High-voltage connector protective flap device for mating surfaces of high-voltage connectors

Abstract

To provide a protective flap for a high voltage charging connector for a vehicle or charging station having a high voltage connector.SOLUTION: There is provided a high voltage connector protective flap device (2) for a high voltage charging connector (0) for a vehicle or charging station having an electric traction motor, having a holder (20), an actuator (30) and a protective flap (50). The protective flap (50) is configured to be pivotable between a closed position (G) and an open position (O) of the protective flap device (2) in the holder (20) that is a part of a connector housing (1) to open and close a mating face (10) of the high voltage connector (0), and the protective flap device (2) is designed such that the protective flap (50) can be electromechanically pivoted by the actuator (30) as intended, and further, the protective flap (50) can alternatively be manually pivoted as intended.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high voltage connector protection flap device for an electrical high voltage connector, particularly for a high voltage charging connector for a vehicle having an electric traction motor or a charging station. Further, the present invention relates to an electrical high voltage connector, particularly a high voltage charging connector, and an electrical high voltage entity for a vehicle having an electric traction motor or a charging station, respectively.

Background Art

[0002] In the electrical field (electrical engineering, electrical engineering, power engineering, etc.), a number of electrical high voltage connectors are known. These are used to transmit voltages in the high voltage range (high voltage: AC voltage exceeding 24V and up to over 1kV, DC voltage exceeding 48V and up to over 1.5kV), currents in the high current range (high current exceeding 25A and up to over 1kA), and / or powers in the high power range (high power from 20kW to up to over 350kW). In this case, high voltage connectors for supplying and / or distributing electrical energy in cold, warm, sometimes hot, contaminated, wet, and / or highly chemically reactive environments must ensure problem-free transmission, both in the short term and / or permanently.

[0003] Due to a wide range of applications excluding terrestrial power engineering and the like, a number of such high voltage connectors are known in the automotive and non-automotive fields. In the automotive field, such high voltage connectors are suitable for connecting electrical high voltage and / or high current lines to corresponding electrical high voltage entities or vice versa, for connecting electrical high voltage and / or high current lines to each other, or for different types of electromechanical high voltage and / or high current contact connections. In this specification, the term "high voltage" is intended to encompass the terms high voltage, high current, and / or high power.

[0004] The high cost of fossil fuels and efforts to reduce their environmental impact have created a need for hybrid or electric vehicles, for example, in the automotive sector. One aspect of these vehicles is that they handle high charging and operating voltages, as well as high charging and operating currents, and the relevant components of the vehicle must be designed accordingly. This is especially true for high-voltage and / or high-current lines (e.g., stranded wires, conductor bars, busbars, etc.) and associated high-voltage and / or high-current terminals (e.g., connectors, flat contacts, busbars, conductor bars, etc.), and therefore high-voltage connectors as well.

[0005] When high-voltage connectors are located on high-voltage cables, flying (plug) connectors or couplings are also referred to. When high-voltage connectors are located on an electrical high-voltage entity (see below), for example, on a part of its housing, connector devices such as (built-in / attached) connectors are also referred to. In the context of power engineering (preferably involving three-phase high-voltage transmission, generation, conversion, storage, and transmission of high-voltage currents in power grids), cable accessories are referred to, conversely, due to their complex structure. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Efforts to improve electrical high-voltage connectors are ongoing. In particular, next-generation electric mobility features faster and simpler charging methods, in this case for all-electric and hybrid road vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. For this purpose, high-voltage charging connectors require protective flaps to prevent contact with the conductive components of the high-voltage charging connector. The object of the present invention is to specify protective flaps for high-voltage connectors, in particular for high-voltage charging connectors for vehicles or charging stations having electric traction motors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The object of the present invention is realized by electrical high-voltage connectors, particularly high-voltage charging connectors, and electrical high-voltage entities, each for vehicles or charging stations having electric traction motors, and by high-voltage connector protective flap devices (hereinafter also referred to simply as “protective flap devices”), electrical high-voltage connectors, particularly high-voltage charging connectors. Advantageous improvements, additional features and / or benefits of the present invention may be inferred from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] The protective flap device according to the present invention comprises a holder, an actuator, and a protective flap, wherein the protective flap is configured to pivot in the holder between a closed position and an open position of the protective flap device in order to open and close the mating surface of a high-voltage connector, and the protective flap device is designed such that the protective flap can be pivoted electromechanically as intended by the actuator on one side, and preferably further, the protective flap can be pivoted manually as intended on the other side. That is, the protective flap can be operated independently of each other, particularly electromechanically and manually.

[0009] The holder can be installed on the high-voltage connector or is part of the high-voltage connector, for example, part of its connector housing. Such a connector housing may be designed as, for example, the essential connector housing, partial housing, external or internal housing, housing valance, housing portion, housing region, etc. The protective flap is in the form of a lid in particular. The mating surface may be designed as a single mating surface or as one of several, in particular two, mating surfaces of the high-voltage connector. In the second case, the high-voltage connector may be designed as a CCS high-voltage connector (CCS: Combined Charging System), and the protective flap device is used to open and close the mating surface, in particular, which has DC poles.

[0010] For the electromechanical rotation of the protective flap, the actuator may be engaged with the protective flap in a translationally or rotatably manner. For the manual rotation of the protective flap, a clutch may be configured in the force flow between the actuator and the protective flap, the clutch allowing the protective flap to be separated from the holding force of the actuator. That is, the clutch is designed as an actuator separation clutch and may further be designed or specified as a slip clutch, barrier body clutch, release clutch, disengagement clutch, short-circuit clutch, etc. In this specification, the concept of “force” includes the concept of “torque,” ​​which is equivalent thereto where appropriate.

[0011] The protective flap may be rotatable around the pivot axis. In this case, the protective flap device or protective flap has a radial lever with respect to the pivot axis, an actuator engages with the radial lever, and the protective flap is pivotable via the radial lever. Furthermore, the radial lever of the protective flap device or protective flap and the cover plane of the protective flap may be configured at angles of approximately 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 165°, or 180° relative to each other. The radial lever, and therefore the radial extension of the radial lever, and the cover plane, and therefore the radial extension of the cover plane, are preferably arranged essentially radially with respect to each other with respect to the pivot axis, and may be configured at angles of approximately 10°, 20°, 30°, or 40° from there (180°).

[0012] The actuator may be configured to be substantially translationally movable to move back and forth within the holder for the electromechanical rotation of the protective flap. In this case, the actuator is guided and mounted, for example, in the holder. The holder preferably guides the actuator by projections that are slidable on two opposite sides, for example, in grooves. For this purpose, the grooves may be configured in the holder / actuator, and the projections may be configured in the actuator / holder. The projections are preferably particularly elongated and only slightly shorter than the grooves (for actuator stroke, tolerance compensation, and safety).

[0013] The actuator may have an actuation mechanism that allows a protective flap device or a pivoting mechanism for the protective flap to move around a pivot axis. When the actuation mechanism acts on the pivoting mechanism, the pivoting mechanism may move parallel to the pivot axis. The circumferential angle of movement of the pivoting mechanism with respect to the pivot axis is preferably at least approximately 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 165°, or 180°. The actuation mechanism of the actuator may be designed in particular as an actuation recess, and the pivoting mechanism for the protective flap device or protective flap may be designed in particular, preferably as a pin having a round, especially circular, diameter.

[0014] A bearing between the actuating means and the slewing means may convert the translational motion of the actuator into rotational motion of the slewing means relative to the slewing axis. For this purpose, the slewing means may move both translationally and rotationally, preferably in relation to or within the actuating means (see below). The bearing between the actuating means and the slewing means may be configured as a plain bearing. The plain bearing may be designed as both a radial plain bearing and an axial plain bearing, and this radial-axial plain bearing will be subjected to strain forces substantially simultaneously in both the radial and axial directions when the protective flap slewing occurs.

[0015] The actuator may be formed essentially as a claw in the region of the pivoting mechanism, together with the actuator's actuating means. Preferably, the extension of the claw in the direction of the pivot axis is at least twice the diameter of the pivoting mechanism. The actuating recess forms the opening of the claw. In this case, in the hexagonal diagram, preferably, the claw is open on three sides (front and both sides) and closed on three sides (rear, top, and bottom) (see, for example, Figures 2, 6, and 7).

[0016] The protective flap device may be designed so that when electromechanical rotation of the protective flap occurs, the entire clutch also rotates. Furthermore, the clutch may be held closed by friction lock and / or geometry fit in an unloaded state. In addition, manual rotation of the protective flap may be achieved by the clutch. That is, the protective flap may be separated from the actuator's holding force by the clutch through a manual rotational movement. Furthermore, the clutch may enable manual rotation of the protective flap substantially independently of the actuator's position.

[0017] The clutch may include a clutch assembly that allows for the configuration and interruption of the force flow between the actuator and the protective flap. When the clutch assembly is idle, a force flow may be configured between the actuator and the protective flap. During electromechanical rotation of the protective flap, a force flow may be configured between the actuator and the protective flap. During manual rotation of the protective flap, the force flow may be interrupted between the actuator and the protective flap.

[0018] The clutch assembly may be mounted in a holder so as to be swivelable or rotatable around a pivot axis, and it is preferable that the clutch assembly is mounted in the holder via a clutch shaft. In this case, the swivel capability of the clutch assembly may be limited to approximately 360°, 270°, 180°, 150°, 120°, or less than 105°. The swivel capability may, of course, be greater than 360° and may or may not include the rotational capability of the clutch assembly. The clutch shaft is preferably designed as an internal swivel bearing and does not transmit significant torque, while the clutch assembly seated on the clutch shaft transmits significant torque. The clutch shaft only mounts the clutch assembly and, optionally, a protective flap to the holder.

[0019] Furthermore, the clutch assembly may be mounted on the clutch shaft so as to be movable (with play) in one or both axial directions. That is, the clutch assembly is pressed against the clutch shaft, preferably with at least a small amount of radial play between the clutch shaft and the clutch assembly. Furthermore, the clutch assembly may be designed to be elastic or resilient in the axial direction of the pivot shaft. In addition, the clutch assembly may be designed in a drum shape or a box shape.

[0020] The clutch assembly may comprise two pressure components that are movable toward each other. The two pressure components may be configured such that a mechanical pre-tension is applied toward each other axially in the clutch assembly. This may be accomplished by an elastic element such as, for example, a spring element, particularly a coil spring (preferably) or an elastomer element. The two pressure components may be designed to guide each other axially such that they are only pivotable or rotatable in conjunction in the circumferential direction.

[0021] Guide devices for pressure components acting on each other may engage with each other for mutual guidance of the pressure components. A pivoting mechanism for a protective flap device may be configured axially between the pressure components. To keep the pressure components movable toward each other, the pivoting mechanism is mounted axially on at least one of the two pressure components, preferably by a plain bearing. This preferably relates to both pressure components. Torque may be introduced into the pressure components or clutch assembly by the pivoting mechanism.

[0022] The guide device may be designed as an axially elongated guide device. In this case, at least one guide projection of the pressure component may be guided axially in a guide recess of the other pressure component. Furthermore, neglecting the pivoting mechanism, the pressure components may be in the form of crowns and interlock with each other by their forks. Either the forks of both pressure components interlock with each other, or the guide projections of both pressure components are inserted into each other such that torque with respect to the pivot axis can be transmitted from one pressure component to the other and vice versa.

[0023] Two guide devices, each consisting of only a single pressure component of a clutch assembly, that are directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction may be connected to each other by a radially inward circumferential connection (increased stability). In this case, the circumferential connection is configured, in particular, at the free ends of the two guide devices.

[0024] The clutch assembly may be configured between two mounting means for a protective flap, the two mounting means being mounted so as to be pivotable or rotatable on the clutch shaft. The mounting means may be designed here as mounting tabs protruding from the protective flap. The mounting means or mounting tabs may have through recesses for mounting the protective flap onto the clutch shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, the clutch assembly may have a clutch surface of the clutch of the protective flap device on at least one axial outer surface. In particular, this relates to both axial outer surfaces. At least one mounting means of the protective flap may have a clutch surface of the clutch of the protective flap device on the axial inner surface. In particular, this relates to both mounting means.

[0026] For the transmission of force within the protective flap device, two clutch surfaces related to each other of the clutch assembly and the mounting means may be formed as friction surfaces and / or form-fitting surfaces. Two clutch surfaces related to each other of the clutch assembly and the mounting means may have a clutch locking device related to each other.

[0027] The related clutch locking device may be designed as a form-fitting locking device that can be designed as a protrusion or a recess. In this case, one clutch surface may have a protrusion (clutch locking device or form-fitting locking device), and the related other clutch surface may have a recess (clutch locking device or form-fitting locking device). Preferably, one clutch surface of the clutch assembly has a protrusion, and the related other clutch surface of the mounting means has at least one recess, but of course, it may also be formed conversely.

[0028] The clutch locking device of the clutch surfaces related to each other may interact such that the protective flap can be rotated both electromechanically and manually between the closed position and the open position. In particular, two clutch surfaces related to each other are configured between the clutch assembly and the related mounting means on each side of the clutch assembly.

[0029] For force transmission within the protective flap device, the clutch surface of the clutch assembly may have a single clutch lock device for catching the clutch lock device of the mounting means. The clutch surface of the mounting means may have at least two, and in particular three, clutch lock devices, which are offset from one another in the circumferential direction. Each pair of directly adjacent clutch lock devices in the circumferential direction may optionally be configured at angles of approximately 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, or 105° on the clutch surface of the mounting means. The clutch surface of the mounting means may have clutch lock devices for the manually open position, electromechanical rotation, and / or manually closed position of the protective flap device.

[0030] The protective flap device may be designed such that, in the closed position and / or the open position of the protective flap device, substantial self-blocking is configured between the actuator and the clutch assembly or preferably a single pressure component. The actuator may here be seated on the clutch assembly such that the clutch assembly prevents further movement of the actuator. Furthermore, the actuator may here be seated such that each planar region is in contact with the planar region of the clutch assembly or with the planar region of the single pressure component. These two regions are configured, for example, on opposite sides of each other in the actuator in the region of the actuating means.

[0031] The pivoting mechanism for the protective flap device may be designed as a pin manufactured independently of the pressure component, or as a pivoting mechanism within the pressure component. In the second case, the cross-section of the pivoting mechanism is designed in the form of a circular or elliptical arc cross-section whenever possible. The holder, actuator, protective flap, and / or each pressure component may be formed integrally.

[0032] One-piece formation is understood as the formation of related components (holders, actuators, protective flaps, and / or pressure components) where only a single component exists that can be separated only by fracture. The component is manufactured from a single raw material piece and / or a single raw material compound (plastic molten material) that is consequently a single piece. Internal coherence arises from adhesion and / or coagulation (only). In this case, additional coatings, etc., may be present.

[0033] The protective flap device may have a motor for operating an actuator. The motor may be designed here as an electric motor, a linear motor, or a drive therein. The motor is preferably housed in a housing. Furthermore, the motor's actuator may have a mechanical operating connection to the actuator, or the actuator of the protective flap device may be designed as the actuator of the motor, or vice versa. The holder may preferably be screwed to the housed motor. The protective flap device may form part of the connector housing of a high-voltage connector. The holder may be mounted on the connector housing or may be part of the connector housing.

[0034] The high-voltage connector according to the present invention comprises at least one connector housing and a protective flap device, the protective flap device being designed in accordance with the present invention. In this case, the high-voltage connector may, of course, also have an electrical high-voltage contact device having at least one electrical high-voltage terminal. The high-voltage connector may be designed as an electrical module, for example, for maintenance or replacement of the high-voltage connector.

[0035] The high-voltage entity according to the present invention comprises an electrical high-voltage device and a protective flap device and / or an electrical high-voltage connector, the protective flap device and / or high-voltage connector being designed in accordance with the present invention. Such a high-voltage entity may be designed, for example, as an electrical component, an electrical module (for example, for replacing a high-voltage device together with a high-voltage connector), an electrical appliance, an electrical device (such as a charging station), an electrical assembly, and the like.

[0036] Vehicles equipped with electric traction motors, particularly automobiles (road vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, etc.), as well as railway vehicles, water vehicles, and / or aircraft, are understood as vehicles that may have additional non-electric drive components, such as internal combustion engines, in addition to electric traction motors. That is, vehicles equipped with electric traction motors may be understood as, for example, electric vehicles (electric motor drive only), hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc.

[0037] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which are not to exact scale. Parts, elements, components, units, constituents, and / or schematic drawings having the same, unique, or similar design and / or function are identified by the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings (see below), the reference numerals, the claims, and the drawings. Possible alternatives not described in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings, and / or not exhaustive, static and / or kinematic inversions, combinations, etc., relating to exemplary embodiments of the present invention or their components, figures, units, components, elements, or parts may be further inferred from the reference numerals and / or the description of the drawings.

[0038] In the present invention, features (parts, elements, components, units, constituent elements, functions, dimensions, etc.) may be explicitly realized, i.e., present, or may be implicitly realized, i.e., absent. In this specification (Description (Description of the Invention (see above), Description of the Drawings (see below)), Explanation of Reference Numerical Symbols, Claims, Drawings), implicit features are not explicitly described as features if their absence is not important in accordance with the present invention. That is, an invention actually implemented and not constructed by the prior art can be constructed by omitting such features.

[0039] The features described herein may be applied not only in the types and / or manners shown, but also in other types and / or manners (separation, combination, substitution, addition, alone, omission, etc.). In particular, features in the claims and / or descriptions may be substituted, added, or omitted based on the reference numerals and the features assigned thereto, or vice versa, in the descriptions, descriptions of symbols, claims and / or drawings. Furthermore, this may lead to a more detailed interpretation and / or definition of the features in the claims.

[0040] The descriptive features can also be interpreted as optional features (in light of the prior art, which is usually initially unknown), that is, any feature may be interpreted as optional, arbitrary, or preferred, and therefore not mandatory. Thus, features can be separated from exemplary embodiments, including, in some cases, their peripheral parts, in which case they can be converted into a generalized concept of the invention. The absence of a feature in an exemplary embodiment (a latent feature) indicates that the feature may, in some cases, be optional (to those skilled in the art) with respect to the present invention. Furthermore, in the case of technical terms for a feature, general terms for that feature (possible further hierarchical classification into subtypes, etc.) may be implicitly understood, and consequently, the feature can be generalized, for example, with respect to the equivalent effect and / or equivalentity.

[0041] A schematic diagram of the drawing, presented simply as an example, is as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a first embodiment of a protective flap device for a high-voltage connector according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a second embodiment of the protective flap device according to the present invention, in a side cross-sectional perspective view taken from diagonally above. [Figure 3] This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a second embodiment of the protective flap device according to the present invention, in a forward perspective view. [Figure 4] Figures 2 and 3 show a clutch assembly for mounting the protective flap and holder of the protective flap device, in a front perspective view. [Figure 5] Figures 2 and 3 show a clutch assembly for mounting between the protective flap and holder of the protective flap device, in a side perspective view. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a lateral cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the internal self-blocking mechanism of the protective flap device when the protective flap is in the closed position. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a lateral cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the internal self-blocking mechanism of the protective flap device when the protective flap is in the open position. [Figure 8] This is a diagonal front perspective view of a CCS high-voltage connector for a vehicle having an exemplary embodiment of a second embodiment of the protective flap device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on two exemplary embodiments (Figures 1 and 2-8) of a protective flap device 2 for an electrical high-voltage charging connector 0 for a vehicle (see Figure 8: CCS high-voltage charging connector 0 designed as a high-voltage charging socket 0 (see also above)). Of course, the present invention is also applicable to other electrical connectors (see above), in particular the high-voltage connector 0. For this purpose, the high-voltage connector 0 may be designed as, for example, an accessory connector 0, a built-in connector 0, or possibly a flying plug connector 0.

[0044] The present invention is described and illustrated in more detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiments disclosed and is rather more fundamental in nature. Other modifications can be derived from them and / or the above (Description of the Invention) without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. The present invention is applicable in electrical high-voltage entities (see above) in general in the electrical field, i.e., in non-automotive fields as well. One exception is terrestrial power engineering and similar fields.

[0045] In the drawings, only the spatial portions necessary to understand the present invention are shown. Designations such as connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal, etc., should be interpreted synonymously, that is, they are interchangeable as needed. The description of the present invention based on the drawings (see also above) below refers, in particular, to the pivot axis SA of the protective flap device 2, its axial direction Ar (undirected), its radial direction Rr (undirected), and / or its circumferential direction Ur. The pivot axis SA is preferably coaxial with the clutch axis 430 (see below).

[0046] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first embodiment of a protective flap device 2 according to the present invention. The protective flap device 2 comprises a holder 20, an actuator 30, and a pivotable protective flap 50. The protective flap 50 is configured to pivot around a pivot axis SA in the holder 20 or the protective flap device 2 in order to open and close the mating surface 10 (see Figure 8) of the high-voltage connector 0. The protective flap 50 is electromechanically pivotable by the actuator 30 to move between a closed position G (Figure 7) and an open position O (Figure 6) of the protective flap device 2 as intended.

[0047] For this purpose, the actuator 30 is translationally engaged with the protective flap 50, and a radial lever 52 on the protective flap 50 (Figure 1) or on the protective flap 50 (Figures 2-8) converts the translational motion of the actuator 30 into rotational motion of the protective flap 50. For this purpose, the actuator 30 has an actuation means 304 specifically designed as an actuation recess 304, which brings to the actuator 30 the appearance of a claw in the area of ​​the actuation recess 304, where a pivoting means 404, particularly in the form of a pin, is installed on the protective flap 50 or protective flap device 2. Here, the claw may consist of a single claw portion or multiple claw portions, particularly two claw portions.

[0048] The pivoting means 404 is configured to pivot around a pivot axis SA, and the rotational motion of the pivoting means 404 around the pivot axis SA is generated by the translational motion of the working recess 304. For this purpose, the pivoting means 404 moves slightly by translation and slightly by rotation within the working recess 304, and the pivoting means 404 also performs the translational motion of the actuator 30. Preferably, the translational component of the pivoting means 404 within the working recess 304 is substantially perpendicular to the translational motion of the actuator 30. Of course, a rotary actuator 30 is also applicable.

[0049] Figures 2 to 7 show exemplary embodiments of a second embodiment of the protective flap device 2 according to the present invention. The protective flap device 2 is designed similarly to the protective flap device 2 of Figure 1 and further comprises a clutch 40 or actuator isolation clutch 40. The protective flap 50 is manually pivotable by the clutch 40 to move between the closed position G (Figure 7) and the open position O (Figure 6) of the protective flap device 2 as intended. That is, the operation of the protective flap 50 by the actuator 30 is bypassed. The clutch 40 is configured in this case in the force flow between the actuator 30 and the protective flap 50, and the protective flap 50 is isolated from the holding force of the actuator 30 by the clutch 40.

[0050] The actual clutch (see Figures 2 and 3 in particular) is located between two mounting means 54 of a protective flap 50, specifically designed as mounting tabs 54, and a preferably drum-shaped or box-shaped clutch assembly 400 (clutch surface 550 of the mounting means 54 and clutch surface 450 of the clutch assembly 400) positioned between them. Both the mounting tabs 54 and the clutch assembly 400 are seated so as to be movable to some extent (with play) in the axial direction Ar on a clutch shaft 430, which is preferably installed or mounted on a holder 20. The actual clutch of the protective flap device 2 is formed between the inner surface (clutch surface 450) of the mounting tabs 54 and the associated outer surface (clutch surface 550) of the clutch assembly 400.

[0051] For the electromechanical pivoting of the protective flap 50 (see also Figures 6 and 7), the mounting tab 54 and the related clutch surfaces 550, 450 of the clutch assembly 400 are fixed and in contact with each other, particularly by friction lock and / or shape fitting, and thus torque can be transmitted through this, particularly from the clutch assembly 400 to the protective flap 50 via the mounting tab 54 (see below: the clutch lock device 452 engages with the clutch lock device 552). That is, the clutch 40 engages. The protective flap 50 and the clutch assembly 400 are substantially (playfully) pivotable by the same angle. For this purpose, the actuator 30, in particular its actuating means 304, engages with the clutch assembly 400, and for this purpose, the clutch assembly 400 has pivoting means 404.

[0052] Manual rotation of the protective flap 50 (see Figures 4 and 5 in particular) disengages the respective fixed connections between the mounting tab 54 and the corresponding clutch surfaces 550, 450 of the clutch assembly 400 (see above, the relative positions of the clutch lock devices 452, 552), and thus the protective flap 50 becomes rotatable independently of the clutch assembly 400. That is, the clutch 40 disengages. No significant torque is transmitted between the protective flap 50 and the clutch assembly 400. In this case, the only torque that can still be transmitted is that resulting from the sliding friction force of the mounting tab 54 against the clutch assembly 400.

[0053] To enable the disengagement of the clutch 40, the clutch assembly 400 is designed to be elastic, resilient, or compressible and slack in the axial Ar, so that the length of the clutch assembly 400 can be reduced and then increased or increased and then reduced in the axial Ar. The clutch 40 is configured to be independent of both electromechanical and manual slewing, with the clutch assembly 400 being enlarged in electromechanical slewing and reduced in the axial Ar in manual slewing. The force for reducing the size of the clutch assembly 400 arises here from the force for manually slewing the protective flap 50.

[0054] During electric motor rotation of the protective flap 50, the force flow originates from the motor-driven actuator 30 to the protective flap 50 via the clutch assembly 400 and the engaged clutch 40, causing the clutch assembly 400 to also rotate. During manual rotation of the protective flap 50, the force flow originates from the protective flap 50 to the disengaged clutch 40, causing the clutch assembly 400 to remain fixed by the actuator 30 without rotating.

[0055] The following describes in more detail the design and function of the single mounting tab 54 and the two related clutch surfaces 550, 450 of the clutch assembly 400 (see Figures 4 and 5 in particular). This description also relates to the other clutch surface 550, 450 located on the other side of the clutch assembly 400, particularly in the axial direction Ar. In this case, the clutch surfaces 550, 450 are preferably substantially circular in the first approximation and in the top view in the axial direction Ar, and are arranged coaxially with respect to the clutch axis 430.

[0056] The clutch surface 450 of the clutch assembly 400 preferably has a clutch locking device 452 for catching the clutch locking devices 551, 552, and 553 of the clutch surface 550 of the mounting means 54. In this case, the clutch locking device 452 is designed in particular as a shape-fit locking device 452 and is preferably conceived as a protrusion, although recesses are also available. Depending on the design of the clutch 40, the clutch locking device 452 may have more than one protrusion and / or more than one recess.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the clutch surface 550 of the mounting means 54 has three clutch locking devices 551, 552, and 553 that are offset in the circumferential direction Ur. Here, the clutch locking device 551 is conceived for the manually open position O, the clutch locking device 552 for the electromechanical pivot, and the clutch locking device 553 for the manually closed position G. The associated clutch locking devices 551, 552, and 553 are designed in particular as shape-fit locking devices 551, 552, and 553, and are preferably conceived as recesses, although protrusions are also available. Depending on the design of the clutch 40, the clutch locking devices 551, 552, and 553 may have more than one recess and / or more than one protrusion, provided that they are formed substantially identical to each other so that they can interact with the clutch locking device 452 of the clutch assembly 400.

[0058] A preferred single clutch locking device 452 on one side of the clutch assembly 400 is used to catch the clutch locking devices 551, 552, and 553 of the mounting means 54. When the clutch locking device 452 is locked with the intermediate clutch locking device 552 in the circumferential direction Ur, the protective flap 50 is movable by an electric motor from its open position O to its closed position G and from its closed position G to its open position O.

[0059] Here, we describe two cases: when attempting to manually move the protective flap 50, and when the clutch lock device 452 is locked with the intermediate clutch lock device 552 in the circumferential direction Ur. During manual movement of the protective flap 50, the clutch assembly 400 is compressed due to the interaction of projections provided between the related clutch surfaces 450, 550, namely, the projection 452 of the clutch assembly 400 on one side and the projections formed between the clutch lock devices 551 and 552 or 552 and 553 (see Figure 5) on the other side. Of course, this occurs on both sides of the clutch assembly 400, and the clutch 40 is thereby disengaged.

[0060] When the protective flap 50 is manually moved from its closed position G to its open position O (starting position: clutch lock device 452 and clutch lock device 552 are engaged), the clutch 40 disengages in this manner, and clutch lock device 452 engages with clutch lock device 553. When the protective flap 50 is manually moved from its open position O to its closed position G (starting position: clutch lock device 452 and clutch lock device 552 are engaged), the clutch 40 disengages in this manner, and clutch lock device 452 engages with clutch lock device 551. By operating actuator 30, clutch lock device 452 can be re-engaged with clutch lock device 552.

[0061] To make the clutch assembly 400 elastic, resilient, or compressible in the axial direction Ar, the clutch assembly 400 may have two pressure components 410, 420. The pressure components 410, 420 are opposite each other in the axial direction Ar, and are arranged to be rotatable in particular on the clutch shaft 430, and preferably engage with each other to guide each other in the axial direction Ar. For this purpose, a spring element 440 is configured, particularly on the clutch shaft 430, to mechanically pre-tension the two pressure components 410, 420 toward each other in the axial direction Ar. The spring element 440 is designed in particular as a coil spring 440, an elastic element, an elastomer element, etc. The spring element 440 enables the re-engagement of the clutch 40 after disengagement.

[0062] For mutual guidance, the pressure components 410 and 420 have guide devices 411, 412; 421, 422, which cause the pressure components 410 and 420 to engage with each other, and as a result, they are pivotable or rotatable only in conjunction in the circumferential direction Ur (clutch assembly 400 without spring element 440). Preferably, a pin-shaped pivoting means 404 is configured between the two pressure components 410 and 420 to actuate the clutch assembly 400, and for that purpose, the pressure components 410 and 420 are installed accordingly, so that the actuator 30 can engage with the pivoting means 404.

[0063] The first pressure component 410 comprises at least one, preferably at least two, guide projections 411, which are formed in particular as guide pins 411 (guide devices 411). In this case, it is preferable that two guide projections 411 that are directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction Ur do not have a circumferential connection portion (see below) on the radially Rr side. Furthermore, the first pressure component 410 comprises at least one, preferably at least two, guide recesses 412 (guide devices 412), which are formed in particular as guide longitudinal recesses 412, and one guide recess 412 may be configured between two guide projections 411 in the circumferential direction Ur.

[0064] The second pressure component 420 comprises at least one, preferably at least two, guide projections 422 (guide devices 422) particularly formed as guide pins 422. In this case, it is preferable that two guide projections 422 that are directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction Ur have a circumferential connecting portion 423 on the radially Rr side. Furthermore, the second pressure component 420 comprises at least one, preferably at least two, guide recesses 421 (guide devices 421) particularly designed as guide longitudinal recesses 421, one of which may be located between two guide projections 422 in the circumferential direction Ur.

[0065] Within the clutch assembly 400, a guide projection 411 of the first pressure component 410 engages with a guide recess 421 of the second pressure component 420, and a guide projection 422 of the second pressure component 420 engages with a guide recess 412 of the first pressure component 410. This mutual guidance by the guide devices 411, 412; 421, 422 also ensures the ability to transmit torque from one pressure component 410 / 420 to the other pressure component 420 / 410.

[0066] The protective flap device 2 is preferably designed such that, in the closed position G and / or open position O, the actuator 30 seats on either the clutch assembly 400 or one of the pressure components 410, 420, so that the protective flap device 2 prevents internal movement of itself (see Figures 6 and 7). In this case, the actuator 30 prevents further movement of the clutch assembly 400, and the clutch assembly 400 prevents further movement of the actuator 30. Preferably, in each case (closed position G, open position O), the planar region of the actuator 30 seats on either the planar region of the clutch assembly 400 or the planar region of the pressure components 410, 420.

[0067] Refer to Figure 6, in which the upper portion of the actuation means 304 of the actuator 30 is seated on the radial portion of the pressure component 420. Also refer to Figure 7, in which the lower portion of the actuation means 304 of the actuator 30 is seated on the portion of the pressure component 420 extending in the circumferential direction Um and the radial direction Ra. Of course, this may be similarly achieved using a pressure component 410.

[0068] Finally, Figure 8 also shows a CCS high-voltage connector 0, preferably having a multi-component connector housing 1 and two mating surfaces 10, 12. In this case, the first mating surface 10 is designed to be covered by a protective flap device 2 (closed position G of the protective flap 20). Furthermore, the figure shows a retracted motor 60 (see above), which allows the protective flap 50 to be swung via the actuator 30 and clutch assembly 400. The motor 60 or the housing of the motor 60 may be fixedly connected to the holder 20, and may be screwed in particular. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 0 (Electrical) High-Voltage Connector for High-Voltage Connections 1 Connector Housing 2 (High-voltage connector) protective flap device 10 (First) mating surface 12 (Second) mating surface 20 holders 30 Actuators 40 Clutch 50 (rotatable) protective flaps 52 Radial lever 54 Mounting means, in particular mounting tabs 60 motor 304 Actuating means, particularly acting recess 400 Clutch Assembly 404 Swiveling mechanism, especially pin 410 (First) Pressure Component 411 Guidance devices, especially guidance protrusions 412 Guide devices, particularly guide recesses 420 (Second) Pressure Part 421 Guide devices, especially guide recesses 422 Guide devices, especially guide protrusions 423 Circumferential connection (inside radial Rr) of two guide devices 422, 422 430 Clutch shaft 440 Spring elements, especially coil springs 450 Clutch Assembly 400 Clutch Surface 452 Clutch lock device for catching clutch lock devices 551, 552, 553 550 Clutch surface of mounting means 54 551 Clutch locking device for manual open position O 552 Clutch locking device for electromechanical slewing 553 Clutch locking device for manual closed position G O open position G Closed position SA Swivel Axis Ar: Axial direction of the pivot axis SA (undirected) Rr Radial direction (undirected) with respect to the pivot axis SA Ur Circumferential direction (undirected) with respect to the pivot axis SA

Claims

1. A protective flap device (2) for a high-voltage connector (0) having a holder (20), an actuator (30), and a protective flap (50), In a high-voltage connector protective flap device (2), the protective flap (50) is configured to be pivotable between a closed position (G) and an open position (O) in the holder (20) in order to open and close the mating surface (10) of the high-voltage connector (0), The protective flap device (2) is designed such that the protective flap (50) can be electromechanically rotated as intended by the actuator (30), and the protective flap (50) can also be manually rotated as intended. The protective flap (50) is rotatable around the pivot axis (SA), For the electromechanical rotation of the protective flap (50), the actuator (30) is engaged with the protective flap (50) in a manner that allows translation or rotation. For the manual rotation of the protective flap (50), a clutch (40) is configured in the force flow between the actuator (30) and the protective flap (50), and the clutch (40) allows the protective flap (50) to be separated from the holding force of the actuator (30). The clutch (40) comprises a clutch assembly (400), the clutch assembly (400) is capable of establishing a force flow between the actuator (30) and the protective flap (50), and is also capable of blocking said flow. The clutch assembly (400) comprises two pressing parts (410, 420) that are movable toward each other. The two pressing components (410, 420) are configured such that a mechanical pre-tension is applied to each other in the axial direction (Ar) of the pivot axis (SA) in the clutch assembly (400), The two pressing components (410, 420) are designed to guide each other in the axial direction (Ar) so that they can pivot or rotate together in the circumferential direction (Ur), The pivoting means (404) of the protective flap device (2) for the protective flap (50), which is movable around the pivot axis (SA), is configured between the pressing parts (410, 420) in the axial direction (Ar). Characterized by, High-voltage connector protective flap device (2).

2. The protective flap device (2) or the protective flap (50) has a radial lever (52) relating to the pivot axis (SA), the actuator (30) engages with the radial lever (52), and the protective flap (50) is transmitted via the radial lever (52) It is capable of turning, The radial lever (52) of the protective flap device (2) or the protective flap (50) and the cover plane of the protective flap (50) are configured at angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 165°, or 180° relative to each other, and / or The actuator (30) is configured to be movable by translation so as to move back and forth within the holder (20) for the electromechanical rotation of the protective flap (50). The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The actuator (30) has an actuation means (304) such that the pivoting means (404) of the protective flap device (2) or the protective flap (50) is movable around the pivot axis (SA), The bearing between the actuation means (304) and the pivoting means (404) converts the translational motion of the actuator (30) into rotational motion of the pivoting means (404) with respect to the pivot axis (SA). The bearing between the actuation means (304) and the pivoting means (404) is configured as a sliding bearing, and / or The actuator (30), together with the operating means (304) of the actuator (30), is formed as a claw in the region of the pivoting means (404). The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. The protective flap device (2) is When the protective flap (50) undergoes electromechanical rotation, the entire clutch (40) also rotates. The clutch (40) is held in a closed state by friction lock and / or shape fitting when there is no load. The manual rotation of the protective flap (50) is achieved by the clutch (40) and / or, The clutch (40) allows the protective flap (50) to be manually rotated independently of the position of the actuator (30). It is designed to be so The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that

5. In the stationary state of the clutch assembly (400), the flow of force is established between the actuator (30) and the protective flap (50), During the electromechanical rotation of the protective flap (50), the flow of force is established between the actuator (30) and the protective flap (50), and / or During manual rotation of the protective flap (50), the flow of force is interrupted between the actuator (30) and the protective flap (50). The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that

6. The clutch assembly (400) is The clutch assembly (400) is mounted on the holder (20) so as to be rotatable or pivotable around the pivot axis (SA), and the clutch assembly (400) is mounted on the holder (20) via the clutch shaft (430). Mounted on the clutch shaft (430) so as to be movable in one or both axial directions (Ar), and / or The pivot axis (SA) is designed to be elastic or resilient in the axial direction (Ar), and is drum-shaped or box-shaped. The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that

7. The two pressing parts (410, 420) are designed to guide each other in the axial direction (Ar) such that they can only pivot or rotate together in the circumferential direction (Ur), The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. The clutch assembly (400) is positioned between the two mounting means (54) of the protective flap (50), and the two mounting means (54) are further mounted so as to be pivotable or rotatable on the clutch shaft (430). The clutch assembly (400) has, on at least one axial (Ar) outer surface or on each of both axial (Ar) outer surfaces, a clutch surface (450) of the clutch (40) of the protective flap device (2), and / or At least one mounting means (54), or both mounting means (54), of the protective flap (50) have a clutch surface (550) of the protective flap device (2) on its axial (Ar) inner surface. The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that

9. For the transmission of force within the protective flap device (2), The two related clutch surfaces (450, 550) of the clutch assembly (400) and mounting means (54) are formed as friction surfaces and / or shape-fitting surfaces. The two related clutch surfaces (450, 550) of the clutch assembly (400) and mounting means (54) have related clutch locking devices (452; 551, 552, 553), and / or The clutch lock devices (452; 551, 552, 553) of the mutually related clutch surfaces (450, 550) are interactable such that the protective flap (50) can be rotated electromechanically or manually between the closed position (G) and the open position (O). The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that

10. For the transmission of force within the protective flap device (2), The clutch surface (450) of the clutch assembly (400) has a single clutch lock device (452) for catching the clutch lock devices (551, 552, 553) of the mounting means (54), The clutch surface (550) of the mounting means (54) has at least two or three clutch locking devices (551, 552, 553) that are offset from each other in the circumferential direction (Ur), and / or The clutch surface (550) of the mounting means (54) has clutch locking devices (551, 552, 553) for the manually open position (O), electromechanical rotation, and / or manually closed position (G) of the protective flap device (2). The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that

11. The protective flap device (2) is in the closed position (G) and / or the open position (O) of the protective flap device (2). A self-lock is established between the actuator (30) and the clutch assembly (400) or one of the two pressing parts (410, 420), The actuator (30) is seated on the clutch assembly (400) and / or the clutch assembly (400) prevents further movement of the actuator (30). The actuator (30) is seated such that its corresponding surface portion is in contact with the corresponding surface portion of the clutch assembly (400) or with the corresponding surface portion of one of the two pressing components (410, 420), (410 / 420). It is designed to be so The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that

12. The protective flap device (2) has a motor (60) for operating the actuator (30), The holder (20) is screwed to the housed motor (60), and / or The protective flap device (2) forms a part of the connector housing (1) of the high-voltage connector (0). The high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that

13. An electrical high-voltage connector (0), The electrical high-voltage connector (0) comprises at least one connector housing (1) and a protective flap device (2) for the electrical high-voltage connector, The protective flap device (2) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Characterized by, Electrical high-voltage connector (0).

14. An electrical high-voltage entity for a vehicle or charging station having an electric traction motor, The aforementioned electrical high-voltage entity includes an electrical high-voltage connector (0), The electrical high-voltage connector (0) is designed according to claim 13. Characterized by, Electrical high-voltage entity.

15. The high-voltage connector (0) is a high-voltage charging connector (0) for a vehicle or charging station having an electric traction motor. A high-voltage connector protection flap device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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