Charging socket, charging plug, plug connection and method for charging an electrically operable motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging socket (16) for an electrically operable motor vehicle, into which charging socket a charging plug (12) can be plugged, forming a plug connection (10), in order to charge an energy store of the motor vehicle, wherein at least one adjusting element (28) for the charging plug (12) is arranged on the charging socket (16), by means of which adjusting element the charging plug (12) can be at least partially adjusted relative to the charging socket (16). The invention also relates to a charging plug (12), a plug connection (10) and a method for charging an electrically operable motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] Charging socket, charging plug, plug connection and method for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a charging socket, a charging plug and a plug connection of an electrically operated motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claims 1, 8 and 9. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

[0003] Conductive and inductive charging are two methods used for wireless energy transfer. In the context of highly automated charging robots, which operate similarly to industrial robots, both conductive and inductive charging systems could be used in the underfloor or underbody area of ​​an at least partially autonomous vehicle.

[0004] With conductive underbody charging, the charging robots plug a charging plug directly into a socket embedded in the underbody to enable energy transfer. This method is particularly efficient because the power is transferred directly, but it requires precise alignment of the charging plug.

[0005] DE 10 2016222 853 B4 discloses a coupling device for establishing and separating a power-transmitting plug connection, comprising a plug that can be displaced along a plugging direction for insertion into a corresponding plug receptacle, and comprising a drive device that is operatively connected to the plug for displacing the plug. When the coupling device is decoupled, the plug can be arranged tilted relative to the plugging direction in a rest position. Furthermore, the coupling device comprises a deflection device configured to deflect the plug from its rest position into a plugged position aligned in the plugging direction. The deflection device comprises a deflection ramp along which the plug travels during its displacement from the rest position into the plugged position, wherein the plug can be deflected from its rest position in the plugging direction.The coupling device also has a guide device designed to guide the plug during its displacement in the plugging direction. The object of the invention is to provide a charging socket, a charging plug, a plug connection, and a method of the type mentioned above, by means of which contacting a charging interface for an electrically powered motor vehicle can be carried out particularly quickly and efficiently.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a charging socket, a charging plug and a plug connection having the features of patent claims 1, 8 and 9. In addition, this object is achieved by a method having the features of

[0007] Claim 10 is solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a charging socket for an electrically powered motor vehicle, into which a charging plug can be inserted to form a plug connection for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle. Thus, the plug connection makes it possible to charge the energy storage device, whereby the charging socket can be arranged either on a side area or in an underbody area of ​​the motor vehicle.

[0009] In order to achieve the object of the invention, it is provided that at least one adjustment element for adjusting the charging plug relative to the charging socket is arranged on the charging socket, by means of which the charging plug can be at least partially pulled towards the charging socket and / or at least partially moved away from the charging socket. Accordingly, the charging socket according to the invention describes a function by means of the adjustment element, by means of which a mechanical support is provided which can pull the charging plug towards the socket and / or move it away. This can be achieved by a variety of technical approaches, for example by means of electromagnetic or mechanical systems on the respective adjustment elements. The at least one adjustment element can in this case be provided, for example, as a gripping mechanism which grips the plug, e.g.engages around the outer circumference or only engages in specified areas and pulls towards the socket, accordingly moving away and thus any adjustment relative to the charging socket is also possible. It is therefore equally possible for the adjusting element not only to pull the charging plug towards the socket, but also to move the charging plug away from the socket. Accordingly, the adjusting element would be designed not only to pull, but also to move or move away the charging plug. In particular, the adjusting element should provide a way of bringing the charging socket and the charging plug together, whereby the adjusting element enables, for example, a linear movement of the charging plug. Furthermore, a curved movement can also be carried out, for example along a provided curved guide.The adjustment element moves the charging plug essentially perpendicular to a contact surface between the charging plug and the charging socket, although oblique linear movements are also possible to enable the plug-in connection between the charging socket and the charging plug. Furthermore, the charging socket can also have a variety of other components, for example a stop element onto which the charging plug can be placed, so that the adjustment element moves the charging plug along the stop element towards the charging socket, pulls it or moves it away again. For example, such a stop element can also be designed to be foldable, whereby the stop element can only be folded about an axis when in use, and the charging socket thus provides a guide surface for the charging plug, for example a curved or bowl-shaped guide surface, along which the charging plug can orient itself.The stop element can also have the aforementioned curved guide along which the charging plug can be guided.

[0010] The adjustment element thus enables quick and reliable connection and disconnection of the plug connection, making the charging process more efficient. The charging socket can be particularly advantageous when used with robots or robot arms, for example, as the adjustment element can assist the robot in docking the charging plug. Furthermore, the adjustment element can also be integrated into an automated charging system to automatically connect or disconnect the charging plug, thus enabling other applications to be served with a more efficient and faster charging option.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the adjusting element is adjustable between a stowed position and a stop position. This means that in the stowed position, the adjusting element can be arranged inside the housing of the charging socket and thus requires no space and cannot be broken off by impact. Alternatively, the adjusting element can also be stowed or removed elsewhere. In the stop position, it is provided that the adjusting element moves outwards or extends outwards relative to the charging socket and is thus moved in particular towards the charging plug in order to then move this towards the charging socket. By adjusting it from the stop position back to the stowed position, it is possible to guide the charging plug towards the charging socket, whereby the adjusting element is used as a plug-in aid.Furthermore, when adjusting to the stop position, it is also possible to move the charging plug away from the charging socket and thus release the plug connection.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the adjustment element is designed as a telescopic arm. Designing the adjustment element as a telescopic arm eliminates the need for the adjustment element to be inserted into the housing or into a corresponding and designated space. Instead, the adjustment element extends and lengthens in the longitudinal direction, particularly toward the charging connector, and shortens again accordingly. This saves a significant amount of space, while also allowing the lengthening and shortening of the adjustment element designed as a telescopic arm to provide adjustment between the stowed position and the stop position.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one locking element is arranged on the adjustment element. In order to secure the adjustment element to the charging plug or to provide the tensile force, the locking element is arranged on the adjustment element. This locking element can be designed in various ways, but is primarily used to establish a connection between the adjustment element and the charging plug, through which the charging plug can be moved toward or away from the charging socket. The locking element can be mechanically connected to the charging plug; alternatively, a magnetic component can be arranged; the use of removable adhesive materials would also be possible.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the locking element is hook-shaped with the hook region perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of extension of the adjustment element, wherein in particular the hook region is also directed towards the charging plug in the stop position. Here, it is provided that the locking element is now designed as a hook, whereby the charging plug can be moved more easily towards the charging socket. This allows one hook for pulling and one hook for moving the charging plug away. By having a hook shape on both sides, it is also possible to move the charging plug away from the charging socket again, whereby a wide design of the locking element is also possible. For example, it is also possible to arrange a plurality of locking elements on one adjustment element, by means of which the adjustment element can lock the charging plug multiple times at predetermined locations.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is adjustable between a locking position, in which the locking element is inserted and locked into corresponding receptacles on the charging plug, and a release position in which the locking element can be released from the receptacle. Accordingly, the charging plug has receptacles provided for this purpose, which are designed to correspond to the design of the locking elements. Thus, the geometry of the receptacles corresponds to the geometry of the locking elements and thus enables the charging plug to be pulled out of or moved away from the charging socket.In particular, however, it is provided that the locking elements are not statically designed, but can also be configured to be fixed or loose, for example, by means of a motor drive or a spring element. This allows the charging plug to be guided to the position socket when the adjustment elements are in use. When not in use, the locking elements can be released again, thus detaching the adjustment element from the charging plug. In particular, the locking elements can also be released at least partially autonomously.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of locking elements can be locked around the outer circumference of the charging plug, thereby making it possible to attach the charging plug to a plurality of receptacles and pull it toward the charging socket. The plurality of adjustment elements also makes it possible to provide a higher tensile or compressive force, allowing the charging plug to be moved back and forth.

[0017] A second aspect of the invention relates to a charging plug for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle, wherein, for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, the charging plug can be plugged into a charging socket of the motor vehicle according to the previous aspect, forming a plug connection. In this case, at least one receptacle is provided in which a locking element can be locked on at least one adjustment element of a charging socket.

[0018] A third aspect of the invention relates to a plug connection for an electrically operated motor vehicle with a charging socket according to the first aspect, wherein it is provided that at least one adjusting element for the charging plug is arranged on the charging socket, by means of which the charging plug can be at least partially adjusted relative to the charging socket.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for charging an electric motor vehicle, in which a charging plug is plugged into a charging socket according to the first aspect. It is provided that at least one adjustment element for the charging plug is arranged on the charging socket, by which the charging plug is at least adjusted relative to the charging socket.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible for a stop element for the charging plug to be arranged on the charging socket, which stop element has a bowl-shaped geometry, wherein the stop element has a stop surface against which the charging plug can be stopped and / or along which the charging plug can be plugged into and / or unplugged from the charging socket. The stop surface is particularly suitable for supporting an area of ​​a cylindrical geometry, namely that of a partial area of ​​a housing of the charging plug. The bowl-shaped geometry encloses the cylindrical geometry in certain areas and thus offers additional stability, wherein corresponding geometries of the stop element to the enclosing partial area of ​​the housing of the charging plug are also possible. One possible bowl-shaped geometry is a hemispherical depression or recess that is embedded in a larger support surface.The cylindrical geometry can then simply be placed into the recess and rests securely on the concave surface of the stop element, which can be designed as a storage tray, for example. The option provided by the concave, bowl-shaped stop element offers the advantage of holding the at least partially cylindrical charging plug in a position vertical to a contact surface of the plug connection. In both cases, the bowl-shaped geometry provides a secure and stable base for the charging plug while it is being put down. It is also an effective way to save space, as the bowl-shaped geometry allows the half-cylinder to be stored in a compact and tidy manner. When the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket, it is guided along the stop surface of the stop element to ensure that it is correctly aligned and no lateral force is exerted on the charging plug.

[0021] Additionally, tolerances can be accommodated by designing the stop element to allow some movement of the charging plug in different directions to compensate for variations in the charging plug's positioning. For example, the stop element can incorporate some flexibility or play to ensure the charging plug is still correctly aligned even if it is not perfectly positioned. Linear movement along the stop element, provided by the stop element in the stop position, thus offers an effective way to enable easy and user-friendly insertion of the charging plug into the charging socket, while still accounting for tolerances to ensure a reliable connection.

[0022] It is also possible for the stop element to be at least partially flexible and / or elastic, thereby providing flexibility for the stop element. The partially flexible or elastic design of the stop element can provide certain tolerance ranges in the positioning of the charging plug, thereby compensating for positioning errors. This can achieve better alignment between the stop element and the charging plug. A flexible or elastic design of the stop element can therefore also help ensure that, in the event of a slight slippage of the charging plug, the alignment can still be maintained thanks to the elasticity or flexibility of the stop element, without having to start the plugging-in process all over again.

[0023] It is also possible for at least one guide element for the charging plug to be arranged on the charging socket, which, by means of its alignment geometry, is designed to at least partially align the charging plug during insertion of the charging plug into the charging socket. The guide element can, for example, have a recess, a guide groove, or another suitable geometry that brings the charging plug into the correct position and prevents accidental tilting or bending of the charging plug. For example, the guide element can be elongated and designed to be inserted into a corresponding insertion opening for the guide element of the charging plug.The use of an elongated guide element that can be inserted into the insertion opening of the charging plug facilitates precise alignment of the charging plug, resulting in a smooth insertion process and preventing damage to the charging socket and the charging plug.

[0024] It is also possible for the stop element and / or the guide element to be formed integrally with the housing of the charging socket. In this case, the stop element and / or the guide element are integrated into the housing of the charging socket, particularly during production. This integration offers several advantages. Firstly, the manufacture and assembly of the charging socket can be simplified, as fewer components are required and thus less assembly effort is required. Secondly, the stability of the charging socket can be improved, as the stop element and / or the guide element are connected to the housing through their integral formation, thus forming a solid unit.Furthermore, integrating the stop element and / or the guide element into the charging socket's housing can also contribute to improved safety by reducing the likelihood of these elements becoming loose or dislodged during use. This can be particularly important in applications involving high currents or voltages.

[0025] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figure, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawing. It shows:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a

[0028] Plug connection for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle with a charging socket according to the invention with several adjustment elements.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a plug connection 10 for charging an electrically powered motor vehicle or an electrically operable motor vehicle or passenger car. This plug connection 10 comprises a charging socket 16 and a charging plug 12, which together form the charging interface. The charging socket 16 is designed to charge the energy storage device of the electrically powered motor vehicle. The charging plug 12 can be plugged into the charging socket 16 to establish the plug connection 10. At least one adjusting element 28, in particular a plurality of adjusting elements 28, are arranged on the charging socket 16. These adjusting elements are designed as respective telescopic arms and in turn have respective locking elements 30.By means of these adjustment elements 28, it is possible to at least partially pull the charging plug 12 toward the charging socket 16, or to move it toward or away from it. Provision is made here for adjustment from a stowed position to a stop position of the respective adjustment elements to be possible. In the stowed position, the adjustment elements 28 are arranged in the housing of the charging socket 16 and are extended therein in the stop position. In addition, the adjustment elements comprise the respective locking elements 30, in particular hook-shaped locking elements, which are designed to move the charging plug 12 toward the charging socket 16.These locking elements can be adjusted between a locking position, in which the locking elements are inserted into corresponding receptacles 32 on the charging plug 12 and are locked accordingly, and a release position, in which the locking elements can already be released from the corresponding receptacles 32. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange a plurality of locking elements 30 on an adjustment element 28.

[0030] In addition, Fig. 1 shows that a plurality of adjustment elements 28 of the respective locking elements 30 can be inserted into respective receptacles 32, wherein the respective receptacles 32 are arranged on the outer circumference of the charging plug 12 in order to increase the stability of the pulling towards the charging socket 16 by means of those adjustment elements 28 and thus the stability of the plug connection 10. In addition to the pulling or moving away function towards or away from the charging socket 16 by means of the respective adjustment elements, it is also possible to arrange respective stop elements or further guide elements on the charging socket, whereby the charging plug 12 can be stopped against these guide elements or stop elements and guided towards the charging socket 16 by means of these.Accordingly, it is possible to enable a linear movement of the charging plug 12 towards or away from the charging socket by means of the adjusting elements 28, wherein the linear movement is enabled in particular perpendicular to a surface between the charging socket 16 and the charging plug 12, wherein oblique linear movements are also enabled.

[0031] Finally, it is also possible to form the locking elements 30 with respective spring elements, which are not shown in Fig. 1, which also enables a mechanical spring-supported locking of the locking elements 30 in the respective receptacles 32. It is also possible for a stop element 18 for the charging plug 12 to be arranged on the charging socket 16, which stop element is, for example, bowl-shaped, wherein the stop element 18 has a stop surface against which the charging plug 12 can be stopped and / or along which the charging plug 12 can be plugged into and / or unplugged from the charging socket 16. This is intended to provide assistance for positioning the charging plug 12 in order to create a plug connection 10 that is as efficient and fast as possible, but which is also secure. Alternatively, further guide elements 22 can be arranged on the charging socket 16 in order to provide an improved and more efficient plug-in aid.

[0032] In other words, the invention describes a redesign of the charging socket 16 for fully automated charging with a telescopically designed adjustment element 28 for adjusting the charging plug 12 relative to the charging socket 16.

[0033] Reference symbols

[0034] Plug connection charger plug charging socket stop element

[0035] Guide element Adjustment element Locking element Holder

Claims

Patent claims 1. Charging socket (16) for an electrically operated motor vehicle, into which a charging plug (12) can be inserted to form a plug connection (10) for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, characterized in that at least one adjusting element (28) for the charging plug (12) is arranged on the charging socket (16), by means of which the charging plug (12) can be at least partially adjusted relative to the charging socket (16).

2. Charging socket (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting element (28) is adjustable between a stowed position and a stop position.

3. Charging socket (16) according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting element (28) is designed as a telescopic arm.

4. Charging socket (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one locking element (30) is arranged on the adjusting element (28).

5. Charging socket (16) according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking element (30) is hook-shaped with the hook region perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the adjusting element (28).

6. Charging socket (16) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking element (30) can be moved between a locking position in which the locking element (30) fits into corresponding receptacles (32) on the Charging plug (12) is inserted and locked, and a release position in which the locking element (30) can be released from the receptacle (32).

7. Charging socket (16) according to claim 4 to 6, characterized in that a plurality of locking elements (30) can be locked around the outer circumference of the charging plug (12).

8. Charging plug (12) for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle, wherein for charging an energy storage device of the motor vehicle the charging plug (12) can be plugged into a charging socket (16) of the motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, forming a plug connection (10), characterized in that at least one receptacle (32) is arranged, in which a locking element (30) on at least one adjusting element (28) of a charging socket (16) can be locked.

9. Plug connection (10) for an electrically operated motor vehicle with a charging socket (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a charging plug (12), characterized in that at least one adjusting element (28) for the charging plug (12) is arranged on the charging socket (16), by means of which the charging plug (12) is at least partially adjustable relative to the charging socket (16).

10. A method for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle, in which a charging plug (12) is plugged into a charging socket (16) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one adjusting element (28) for the charging plug (12) is arranged on the charging socket (16), by means of which the charging plug (12) is at least partially adjusted relative to the charging socket (16).

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