Plug cover flap hinge for plug connector and connector assembly including same

Abstract

To provide a cover flap for protecting a plug connector from external influence.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a plug cover flap hinge 1 comprising a cover flap 5 for a plug device 3, in particular a charging connection portion of an electric vehicle, where in order to move the cover flap 5 along a defined path, the plug cover flap hinge 1 further comprises a four point joint hinge 13. Two flap-side joints 19 and 21 of the four point joint hinge 13 are attached to the cover flap 5, and two fixed-side joints 23 and 25 of the four point joint hinge 13 are designed to be attachable to a frame 27, the four point joint hinge 13 comprising two joint elements 15 and 17, where one joint element 15 and 17 of the two joint elements 15 and 17 each connects one of the flap-side joints 19 and 21 to one of the fixed-side joints 23 and 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug cover flap hinge for a plug connector, in particular for a charging connection of an electric vehicle, the plug cover flap hinge comprising a cover flap for covering the plug connector.The present invention further relates to a connector assembly comprising the plug cover flap hinge. [Background technology]

[0002] A plug cover flap hinge and a connector assembly are known. A cover flap of the plug cover flap hinge is used to cover a plug connector. It may be necessary to cover the plug connector in order to protect it from external influences or to prevent accidental contact with live parts of the plug connector. Known cover flaps are usually connected to the connector housing or to another stationary part via a joint. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve the known cover flaps and their connection to the stationary parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] With regard to the above-mentioned plug cover flap hinge, the problem is solved in that the plug cover flap hinge comprises a four-point joint hinge, two flap side joints of the four-point joint hinge are attached to the cover flap and two fixed side joints of the four-point joint hinge are configured to be attachable to the frame, and the four-point joint hinge has two joint elements, each of which connects one of the flap side joints to one of the fixed side joints.

[0005] With regard to the above-mentioned connector assembly, the problem is solved in that the plug cover flap hinge is the plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention, the connector assembly comprises a connector housing, in particular for a charging connection on the vehicle side of an electric vehicle, and the plug cover flap hinge is integrated with the connector housing to form a pre-assembled unit.

[0006] Compared to known cover flaps, the solution according to the invention offers the advantage that the four-point joint hinge allows a well-defined and guided movement of the cover flap relative to the frame. The movement of the cover flap can thus follow a predefined path, which does not necessarily have to be circular. Depending on the position of the joints relative to each other, relative to the cover flap and relative to the frame, different paths can be realised. This is particularly expedient if the cover flap moves substantially parallel to the plug-in direction of the plug connector in the vicinity of the covered plug connector. The attachment of the two joint elements of the four-point joint hinge can also ensure a stable attachment of the cover flap to the frame.

[0007] The plug cover flap hinge may in particular be used to cover the plug face of the plug connector. The frame is a stationary part in which the plug cover flap hinge is captively and movably held in the assembled state. The frame may for example be the plug connector or a housing that at least partially surrounds the plug connector. Alternatively, the frame may be an outer wall of the vehicle, in particular the bodywork, or another structure.

[0008] The present invention also relates to an electric vehicle, in particular a fully electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, comprising at least one plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention and / or at least one connector assembly according to the present invention.

[0009] However, the present invention is not limited to plug connectors for electric vehicles. The plug cover flap hinge and connector assembly may be used with any plug connector that requires coverage by a cover flap.

[0010] The cover flap is preferably movable between a covered position, in which the plug connector is covered by the cover flap, and an open position, in which the plug connector is accessible from the outside. This mobility is made possible by a four-point joint hinge. In the open position, the plug connector is preferably accessible from the mating connector. The plug connector preferably comprises a plug face. Alternatively, the plug connector may comprise a socket for the mating connector or any other contact device suitable for a plug connection. The plug connector of the connector assembly may comprise a socket in which the plug face is arranged.

[0011] The four-point joint hinge is a multi-point joint hinge which may be a guide gear, in particular a connecting gear, for the cover flap.

[0012] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various configurations, each of which is advantageous and which can be combined as required, these configurations and their associated advantages are discussed below.

[0013] According to a first preferred configuration of the plug cover flap hinge, the cover flap may be locked in the cover position and / or in the open position. A locking device may hold the respective position until a predefined force is exceeded. This allows the cover flap to remain tightly closed in the cover position and open in the open position.

[0014] To achieve the locking, the cover flap may be repeatedly releasably latched in at least one of two positions, for example by a stop. Alternatively or in addition to the locking by latching, the plug cover flap hinge may comprise at least one spring element configured to generate a spring force on the cover flap in the direction of at least one of the two positions.

[0015] Preferably, the spring element is configured to hold the cover flap in the respective position that the cover flap is currently placed in. The spring element may in particular comprise or be a leaf spring.

[0016] According to a further preferred configuration, the plug cover flap hinge comprises at least one drive device configured to move the cover flap. The cover flap may be opened or closed automatically by the drive device. The at least one drive device may comprise, for example, a magnet, an actuator, a linear motor, an electric motor, a hydraulic system or other devices. In particular, the drive device may comprise at least one movable lifting element movably connected to one of the cover flap or the joint element.

[0017] The plug cover flap hinge may comprise at least one gear, through which the cover flap and the drive device are coupled to each other in a force-transmitting manner. The gear may be particularly suitable if the drive device is only capable of generating a small stroke that is not sufficient by itself to move the cover flap from one position to the other. In such a case, the complete movement of the cover flap can still be achieved by the gear. The gear may comprise a spring element for generating a pretension of the cover flap in one of the two positions. This spring element may replace the spring element mentioned above. The gear may be a lever gear, a gear drive, another type of gear or a combination of several types of gears.

[0018] The drive device, or the gear if provided, may engage with a cover flap on the output side or with one of the two joint elements of the four-point joint hinge.

[0019] The connector assembly according to the present invention can be further improved in that at least one sealing element is arranged between the cover flap and the connector housing. As a result, when the cover flap is in the covering position, the plug connector in the connector housing can be well protected against external influences. In other words, the at least one sealing element between the cover flap and the connector housing seals from the outside.

[0020] The connector housing may have a socket for receiving a mating connector, which is accessible from the outside in the open position of the cover flap, in particular along the plug-in direction. Particularly preferably, the socket is unhinderedly accessible. Instead of a socket, the connector housing may also comprise a plug surface of a plug connector, which is therefore particularly unhinderedly accessible from the outside in the open position of the cover flap.

[0021] If the connector assembly is intended for use in a vehicle, the plug face or socket may define a plane extending parallel to the exterior wall of the vehicle, with the plug orientation preferably extending perpendicular to this plane.

[0022] The connector assembly, in particular the connector housing of the connector assembly, may comprise a protrusion which protrudes beyond the plug face and / or the socket of the connector housing and to which at least one of the two fixed joints of the four-point joint hinge is attached. In other words, the two fixed joints may be arranged in front of the opening of the plug face or the socket. This allows a particularly optimal movement curve of the cover flap to be realized.

[0023] If the plug cover flap hinge has a drive device, the connector assembly may comprise at least one cantilever on which the drive device is attached. The drive device may be supported on the cantilever and connected on the output side to the cover flap or to a joint element of the four-point joint hinge. The cantilever preferably extends rearward, the "rearward" direction extending away from the plug face or socket. For example, if the connector assembly is mounted on a wall of an electric vehicle, in particular on the body, the cantilever extends towards the inside of the vehicle so as not to be visible from the outside. Preferably, the cantilever extends along a cantilever direction extending between the plane of the opening of the plug face or socket and the plug-in direction of the connector housing.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one cantilever is formed integrally with the connector housing, which allows a compact construction to be achieved.

[0025] The present invention will now be described in more detail and by way of example on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The combination of features shown by way of example in the embodiments may be supplemented by further features according to the above description, which correspond to the properties of the plug cover flap hinge and connector assembly according to the present invention required for a specific application. Likewise, individual features may be omitted from the described embodiments if the effect of said features is not important in a specific application, also according to the above description. In the drawings, the same reference signs are always used for elements with the same function and / or the same structure.

[0026] This is shown by the following: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a first embodiment of a connector assembly having a plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention in a covered position. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 in an open position. [Diagram 3] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating the opening process of the plug cover flap hinge of FIG. 1 from a covered position to an open position. [Figure 4] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating the opening process of the plug cover flap hinge of FIG. 1 from a covered position to an open position. [Diagram 5] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating the opening process of the plug cover flap hinge of FIG. 1 from a covered position to an open position. [Figure 6] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating the opening process of the plug cover flap hinge of FIG. 1 from a covered position to an open position. [Figure 7] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating the opening process of the plug cover flap hinge of FIG. 1 from a covered position to an open position. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a connector assembly having a plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention in a covered position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view of the connector assembly of FIG. 8 in an open position. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram of a third embodiment of a connector assembly having a plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention in a covered position. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view of the connector assembly of FIG. 10 in an open position. [Figure 12] A diagram of a fourth embodiment of a connector assembly having a plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention in a covered position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view of the connector assembly of FIG. 12 in an open position. [Figure 14] A diagram of a fifth embodiment of a connector assembly having a plug cover flap hinge according to the present invention in a covered position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a view of the connector assembly of FIG. 14 in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, first, a general structure of a first preferred embodiment of a plug cover flap hinge 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Further details of the plug cover flap hinge 1 and its function will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

[0029] The plug cover flap hinge 1 of the first embodiment is shown merely as part of the connector assembly 3 for illustrative purposes.

[0030] The plug cover flap hinge 1 has a cover flap 5 which can be used to cover the plug connector 7, in particular its plug face 9. Alternatively or additionally, the cover flap 5 may be used to close a socket 11 for receiving a mating connector 14 for the plug connector 7. The part of the cover flap 5 which actually covers the plug connector 7 will be referred to below as part 60 of the cover flap 5.

[0031] Often there is a combination of a socket 11 and a plug surface 9 which is covered by a cover flap 5. The plug surface 9 may thus be arranged in the socket 11. The plug connector 7 is preferably a charging connection 12 on the vehicle side of an electric vehicle.

[0032] The plug cover flap hinge 1 comprises, in addition to the cover flap 5, a four-point joint hinge 13. The four-point joint hinge 13 comprises a joint element 15 and a joint element 17. Each joint element 15 or 17 is movably connected to the cover flap 5 via a flap-side joint 19 or 21.

[0033] Each joint element 15 or 17 has a fixed joint 23 or 25 at one end remote from the flap side joint 19 or 21. The fixed joints 23 and 25 are used to movably and tether the joint element 15 or 17, and thus the cover flap 5, to a frame 27. Frame 27 in this context means a stationary structure for the plug cover flap hinge 1.

[0034] Preferably, the frame 27 is a connector housing 29 for the plug connector 7. Alternatively, the frame 27 may be connected to the connector housing 29. Another alternative may be that the frame 27 is the body of a vehicle. The socket 11 and / or the plug face 9 are preferably part of the connector housing 29, and particularly preferably formed integrally with the connector housing 29.

[0035] The connector housing 29 and the plug cover flap hinge 1 preferably form a pre-assembled unit 30. In this context, the cover flap 5 is preferably anchored and held to the connector housing 29 via a four-point joint hinge 13.

[0036] The cover flap 5 can be moved by means of a four-point joint hinge 13 between a covered position 31 and an open position 33. The covered position 31 is shown in Figure 1 and the open position 33 in Figure 2. In the covered position 31 the plug connector 7 is covered and thus protected against external influences.

[0037] Due to the four-point joint hinge 13 , the theoretical axis of rotation (not shown) of the movement of the cover flap 5 between the open position 33 and the covered position 31 is located on the outside of the cover flap 5 .

[0038] In the open position 33, the plug connector 7 is accessible from the outside. If the plug connector 7 is a charging connection 12 of an electric vehicle, in the open position 33 it is accessible from a charging gun for charging the vehicle's battery.

[0039] In the open position 33, the socket 11 and / or the plug face 9 are preferably unhinderedly accessible along the plug-in direction 35 of the plug connector 7. Thus, for example, a connecting channel 37 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2) may run unhindered parallel to the plug direction 35 to the plug connector 7. The cover flap 5 is arranged outside the channel 37 in the open position 33. The cross-section of the channel 37 is preferably at least as large as the cross-section of the plug face 9, particularly preferably as large as the cross-section of the socket 11.

[0040] The plug cover flap hinge 1 may preferably be locked in the cover position 31 and / or in the open position 33. Particularly preferably, the plug cover flap hinge 1 may be locked in each of the two positions 31 and 33. This makes it possible to ensure that the cover flap 5 cannot be unintentionally opened in the cover position 31 or unintentionally closed in the open position 33.

[0041] For locking, at least one spring element 39 is preferably provided which is arranged to exert a spring force on the cover flap 5. In the cover position 31, the spring element 39 preferably exerts a spring force on the cover flap 5 in the direction of the cover position 31, while in the open position 33, the spring element 39 preferably exerts a spring force on the cover flap 5 in the direction of the open position 33.

[0042] As an alternative to locking by spring force, the cover flap 5 may be locked in another way, for example the plug cover flap hinge 1 may have a stop which allows the cover flap to be repeatedly and releasably locked in at least one of the two positions 31 and 33.

[0043] The cover flap 5 may be operated manually. Alternatively or additionally, the cover flap 5 may be operated automatically. For this purpose, the plug cover flap hinge 1 may comprise a drive device 41 arranged to move the cover flap 5.

[0044] Preferably, the plug cover flap hinge 1 is configured such that manual operation is possible even in the presence of the actuation device 41, thereby allowing operation of the cover flap 5 even in the event of malfunction of the actuation device 41. The actuation device 41 may comprise, for example, a magnet, an actuator, a hydraulic device, a linear motor, an electric motor, or any other suitable system for producing movement.

[0045] The actuation device 41 may engage on the output side of the cover flap 5 or on one of the two joint elements 15 or 17. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, the actuation device 41 engages on the cover flap 5 at a point where the flap-side joint 21 is also located.

[0046] The proximity of the engagement point of the drive device to the four-point joint hinge 13 makes it possible to obtain a large opening angle of the cover flap 5 with a small stroke of the drive device 41. To achieve a space-saving arrangement, the drive device 41 or a movable lifting element 42 of the drive device 41 is connected to the joint 21 via an angled connecting element 44.

[0047] For supporting the actuation device 41, it is preferably mounted on the frame 27. Particularly preferably, the actuation device 41 is rigidly connected to the connector housing 29. For this purpose, the connector housing 29 may, for example, have a cantilever 43 which extends away from other parts of the connector housing 29, in particular away from the region of the cover flap 5.

[0048] The cantilever 43 may extend rearward along a cantilever direction 45, which extends between the plug-in direction 35 and a plane 47 of the plug face 9. The plane 47 of the plug face 9 is shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the plane 47 extends perpendicular to the plug-in direction 35.

[0049] In the cover position 31 a sealing element 49 may be arranged between the plug face 9 and the cover flap 5. The sealing element 49 is shown in cross section in Figure 1 by a sealing ring 51. The sealing element 49 is preferably firmly attached to the inner surface 53 of the cover flap 5.

[0050] Further details of the plug cover flap hinge 1 and its function will now be explained with reference to Figs.

[0051] The connector assembly 3 , preferably the connector housing 29 , has a projection 55 that projects forward, i.e., in the direction opposite to the mounting direction 35 .

[0052] The two fixed joints 23 and 25 are attached to a projection 55. The joints 23 and 25 are protected from the outside by a wall 57. The cover flap 5 is provided with a protective element 59 spaced apart from the part 60 of the cover flap 5 which covers the plug face 9 in the cover position 31.

[0053] The protective element 59 is preferably flush with the wall 57 in the cover position 31 and extends the wall 57 transversely to the plug-in direction 35, thereby making it possible to protect the components of the four-point joint hinge 13 against external influences. The protective element 59 is an integral part of the cover flap 5.

[0054] The cover flap 5 has a cantilever 61 that extends away from the portion 60 of the cover flap 5. In the cover position 31, the cantilever 61 extends inwardly towards the frame 27.

[0055] The two flap side joints 19 and 21 are attached to a cantilever 61. The flap side joint 21 of the joint element 17 is spaced further away from the portion 60 of the cover flap 5 than the flap side joint 19 of the joint element 15.

[0056] The spring element 39 is connected at one end to the region of the fixed joint 25 of the joint element 17 and at the other end to the cover flap 5, so that the spring element 39 engages around the joint element 17. In the region of the flap joint 21 of the joint element 17, the spring element 39 engages with a cantilever 61 of the cover flap 5.

[0057] In the cover position 31, the spring element 39 attracts the cantilever 61 towards the fixed joint 25. This exerts a tension on the cover flap 5 in the direction of the cover position 31. The spring element 39 is preferably a leaf spring.

[0058] 4 to 6 show the transition from the cover position 31 to the open position 33 shown in FIG.

[0059] 4 shows the start of the movement of the cover flap 5 from the cover position 31. In this context, it can be seen that the protective element 59 of the cover flap 5 does not tilt at the wall 57 and does not rotate around the wall 57, but moves away from the wall 57 in the opposite direction to the plug-in direction 35 and rises transversely to the plug-in direction 35. The transition from the cover position 31 to the open position 33 and vice versa can be performed manually or can be automated by the drive device 41.

[0060] The part 60 of the cover flap 5 which covers the plug face 9 in the covering position 31 not only tilts away from the plug face 9 during this movement, but also moves away from the plug face 9, at least to a certain extent, parallel to the plug-in direction 35, thereby resulting in a pivoting movement.

[0061] Such a movement makes it possible to prevent damage to the plug face 9, the cover flap 5 and, if provided, the sealing element 49.

[0062] Proceeding further, the cover flap 5 moves further and further away from the plug face 9. In the process, the protective element 59 moves from the outside towards the wall 57. In the open position 33, the protective element 59 may bear against the wall 57. This allows a definition of the end point of the movement of the cover flap 5 towards the open position 33. In the open position 33, the fixed joint 23 of the joint element 15 may be located between the two joints 21 and 25 of the joint element 17.

[0063] In this state, with the joints 21, 23 and 25 aligned, the dead point of the spring force generated by the spring element 39 is reached, whereby the spring element 39 is under tension between the joints 19 and 25.

[0064] Preferably, both joint elements 15 and 17 are arc-shaped, whereby each joint element 15 or 17 has a free space extending between the two joints of the joint element and bounded from only one side by the part of the joint element that connects the two joints.

[0065] In such a free space 63 of the joint element 17, the fixed joint 23 of the joint element 15 is arranged in the open position 33. The wall 57 of the projection 55 extends partially into the free space 65 of the joint element 15 in the open position 33.

[0066] In the open position 33, the spring element 39 exerts an attractive force on the cantilever 61, which exerts a spring force on the cover flap 5 such that the protective element 59 is pressed against the wall 57. As a result, the cover flap 5 remains locked in the open position 33.

[0067] A further preferred embodiment of the plug cover flap hinge 1 according to the present invention as part of a connector assembly 3 will now be described with reference to Figs.

[0068] For simplicity, only the differences from the first embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7 will be discussed.

[0069] In contrast to the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not have the protrusion 55. The second embodiment may therefore be preferred in cases where the connector assembly 3 should be substantially flat on its outside.

[0070] The two joint elements 15 and 17 in the first embodiment are substantially equal in length, whereas in the second embodiment, joint element 17 is at least twice as long as joint element 15. The two fixed joints 23 and 25 of joint elements 15 and 17 are spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the length of joint element 15.

[0071] In the cover position 31 the positions of the flap side joints 19 and 21 are flush with one another parallel to the plug-in direction 35. During the transition from the cover position to the open position 33 the joint element 17 moves around the joint element 15 until in the open position 33 the positions of the two flap side joints 19 and 21 are flush with one another transverse to the plug-in direction 35. In the open position 33 the joint element 15 is located mostly in the free space 63 of the joint element 17.

[0072] A third preferred embodiment of the plug cover flap hinge 1 as part of the connector assembly 3 will now be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Again, for simplicity, only the differences with the previous embodiment will be discussed.

[0073] The plug cover flap hinge 1 of the third embodiment has a four-point joint hinge 13 that is substantially in the form of a parallelogram, i.e. the two joint elements 15 and 17 are substantially equal in length and extend substantially parallel to each other in both the covered position 31 and the open position 33. As a result, the distance between the two flap side joints 19 and 21 is substantially equal to the distance between the two fixed side joints 23 and 25.

[0074] Due to the parallelogram shape, the cover flap 5 may only rise slightly in the direction opposite to the plug-in direction 35 when moving from the cover position 31 to the open position 33. During further movement, however, the cover flap 5 is displaced parallel to and transverse to the plug-in direction 35.

[0075] In other words, the cover flap 5 does not rotate but rises along an arcuate path away from the plug face 9 or socket 11. In the open position 33, the cover flap 5 is outside the connecting channel 37.

[0076] A fourth embodiment of the plug cover flap hinge 1 will now be discussed with reference to Figs.

[0077] In the fourth embodiment, a drive device 41 is provided for automatically moving the cover flap 5 .

[0078] In this embodiment, the drive device 41 is not held by a cantilever extending diagonally backwards, instead it is attached to the connector housing 29 such that both its longitudinal length and the direction of movement of the lifting elements 42 extend parallel to the plug-in direction 35.

[0079] The lifting element 42 is connected to the cover flap 5 not directly but via a connecting link 67. The connecting link 67 is movably attached at a first end 69 to the lifting element 42 and at a second end 71 to the flap-side joint 21 of the joint element 17.

[0080] By means of the connecting link 67 a linear movement of the lifting element 42 parallel to the plug-in direction 35 can be used to move the four-point joint hinge 13 .

[0081] When moving from the covered position 31 to the open position 33, the flap side joint 21 moves at least with a directional component transverse to the plug-in direction 35. Therefore, direct driving by the lifting element 42 is not possible. However, the flap side joint 21 can still be moved by the drive device 41, since the movable connecting link 67 follows the movement transverse to the plug-in direction 35.

[0082] The spring element 39 is attached at one end to the fixed joint 25 of the joint element 17 and at the other end to the flap joint 19 of the joint element 15. The spring element 39 surrounds both the joint elements 15 and 17.

[0083] In the following, a fifth preferred embodiment of a plug cover flap hinge 1 according to the present invention as part of a connector assembly 3 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. This embodiment will also be described briefly and only with regard to the differences with respect to the previous embodiment.

[0084] The four-point joint hinge 13 of the fifth embodiment is similar in structure to that of the first embodiment, except that the plug cover flap hinge 1 has a drive device 41 different from the drive device 41 of the first embodiment.

[0085] The drive device 41 has a lifting element 42 which is movable perpendicularly to the plug-in direction 35. To enable the cover flap 5 to be moved by the drive device 41, a gear 73 is provided which is not only used to deflect the force of the drive device 41 towards the cover flap 5 or the four-point joint hinge 13, but also to increase the stroke.

[0086] For this reason, the gear 73 has a biasing element 75 rotatably mounted about an axis 77. The biasing element 75 has a first lever 79 on the input side and a second lever 81 on the output side, which is longer than the lever 79. This makes it possible to increase the stroke path. The lifting element 42 is movably connected to the first lever 79.

[0087] The second lever 81 is movably connected to a transmission element 83. A movement of the lifting element 42 transverse to the plug-in direction 35 can be converted into a movement of the transmission element 83 parallel to the plug-in direction 35.

[0088] In the transmission element 83, a movable piston 87 and a spiral spring 89 extending around the piston are arranged. The piston 87 engages with the joint element 15 and for this purpose is connected to the joint element 15 via a joint 85. The joint 85 is arranged between the fixed side joint 23 and the flap side joint 19 of the joint element 15.

[0089] The piston 87 and the spiral spring 89 are configured in such a way that in the cover position 31 the spiral spring 89 tensions the piston 87 in the direction of the biasing element 75. As a result, the piston 87 exerts an attractive force on the joint element 15. This causes the spring force of the spiral spring 89 to be transferred to the cover flap 5 in the direction of the cover position 31. Thus, an additional spring element 39 can be dispensed with.

[0090] The arrangement with the piston 87 and the spiral spring 89 may also make it possible, when the cover flap 5 has been moved to the cover position 31 by the actuation device 41, to move the cover flap 5 to the open position 33 by manually overcoming the spring force of the spiral spring 89. The cover flap 5 is then released, causing it to automatically close due to the spring tension. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Plug cover flap hinge 3 Connector Assembly 5 Cover flap 7 Plug Connector 9 Plug surface 11 Socket 12 Charging connection 13 Four-point joint hinge 14 Mating Connector 15 Joint elements 17 Joint elements 19 Flap side joint 21 Flap side joint 23 Fixed side joint 25 Fixed side joint 27 Frame 29 Connector housing 30 units 31 Cover position 33 Open position 35 Insertion direction 37 Connection Channels 39 Spring elements 41 Driving Device 42 Lifting Elements 43 Cantilever 45 Cantilever direction 47 plane 49 Sealing elements 51 Seal ring 53 Inside of cover flap 55 Protrusion 57 Wall 59 Protection Elements 60 Cover flap part 61 Cantilever 63 Free space 65 Free space 67 Connecting Links 69 End of connecting link 71 End of connecting link 73 Gears 75 Deflection element 77 Axis 79 Lever 81 Lever 83 Transmission Elements 85 Joint 87 Piston 89 Spiral Spring

Claims

1. The plug cover flap hinge (1) for a plug connector (3), in particular a charging connection (12) for an electric vehicle, comprises: A cover flap (5), a four-point joint hinge (13), and at least one actuation device (41) configured to move said cover flap (5), The two flap-side joints (19, 21) of the four-point joint hinge (13) are attached to the cover flap (5); A portion between the two flap side joints (19, 21) in the cover flap (5) constitutes an intermediate joint, The two fixed joints (23, 25) of the four-point joint hinge (13) are designed to be attachable to a frame (27); A portion of the frame (27) between the two fixed joints (23, 25) constitutes a stationary joint, The four-point joint hinge (13) comprises two joint elements (15, 17) constituting a driver and a follower, a four-bar linkage mechanism is formed by the stationary link, the intermediate link, the driving link and the driven link, The two fixed joints (23, 25) are fixed in position relative to the frame (27), By the operation of the drive device (41), the two joint elements (15, 17) are caused to oscillate about the two fixed joints (23, 25); The cover flap (5) reciprocates between a cover position and an open position due to the pivoting movement of the two joint elements (15, 17); The plug cover flap hinge (1); A connector housing (29), in particular for a vehicle-side charging connection (12) of an electric vehicle, at least one cantilever (43) to which the actuation device (41) for the cover flap (5) is attached, the cantilever (43) extends along a cantilever direction (45) extending between a plane (47) of the plug face (9) of the connector housing (29) and a mounting direction (35) of the connector housing (29); said plane (47) extending perpendicular to said mounting direction (35); The plug cover flap hinge (1) and the connector housing (29) together form a pre-assembled unit (30); Connector assembly (3).

2. 2. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein the cover flap (5) is lockable in the cover position (31) and / or in the open position (33).

3. 3. A connector assembly (3) according to claim 2, wherein said cover flap (5) is repeatedly releasably lockable in at least one of said two positions (31, 33).

4. A connector assembly (3) as described in claim 2, wherein the plug cover flap hinge (1) further comprises at least one spring element (39) configured to generate a spring force on the cover flap (5) in at least one direction of the two positions (31, 33).

5. The connector assembly (3) of claim 1, wherein the plug cover flap hinge (1) includes at least one link mechanism in addition to the four-bar link mechanism, and the cover flap (5) and the drive device (41) are coupled to each other via the four-bar link mechanism and the at least one link mechanism so as to transmit force.

6. 2. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein the plug cover flap hinge (1) comprises at least one linkage, and the drive device (41) or the linkage engages with the output side of the cover flap (5) or one of the two joint elements (15, 17) of the four-bar linkage.

7. The four-bar link mechanism includes:

2. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 1, which is a double lever mechanism or a parallel link mechanism.

8. 2. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein at least one sealing element (49) is arranged between the cover flap (5) and the connector housing (29) at the cover position (31) of the cover flap (5).

9. 2. The connector assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein the connector housing (29) has a socket (11) for receiving a mating connector (14) which is accessible from the outside in the open position (33) of the cover flap (5).

10. The connector assembly (3) of claim 1, further comprising a protrusion (55) protruding beyond the plug face (9) and / or the socket (11) of the connector housing (29) and to which at least one of the two fixed side joints (23, 25) is attached.

11. The connector assembly (3) of claim 1, wherein the cantilever (43) is integrally formed with the connector housing (29).

12. An electric vehicle comprising a connector assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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