Charging connection device for electrically driven vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging connection device (100) for an electrically driven vehicle, which has two charging connections (12, 22), in particular charging sockets, arranged side by side, at least one of the two charging connections (12, 22) being configured as a DC / AC combined charging connection (12) having two types of contact members (16, 17), and the other charging connection (12, 22) being configured as a DC charging connection (22) or an AC charging connection (22) or as another DC / AC charging connection. The two charging connections (12, 22) arranged side by side are electrically connected via a common electrical path (30). Furthermore, the charging connection device has at least two movably mounted charging connection covers (14, 15, 24), each of which is assigned to one charging connection (12, 22). The charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) cover the corresponding charging connection (12, 22) when in at least one covered position, and at least partially open the contact members (16, 17, 26) of the corresponding charging connection (12, 22) when in at least one open position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle having two charging connections. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle having two charging connections arranged side by side, including a first DC charging connection and a second DC and / or AC charging connection. The charging connection device further includes at least one charging connection cover that covers at least one of the two charging connections. The charging connection cover is configured so that only one of the two charging connections is accessible for contact, while the other charging connection is covered by the charging connection cover.

[0003] Electric vehicles, in the prior art, require a unique charging connection for each charging standard, so that the vehicle is also provided with two charging connections for two different standard charging means.

[0004] The charging standard may include DC charging, which is understood to be charging with direct current, or may include AC charging, which is understood to be charging with alternating current.

[0005] The charging standard currently applied in Europe, for example, is the so-called Combined Charging System (CCS), which allows charging with both direct and alternating current. A further standard, CHAdeMO ("Charge de Move"), developed in Japan, offers charging powers of up to 50 kW. For alternative or future charging standards with power outputs of hundreds of kilowatts or even greater, at least 1 megawatt or greater, other charging connections, particularly DC voltage connections, based on alternative connector standards, are provided. Multiple charging connections may be electrically wired in a single path, so that each charging socket is simultaneously energized. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] DE102021000307A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle having two charging connections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the detailed description and the drawings.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention proposes a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle, having two charging connections arranged side by side and electrically connected via a common electrical path. At least one of the two charging connections is configured as a DC / AC combined charging connection having two types of contact members. The other charging connection is configured as a DC charging connection, an AC charging connection, or another DC / AC charging connection. The two charging connections arranged side by side are electrically connected via a common electrical path. The charging connection device further includes at least two movably mounted charging connection covers, at least one of which is assigned to each charging connection. Each charging connection cover covers a corresponding charging connection when in at least one covering position and at least partially opens the contact members of the corresponding charging connection when in at least one opening position. If the current charging mode does not require the opening of the charging connection assigned to the charging connection cover or its contact members, the locking mechanism locks at least one of the charging connection covers from at least one covered position to at least one open position or locks at least one charging connection cover between the respective open positions. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism locks at least one charging connection cover when at least one of the other charging connection covers has one of the open positions. Thus, during the charging process, only the charging connection assigned to the charging mode or only the contact members of the charging connection assigned to the charging mode are accessible for contact, while the other of the two charging connections or the other contact members are covered, in particular covered in a touch-proof manner, by the respective charging connection cover.

[0011] In the following, a charging connection is understood to be a device, such as a charging socket, that is electrically connected to an energy storage device and can be electrically connected to a corresponding plug that is electrically connected to a voltage source. In the connected state, the energy storage device of the electrically driven vehicle is charged by the voltage source. The charging connection has contact elements arranged in the form of a connector face, and the plug has a connector face with contact elements that are arranged congruently with the contact elements of the charging connection.

[0012] One of the charging connections is configured as a DC / AC combined charging connection, in particular as a CCS charging connection, and has two types of contact members. The AC contact member constitutes a first connector face that can be mated with a connector face of a plug having a corresponding contact member to charge the vehicle or its energy storage with AC. The DC contact member constitutes a second connector face. A plug that is mated with the DC / AC combined charging connection has two connector faces that can be mated with the two connector faces of the DC / AC combined charging connection to charge the vehicle or its energy storage with AC.

[0013] The other charging connection may be a DC charging connection or an AC charging connection or another combined DC / AC charging connection.

[0014] The shared electrical path of the two charging connections allows the electrical architecture of the vehicle's high-voltage on-board electrical system to use only one contactor to connect the electrical energy storage device, thereby reducing costs, design space, and weight compared to wiring involving two contactors. By arranging the two charging connections on a shared electrical path, both charging connections are simultaneously under voltage.

[0015] The charging connection cover mechanically covers the respective charging connection or contact members that are not required for the current charging mode.

[0016] The charging connection covers and locking mechanisms allow the charging connection device to have four or more states. In a first state, both charging connections are covered by a respective one charging connection cover or by respective multiple charging connection covers. In a second state of the charging connection device, the DC contacts of the combined DC / AC charging connection and the other charging connection may be covered by their respective charging connection covers. Thus, in the second state, only the AC contacts of the combined DC / AC charging connection are open for the CCS AC charging mode. In a third state of the charging connection device, the other charging connection may be covered by its respective charging connection cover, and the AC contacts and DC contacts of the combined DC / AC charging connection may be open for the CCS DC charging mode. In a fourth state, the combined DC / AC charging connection may be covered by its respective at least one charging connection cover, and the other charging connection may be at least partially open for the corresponding charging mode by its respective at least one charging connection cover. Further states of the charging connection cover are possible if the other charging connection also has various contact members for different charging modes.

[0017] These states of the charging connection device allow the charging plug of the charging cable to be connected only to the corresponding contact of the charging connection, while the other charging connection or the unnecessary contact is covered in a touch-proof manner by the respective charging connection cover. This has the advantage of ensuring that unused contacts carrying voltage are covered in a touch-proof manner while the energy storage device is being charged. Another advantage is that unused contacts carrying voltage can be protected from environmental factors such as dirt and water. In addition, the charging connection cover reliably covers each charging connection while the vehicle is driving or parked and not being charged, protecting the contacts from environmental factors and possible contact.

[0018] The charging connection cover and locking mechanism have the advantage that the voltage-free switching of one of the charging connections can be omitted, which makes it possible to omit a corresponding switching device, a so-called switch box, thereby saving additional costs and additional design space.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, at least one sensor mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism can monitor the current position of the charging connection cover. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism can recognize the current charging mode. By determining the current charging mode, the required contact members assigned to the current charging mode can be determined for the current charging mode, and the corresponding charging connection cover can be moved to the corresponding position fully or semi-automatically. Furthermore, charging connection covers assigned to unnecessary contact members can be fixed in a position covering the unnecessary contact members to make it difficult or prevent the contact members from being opened. By monitoring the position of the charging connection cover, it can be determined whether the contact members have already been opened by the corresponding charging connection cover. As a result, charging connection covers covering other contact members can be locked in the appropriate position against moving to a position that opens the contact members. The at least one sensor mechanism can include a limit switch and / or an optical sensor and / or a camera and / or a distance measuring system or a potentiometer. Furthermore, the sensor mechanism may be connected to the charging station via a communication system to obtain information regarding the selected charging mode.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, at least one drive unit can move the charging connection cover depending on the charging mode recognized by the sensor mechanism to a position in which only the charging connection assigned to the charging mode or only the contact members of the charging connection assigned to the charging mode are opened, thereby allowing fully automatic or semi-automatic opening of the required contact members.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, at least three movably mounted charging connection covers may be provided, where a first charging connection cover is assigned to the AC contact members of the DC / AC combined charging connection, a second charging connection cover is assigned to the DC contact members of the DC / AC combined charging connection, and at least one third charging connection cover is assigned to the other charging connection. When a CCS AC charging mode is recognized, the first charging connection cover moves to an open position or is opened for movement to the open position. The second charging connection cover and the at least one third charging connection cover remain in the covered position, and the second charging connection cover and the at least one third charging connection cover can be fixed in the covered position. When a CCS DC charging mode is recognized, the first charging connection cover and the second charging connection cover move to an open position or are opened for movement to the open position. The at least one third charging connection cover remains in the covered position, and the at least one third charging connection cover can be fixed in the covered position. When the charging mode implemented by the other charging connection is recognized, the at least one third charging connection cover is moved to or opened for the move to the open position, the first charging connection cover and the second charging connection cover remain in the covered position, and the first charging connection cover and the second charging connection cover can be fixed in the covered position.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, two movably mounted charging connection covers may be provided, where a first charging connection cover is assigned to the combined DC / AC charging connection and a second charging connection cover is assigned to the other charging connection, and at least one of the first charging connection covers is movable between a covered position and two open positions. When the first charging connection cover is in the covered position, it covers the AC contact members and the DC contact members. When the first charging connection cover is in the first open position, it opens the AC contact members and covers the DC contact members. When the first charging connection cover is in the second open position, it opens the AC contact members and the DC contact members. When the CCS AC charging mode is recognized, the first charging connection cover moves to the open position or is opened to move to the open position. Furthermore, the first charging connection cover may be fixed in the first open position. The second charging connection cover remains in the covered position, and the second charging connection cover can be fixed in the covered position. When the CCS AC charging mode is recognized, the first charging connection cover transitions to the second open position or is opened for transition to the open position. Furthermore, the first charging connection cover may be secured in the second open position. The second charging connection cover may remain in the covered position and further, the second charging connection cover may be secured in the covered position. When the charging mode performed by the other charging connection is recognized, the second charging connection cover transitions to the open position or is opened for transition. The first charging connection cover may remain in the covered position and further, the first charging connection cover may be secured in the covered position.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, the two charging connections can be arranged in a common charging tray or in two separate, in particular side-by-side, charging trays. The arrangement in a common charging tray allows the charging connections to be arranged in a space-saving manner in the vehicle. The arrangement in separate charging trays allows for more flexibility in the positioning of the charging connections.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, at least one charging tray may include at least one cover member that covers the corresponding charging tray when in at least a first position and at least partially opens the corresponding charging tray when in at least a second position. The cover member may be arranged over the charging connection cover arranged on the corresponding charging tray with respect to the vehicle's surroundings. An additional cover member may additionally cover one charging connection arranged on the charging tray and its assigned at least one charging connection cover, or multiple charging connections arranged on the charging tray and their assigned charging connection covers, to protect them from dirt, moisture, and / or snow. In particular, when the charging connections are arranged in a common charging tray, both charging connections and their corresponding charging connection covers may be covered or at least partially opened by the same cover member. The cover member may be arranged on one side of the corresponding charging tray. The cover member may be fully or semi-automatically movable between a position that covers the corresponding charging tray and a position that at least partially opens the corresponding charging tray, or may be opened for such movement.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, the locking mechanism may include at least one fixing member that fixes the corresponding charging connection cover in at least one covered position or at least one open position. Additionally or alternatively, the locking mechanism may include at least one blocking mechanism that blocks at least one drive unit that drives the charging connection cover. The at least one fixing member and / or the at least one blocking mechanism may advantageously prevent or at least make it difficult for a charging connection cover having a covered position to move to the open position when the other charging connection cover has one of the open positions. Furthermore, it may prevent or make it difficult for a charging connection cover having a first open position to move to the second open position. In this case, the fixing member may be, for example, a fixing pin that mechanically fixes the corresponding charging connection cover. Such a fixing pin may be movable between the fixed position and the unlocked position via a suitable mechanism. The fixing member can prevent or make it difficult to manually move the corresponding charging connection cover fixed by the fixing member, and can also prevent or make it difficult to mechanically move the corresponding charging connection cover fixed by the fixing member through a suitable drive unit. When in the blocked state, the blocking mechanism mechanically blocks at least one drive unit that drives the charging connection cover. Alternatively or additionally, when in the blocked state, the blocking mechanism acts on the mechanical force transmission path between the drive unit and the corresponding charging connection cover to block or decouple it from the charging connection cover. Furthermore, for a drive unit implemented as an electric motor or an adjustable drive unit, it is conceivable that the current supply is interrupted by the blocking mechanism when in the blocked state. The blocking mechanism can prevent or make it difficult to move the charging connection cover to the open position or the second open position through the drive unit when the charging connection cover is in the covered position or the first open position. Furthermore, the force resistance can make it difficult or prevent the corresponding charging connection cover from being manually moved.This may be possible in a controlled manner through sensors and actuators, but may also be done passively by purely mechanical functions.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, at least one of the charging connection covers and / or at least one cover member is constructed as a flap mounted for rotational and / or translational movement. The flap can then be rotated or pivoted upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally outward about a suitable axis away from the respective charging connection or charging tray, thereby reaching its open position. For example, the flap can be arranged on the side of the charging tray, which may correspond to the fuel tray arranged in an internal combustion engine vehicle, or on the side of the charging connection, in a manner similar to a conventional fuel flap. Alternatively, the flap can rotate parallel to the charging tray in one plane. Alternatively, the flap can slide upward, downward, or sideways via a corresponding guide, thereby reaching one of the open positions. Each flap can then slide outward in front of the outer shell or inward under the outer shell, thereby reaching one of the open positions. A combination of pivoting and rotating, or a combination of pivoting and sliding, or a combination of pivoting and sliding is also conceivable. Furthermore, the charging connection covers can be moved differently. For example, the first charging connection cover can be pivoted and the second charging connection cover can be slid. Alternatively, the opening mechanisms of both charging connection covers can be configured identically or as mirror images of each other. Furthermore, the cover member can be moved differently from at least one of the charging connection covers. Alternatively, the cover member can be configured identically or as mirror images of the opening mechanism of at least one charging connection cover.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the charging connection device, at least one of the charging connection covers and / or at least one cover member may be constructed as a foldable, rollable, or flexible blind. The blind may be made of plastic or metal plate. The blind may be constructed as a single unit or may have multiple disc plates. In a foldable or disc plate embodiment, the blind can be folded and unfolded to transition to one of the open positions or to the cover position. In a rollable embodiment, the blind can be rolled up and unrolled to transition to one of the open positions or to the cover position. In a flexible embodiment, the blind can be pivoted inward, outward, or to the side from the cover position to transition to one of the open positions. Furthermore, mechanisms for pivoting inward, similar to a center console cover, or mechanisms for pivoting inward in an S-shaped manner are conceivable. Other embodiments include a disc plate and blind system that can be pivoted up and down by at least one angle, and a flexible embodiment. In this case, flexible plates without individual discs, such as spring plates, can be bent apart and / or displaced around a corner or by an angle. The movement between positions of the blinds can also be upward, downward, leftward or rightward.

[0028] The charging connection device according to the present invention advantageously ensures that only one charging connection or only a specific contact member is accessible for contact in each case, while the other charging connection or other contact members are respectively covered in a touch-proof manner.

[0029] Other advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings, in which examples of the present invention are shown. The drawings, the detailed description, and the claims contain numerous elements in combination, which those skilled in the art can focus on individually for their own purposes and can also combine into other meaningful combinations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 shows a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, having two charging connections, the charging connections being fully covered. [Figure 2] 2 is a charging connection device shown in FIG. 1, in which the AC contact members of the DC / AC combined charging connection are open. [Figure 3] 3 is a charging connection device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the AC contact members and the DC contact members of the combined DC / AC charging connection part are open. [Figure 4] 1 shows a charging connection device for an electrically driven vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, having two charging connections, the charging connections being fully covered. [Figure 5] 5 is a charging connection device shown in FIG. 4, in which the AC contact members of the DC / AC combined charging connection are open. [Figure 6] 6 is a charging connection device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the AC contact members and the DC contact members of the DC / AC combined charging connection part are open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In the various figures, identical elements or functionally identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. The figures are illustrative only and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0032] 1 to 3 show a charging connection device 100 for an electrically driven vehicle having two charging connections 12, 22 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0033] 4 to 6 show a charging connection device 100 for an electrically driven vehicle having two charging connections 12, 22 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In the following, the commonalities of the illustrated embodiments of the charge connection device 100 will first be described, and then differences between the illustrated embodiments of the charge connection device 100 will be described in the following process.

[0035] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 6, the illustrated embodiment of a charging connection device 100 for an electrically driven vehicle includes two charging connections 12, 22, each arranged side by side.

[0036] As will be further apparent from Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the charging connections 12, 22 correspond to charging sockets, although other suitable charging connections 12, 22 are also contemplated. As will be further apparent from Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the charging connection 12 located on the left side is configured as a combined DC / AC charging connection 12 in the corresponding embodiment of the charging connection device 100. The charging connection 22 located on the right side may be configured as a DC charging connection 22, an AC charging connection 22, or another combined DC / AC charging connection 22.

[0037] Of course, the designations left and right are exemplary. The illustrated DC / AC combined charging connection 12 may of course also be located on the right side. Furthermore, the charging connections 12, 22 may be offset from one another or positioned one above the other in embodiments not shown.

[0038] As can be seen more clearly from Figures 1 to 6, the charging connections 12, 22 are electrically connected via a common electrical path 30. The two charging connections 12, 22 arranged next to each other on the common electrical path 30 are connected in parallel. Here, each charging connection 12, 22 has an electrical connection 31, 32, respectively. No separating element is needed to separate the charging connections 12, 22. Both charging connections 12, 22 are under voltage.

[0039] 3 and 6, the DC / AC combined charging connection 12 has two types of contact members 16, 17. The AC contact member 16 is disposed above the DC contact member 17.

[0040] As can be further seen from Figures 1 to 6, at least two movably mounted charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 are each assigned to one of the charging connections 12, 22, and each charging connection cover 14, 15, 24 covers the corresponding charging connection 12, 22 when in at least one covering position and at least partially opens the contact members 16, 17, 26 of the corresponding charging connection 12, 22 when in at least one opening position.

[0041] 1 to 6 , when transitioning from at least one covered position to at least one open position or between the respective open positions, a locking mechanism 40 locks at least one of the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 if the charging connection 12, 22 or its contact members 16, 17, 26 assigned to the charging connection cover 14, 15, 16 is not required for the current charging mode and / or if at least one of the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 has one of the open positions, so that during the charging process, only the charging connection 12, 22 assigned to the respective charging mode or only the contact members 16, 17, 26 of the charging connection 12, 24 assigned to the charging mode is accessible for contact, whereas the other of the two charging connections 12, 22 or the other contact members 16, 17, 26 is covered, in particular covered in a touch-proof manner, by the respective charging connection cover 14, 15, 24. This allows the plug to only be inserted into the corresponding charging connection 12, 22 or coupled with the corresponding contact member 16, 17, 26, while the other charging connection 12, 22 or other contact member 16, 17, 26 not assigned to the charging mode assigned to the plug are covered in a touch-proof manner by the respective charging connection cover 14, 15, 24. This ensures that the unused charging connection 22 or unused contact member 16, 17, 26 that is under voltage is covered in a touch-proof manner during charging. In addition, the unused charging connection 22 or unused contact member 16, 17, 26 that is under voltage is protected from environmental factors such as dirt and water.

[0042] As can be seen more clearly from FIGS. 1 through 6, the charging connection device 100 essentially has four or more states.

[0043] In a first state (FIGS. 1 and 4), both charging connections 12, 22 are covered by one charging connection cover 14, 15, 24, respectively, or by multiple charging connection covers 14, 15, 24, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, an additional common cover member 18 covers all charging connections 12, 22 and the respective charging connection covers 14, 15, 24.

[0044] In the second state of the charging connection device 100 (FIGS. 2 and 5), the DC contact member 17 of the combined DC / AC charging connection 12 and the other charging connection 22 are covered by the respective charging connection covers 14, 15, 24. Thus, in the second state, only the AC contact member 16 of the combined DC / AC charging connection 12 is open for the CCS AC charging mode.

[0045] In a third state of the charging connection device 100 (FIGS. 3 and 6), the other charging connection 22 is covered by its respective charging connection cover 24, and the AC contact member 16 and the DC contact member 17 of the combined DC / AC charging connection 12 are open for the CCS DC charging mode.

[0046] In a fourth state (not shown), the combined DC / AC charging connection 12 is covered by a respective at least one charging connection cover 14, 15, and the other charging connection 22 is at least partially open for the corresponding charging mode by a respective at least one charging connection cover 24. A further state is possible if the other charging connection 22 also has a different type of contact member 26 for a different charging mode.

[0047] In one embodiment of the charging connection device 100, the locking mechanism 40 (not shown in detail) can include at least one locking member for locking the corresponding charging connection cover 14, 15, 24 in a covered position or in a first open position in which the AC contact member 16 is open and the DC contact member 17 is covered. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism 40 can include at least one blocking mechanism for blocking a drive unit that drives at least one of the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24. The drive unit can be an adjustable drive unit or a suitable actuator. The locking member can be a locking pin that can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking pin can mechanically lock the respective charging connection cover 14, 15, 24. The blocking mechanism can implement a mechanical block of the drive unit or a mechanical block of a mechanical force transmission path between the drive unit and the respective charging connection cover 14, 15, 24. Furthermore, it is possible to implement a disconnection of the mechanical force transmission path between the respective charging connection cover 14, 15, 24 and the corresponding drive or to interrupt the current supply of the corresponding electric drive.

[0048] One possible implementation may be under control through sensors and actuators, although passive implementations with simple mechanical functions are also possible.

[0049] For example, the charging contact covers 14, 15, 24 may be mechanically coupled to one another such that changing the position of one of the charging contact covers 14, 15, 24 results in the fixing or blocking of at least one other charging contact cover 14, 15, 24.

[0050] At least one sensor mechanism (not shown) connected to the locking mechanism 40 monitors the current position of the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor mechanism can recognize the current charging mode. Depending on the charging mode recognized by the sensor mechanism, the at least one drive unit moves the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 to a position in which only the charging connection 12, 22 assigned to the corresponding charging mode or only the contact members 16, 17, 26 of the charging connection 12, 24 assigned to the corresponding charging mode are open. The sensor mechanism can include limit switches and / or optical sensors and / or cameras and / or distance measuring systems or potentiometers. A suitable evaluation unit determines which cover 14, 15, 18, 24 is open via the sensor mechanism and controls the locking members or blocking mechanisms accordingly. This can be done mechanically via a suitable actuator or electrically via a suitable member.

[0051] As can be further seen from Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment of the charging connection device 100, the two charging connections 12, 22 are disposed within a common charging tray 10 and are electrically connected, with equal voltages being applied to both charging connections 12, 22.

[0052] An additional cover member 18 is provided to cover the charging tray 10 when the charging connection device 100 is in a first state. In one of the other states of the charging connection device 100, the cover member 18 at least partially opens the charging tray 10. The illustrated cover member 18 is mounted to be slidable in the vertical direction, moving upward to open the charging tray 10 and downward to cover the charging tray 10. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the cover member 18 may also slide in other suitable directions. Furthermore, the cover member 18 may be mounted to be pivotable about a suitable axis, similar to a well-known tank cap. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the cover member 18 may be fabricated as a foldable, rollable, or flexible blind. Furthermore, the additional cover member 18 allows the covering of the charging tray 10 to be omitted.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the charging connections 12, 22 may be arranged in separate charging trays 10 that are separated from each other and electrically connected thereto, in particular positioned side by side, with equal voltages being applied to both charging connections 12, 22.

[0054] 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment of the charging connection device 100, the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 are fabricated as translationally mounted flaps. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 can slide to the front of the outer shell, but could also slide to the rear of the outer shell.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment of the charging connection device 100 (not shown), at least one of the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 is made as a pivotally mounted flap. In this case, the flap can pivot or rotate forward about a suitable axis. Furthermore, a combination of translational and rotational movements of the flap is also conceivable.

[0056] Additionally, one flap may be slidable and one flap may be pivotally or rotatably mounted.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the charging connection device 100 (not shown), at least one of the charging connection covers 14, 15, 24 may be constructed as a foldable, rollable, or flexible blind. In this case, the blind may be made of a plastic or metal plate that can be rolled up and folded or moved inward. Furthermore, the blind may be rotated inward in an S-shape. This movement may occur inward, downward, leftward, or rightward. The blind may be constructed as a disk-plate mechanism or as a flexible spring plate. Another option is a disk-plate and blind system that can be rolled up or rolled out by at least one angle. Another option is to construct the blind as a flexible plate that does not have individual disk plates but can be bent outward or displaced outward by one corner or one angle.

[0058] As can be seen more clearly from FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first embodiment of the charging connection device 100 includes at least three movably mounted charging connection covers 14, 15, and 24. The first charging connection cover 14 is assigned to the AC contact member 16 of the DC / AC combined charging connection 12, the second charging connection cover 15 is assigned to the DC contact member 17 of the DC / AC combined charging connection 12, and the third charging connection cover 24 is assigned to the other charging connection 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the first charging connection cover 14 and the second charging connection cover 15 move leftward to release the assigned contact members 16 and 17. The first charging connection cover 14 and the second charging connection cover 15 move rightward to cover the assigned contact members 16 and 17. The first charging connection cover 14 and the second charging connection cover 15 have cover positions when the charging connection device 100 is in the first and fourth states. Furthermore, the second charging connection cover 15 has a covering position when the charging connection device 100 is in the second state.

[0059] Alternatively, the first charging contact cover 14 can move upward and the second charging contact cover 15 can move downward to release the contacts 16, 17. Pivoting or rotating movements are also contemplated. Note that the second charging contact cover 14 does not conceal the AC contacts 16, 17 when in the open position (FIG. 3).

[0060] Similarly, the third charging connection cover 24 can move sideways, upwards, or downwards to open the other charging connection 22 assigned to it, or can move in the opposite direction to cover the other charging connection 22 assigned to it. Pivoting and rotational movements are also possible. The third charging connection cover 24 has a cover position when the charging connection device 100 is in the first, second, and third states.

[0061] As will be further apparent from FIGS. 4 to 6, the second embodiment of the charging connection device 100 includes two movably mounted charging connection covers 14, 24. The first charging connection cover 14 is assigned to the combined DC / AC charging connection 12, and the second charging connection cover 24 is assigned to the other charging connection 22. At least the first charging connection cover 14 is movable between a covered position (FIG. 4) and two open positions (FIGS. 5 and 6). When in the covered position (FIG. 4), the first charging connection cover 14 covers the AC contact member 16 and the DC contact member 17. The first charging connection cover 14 has this position when the charging connection device 100 is in the first and fourth states. When in the first open position (FIG. 5), the charging connection cover 14 opens the AC contact member 16 and covers the DC contact member 17. The first charging connection cover 14 has a first open position when the charging connection device 100 is in the second state. When in the second open position (FIG. 6), the first charging connection cover 14 opens the AC contact member 16 and the DC contact member 17. The first charging connection cover 14 has a second open position when the charging connection device 100 is in the third state. Here, when transitioning from the cover position to the second open position, the first charging connection cover 14 can move to the second open position without stopping in the first open position.

[0062] Similarly, the second charging connection cover 24 can move sideways, upward, or downward to open the other charging connection 22 assigned to it, or can move in the opposite direction to cover the other charging connection 22 assigned to it. Pivoting and rotational movements are also possible. The second charging connection cover 24 has a covering position when the charging connection device 100 is in the first, second, and third states. When in the open position, the second charging connection cover 22 opens the other charging connection 22 in the illustrated embodiment. The second charging connection cover 22 has an open position when the charging connection device 100 is in the fourth state.

[0063] In an embodiment of the charging connection device 100 (not shown), the cover modes of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 Charging Tray 12 Charging connection 14 First charging contact cover 15 Second charging contact cover 16 AC contact member 17 DC contact member 18 Cover member 22 Charging connection 24 Charging connector cover 26 Contact member 30 Electric circuit 31 Electrical connections 32 Electrical Connections 40 Locking mechanism 100 Charging connection device

Claims

1. A charging connection device (100) for an electrically driven vehicle, comprising: - two charging connections (12, 22) arranged side by side, at least one of which is configured as a DC / AC combined charging connection (12) having two types of contact members (16, 17), and the other charging connection (22) is configured as a DC charging connection (22) or an AC charging connection (22) or as another DC / AC charging connection, and the two charging connections (12, 22) arranged side by side are electrically connected via a common electrical path (30); - at least two movably mounted charging connection covers (14, 15, 24), at least one of which is assigned to each of the charging connections (12, 22); the charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) cover the corresponding charging connection (12, 22) when in a cover position, and at least partially open the contact members (16, 17, 26) of the corresponding charging connection (12, 22) when in at least one open position; a locking mechanism (40) locks the charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) that are not in an open position when the current charging mode does not require opening of the charging connection (12, 22) or its contact members (16, 17, 26) assigned to the charging connection cover (14, 15, 24) and / or when at least one of the charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) has one of the open positions, for transitions from the covered position to at least one open position or between the respective open positions; In the charging connection device, whereby during the charging process, only the charging connection (12, 22) respectively assigned to the charging mode or only the contact members (16, 17, 26) of the charging connection (12, 22) assigned to the charging mode are accessible for contact, while the other of the two charging connections (12, 22) or the other contact members (16, 17, 26) are covered by the respective charging connection cover (14, 15, 24), at least one sensor mechanism including an optical sensor and / or a camera and / or a distance measuring system or a potentiometer connected to said locking mechanism (40) recognizes the current charging mode; The charging connection device is characterized in that at least one drive unit moves the charging connection cover (14, 15, 24) to a position in which only the charging connection (12, 22) assigned to the charging mode or only the contact members (16, 17, 26) of the charging connection (12, 22) assigned to the charging mode is opened, depending on the charging mode recognized by the sensor mechanism.

2. 2. The charging connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least three movably mounted charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) are provided, a first charging connection cover (14) being assigned to the AC contact member (16) of the DC / AC combined charging connection (12), a second charging connection cover (15) being assigned to the DC contact member (17) of the DC / AC combined charging connection (12), and at least a third charging connection cover (24) being assigned to the other charging connection (22).

3. 3. The charging connection device according to claim 1, further comprising two movably mounted charging connection covers (14, 24), a first charging connection cover (14) assigned to the DC / AC combined charging connection (12) and a second charging connection cover (24) assigned to the other charging connection (22), at least the first charging connection cover (14) being movable between a cover position and two open positions, the first charging connection cover (14) covering the AC contact member (16) and the DC contact member (17) when in the cover position, opening the AC contact member (16) and covering the DC contact member (17) when in the first open position, and opening the AC contact member (16) and the DC contact member (17) when in the second open position.

4. 3. The charging connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two charging connections (12, 22) are arranged in a common charging tray (10) or in two separate charging trays (10) located side by side.

5. 5. The charging connection device of claim 4, wherein at least one of the charging trays (10) includes at least one cover member (18), which covers the corresponding charging tray (10) when in at least a first position and at least partially opens the corresponding charging tray (10) when in at least a second position, and the cover member (18) is positioned above the charging connection cover (14, 15, 24) with respect to the vehicle periphery.

6. 3. The charging connection device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (40) includes at least one fixing member that fixes the corresponding charging connection cover (14, 15, 24) in a covered position or in at least one open position, and / or includes at least one blocking mechanism that blocks at least one driving unit that drives the charging connection cover (14, 24).

7. 6. The charging connection device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) and / or at least one of the cover members (18) is made as a flap that is attached so as to be able to move in a rotational and / or translational manner.

8. 6. The charging connection device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the charging connection covers (14, 15, 24) and / or at least one of the cover elements (18) is made as a foldable, rollable or flexible blind.

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