Charging plug connector part of a charging system for electrically charging an electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging plug connector part (5) comprising: a plug opening (51) within which at least one electrical contact element (310) is arranged and via which the charging plug connector part (5) can be plug-connected to an associated mating plug connector part (3); a wall (511) which delimits the plug opening (51) and in which a wall opening (513) is formed; a locking element (520) which can be moved through the wall opening (513) of the wall (511) into the region of the plug opening (51) in order to lock the charging plug connector part (5) to the mating plug connector part (3); and an actuator (52) for moving the locking element (520). A heating device (55) comprises a heating element (550) which is arranged in spatially close proximity to the locking element (520) in order to heat a local environment of the locking element (520). The heating element (550) comprises an electrical resistance element (559) and an elastomer portion (556) made of an elastomer material, the elastomer portion (556) forming a contact portion (557) that bears against the locking element (520).

Description

[0001] Charging connector component of a charging system for electrically charging an electric vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a charging connector part of a charging system for electrically charging an electric vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Such a charging connector part comprises a plug-in opening within which at least one electrical contact element is arranged and through which the charging connector part can be plugged into a corresponding mating connector part. A wall opening is formed in a wall that delimits the plug-in opening. A locking element is movable through the wall opening into the area of ​​the plug-in opening in order to lock the charging connector part to the mating connector part. An actuator is provided for adjusting the locking element. A heating device includes a heating element that is arranged in close proximity to the locking element for heating a local area surrounding it.

[0004] In such a charging connector part, a locking mechanism is created during operation between the charging connector part and the associated mating connector part via the locking element which can be moved by the actuator, when the charging connector part and the mating connector part are plugged together.If the mating connector part with a suitably designed plug section is inserted into the plug opening of the charging connector part, the locking element, actuated by the actuator, can be moved through the wall opening on the wall bordering the plug opening into the area of ​​the plug opening, in order to engage, for example, in an associated connection opening on the side of the mating connector part and thus create a lock between the charging connector part and the mating connector part, so that the charging connector part and the mating connector part cannot be easily separated from each other, at least not without releasing the lock.

[0005] Different regions have different standards for the design of mating faces on charging connector components. For example, charging connector components are standardized according to the CCS Type 1 standard (CCS1) or the CCS Type 2 standard (CCS2), with CCS1 connector components primarily used in North America and CCS2 connector components primarily used in Europe. Other standards also exist, such as the NACS system, a de facto standard established in the North American market.

[0006] Depending on the specific standard used for the charging connector component, the design and arrangement of a locking element can vary. For example, such a locking element may be located in an upper area of ​​the connector opening (at a so-called 12 o'clock position). In other configurations, such as when using the NACS system, the locking element may be located in a lower area of ​​the connector opening (at a so-called 6 o'clock position).

[0007] For a charging connector of the type under discussion here, it is essential to ensure reliable operation across a wide range of environmental conditions. For example, components, particularly the locking element, must be prevented from freezing at low temperatures. This is crucial to guarantee that a reliable connection between the charging connector and the mating connector can be established and released even at low ambient temperatures. This is especially important if the locking element's position relative to the plug opening could potentially allow moisture to enter the locking element area.

[0008] For this purpose, the charging connector part has a heating device designed to provide heating at the locking element in order to provide heating at and around the locking element, if necessary at low temperatures and in the presence of moisture in the area of ​​the locking element, in order to prevent or release the locking element from freezing.

[0009] Charging connector parts with heating devices for heating the charging connector part are known, for example, from DE 10 2019 100 853 A1 and DE 10 2020 118 121 A1.

[0010] In a charging socket known from DE 10 2017 211 541 A1, a heating device for heating a locking element is arranged on a guide element of a locking system. The object of the present invention is to provide a charging connector part and a charging system for charging an electric vehicle that enable reliable operation within a wide range of environmental conditions, particularly with regard to the manufacture of a locking mechanism with a mating connector part.

[0011] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0012] Accordingly, the heating element has an electrical resistance element and an elastomer section made of an elastomeric material, the elastomer section forming a contact section adjacent to the locking element.

[0013] In the charging connector part, the locking element can be moved through the wall opening in the wall bordering the plug opening into the plug opening area to create a lock with a corresponding mating connector part, provided the mating connector part with its corresponding plug section has been inserted into the plug opening of the charging connector part. In a locked position, the locking element projects through the wall opening and into the plug opening area to lock with the mating connector part within the plug opening. Conversely, the locking element can be retracted from the plug opening area so that, in an unlocked position, the locking element does not protrude into the plug opening area relative to the wall, or only protrudes minimally, thus releasing the lock with the mating connector part.

[0014] Even depending on the positioning of the wall opening and the locking element in the plug opening, it cannot be completely ruled out that moisture may enter the area of ​​the locking element. To reduce the risk of freezing, especially at low ambient temperatures, the charging connector part has a heating device with a heating element located in the area of ​​the locking element. During operation, the heating element warms the locking element, preventing it from freezing at low temperatures and in humid conditions, or releasing it if it has already frozen. The heating element contains an electrical resistance element.An electric current can be passed through the resistance element, whereby heat is generated at the heating element due to the electrical resistance of the resistance element when current is passed through it.

[0015] The heating element also features an elastomeric section made of an elastomeric material, which covers the resistance element or a body enclosing the resistance element, for example, at least partially. The elastomeric section forms a contact section against the locking element and is thus in contact with it.

[0016] The elastomer section can fulfill two functions.

[0017] The elastomer section, made of an elastomeric and therefore elastic material, can thus be positioned against the locking element in such a way that moisture can be wiped off when the locking element moves. The elastomer section therefore forms a wiper contour that keeps moisture away, particularly from the actuator area.

[0018] Furthermore, the elastomer section can be designed to be thermally conductive, allowing heat generated by the resistance element to be conducted via the elastomer section to the locking element. This effectively heats the locking element and reduces the risk of it freezing. The elastomer section is in contact with the resistance element. The elastomer section is also in contact with the locking element via the contact section. Thus, a thermal conductivity path can be created between the resistance element and the locking element via the elastomer section, allowing heat to be conducted from the resistance element, through the elastomer section, to the locking element to heat it.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heating element comprises a body to which the elastomer section is attached. The body can, for example, have a plate-like shape. The elastomer section can be shaped to fit the body and, for example, be bonded to it. For instance, the elastomer section can at least partially cover the body.

[0020] In one embodiment, the body has an opening in which the locking element is movable and which is flush with the wall opening. The locking element is thus movable within the opening of the body and therefore relative to the body. The locking element extends through the opening, so that the body extends around the locking element. In particular, the resistance element can also extend around the opening and thus completely surround the locking element, so that heat can be generated at the locking element via the resistance element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the system section extends around the opening. The system section formed on the elastomer section thus surrounds the opening completely and preferably rests against the locking element completely. The system section is therefore in contact with the locking element along a closed circumferential line, so that moisture, in particular, can be wiped off completely by the locking element and thus cannot enter the area of ​​an actuator beyond the system section.

[0022] In one embodiment, the resistive element is arranged in or on the body. The resistive element can, for example, be formed as an electrical conductor in or on the body. In another embodiment, the body itself can form the resistive element, for example, by being made of an electrically conductive material and thus exhibiting electrical resistance.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elastomer section completely or partially covers the body. The elastomer section is preferably formed flat against the body of the heating element and thus completely or partially encases it. For example, the body of the heating element can be completely or partially overmolded with the material of the elastomer section. However, it is also conceivable and possible that the body is only covered with the material of the elastomer section on one flat side.

[0024] The elastomer section can be designed, in particular, for efficient heat transfer between the resistance element of the heating device and the locking element, and can therefore be made of a material that provides favorable heat transfer. The elastomer section is preferably formed from a thermally conductive elastomer material, for example, a thermally conductive silicone material, to which particles for increased thermal conductivity, such as ceramic particles, are added.

[0025] In one embodiment, the elastomer section is formed from a silicone material, for example an LSR material.

[0026] The contact area of ​​the elastomer section can, for example, form a sealing lip against the locking element to seal a transition between the locking element and the wall, with the locking element being movable relative to the sealing lip under sliding contact. The locking element can be moved relative to the elastomer section so that the sealing lip slides along the locking element when it is adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions. Because the sealing lip is in contact with the locking element, moisture can be wiped off the locking element and does not penetrate into an area beyond the elastomer section, thus further reducing the risk of freezing due to the presence of moisture in the area of ​​the locking element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the resistive element has a meandering conduction path for carrying a current. The conduction path can, for example, extend (at least approximately) along a plane defined, for instance, by the plane of extension of the plate-shaped heating element, and follow a meandering (backward and backward) path within this plane. The plane can be planar or curved. By carrying a current along the conduction path, the electrical resistance of the path causes the resistive element to heat up, thereby transferring heat into the locking element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the resistive element is formed by an electrically conductive wire, an electrically conductive sheet, a printed circuit board with an electrical conductor track arranged on it, or an electrically conductive plastic element. The resistive element is electrically conductive and is characterized by an electrical resistance. A wire, for example, can be laid along a meandering or winding path and be embedded in or attached to the body of the heating element. A sheet can, for example, be stamped to create a winding or meandering path. A meandering or winding path can also be formed by a conductor track on a printed circuit board.

[0029] In one embodiment, the entire resistive element is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive plastic material. Such an electrically conductive plastic material can, for example, be a polymer to which an electrically conductive filler is added, thereby providing electrical conductivity to the polymeric plastic.

[0030] In one embodiment, the resistive element exhibits an electrical resistance with a positive temperature coefficient. The electrical resistance of the resistive element is therefore temperature-dependent and increases with rising temperature. For example, an electrically conductive plastic with such a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) can be used to form the resistive element.

[0031] A resistive element with an electrical resistance that exhibits a positive temperature coefficient can be advantageous because, in principle, heat generation at an electrical resistor increases with the current flow. Lower resistance leads to a higher current flow and thus to greater heat generation, while with increasing temperature, resistance increases and therefore heat generation decreases.

[0032] In one embodiment, the heating element is arranged on the side of the wall facing away from the plug opening. The wall defines the plug opening. From the perspective of the plug opening, the heating element is located beyond the wall and is in contact with the wall on the side facing away from the plug opening. The heating element is thus located outside the plug opening.

[0033] In one embodiment, the heating element is inserted into a mounting receptacle located on the side of the wall facing away from the plug opening. The heating element can be easily mounted to the housing of the charging connector part, which forms the plug opening, by inserting the heating element into the mounting receptacle. The mounting direction along which the heating element is to be inserted into the mounting receptacle can, for example, correspond to the plug-in direction along which the charging connector part is to be connected to a corresponding mating connector part.

[0034] In one embodiment, the heating element is held between two guide ribs in the mounting bracket and thus attached to the side of the wall facing away from the plug opening. The guide ribs can, for example, provide a sliding guide for the heating element on the mounting bracket. In a mounted position, the heating element is inserted between the guide ribs and thus mounted on the mounting bracket, so that the heating element is mounted via the mounting bracket to the housing of the charging connector part that forms the plug opening.

[0035] In one embodiment, the heating element with its elastomer section rests against the side of the wall facing away from the insertion opening. The elastomer section preferably covers at least a surface area of ​​the heating element body that faces the side of the wall facing away from the insertion opening. The elastomer section thus forms an intermediate layer between the wall and the heating element body, creating a defined contact surface for the heating element against the wall.

[0036] In one embodiment, the heating device has at least one electrical connection line that is electrically connected to the resistance element. The heating element is connected via this at least one electrical connection line to a higher-level electrical assembly, for example, a power supply system and / or a control unit for controlling heat generation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the heating device has at least one sheath section that partially encloses the at least one connecting cable, wherein the at least one connecting cable passes through a housing section of a housing of the charging connector part and is sealed relative to the housing section by the at least one material section. The at least one connecting cable is enclosed by at least one sheath section. The sheath section forms a sheath for the connecting cable, and the sheath section also provides a seal for the connecting cable relative to a housing section.While the heating element is arranged in such an area of ​​the charging connector part in which the locking element can be moved via the actuator, the connecting cable is routed through a housing section into a housing interior, wherein a transition on the housing section over the sheath section is sealed moisture-proof and thus moisture cannot pass through a passage on the housing section in which the connecting cable is routed.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one connecting cable extends from the heating element through the housing section into an interior housing compartment and is electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) located within that compartment. An electrical or electronic control assembly can be mounted on the PCB to control a heating process, for example, based on the ambient temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the PCB can provide an electrical connection to an electrical power supply system, such as a vehicle's electrical system. The PCB is housed within the interior housing compartment, which is sealed to be moisture-proof.

[0039] In one embodiment, the locking element is movable longitudinally along a longitudinal axis relative to the wall. The locking element can, in particular, be designed as a pin-like element that extends longitudinally along the longitudinal direction and can be moved by an actuator.

[0040] The actuator can, for example, be designed as an electromechanical actuator and serves to adjust the locking element relative to the wall of the plug opening.

[0041] In one embodiment, the wall forms a base that, during intended use, defines the bottom of the insertion opening. The wall is thus positioned in the lower region of the insertion opening and limits it downwards. An opening is formed in the wall through which the locking element can move between the locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking element projects into the insertion opening to create a connection with an attached mating connector. In the unlocked position, the locking element is retracted from the insertion opening compared to the locked position, thus releasing the locking mechanism.

[0042] The locking element can be positioned in a central, lower position relative to the insertion opening (the so-called 6 o'clock position). Moisture can therefore potentially enter the area of ​​the locking element; however, the heating element provides warmth to the locking element during operation, thus reducing the risk of it freezing due to moisture present on the locking element.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wall forms a drainage channel adjoining the wall opening to remove moisture from the area of ​​the plug opening. The locking element is movable through the wall opening to adjust it between the locked and unlocked positions. To drain moisture from the area of ​​the wall opening, a drainage channel is formed on the wall, along which moisture can flow away. The drainage channel can be extended along the wall in such a way that, when the charging connector is installed in its intended position, for example, on a vehicle, gravity creates a flow of moisture along the drainage channel, thus automatically draining away any moisture that enters the area of ​​the wall opening.

[0044] Preferably, when the charging connector part is installed in its intended position, for example on a vehicle, the drainage channel is inclined in such a way that, for example, even when the vehicle is in an inclined position, such as when parked on a slope, moisture can reliably flow away from the area of ​​the wall opening along the drainage channel.

[0045] The drainage channel can be shaped, for example, by a channel-like depression or recess in the wall.

[0046] In one embodiment, the heating element forms the base of the drainage channel. For example, the heating element can rest against the wall with its elastomer section on the back side (viewed from the side of the insertion opening), thereby closing the drainage channel formed by a recess in the wall beyond the wall and thus creating a base for the drainage channel against the wall. Moisture can then flow along the heating element to drain away moisture, particularly from the area of ​​the locking element. The heat generated by the heating element also prevents moisture from freezing in and on the drainage channel.

[0047] Because the heating element forms the bottom of the drainage channel, the bottom of the drainage channel can preferably be located at the same height as the installation section of the elastomer section in the area of ​​the locking element, so that moisture cannot collect in the area of ​​the locking element, but can reliably flow away from the locking element along the drainage channel.

[0048] In one embodiment, the wall forms a drainage opening for removing moisture from the plug opening. The drainage channel extends between the wall opening and the drainage opening on the wall. Moisture can flow out of the plug opening area via this drainage opening, which may be connected to an associated drain line, for example, allowing moisture to be drained away from the charging connector part. Moisture that enters the area of ​​the wall opening on the plug opening is guided to the drainage opening via the drainage channel and thus removed.

[0049] In one embodiment, the heating element has a connection port to which a liquid line can be attached to drain moisture from the plug opening. The connection port can, for example, be in flow communication with a drain opening on the wall, allowing moisture to be introduced into the connection port and from there into a connected liquid line. In this way, the charging connector can be used in a dry environment where moisture cannot be freely introduced.

[0050] The charging connector part can in particular be a NACS connector, i.e. a connector in the NACS system with a mating face according to NACS specifications.

[0051] A charging system for charging an electric vehicle comprises a charging connector of the type described above and a mating connector for plugging into the charging connector. The charging connector can, in particular, be a charging socket located on the vehicle. The mating connector, on the other hand, can preferably be designed as a charging plug on a charging cable connected to a charging station. The mating connector can be plugged into the charging connector in the form of the vehicle's charging socket by inserting a plug section of the mating connector into the plug opening of the charging connector, thus bringing electrical contact elements of the charging connector into electrical contact with corresponding mating contact elements of the mating connector.The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show:

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a view of a charging system for charging an electric vehicle;

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a view of an embodiment of a charging connector part in the form of a charging socket on an electric vehicle;

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a view of an embodiment of a charging connector part with a heating device comprising a heating element;

[0055] Fig. 4 shows the view according to Fig. 3, with a heating element attached to a housing of the charging connector part;

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a view of the arrangement according to Fig. 5 from below;

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along line II according to Fig. 4;

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a view of the charging connector part with an actuator for adjusting a locking element;

[0059] Fig. 8 shows a sectional view along line 11-11 according to Fig. 7;

[0060] Fig. 9A shows a view of an embodiment of a heating device with a

[0061] Heating element and connecting cables attached to it;

[0062] Fig. 9B shows a view of a resistance element of the heating element;

[0063] Fig. 10A shows a view of another embodiment of a heating device;

[0064] Fig. 10B shows a view of a resistance element;

[0065] Fig. 11A shows a view of yet another embodiment of a heating device;

[0066] Fig. 11B shows a view of a resistance element; Fig. 12 shows a view of yet another embodiment of a

[0067] Heating system;

[0068] Fig. 13 shows a view of the heating device according to Fig. 12 on a

[0069] Charging connector part;

[0070] Fig. 14 shows a view of an embodiment of a heating device with a connection fitting integrated into a heating element for connecting a liquid line; and

[0071] Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of a contact section formed on an elastomer section for contact with the locking element.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a charging system for charging an electric vehicle 4. The charging system comprises a charging station 1 to which a charging plug 3 is connected via a charging cable 2. A charging socket 5 is arranged on the electric vehicle 4, to which the charging plug 3 is to be connected in order to establish a connection between the charging station 1 and the electric vehicle 4 and to charge the batteries of the electric vehicle 4.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a charging connector part 5 in the form of a charging socket, designed for use on a vehicle 4 and comprising a plug opening 51 within which electrical contact elements 510 are arranged for transmitting a charging current and, optionally, control signals. The contact elements 510 are separated from one another by a partition element 512, so that the contact elements 510 are arranged in separate compartments within the plug opening 51 and sufficient clearance and creepage distances are ensured. A corresponding mating connector part 3 in the form of a charging plug can be inserted into the plug opening 51 along a plugging direction E to establish an electrical connection between the charging station 1 and the vehicle 4 (see Fig. 1).

[0074] The insertion opening 51 is limited by an inner, surrounding wall 511.

[0075] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the wall 511 forms (among other things) a base for the plug opening 51, which, when the charging connector part 5 is installed in the intended position on a vehicle 4, is located in a lower region of the plug opening 51 and limits the plug opening 51 downwards. A wall opening 513 is formed in this base, through which a locking element 520 can be adjusted to lock a mating connector part 3 inserted into the plug opening 51 of the charging connector part 5 to the charging connector part 5 in a locked position, so that the mating connector part 3 and the charging connector part 5 cannot be easily separated from each other, at least not without releasing the lock.

[0076] Referring now to Figs. 3 to 8, the locking element 520 is designed by a locking pin adjustable along a longitudinal axis L, which can be moved relative to the plug-in opening 51 by means of an actuator 52, for example an electromechanical actuator, in order to project into the area of ​​the plug-in opening 51 in a locking position (corresponding to the position according to Figs. 7 and 8) and thus to create a locking connection with an inserted mating connector part 3.

[0077] The actuator 52 is connected to the housing 50, for example by being screwed to the housing 50.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 8, a heating device 55 is arranged on one side of the wall 511 facing away from the plug opening 51, which has a heating element 550, by means of which heating can be effected in particular on the locking element 520 in order to prevent the locking element 520 from freezing at low temperatures.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 550 has a body 552 on which an elastomer section 556 is arranged. The elastomer section 556 can cover the body 552 section by section, for example on a body surface of the body 552 facing the wall 511, or it can also completely enclose the body 552 and thus surround it externally.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 550 is designed as a plate-shaped element that is received in a mounting receptacle 53 on the housing 50, which forms the insertion opening 51. For installation, the heating element 550 is inserted between guide ribs 530 of the mounting receptacle 53 (see Fig. 3) and, in its installed position, is held between the guide ribs 530 and thereby attached to the housing 50 on the side of the wall 511 facing away from the insertion opening 51 (see Fig. 4). A locking element 554 in the form of a locking hook also axially (along the insertion direction) secures the heating element 550 to the housing 50 in its installed position.

[0081] The heating element 550 forms an opening 555 in which the locking element 520 is movably arranged, such that the locking element 520 extends through the heating element 550 and is movable relative to the heating element 550. The opening 555 is aligned with the wall opening 513 of the wall 511.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastomer section 556 forms (at least) an intermediate layer between the wall 511 and the body 552 of the heating element 550, thus ensuring that the heating element 550 rests against the wall 511. Furthermore, the elastomer section 556 forms a contact section 557 surrounding the opening 555 in the form of a sealing lip, which extends circumferentially around the opening 555 and is in contact with the locking element 520, as is also illustrated in the schematic view according to Fig. 15.

[0083] The elastomer section 556 is made of an elastomeric (plastic) material, in particular a polymer material, for example a silicone material. For example, the body 552 of the heating element 550 is at least partially overmolded with the material of the elastomer section 556, so that the elastomer section 556 is metallurgically bonded to the body 552 of the heating element 550.

[0084] Preferably, the elastomer section 556 exhibits good thermal conductivity.

[0085] The elastomer section 556 can preferably fulfill two functions.

[0086] On the one hand, the system section 557 and its connection to the locking element 520 can ensure that moisture which comes from the area of ​​the plug opening 51 to the locking element 520 can be wiped off on the locking element 520, so that moisture cannot pass the heating element 520 into the area of ​​the actuator 52.

[0087] Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the elastomer section 556 allows heat to be transported from the heating element 550 to the locking element 520, thus providing efficient heating at the locking element 520. Because the elastomer section 556 is located on the body 552 of the heating element 550 and is also in contact with the locking element 520 via the contact section 557, the elastomer section 556 establishes a thermal connection between the heating element 550 and the locking element 520.

[0088] The wall 511 forms a drainage channel 514 adjoining the wall opening 513, the bottom of which is formed by the heating element 550, as can be seen in Figures 2 to 4 in conjunction with the sectional view in Figure 8. The drainage channel 514, formed by a channel-shaped recess in the wall 511, drains moisture that enters the area of ​​the wall opening 513 away and towards a drainage opening 515. Moisture can then drain from the area of ​​the insertion opening 51 via the drainage opening 515, preventing it from accumulating within the insertion opening 51.

[0089] When installed in its intended position, the charging connector part 5 on the vehicle 4 is inclined in such a way that moisture can reliably drain away along the drainage channel 514 towards the drainage opening 515. The inclination of the drainage channel 514 is preferably such that reliable drainage of moisture is ensured even when the vehicle 4 is in an inclined position (within the limits of its intended use), for example, when parked on a slope.

[0090] The bottom of the drainage channel 514 is formed by the heating element 550, so that moisture can flow along the drainage channel 514 at the heating element 550, in particular at the elastomer section 556 covering the body 552, in order to drain moisture from the area of ​​the wall opening 513.

[0091] Should moisture collect in the area of ​​the locking element 520 or within the drainage channel 514, the heating device 55 can prevent the locking element 520 from freezing in a position it has just assumed.

[0092] As can be seen from Fig. 3 in conjunction with the sectional view according to Fig. 5, the heating element 550 is connected via a pair of leads 551 to a circuit board 54 in a housing interior 502 of the housing 50.

[0093] The connecting leads 551 are routed through a housing section 500 of the housing 50 and thus inserted into the housing interior 502 of the housing 50, which is encapsulated by a housing cover 501. Inside the housing interior 502, the connecting leads 551 are connected to the circuit board 54. Electrical or electronic assemblies for supplying power to the heating element 550 and / or for controlling a heating process can be arranged on the circuit board 54.

[0094] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the connecting leads 551 are enclosed by cylindrical sheath sections 553. The sheath sections 553 are made, for example, of an (elastomeric) plastic material and provide a seal for the connecting leads 551 in the associated feedthroughs through the housing section 500 of the housing 50, so that the connecting leads 551 are sealed relative to the housing section 500 and thus moisture cannot enter the housing interior 502 from the area of ​​the heating element 550.

[0095] The heating element 550 has an electrical resistance element in or on the body 552 through which an electric current can be passed in order to generate heat at the heating element 550 by the current flow.

[0096] For example, in one embodiment shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, a heating element 550 has a resistance element 559 formed by an electrical wire that meanders along a plane of extension of the plate-shaped body 552 of the heating element 550, as can be seen in Fig. 9B. The resistance element 559 can, for example, be overmolded with a (comparatively strong and rigid) plastic material to form the body 552, wherein the body 552 can, for example, be overmolded with the elastomeric material of the elastomeric section 556. In another embodiment, the resistance element 559 can also be directly overmolded with the elastomeric material of the elastomeric section 556.

[0097] As can be seen from Fig. 9B, the electrical wire of the resistance element 559 is laid in such a way that it surrounds the opening 555 of the heating element 550 and can thus provide heating all around the opening 555 and thus all around the locking element 520.

[0098] In another embodiment, shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, a resistance element 559 of a heating element 550 is formed by a stamped sheet metal part. The sheet metal part forming the resistance element 559 is shaped such that (analogous to the wire according to Figs. 9A and 9B) a meandering conduction path is formed, which extends along the plane of extension of the plate-shaped heating element 550 and surrounds the opening 555 of the heating element 550. The resistance element 559 can be overmolded with a (comparatively strong and rigid) plastic material to form the body 552, wherein the body 552 can be at least partially overmolded with the elastomeric material of the elastomeric section 556. In another embodiment, the resistance element 559 can also be directly overmolded with the elastomeric material of the elastomeric section 556.

[0099] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, a resistive element 559 of a heating element 550 is formed by a meandering conductor track on a printed circuit board (PCB) that forms the resistive element 559. In this embodiment, the leads 551 are also formed by conductor tracks on longitudinally extended sections of the PCB. The PCB with the conductor track arranged on it can be overmolded with a (comparatively strong and rigid) plastic material to form the body 552, wherein the body 552 can be at least partially overmolded with the elastomeric material of the elastomer section 556. In another embodiment, the PCB with the conductor track arranged on it can also be directly overmolded with the elastomeric material of the elastomer section 556.

[0100] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 12, a resistance element 559 of a heating element 550 is made entirely of an electrically conductive material, for example, an electrically conductive plastic material. Such an electrically conductive plastic material can, for example, be a polymer material that is mixed with an electrically conductive filler, for example, in the form of electrically conductive particles, and is thereby electrically conductive.

[0101] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the body 552 can, for example, be entirely made of an electrically conductive plastic, such as a plastic with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC plastic). The elastomer section 556 is formed on the body 552 by overmolding (at least) one side of the body 552 facing the wall 511 with the material of the elastomer section 556.

[0102] The body 552, made of an electrically conductive plastic, can, for example, also be used to manufacture the locking element 554 for axially fixing the heating element 550 to the housing 50. In the embodiment according to Fig. 12, sheath sections 553, which enclose supply lines 551, can also be formed from the same electrically conductive plastic material.

[0103] As can be seen in Fig. 13, the body 552 of the heating element 550 forms an opening 555 through which the locking element 520 extends and within which the locking element 520 is movable. The elastomer section 556, with a contact section 557, overlaps an edge of the opening 555 formed on the body 552 and forms a sealing lip that is in contact with the locking element 520, so that a sealing wiper contour is formed over the contact section 557, by means of which moisture can be wiped off the locking element 520 when the locking element 520 moves relative to the heating element 550.

[0104] This is also illustrated in the schematic view according to Fig. 15.

[0105] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 14, a connection nozzle 56 is formed on the heating element 550 for connecting a liquid line 561 for draining liquid from the area of ​​the insertion opening 51. A flow opening 560 of the connection nozzle 56, which is in flow communication with the liquid line 561, is aligned with the drain opening 515 on the wall 511 and thus enables moisture to drain from the interior of the insertion opening 51 into the liquid line 561.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the heating element 550 can, for example, be made of an electrically conductive plastic. However, other configurations of the heating element 550 with a resistance element 559, for example made of wire or sheet metal, in or on the body 552 are also possible.

[0107] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, an elastomer section 556 extends over a flat area on one side of a body 552 of the heating element 550 facing the wall 511. The elastomer section 556 is designed to form the bottom of the drainage channel 514 and extends to and around the flow opening 560 in the area of ​​the connection nozzle 56. A circumferential sealing contour 558 creates a seal against the wall 511, allowing moisture to flow along the drainage channel 514 past the heating element 55 and towards the drainage nozzle 56, but preventing it from flowing past the heating element 550 to the outside. In the embodiment according to Fig. 14, the opening 555 is oval-shaped, and likewise a contact section 557 of the elastomer section 556 is oval-shaped for contact with a locking element 520 with an oval cross-section.For example, the heating element 550 can be electrically supplied via a direct current, for example at a DC voltage of 12 V, in order to generate heat at the heating element 550.

[0108] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiments, the charging connector part is designed according to the NACS system. However, the charging connector part can also have a different mating interface according to another standard.

[0110] Reference symbol list

[0111] 1 charging station

[0112] 2 charging cables

[0113] 3 charging plugs

[0114] 4 vehicles

[0115] 5 charging sockets

[0116] 50 cases

[0117] 500 Housing section

[0118] 501 Housing cover

[0119] 502 Case interior

[0120] 51 Plug opening

[0121] 510 contact elements

[0122] 511 Wall (floor)

[0123] 512 T partition wall element

[0124] 513 Wall opening

[0125] 514 Drainage channel

[0126] 515 Drain opening

[0127] 52 Actuator

[0128] 520 Locking element

[0129] 53 Mounting bracket

[0130] 530 guide bridges

[0131] 54 Printed circuit board (PCB)

[0132] 55 Heating system

[0133] 550 heating element

[0134] 551 Connection cable

[0135] 552 bodies

[0136] 553 Mantle section

[0137] 554 Latching element

[0138] 555 Opening

[0139] 556 Elastomer section

[0140] 557 Plant section

[0141] 558 Sealing section

[0142] 559 Resistance element

[0143] 56 connection spigots

[0144] 560° opening

[0145] 561 Liquid line insertion direction

[0146] Longitudinal axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Charging connector part (5) of a charging system for electrically charging an electric vehicle (1), comprising a plug opening (51) within which at least one electrical contact element (310) is arranged and through which the charging connector part (5) can be plugged into an associated mating connector part (3), a wall (511) delimiting the plug opening (51) in which a wall opening (513) is formed, a locking element (520) which is movable through the wall opening (513) of the wall (511) into the area of ​​the plug opening (51) in order to lock the charging connector part (5) with the mating connector part (3), an actuator (52) for adjusting the locking element (520), and a heating device (55) comprising a heating element (550) for heating a local area of ​​the locking element (520) in close proximity Positional relationship to the locking element (520) is characterized in thatthat the heating element (550) comprises an electrical resistance element (559) and an elastomer section (556) made of an elastomeric material, wherein the elastomer section (556) forms a contact section (557) abutting the locking element (520).

2. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the heating element (550) has a body (552) on which the elastomer section (556) is arranged.

3. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 2, characterized in that the body (552) has an opening (555) in which the locking element (520) is movable and which is aligned with the wall opening (513).

4. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 3, characterized in that the installation section (557) extends around the opening (555).

5. Charging connector part (5) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the resistance element (559) is arranged in or on the body (552) or forms the body (552).

6. Charging connector part (5) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the elastomer section (556) completely or partially covers the body (552).

7. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer section (556) is formed from a thermally conductive elastomeric material.

8. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer section (556) is formed from a silicone material.

9. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer section (556) seals a transition between the wall (511) and the locking element (520) in a moisture-tight manner.

10. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resistance element (559) forms a meandering conduction path for conducting a current.

11. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resistance element (559) is formed by an electrically conductive wire, by an electrically conductive sheet, by a circuit board with an electrical conductor arranged thereon or by an electrically conductive plastic element.

12. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resistance element (559) has an electrical resistance with a positive temperature coefficient.

13. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (550) is arranged on a side of the wall (511) facing away from the plug opening (51).

14. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 13, characterized in that the heating element (550) is inserted into a mounting receptacle (53) arranged on the side of the wall (511) facing away from the plug opening (511).

15. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 14, characterized in that the heating element (550) is received between two guide webs (530) of the mounting receptacle (53) and is thereby attached to the side of the wall (511) facing away from the plug opening (511).

16. Charging connector part (5) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the heating element (550) with the elastomer section (556) rests against the side of the wall (511) facing away from the plug opening (511).

17. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (55) has at least one electrical connecting line (551) which is electrically connected to the resistance element (559).

18. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 17, characterized in that the heating device (55) has at least one sheath section (553) which partially encloses the at least one connecting line (551), wherein the at least one connecting line (551) is passed through a housing section (500) of a housing (50) of the charging connector part (5) and is sealed over the at least one sheath section (553) relative to the housing section (500).

19. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one connecting line (551) starting from the heating element (550) is inserted through the housing section (500) into a housing interior (502) and is electrically connected to a circuit board (54) arranged in the housing interior (502).

20. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (520) is movable longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (L) relative to the wall (511).

21. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (511) forms a bottom which limits the plug opening (51) downwards when used as intended.

22. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (511) forms a drainage channel (514) adjoining the wall opening (513) for draining moisture from the area of ​​the plug opening (511).

23. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 22, characterized in that the heating element (550) forms a bottom of the drainage channel (514).

24. Charging connector part (5) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the wall (511) forms a drainage opening (515) for draining moisture from the plug opening (51), wherein the drainage channel (514) extends between the wall opening (513) and the drainage opening (515) on the wall (511).

25. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (550) has a connection nozzle (56) to which a liquid line (561) can be connected for draining moisture from the plug opening (51).

26. Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging connector part (5) is a NACS connector.

27. Charging system for charging an electric vehicle (4), with a Charging connector part (5) according to one of the preceding claims and a mating connector part (3) for plugging connection with the Charging connector part (5).

28. Charging system according to claim 27, characterized in that the The charging connector part (5) is a charging socket arranged on the vehicle (4) and the mating connector part (3) is designed as a charging plug on a charging cable (2).

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