Vehicle unit of a conductive charging system with a lifting-pivoting guide

Abstract

This invention relates to a conductive charging system (1) with a vehicle unit (2) which is arranged on a vehicle and which is designed to contact, by means of a contacting unit (3) which is arranged in or on the vehicle unit (2), a contact plate of a base unit for setting a charging operation, wherein the vehicle unit (2) has a lid / closure / cover (5) which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (4), wherein a lid drive unit (6) is provided in order to displace the lid (5), wherein the lid drive unit (6) has a transmission which is prepared to convert a rotary movement into a lifting / lowering / linear movement such that on introduction of a rotation into the transmission the lid (5) is at some times pivoted / rotated and at some times lifted / lowered, wherein the transmission is connected, via a conversion unit (19), to a locking device (20), wherein the locking device (20) is designed to prevent a ( / any) pivoting and / or linear movement, and the conversion unit (19) is prepared to transfer the rotational / linear movement of the transmission to the locking device (20) such that locking can be effected.

Description

[0001] Vehicle unit of a conductive charging system with a lifting and swiveling gate

[0002] The invention relates to a conductive charging system with a vehicle unit which is arranged on a vehicle and is designed to contact a contact plate of a base unit for setting a charging process with a contacting unit which is arranged in or on the vehicle unit, wherein the vehicle unit has a lid / closure / cover which can be pivoted about a pivot axis, wherein a lid drive unit is provided to displace the lid, wherein the lid drive unit has a gear which is prepared to convert a rotary movement into a lifting / lowering / linear movement in such a way that when a rotation is introduced into the gear, the lid is temporarily pivoted / rotated and temporarily raised / lowered.

[0003] The state of the art in automated contact systems for charging electric or hybrid vehicles is currently only represented in the form of prototypes and small series, as there is no series implementation yet.

[0004] In these systems (automated contacting - underbody), a connection is formed between a first contacting part located on / at the ground and a second contacting part located on the vehicle as soon as both are at a sufficiently short distance from each other.

[0005] The vehicle unit is exposed to the weather and dirt conditions on the vehicle's underbody. Therefore, it's clear that the actual contact unit must be protected during ferry operation. This protection requires a component that normally securely seals the area but can be opened during the charging process, such as a cover.

[0006] Currently, only prototypes are known that implement a lifting movement simultaneously with a pivoting movement via a relatively steep thread. Another implementation dispenses with the lifting movement, although the lifting movement can, in principle, also be achieved via an additional drive motor. The lifting movement of the locking pin located opposite the pivot axis is carried out via a separate drive.

[0007] In addition, there is a seal between the cover and the housing of the vehicle unit, which protects the sensitive interior from external dirt and splash / jet water.

[0008] The problem with the prototypes known in the prior art is that with simultaneous lifting and swiveling movements via a thread pitch combined with a large pitch, although the cover is completely lifted off the seal after a small swivel movement, this requires a lot of space in the lifting direction. With a small pitch, this space is smaller, but the cover and seal then rub against each other over a large angular range, which leads to high drive power requirements and also to seal wear. An additional drive for the lifting movement of the swivel axis leads to higher costs, as does an additional drive for the locking pin.

[0009] A first approach, using a simple linkage to separate the lifting and swiveling movements, is effective for the "open" direction. However, the difficulty arises in the "close" direction because the lifting movement is triggered even if the lid is blocked during the swiveling movement. If the lid is partially blocked, for example, due to snow, safe closing would not be guaranteed, and the vehicle would not be able to receive the start clearance, which is also referred to as a "stalling" condition.

[0010] Furthermore, the necessary locking mechanism for the cover on the opposite side of the pivot axis requires a separate mechanism with its own drive. The disadvantages of this are the space required, the cost, the weight, and the independent monitoring and control required.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a conductive charging system whose vehicle unit enables a simultaneous lifting and pivoting movement.

[0012] This is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0013] This is achieved according to the invention in that a cover drive unit is provided for displacing the cover, wherein the cover drive unit has a gear that is prepared to convert a rotary movement into a lifting / lowering, pivoting / rotating / linear movement such that when a rotation is initiated in the gear, the cover is temporarily pivoted / rotated and temporarily raised / lowered (preferably offset in time / separately and / or, for example, simultaneously in phases). Furthermore, according to the invention, the gear is connected to a locking device via a conversion unit, wherein the locking device is designed to prevent any pivoting and / or linear movement, and the conversion unit is prepared to transmit the rotary / linear movement of the gear to the locking device in such a way that a locking is effected.The main purpose of the locking unit is also / rather to ensure a uniform lifting of the lid in the direction of a seal arranged between the lid and the housing.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims and are explained in more detail below.

[0015] Advantageously, the transmission comprises a torque-introducing gearwheel designed to mesh with a drive pinion, the gearwheel having a sleeve rigidly connected to the gearwheel. Within the sleeve, there is an axle / bolt rigidly connected to the cover, with a preferably transversely inserted pin secured in the axle / bolt. The pin is movably mounted in a slotted guide of the sleeve to effect a forced conversion of a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement and vice versa.

[0016] Preferably, in a housing, preferably associated with the gearing / accommodating the gearing, there is an additional link / link into which the pin also movably engages in order to determine the time of change of the transmission of the rotary movement to the longitudinal movement to the cover at a predetermined switching point.

[0017] In other words, the invention consists in using a combination of two links to separate the lifting / pivoting movement of the lid, which, when interacting, perform the desired function. Firstly, the transmission of torque from the drive gear to the lid in both directions when the lid is in a "pivoting range," whereby the pivoting range covers a range of, for example, 0° - 100° from the closed rest position. The lid angle corresponds to the gear angle. Furthermore, the rotational movement of the drive gear is converted into a lifting movement of the lid axis when the lid is in the "lifting range," whereby the lifting range represents a range in which the lid angle is 0° and the gear angle lies in a range of, for example, 0° to -25°. A "transition range" between pivoting and lifting is somewhat smaller in certain embodiments.And finally, enabling the transmission of the gear movement to a movement of a transmission unit, by means of which a lifting movement of the locking pin can then be triggered, wherein the cover angle is 0° and the gear angle lies in a range of, for example, -25° to -60°. Furthermore, the invention consists in the fact that the driven gear of the lifting / swivel link has a specifically designed contour in a section area, by means of which the rotary movement of the gear is translated into a relative movement of a transmission unit, as described above.

[0018] Preferably, the overall shape of the additional link / link (in the support component) differs from the overall shape of the link in the sleeve, so that a coordinated, simultaneous pivoting and lifting of the cover is possible.

[0019] Preferably, at least one end section of the additional link / link is matched to the end section of the link in the sleeve in order to effect a forced conversion of a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement. Advantageously, the link has a trough-like section in order to force the pin to remain therein until it reaches a forced lifting path upon initiation of the rotary movement in the additional link / link, and to provide a positive connection until then. As a result, a non-rotatable (positive) connection is present between the gear and the cover in both effective directions of the pivoting movement. The geometric design should also advantageously be such that a change from the transmission of a rotary movement to a longitudinal / linear movement of the cover is predetermined.It is intended that the forced lifting path of the link transitions into an end section, the shape of which essentially only allows a lifting movement for the movement of the pin.

[0020] The pin preferably has a cross-section that is spherical, convex, elliptical, or round. Alternatively, the cross-section of the pin can also be polygonal, square, or polygonal with rounded corners.

[0021] Preferably, a cam on the one hand and a roller on the other hand are inserted between the gear and the conversion unit in order to effect the displacement of the cover in a locking direction in which any pivoting and / or linear movement is prevented. When a certain rotational position of the torque sensor gear is reached, the pivoting movement of the cover ends and further rotation of the torque sensor gear only results in a lifting movement. From this point on, the further rotational movement of the torque sensor gear is intended to also be converted into a lifting movement of the locking pin. The contours of the cams on the torque sensor gear, for example, and the actuating contour on the locking pin are coordinated with one another for this purpose.

[0022] The transmission unit is preferably designed as a dimensionally stable plastic or metal part, or as a Bowden cable, chain, or rope. In an embodiment in which the transmission unit is designed as a plastic or metal part, thrust forces can also be transmitted in the transmission unit, so that the locking pin is guided / actuated via the guide. Preferably, an almost plateau-like region is formed at the end of the guide's actuation travel. This means that the mechanism is free from restoring forces and can remain permanently in position without a holding force from the motor / gear, i.e., the pin is self-locking.

[0023] Preferably, with a suitable design of the guide pin and the locking pin, the latter can exert a constraining force on the lid upon opening, thus securely separating the lid from the seal. This transfers force not only to close the lid but also to open it. This ensures that the lid can be safely released from the seal, especially if it is stuck to the seal due to icing, for example.

[0024] The advantage of the invention is that by combining two guides and their interaction, the lifting and pivoting movement of the cover relative to the contact unit of the vehicle unit can be designed cost-effectively and in a reduced installation space, without, for example, damaging the seal of the vehicle unit.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing. It shows:

[0026] Figures 1a and 1b show a schematic representation of a conductive charging system according to the invention according to an embodiment in a schematic overall representation, wherein in Figure 1b the detail I of a lid drive unit according to an embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figures 2a and 2b show a highly simplified representation of the realization of gates for a conductive charging system according to the invention in a carrier component (Fig. 2a) and a sleeve (Fig. 2b) in a special cover drive unit;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a highly simplified schematic representation of a conductive charging system according to the invention according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a conductive charging system according to the invention with a first embodiment of a conversion unit according to the invention;

[0029] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a conductive charging system according to the invention with a second embodiment of a conversion unit according to the invention; and

[0030] Figures 6a and 6b show a schematic representation of a conversion unit according to the invention (Fig. 6a) and a detailed view of a conversion unit according to the invention in cooperation with a locking device according to the invention.

[0031] The figures are merely schematic and serve solely to clarify the invention. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0032] Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a conductive charging system 1 according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment. The upper side of Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of the conductive charging system 1. The conductive charging system 1 has a vehicle unit 2 attached to a vehicle. The vehicle unit 2 can be arranged on the underbody or on the side of the vehicle. The vehicle unit 2 has a contacting unit 3 which is designed to initiate a charging process for charging the vehicle with a contact surface of a base unit. The vehicle unit 2 also has a housing 14 with which it can be attached to the vehicle. The contacting unit 3 can, for example, be designed as a unit that can be extended out of the housing 14 and have a contacting surface that is designed to contact the contact surface of the base unit.On the underside of the vehicle unit 2, i.e., the side facing away from the vehicle and toward the base unit, the vehicle unit 2 has a cover 5, which is rotatably / pivotably mounted on a pivot axis 4. In a first operating mode, in which the vehicle is in motion, the cover 5 serves as a closure and protects the contact unit 3 from environmental influences, dirt, and damage. Seals 9 are integrally arranged on the underside of the housing 14. The seal 9 is designed to form a press contact with the cover 5 in order to hold or bring it into a specific position in the various operating modes.On the side opposite the pivot axis 4, the vehicle unit 2 has a closure 25 which, in conjunction with the seal 9, holds the cover 5 in a closed position by applying effective pressure to the seal 9, so that the seal 9 deforms and presses the cover 5 against the closure 25. Optionally, a fan 23 is arranged in the vehicle unit 2. Furthermore, the vehicle unit 2 has an axle / bolt 11 which is arranged coaxially to the pivot axis 4 and is firmly connected to the cover 5 via, for example, screws 26.

[0033] In a detailed view to the left below the illustrated vehicle unit 2, a cover drive unit 6 is arranged, which is designed to displace the cover 5. The cover drive unit 6 has a gearing configured to convert a rotary movement into a lifting / lowering / swivel / rotational / linear movement such that when a rotation is introduced into the gearing, the cover 5 is temporarily pivoted / rotated and temporarily raised / lowered. The gearing of the cover drive unit 6 has a torque introduction gear 8, which is designed to engage with a drive pinion, wherein the gear 8 has a sleeve 10 firmly connected to it, within which the axle / bolt 11, which is firmly connected to the cover 5, is arranged. A pin 12 is fastened in the axle / bolt 11 and is movably mounted in a guide 13 of the sleeve 10 in order to effect a forced conversion of a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement.Furthermore, an (injection-molded) additional link / link 15 is provided in a base plate-like (e.g., injection-molded) support component 26, which is arranged on the (plastic / sheet metal) plate-like housing 14 or is connected to it, so that the link 13 of the sleeve 10 and the additional link / link 15 effect the pivoting and lifting movement of the cover 5. Furthermore, bearings 7 are provided on which the torque introduction gear 8 is rotatably mounted. The illustrated embodiment shows a double link with a closed cover 5. The torque introduction gear 8 is used to generate a pivoting movement and to lift the cover 5 in the closed area. The pin 12 and the link 13 determine the gearing.

[0034] The axis / bolt 11 can be guided upwards in the additional link / link 15 due to the design of the link 13, so that rotation of the cover 5 is no longer possible. When the cover 5 is open and pivoted, the axis / bolt 11 is held in a recess in the link 13 of the sleeve 10 by the positive guidance of the additional link / link 15 in the support component 26 and is thus rotationally fixedly connected to the torque introduction gear 8. The pin 12 and the link 13, as well as the additional link / link 15, determine the gearing.

[0035] Fig. 2a & 2b show a highly simplified representation of the gates 13 and 15 according to a conductive charging system 1 according to the invention, each in a position A of the lid 5, which represents the lid 5 in the closed position, and in position B, which represents the lid 5 in the open position. This means that in the "lid closed" case, the bolt is located in area "A" for both gates, and in the "lid open" case, it is located in area "B."

[0036] The additional guide / guide 15 shown above is depicted as a material recess in the support component 26 and has an end section 17, which interacts with an end section 16, which is designed as a trough-like section 18, of the guide 13 shown below. The guide 13 shown below is also designed as a material recess in the sleeve 10. The developed representation corresponds to an angle of 0-180° in the case of a design with two guide sections of the pin 12; in the case of a design with, for example, three guide sections of the pin 12, the representation corresponds to an angle of 0-120°.

[0037] The closing process of a lid drive unit according to the invention is achieved through the interaction of the two guides 13 and 15 to realize a linear and lifting movement of the lid 5. When the lid 5 is fully open, for example, with a lid angle of 110°, the seals 9 are relieved of pressure because the lid is pivoted open. The pin 12 is arranged at each end section of the guides 13 and 15.

[0038] After a movement of the torque introduction gear 8, the cover 5 is closed. The height of the cover 5 remains the same, since the pin 12 is guided at the same height in the guide 15.

[0039] As the torque transmission gear 8 continues to rotate, the cover 5 closes further. The height of the cover 5 remains constant, since the pin 12 is guided at the same height in the guide 15. The torque can be transmitted from the torque transmission gear 8 to the pivot axis 4 in both directions, since the pin 12 is guided laterally on both sides in the guide 13, and this position is maintained by the height guide of the guide 15 fixed to the housing.

[0040] The end position of the lid pivoting process is reached as soon as the lid angle reaches 0°. Due to the shape of the housing-mounted link 15, upon further movement of the torque introduction gear 8, the pin 12 is lifted from its previous position, and the lid 5 is slightly lifted via the axle / bolt 11.

[0041] With a further movement of the torque transmission gear 8, a lifting movement of the pin 12 via the guide 13 of the sleeve 10 now occurs. A pivoting movement of the cover 5 no longer occurs because the guide 15 fixed to the housing is limited.

[0042] As soon as a plateau is reached, the seal 9 is pressed / closed in the target position. Despite the movement of the torque introduction gear 8, no further lifting or pivoting movement of the cover 5 occurs. This creates a reaction-free "parking position" of the lifting system and also enables further subsequent movement of the torque introduction gear 8.

[0043] The lid 5 is then opened in the same way in reverse order.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of a conductive charging system 1 according to the invention according to one exemplary embodiment. The conductive charging system shown in Figures 1a and 1b is shown in plan view. The cover 5 is shown in dashed lines and has a notch with which the cover 5 engages the locking pin 25 in a closed state and thus, in interaction with the cover drive unit 6, closes the cover 5.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a conductive charging system 1 according to the invention with a conversion unit 19 according to the invention. The conversion unit 19 is arranged on the lid drive unit 6 and comprises an additional contour on the torque introduction gear 8 in the form of a cam 21. The rotary movement of the torque introduction gear 8 generates an offset movement of the transmission unit 19 via an eccentric / cam track, for example, in a plane offset from the torque introduction gear 8. At the other end of the transmission unit 19 is the locking pin 24, which has, for example, a cross pin which runs on a contour that rises in the direction of the offset movement. The locking pin 24 thus performs a lifting movement.

[0046] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the transmission unit 19 with a contour on both sides, provided that the transmission unit 19 is supported on the housing 14 / on the support component 26 against lifting and lowering movements. A corresponding further contour / eccentric shape in the form of an additional cam 21 must be present on the torque introduction gear 8 in order to transmit a force in this direction. The angular positioning of the lifting contour on the torque introduction gear 8 relative to the link contour of the cover crank pin in the torque introduction gear 8 enables the timing of the lifting movements to be coordinated with one another. The lifting movements can be carried out almost simultaneously; however, this would require more force from the drive motor. Alternatively, the lifting movements can also take place one after the other.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a conductive charging system 1 according to the invention with a second embodiment of a conversion unit 19 according to the invention. Here, the connection of the conversion unit 19 is designed as a Bowden cable or wire pull unit, which has a driver at the end near the torque sensor gear 8 and the other end is connected to the ramp-shaped contour at the locking pin 20. The state shown is shortly before activation of the lifting movement.

[0048] Figures 6a and 6b show a schematic representation of a transfer unit 19 according to the invention (Fig. 6a) and a detailed view of a transfer unit 19 according to the invention in interaction with a locking device 20 according to the invention. The transmission unit 19 is designed with a contour on both sides (Fig. 6a). Fig. 6b shows the guide in a transfer unit link 27; so that not only the lifting but also the lowering movement is forcibly imposed on the locking pin 20 by the movement of the transfer unit 19.

[0049] With the selected gate shape of the transfer unit gate 27, a desirable self-locking action is achieved in the locked state. This requires that the transfer unit 19 transmits not only pulling but also pushing movements, so that only then can the self-locking range be exited again.

[0050] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. The above description is therefore not to be considered restrictive, but rather explanatory. The following claims are to be understood in such a way that a stated feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not exclude the presence of further features. Where the claims and the above description define 'first' and 'second' features, this designation serves to distinguish between two (e.g.) similar features without establishing a priority.

[0051] List of reference symbols

[0052] 1 Conductive charging system

[0053] 2 vehicle units

[0054] 3 Contact unit

[0055] 4 swivel axis

[0056] 5 Lid / Closure / Cover

[0057] 6 Lid drive unit

[0058] 7 camps

[0059] 8 Torque introduction gear

[0060] 9 Seal

[0061] 10 sleeves

[0062] 11 Axle / Bolt

[0063] 12 cones

[0064] 13 backdrop

[0065] 14 housings

[0066] 15 Additional scenery

[0067] 16 final section

[0068] 17 final section

[0069] 18 trough-like section

[0070] 19 Implementation unit

[0071] 20 Locking device

[0072] 21 cams

[0073] 22 rolls

[0074] 23 fans

[0075] 24 locking pins

[0076] 25 screws

[0077] 26 Support component

[0078] 27 Implementation unit backdrop

Claims

Claims 1. A conductive charging system (1) comprising a vehicle unit (2) arranged on a vehicle and configured to contact a contact plate of a base unit for setting a charging process by means of a contacting unit (3) arranged in or on the vehicle unit (2). The vehicle unit (2) comprises a cover (5) pivotable about a pivot axis (4). A cover drive unit (6) is provided to displace the cover (5). The cover drive unit (6) has a gear mechanism configured to convert a rotary movement into a lifting / lowering / linear movement such that, upon introduction of a rotation into the gear mechanism, the cover (5) is temporarily pivoted / rotated and temporarily raised / lowered.wherein the locking device (20) is designed to prevent any pivoting and / or linear movement, and the conversion unit (19) is prepared to transmit the rotary / linear movement of the gear to the locking device (20) in such a way that a locking is effected.

2. Conductive charging system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gear has a torque introduction gear (8) which is provided for engagement with a drive pinion, the gear (8) having a sleeve (10) firmly connected to it, within which there is an axle / bolt (11) firmly connected to the cover (5), a pin (12) being fastened to the axle / bolt (11) which is movably mounted in a link (13) of the sleeve (10) in order to effect a forced conversion of a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement.

3. Conductive charging system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an additional link (15) is present in a carrier component (26), into which the pin (12) also engages movably in order to determine the time of the change in the transmission of the rotary movement to the longitudinal movement on the cover (5) at a predetermined switching point.

4. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the overall shape of the additional gate (15) differs from the overall shape of the gate (13) in the sleeve (10).

5. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one end section (17) of the additional link (15) is matched to the end section (16) of the link (13) in the sleeve (10) in order to effect a forced conversion of a rotary movement into a longitudinal movement.

6. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide (13) has a trough-like section (18) in order to force the pin (12) to remain therein until it reaches a forced lifting track in the additional guide (15) and to provide a positive connection until then.

7. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pin (12) has a cross-section which is spherical, convex, elliptical or round or the pin (12) has a cross-section which is polygonal, square or polygonal with rounded corners 8. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a cam (21) on the one hand and a roller (22) on the other hand are inserted between the gear and the conversion unit (19).

9. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transmission unit (19) is designed as a dimensionally stable plastic part or metal part or as a Bowden cable or chain or rope.

10. Conductive charging system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the link (27) of the conversion unit (19) has a plateau-like area at its end for self-locking of the locking pin (24).

11. Conductive charging system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking pin (24) is designed to effect a force transmission for closing and / or opening the lid (5).

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