of an electric vehicle or charging station. The oval wall portion 31 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the space 20 of the housing 12 (see Figure 2(A)). Each tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the orifice 36 of the cap 32, which is 34 thick. The cap 32 is partially received in the receiving space 33 of the first DC assembly 19. In the insertion state of Figure 6B, the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is not inserted sufficiently into the connecting device 10 to change the position of the closing means 28. Therefore, in the insertion state of Figure 6B, the closing means 28 is in the closed position.

[0139] In Figure 6C, the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is fully inserted into the connecting device 200 in insertion direction D, deforming the membrane 30 to the so-called open position of the closing means 28. In the open position, the closing means 28 releases the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18 of the housing, allowing electrical contact between the DC connector pins 35 received in the passage 18 and the plug 11 of the charging cable 5, in particular between the conductor (not shown) located inside the tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11.

[0140] According to the present invention, the change in position of the closing means 28 from the closed position to the open position is automatically caused by inserting the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 into the housing 12 in a direction D that faces the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station in the DC current interface.

[0141] In the first embodiment, the front surface 56 of the membrane 30 is pushed in direction D toward the interior of the passage 18 by the tubular funnel 23 of the charging cable 5 during insertion of the plug 11 into the connecting device 10. By pushing the tubular funnel 23 in direction D, the membrane 30 is lowered so as to abut against the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 of the housing 12. Thus, in the open position, for example as shown in Figure 6C, the membrane 30, particularly its rear surface 28, is in partial contact with the inner wall 64 of the passage 18.

[0142] The portion 70 of the membrane 30 sandwiched between the cap 32 and the outer wall portion 24 of the housing 12 is fixed and held between the cap 32 and the housing 12, and therefore cannot be lowered toward the interior of the passage 18.

[0143] In the open position of the closing mechanism 28, the portion 72 of the membrane 30 lowered into the passage 18 is sandwiched between the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 and the outer surface of the circular wall 27 of the tubular funnel 23. The portion of the passage 18 through which the membrane 30 can be lowered has a diameter adapted to accommodate both the tubular funnel 23 and the portion 70 of the membrane 30.

[0144] In the open position of the closing mechanism 28, the rear surface 58 of the membrane 30 is positioned in contact with the inner wall portion 64 of the passage 18. The protruding ridges 62 of the passage 18 are respectively received in the recesses 60 of the rear surface 58 of the membrane 30.

[0145] Since the opening of the closing mechanism 28 occurs automatically as a result of inserting the charging cable 5 into the connected device 10, a separate opening step to open the closing mechanism is not required before the step of inserting the charging cable. Therefore, the user can connect the charging cable 5 to the connected device 10 more quickly.

[0146] Furthermore, because the membrane 30 is elastically deformable, removing the plug 11 from the housing 12 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D automatically causes a change in the position of the closing mechanism 28 from the open position to the closed position. In fact, under conditions where no stress is applied, especially when no thrust is applied by the tubular funnel 23, the membrane 30 returns to its initial state, also known as the "relaxed state." This state defines the closed position of the closing mechanism 28. Moreover, this ensures that the closing mechanism can be reliably, automatically, and accurately repositioned to the closed position.

[0147] Therefore, both connecting and disconnecting the charging cable 5 to the connected device according to the present invention can be done easily and quickly by the user.

[0148] Furthermore, the closing means 28 is the only means provided in the housing 12 for closing the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18.

[0149] Second Embodiment Figure 7 shows the connection device 200 and DC connector pins 35 according to the second embodiment.

[0150] The connection device 200 comprises a housing 202 intended to be mounted on the vehicle body. Only the differences from the housing 12 according to the first embodiment will be described below. For elements of the housing 202 having the same reference numerals as those of the housing 12, refer to the description of the first reference embodiment.

[0151] Similar to the first embodiment, the AC current interface and DC current interface of the housing 202 are surrounded by a wall portion 22 that is shaped like an eight.

[0152] The closing means 204 according to the second embodiment includes an elastic means 206 for each passage 18 of the housing 202, in particular a compression spring 206. In one modified example, an elastic means other than a compression spring can be used.

[0153] The compression spring 206 may have a coil with a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the passage 18 in the housing. This can improve the stability of the closing means 204, particularly during changes in the position of the closing means 204.

[0154] The closing means 204 according to the second embodiment includes a closing element 208, which has a shape and dimensions complementary to the interior of the passage 18 of the housing 202.

[0155] In the illustrated example, the closing element 208 is a disk 208 perforated with a central orifice 210. The central orifice 210 of the closing element 208 is sized to accept vehicle connector pins, such as the DC pin 25 shown in Figure 7.

[0156] The disk 208 can be formed by an assembly of two washers 212, 214 (see Figure 7(B)). The two washers 212, 214 can be fixed and held together by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the two washers 212, 214 may be held together by adhesive or mechanical connection (e.g., screw fastening or snap fastening).

[0157] The closing element 208 comprises two O-rings 216 and 218. The first seal 216 is positioned around the central orifice 210 of the disk 208. The second seal 218 is positioned around the outer circumference of the disk 208. Thus, in the assembled state of the connection device 200 as shown in Figure 7(B), the first seal 216 is positioned between the closing element 208 and the DC connector pin 35 to ensure sealing at this first interface. Furthermore, the second seal 218 is positioned between the closing element 208 and the inner wall portion 64 of the passage 18 to ensure sealing at this second interface.

[0158] These O-rings 216 and 218 ensure a seal, particularly in accordance with ingress protection class IP54 or IP55, without generating enough friction to prevent or block the movement of the closing element 208 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the passage 18 of the housing 202 when the charging plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is inserted into the housing 202.

[0159] For example, according to one modified example of the second embodiment shown in Figure 7, the housing 202 may further include a cap 220.

[0160] The DC current interface of the housing 202 (according to the second embodiment) differs from the DC current interface of the housing 12 (according to the first embodiment) in that the portion of the passage 18 with the protruding ridge 62 in the first embodiment is replaced by a cap 220 in the second embodiment.

[0161] The cap 220 for the DC interface has an oval parallelepiped shape. The thickness of the cap 220 is indicated by reference numeral 224 in Figure 7(A). The cap 220 is equipped with two orifices 222, which are specifically circular. Each of the circular orifices 222 of the cap 220 is sized to receive the tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 (see Figure 8). Thus, the diameter of each orifice 222 of the cap 220 substantially coincides with the diameter of the tubular funnel 23. The cap 220 can be secured to the housing 202 by mechanical connections. In the illustrated example, the cap 220 is screwed to the housing 202. For this purpose, the outer wall portion 24 of the DC current interface is provided with screw-fastened tubular funnels 226, which have tapped holes specifically for receiving fastening screws 228. The number of screw-fastened tubular funnels 226 is the same as the number of corresponding fastening screws 228. Advantageously, mechanical washers 230 are placed between the heads of the fastening screws 228 and the cap 220. The mechanical washers 230 improve stress distribution after tightening of the fastening screws 228. The mechanical washers 230 also allow for protection of the surface of the cap 220 by preventing direct contact between the heads of the fastening screws 228 and the cap 220.

[0162] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the closing means 204 comprises at least an elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) and a closing element 208 (disk 208). As shown in Figure 7(B), for example, the compression spring 206 is positioned between the rear surface 232 of the closing element 208 (disk 208) and the bottom wall portion 234 of the housing 202. The elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) is mounted on the rear surface 232 of the closing element 208 (disk 208). The elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) is mounted on the bottom wall portion 234 of the housing 202. Thus, the elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) and the closing element 208 (disk 208) are held in place by the housing 202. This prevents the loss of the elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) or the closing element 208 (disk 208). It should be emphasized here that the elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) and the closing element 208 (disk 208) are movably held inside the passage 18 of the housing 202, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the closing means 204 in the second embodiment. Both the elastic means 206 and the closing element 208 are positioned inside the passage 18 of the housing 202, regardless of whether the closing means 204 is in the open or closed position. The open and closed positions of the closing means 204 will be further described below with reference to Figure 8.

[0163] Figure 8 shows three consecutive steps of inserting the plug 11 into the connection device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0164] Figure 8(A) shows the insertion step in which the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially inserted into the connecting device 200 in insertion direction D facing the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station. The oval wall portion 31 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the space 20 of the housing 202 (this space is also shown in Figure 2(A)). Each tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the corresponding orifice 22 of the cap 220, which is 224 thick. In the insertion state shown in Figure 8(A), the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is not inserted into the connecting device 200 sufficiently to cause a change in the position of the closing means 204. Therefore, in the insertion state shown in Figure 8(A), the closing means 28 is also in the closed position.

[0165] In the closed position, the elastic means 206 of the closing means 204 is in an initial state called the “stationary state,” that is, a state in which its potential energy is at its lowest and even zero. The elastic means 206, in particular the compression spring 206, in its initial state has dimensions that allow the closing element 208, in particular the disk 208, to be positioned on the cap 39 of the DC pin 35. In the closed position of the closing mechanism 204, the closing element 208, particularly the disk 208, is positioned coplanar with the outer wall portion 24 of the housing (shown in Figure 7(A)) within the passage 18. Therefore, in the closed position of the closing mechanism 204, the closing element 208, particularly the disk 208, is not received by the orifice 222 of the cap 220. The cap 220 is shown to be located on the outer wall portion 24 of the housing 202.

[0166] In the closed position of the closing means 204, the opening 26 of the passage 18 to the outside is protected by the closing element 208, in particular the disk 208, which closes off the opening 26.

[0167] According to the present invention, the change in position of the closing means 204 from the closed position to the open position is automatically caused by inserting the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 into the housing 202 in a direction D that faces inward at the DC current interface of the electric vehicle or charging station.

[0168] In Figure 8(B), the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is fully inserted into the connecting device 200 in insertion direction D, thereby compressing the compression spring 206 and causing the disk 208 to move toward the wall of the bottom 234 of the passage 18. In effect, the compression reduces a series of gaps between the coils of the spring 206, thereby moving the disk 208 toward the interior of the passage 18. In Figure 8(B), the closing mechanism 204 is no longer in the closed position. However, the closing mechanism 204 is not yet in the fully open position. The fully open position will be explained with reference to Figure 8(C).

[0169] In Figure 8(C), the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is inserted until it contacts the connected device 200 in the insertion direction D. In Figure 8(C), the closing mechanism 204 is in the open position. In the open position, the closing mechanism 204 opens the opening 26 toward the outside of the passage 18 of the housing 202, allowing electrical contact between the DC connector pins 35 received in the passage 18 and the plug 11 of the charging cable 5, in particular the conductor (not shown) located in the tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11.

[0170] In the fully open position shown in Figure 8(C), the tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11 further compresses the spring 206 by pushing the front surface of the disc 208 toward the wall of the bottom 234 of the passage 18. In particular, the spring 206 can be in its most compressed state in the open position of the closing means 204. The restoring force of the spring 206 is sufficiently low to prevent the plug 5 from being automatically ejected from the connecting device 200. In the fully open position shown in Figure 8(C), the disk 208 is considerably away from the wall of the bottom 234 of the passage 18, and the DC connector pins 35 are inserted just enough to allow electrical contact with the passage 29 of the tubular funnel 23 of the plug 11.

[0171] Since the opening of the closing mechanism 204 occurs automatically as a result of inserting the charging cable 5 into the connected device 200, a separate opening step to open the closing mechanism is not required before the step of inserting the charging cable. Therefore, the user can connect the charging cable 5 to the connected device 200 more quickly.

[0172] Furthermore, because the compression spring 206 is elastically deformable, removing the plug 11 from the housing 202 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D automatically causes a change in the position of the closing mechanism 204 from the open position to the closed position. In fact, under conditions where no stress is applied, especially when there is no thrust applied to the front surface of the disc 208 by the tubular funnel 23, the compression spring 206 returns to its initial state, also known as the "relaxed state." This state defines the closed position of the closing mechanism 204. Moreover, this ensures that the closing mechanism 204 is automatically and accurately repositioned to the closed position.

[0173] Therefore, both connecting and disconnecting the charging cable 5 to the connected device according to the present invention can be done easily and quickly by the user.

[0174] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the closing means 204 is the only means provided in the housing 202 for closing the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18.

[0175] In embodiments not shown, the closing means 28, 280 of the first embodiment and the closing means 204 of the second embodiment can be combined in the same connection device, particularly with respect to the same passage 18 of the housing. In this case, the opening 26 of the passage 28 can be protected by the membranes 30, 300 and the disk 208. The disk 208 can be positioned within the passage 18 and behind the rear surfaces 28 of the membranes 30, 300. The stroke of the compression spring 206 in this embodiment can be smaller than the stroke in the second embodiment. Redundancy of the closing means can further improve the sealing of the connection device.

[0176] Third Embodiment Figure 9 schematically shows the connection device 301 according to the third embodiment, where Figure 9(A) shows the closed position of the closing means 302, Figure 9(B) shows the partially open position of the closing means 302, and Figure 9(C) shows the open position of the closing means 302. In Figure 9, only the DC current interface of the housing 304 of the connection device 301 is illustrated.

[0177] Elements having the same reference numerals as those mentioned above will not be explained again; instead, refer to the explanation given in the preceding paragraph.

[0178] The closing mechanism 302 according to the third embodiment includes an operating mechanism 306 disposed in the wall portion 308 of the housing 304. This operating mechanism 306 is mechanically connected to two flaps 310. These flaps 310 are designed to close the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18 when the closing mechanism 302 is in the closed position.

[0179] Each flap 310 is pivotally mounted between the closed and open positions of the closing mechanism 302. The actuation mechanism 306 is configured to pivot each flap 310 from the closed position to the open position, particularly simultaneously, by inserting the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 (not shown) into the housing 304 in a direction D facing the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station in the DC current interface. More specifically, the actuation mechanism 306 is configured to pivot each flap 310, particularly simultaneously, when the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 contacts the actuation mechanism 306 in direction D.

[0180] The actuation mechanism 306 may comprise a cam assembly. Alternatively, or in combination, the actuation mechanism 306 may comprise one or more shafts. Alternatively, or in combination, the actuation mechanism 306 may comprise one or more gears.

[0181] A groove 312 is provided in the wall portion 308 of the housing 304 to allow the flap 310 to pivot.

[0182] Each flap 310 is rotatably held around a rod 314. The rotational movement of the flap 310 is indicated by arrows around the rod 314 in Figures 9(B) and 9(C). The flap 310 has a shape that allows it to close the entire entrance 26 of the passage 18 when the closing means 302 is in the closed position. Each flap 310 has a shape that allows for simultaneous rotational movement of the flap 310. For example, as shown in Figure 3, each flap 310 may have a substantially circular portion sized to cover the passage 18, which has a hollow edge, particularly a concave portion.

[0183] In contrast to prior art flap systems such as those shown in Figure 1(B), the pivoting of the flap 310 of the connection device 301 occurs automatically when the charging cable 5 is plugged in, without requiring any intervention from the user to manually operate the flap, after which the plug 11 of the charging cable 5 can be inserted into the connection device 301.

[0184] In one embodiment not shown, the closing means 28, 280 of the first embodiment and the closing means of the third embodiment can be combined in the same connection device, particularly with respect to the same passage 18 of the housing. In such a connection device, the flap 310 according to the third embodiment can be positioned in front of the closing means 28, 208 of the first embodiment in the insertion direction D.

[0185] Another torture Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the connection device 400 according to one modification of the first embodiment. The connection device 400 comprises a housing 402 intended to be mounted on the body of a vehicle.

[0186] The following will explain in detail only the differences from housing 12. For other elements of housing 402 that are common with housing 12, please refer to the explanations in Figures 1 to 6. In the following sections, elements with the same reference numerals as described above will not be explained again, and the explanations given in the preceding paragraphs will be used.

[0187] The connecting device 400 comprises a housing 412 and a closing means 428. Similar to the closing means 28 described above, the closing means 428 consists of a membrane 430 and a cap 432.

[0188] Compared to housing 12, the DC interface of housing 402 includes a wall portion 424 adapted to receive the cap 432. Compared to the DC interface of housing 12, material is removed in housing 432. In particular, the DC interface of housing 402 includes two recesses 413. Each of these recesses 413 is through. The recesses 413 allow for the insertion of each locking latch 415 of the closing mechanism 428. In the example shown in Figure 10, the closing mechanism 408 includes two locking latches 415 extending vertically from the base 401 of the cap 432. Each locking latch 415 has an aperture 419 toward its free end 417. Each aperture 419 is adapted to snap into each locking element 421 located in each recess 413 of the housing 412. Thus, the closing means 428 can be assembled and snap-fitted into the housing 412.

[0189] The base 401 of the cap 432 has two circular orifices 436. The membrane 430 is overmolded onto the cap 432. The injection point 423 may be positioned between the two orifices 436 of the cap 432.

[0190] Each orifice 436 may be provided with a notch 425 to allow drainage or discharge of water that accumulates at the interface between the base 401 of the cap 432 and the outer surface 427 of the membrane 430.

[0191] The membrane 430 may be provided with a longitudinal projection 429 to improve the fit between the closing means 428 and the DC interface of the housing 412.

[0192] The membrane 430 will be further described with reference to Figure 11, which shows a partial cross-sectional view of the closing mechanism 428, and Figure 12, which shows a partial view of the connecting device 400 with the closing mechanism 428 assembled to the housing 412. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the bonding region 431 between the cap 432 and the membrane 430. This bonding region 431 is preferably sealed. The membrane 430 is overmolded onto the cap 432, particularly via an injection point 423, which is also visible in Figure 11. The membrane 430 comprises at least one fold portion 433. In the illustrated example, the membrane 430 comprises four fold portions 433. The number of fold portions 433 is not limited. The folding portion 433 is radially positioned around the main orifice 448 of the membrane 430. Similar to the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 described above, each main orifice 448 is configured to receive a connector pin 35, or a cap 39 that covers one end of the connector pin 35. Each main orifice 448 of the membrane 430 has a circular shape, similar to the cross-section of the connector pin 35 and their caps 39 (only the caps 39 are visible in Figure 12). In the closed position of the closing means 428 (Figure 12), the diameter of each main orifice 448 of the membrane 30 substantially matches the diameter of the portion of the connector pin that is received by the orifice 448. This tight seal ensures a seal at the contact point between the connector pin 35 (or pin protection cap 39) and the membrane 430. The folded portions 433 of the membrane 430 may be arranged around the main aperture 438 at equidistant distances from each other. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the cross-section of the folded portions 433 may have a U-shaped cross-section. Between each folded portion 433, the membrane comprises portions 435. These portions 435 are separated from each other by the folded portions 433. The series of folded portions 433 and portions 435 form an accordion structure around the main orifice 438. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the membrane 430 may be formed from layers of a constant thickness, which is advantageous for manufacturing the membrane 430 by molding or overmolding. In fact, portions of a constant thickness are easier to manufacture by molding.

[0193] In the closed position of the closing mechanism 408 as shown in Figure 12, the membrane 430 has a conical shape. Due to the presence of the main orifice 448, the membrane 430 has a frustoconical shape in particular. The conical shape of the membrane 430 in the closed position of the locking mechanism 428 allows water to be discharged to the outside of the housing 412, thus preventing water from accumulating between the cap 432 and the membrane 430. The notch 425 of the cap 432 (visible in Figure 10) and the corresponding notch 437 of the DC power interface (visible in Figure 12) prevent water from accumulating between the cap 432 and the membrane 430.

[0194] The membrane 430 can be deployed from the closed position (Figures 12 and 13) to the open position (Figure 14) of the closing means 428 by inserting the power plug 11 of the charging cable into the housing 412 in the direction D facing inward at the DC interface. Insertion of the power plug 11 into the connecting device 400 will be described hereafter with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The power plug 11 has already been described in relation to Figure 6A, which will be referenced here.

[0195] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the stage in which the power plug is being inserted into the connection device 400 as shown in Figure 10, at which point the closing means 428 is still in the closed position. The power plug 11 is partially inserted into the connection device 400 in insertion direction D, facing inward towards the electric vehicle or charging station. In the insertion state of Figure 13, the power plug 11 is not inserted into the connection device 400 sufficiently to change the position of the closing means 428. Therefore, in the insertion state of Figure 13, the closing means 28 is in the closed position. In the closed position of the closing means 28, the membrane 430 is in a relaxed state. In the open position of the closing means 28, the membrane 430 is under stress. The membrane 430 is configured to automatically return to a relaxed state.

[0196] In Figure 14, the current plug 11 is fully inserted into the connecting device 400 in the insertion direction D, causing the membrane 430 to unfold to the open position of the closing means 428. In this open position, the closing means 428 opens the opening 26 toward the outside of the passage 18 of the housing 412, allowing electrical contact between, for example, the DC connector pins 35 received in the passage 18 and the power plug 11. The membrane 430 is positioned relative to the housing 412 such that when the closing means 428 moves from the closed position to the open position, the membrane 430 unfolds toward the inside of the housing 412. This facilitates insertion of the power plug 11 in direction D. By folding the membrane 430, it can be unfolded without stretching, and because it can be unfolded without stretching, it is possible to limit the stress applied to the membrane during insertion. Therefore, the membrane 430 can be made more robust. The membrane 430 is less susceptible to tearing.

[0197] By pushing the power plug 11 in direction D, the membrane 30 is deployed so as to contact the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 of the housing 412. In the open position of the closing means 428, the membrane has a cross-section defined with respect to the insertion direction D, which is circular and has a diameter complementary to the inner diameter of the passage 18 of the housing 412.

[0198] Furthermore, the membrane 430 is configured to return to its original shape, i.e., a stationary state with the folding portion 433, by automatically moving the closing means 428 from the open position to the closed position when the power plug of the charging cable is unplugged from the housing 412 in the direction opposite to the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station. In another embodiment not shown, the closing means 204 according to the second embodiment and the closing means according to the third embodiment can be combined in the same single connection device, in particular with respect to the same passage 18 of the housing.

[0199] In yet another embodiment (not shown), the closing means 28, 280 according to the first embodiment, the closing means 204 according to the second embodiment, and the closing means according to the third embodiment can be combined in the same single connection device, particularly with respect to the same passage 18 of the housing. The redundancy of the closing means can further improve the sealing of the connection device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0200] 1. Electric vehicle 3. Connectivity devices for electric vehicles 5 Charging Cable 7 Charging Stations 9. The first end of the charging cable 11. Charging cable plug 13. Charging cable handle 15. The second end of the charging cable 17. Charging station connection devices 19 First assembly of DC tubular funnel 21 AC tubular funnel second assembly 23 DC tubular funnel 25 AC Tubular Funnel 27 Circular wall portion of tubular funnel 29 Tubular passage 31. Oval wall section 33 Receptive Space 35 DC connector pins 37 Distal end of pin 39 Cap 10, 100 Connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention 12 Housing 14 holes 16 Front of the housing 18 aisles 20 space 22 Wall 24 Outer wall section of the current interface 26 Openings for passages to the outside 28, 280 Closing means 30, 300 membranes 32,320 caps 34. Cap thickness 36 Cap Orifice 38. The edge of the cap 40 Cap Notches 42 Housing centering pin 44 Recess in the cap 46. ​​Membrane thickness 48 Main orifice of the membrane 50 Sub-orifices of the membrane 52. Orifice for fixing the membrane 54 Housing fixing studs 56 Front of the membrane 58 Rear side of the membrane 60 membrane recesses 62. Projecting ridge of the passageway 64 Inner wall section of the passageway 66 Cap mounting recess 68. Edge of the cap's orifice 70 The portion of the membrane that is in an undeformed state in the open position. 72. Part of the membrane in the deformed state when in the open position. 200 Connecting device according to the second embodiment 202 Housing by Second Embodiment 204 Closure means according to the second embodiment 206 Elastic means, compression spring 208 Closure elements, disk 210 Central Orifice 212, 214 Washers 216, 218 O-rings 220 Cap according to the second embodiment 222 Cap Orifice 224 Cap thickness 226 Threaded Tubular Funnel 228 Fixing screws 230 Mechanical Washers 232 Rear view of the closing element 234 Bottom wall of the housing 301 Connecting device according to the third embodiment 302 Closing means 304 Housing 306 Operating mechanism 308 Housing wall 310 Flap 312 Groove 314 Rod 400 A connection device according to one modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention 401 Cap Base 412 Housing 413 DC interface recess 415 Locking latch 417 Free end of locking latch 419 Aperture of locking latch 421 Rock elements 423 Injection point 424 DC interface wall 425 Cap Notch 427 Outer surface of the membrane 428 Closing means 429 Longitudinal projection 430 Membrane 431 Joint area 432 Cap 433 Folding section 435 The membrane portion between the two folding parts 436 Cap Orifice 437 DC Interface Notch 448 Main orifice of the membrane AC alternating current DC direct current D direction T-tubular funnel thickness

Claims

1. A connection device (10, 100, 200, 301, 400) configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or charging station for charging an electric vehicle, Housing (12, 202, 304, 412) with at least one current interface (AC, DC) Equipped with, The outer wall portion (24) of the current interface (AC, DC) allows for the insertion of a charging cable plug. The current interface (AC, DC) includes at least one passage (18) that penetrates the housing (12, 202, 304, 412), The passage (18) is adapted to receive connector pins located inside the electric vehicle or the charging station. The current interface (AC, DC) includes a closing mechanism (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) that is adjustable between a closed position and an open position, and is particularly equipped with a sealed closing mechanism, thereby, In the closed position of the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428), the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) are configured to close the opening (26) to the outside of the passage (18) in a particularly sealing manner. In the open position of the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428), the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) open the opening (26) to the outside of the passage (18) to allow electrical contact with the connector pins received in the passage (18), The change in position of the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) from the closed position to the open position is automatically caused by inserting the plug of the charging cable into the housing (12, 202, 304, 428) in the direction (D) facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station in the current interface (AC, DC) of the connecting device (10, 100, 200, 301, 400).

2. The connecting device (10, 100, 200, 301, 400) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) is the only means provided in the housing (12, 202, 304, 412) for closing the opening (26) to the outside of the passage (18).

3. The connecting device (10, 100, 200, 301, 400) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) or at least one cap (32, 220, 310) of the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) is removably attached to the housing (12, 202, 304, 412) in particular by snap-fitting, positive-fit connection, screw fastening, or a combination thereof.

4. The closing means (28, 280, 428) comprises a deformable membrane (30, 300, 430) having at least one main orifice (48, 448), The main orifices (48, 448) of the membrane (30, 300, 430) are configured to receive the connector pins in a particularly sealed manner when the closing means (28, 280, 428) is in the closed position. The membrane (30, 430) is deformable from the closed position to the open position of the closing means (28, 428) by inserting the plug of the charging cable into the housing (12, 412) in a direction (D) facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station in the current interface (AC, DC). The connection device (10, 100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane (30, 300, 430) is deformable from the open position to the closed position of the closing means (28, 280, 428) by unplugging the charging cable (12, 412) in a direction opposite to the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

5. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to claim 4, wherein the membrane (30, 300, 430) partially abuts against the inner wall portion (64) of the passage (18) when the closing means (28, 280, 428) is in the open position.

6. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one (58) surface of the membrane (30, 300) is provided with one or more recesses (60) arranged radially with respect to the main orifice (48) of the membrane (30, 300).

7. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to claim 6, wherein the inner wall portion (64) of the passage (18) comprises one or more protruding ridges (62) having a shape and dimensions complementary to the recesses (60) of the membranes (30, 300).

8. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the membrane (30, 300) further comprises at least one fixing orifice (52) for positive fit connection with the housing (12), particularly with the corresponding fixing stud (54) of the housing (12).

9. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the membrane (30, 300, 430) is made from an elastomer, particularly from silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

10. The closing means (28, 280, 428) further comprises caps (32, 320, 432), The caps (32, 320, 432) are provided with at least one orifice (36) for receiving the conductor of the charging cable plug, The connection device (10, 100, 400) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the membrane (30, 300, 430) is disposed between the cap (32, 320, 432) and the outer wall portion (24) of the current interface (AC, DC) of the housing (12, 412).

11. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to claim 10, wherein the edge (38) of the cap (32, 320, 432) facing the membrane (30, 300, 430) is provided with a plurality of notches (40) for guiding and discharging water to the drainage conduit of the housing (12, 412).

12. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one centering pin (42) configured to be accommodated in a corresponding recess (44) of the cap (32), and the cap (32) comprises at least one recess (44).

13. The connecting device (100, 400) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the membrane (300, 430) and the cap (320, 432) are formed as a single integrated part (280), particularly by overmolding.

14. The connecting device (10, 100, 400) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the caps (30, 300) are welded to or bonded to the housing (12), particularly by ultrasonic welding.

15. The connecting device (400) according to at least one of claims 4 to 14, wherein in the closed position of the closing means (428), the membrane (430) comprises at least one foldable portion (433), and in the open position of the closing means (428), the at least one foldable portion (433) of the membrane (430) is at least partially unfoldable.

16. The connecting device (400) according to claim 15, wherein the membrane (430) is arranged such that when the closing means (428) moves from the closed position to the open position, the membrane (430) unfolds toward the interior of the housing (412).

17. The connecting device (400) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one folding portion (433) extends radially from the at least one main orifice (448) of the membrane (430).

18. The connecting device (400) according to at least one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the membrane (430) has a substantially conical shape in the closed position of the closing means (428).

19. The connecting device (400) according to a combination of claim 10 and at least one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the cap (432) comprises at least one locking latch (415) configured to snap into place with a locking element (421) of the housing (412).

20. The closing means (28, 204, 280) are closed longitudinally toward the interior of the passage (18) by elastic means (30, 206, 300), particularly by at least one spring (206). The elastic means (30, 206, 300) is in a relaxed state in a closed position, The elastic means (30, 206, 300) is in a deformed state, particularly in an open position in a compressed or extended state. A connecting device (10, 20, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, which is movable between the two.

21. The closing means (204) includes a closing element (208) having a shape complementary to the passage, which is equipped with a main orifice (210). The main orifice (210) of the closing element (208) is configured to receive a connector pin, The connecting device (200) according to claim 20, wherein the front surface of the closing element (208) is pushed into the passage (18) to compress or extend the elastic means (206) when the plug of the charging cable is inserted into the housing in a direction (D) facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station in the current interface.

22. The closing means (204) further comprises at least two seals (216, 218), in particular two O-rings, The first seal (216) is positioned along the periphery of the main orifice (210) of the closing element (208) so as to be positioned between the closing element (208) and the connector pins of the electric vehicle or the charging station. The connecting device (200) according to claim 21, wherein the second seal (218) is arranged along the outer circumference of the closing element (208) so as to be positioned between the closing element (208) and the inner wall portion (64) of the passage (18).

23. The closing means (302) comprises an operating mechanism (306), which is disposed in the housing (304) and is connected to at least one flap (310) for closing the opening (26) to the outside of the passage (18) in the closed position of the closing means (302). The flap (310) is pivotably mounted to the closing means (302) between the closed position and the open position. The connection device (301) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating mechanism (306) is configured to pivot the flap (310) from the closed position to the open position by inserting the plug of the charging cable into the housing (304) in a direction (D) facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station at the current interface (DC).

24. The housing (12, 202, 304, 412) is equipped with an AC interface and a DC interface. The closing means (28, 204, 280, 302, 428) are connected devices (10, 100, 200, 301, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, which are arranged in the DC interface (DC).

25. Closing means (428) for opening and closing the interface of a plug-in device, The closing means (428) includes a membrane (430) that can be deployed between a closed position and an open position, thereby, In the closed position of the closing means (428), the membrane (430) comprises at least one folded portion (433), and the membrane (430) is configured to particularly seal the interface of the plug-in device. In the open position of the closing means, the membrane (430) is at least partially deployed to release the interface of the plug-in device. The closing means (428) changes position from the closed position to the open position, which is automatically triggered when the other device is inserted into the interface of the plug-in device.

26. The closing means (428) according to claim 25, wherein the change in position of the closing means (428) from the open position to the closed position is automatically caused by disconnecting the other device from the interface of the plug-in device.

27. The closing means (428) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the membrane (430) comprises at least one main orifice (448), and the at least one folding portion (433) extends radially from the at least one main orifice (448).

28. The closing means (428) according to at least one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the membrane (430) has a substantially conical shape in the closed position of the closing means (428).

29. The closure means (428) according to at least one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the membrane (430) is made from an elastomer, particularly from silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

30. The closing means (428) according to at least one of claims 25 to 29, further comprising a cap (432) that can be attached to the interface of a plug-in device by snap-fitting in particular, wherein the membrane (430) is assembled to the cap (432) by overmolding in particular.

31. The closing means (428) according to claim 30, wherein the cap (432) comprises at least one locking latch (415) configured to snap into place with the locking element of the plug-in device.

32. An assembly comprising a plug-in device and a closing means (428) according to at least one of claims 25 to 31, The closing means (428) is an assembly positioned on the interface of the plug-in device to open and close the interface of the plug-in device.

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