Charging plug connector for electric and hybrid vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging plug connector (1) for electric and hybrid vehicles, comprising: a housing (2); charging contacts (3) which are arranged in the housing (2) and can be contacted through an opening (4) of the housing (2) by corresponding charging contacts (5) of a corresponding charging plug connector (6) in a plug-in region (7); a locking and unlocking actuator (8) which is arranged on the housing (2), wherein the locking and unlocking actuator (8) is designed to move a locking element (9), through a locking-element opening (10) formed in the underside of the housing (2), into the plug-in region (7), or to retract the locking element from the plug-in region (7), so that the charging plug connector (1) can be locked when plugged together with the corresponding charging plug connector (6); and a collecting tray (11) which is designed to collect liquid draining from the locking-element opening (10) and which sealingly surrounds the locking element (9). In this way, a charging plug connector (1) for electric and hybrid vehicles having improved water drainage is provided.

Description

[0001] P24022WO 1 January 8, 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0002] Charging connectors for electric and hybrid vehicles

[0003] The invention relates to a charging connector for electric and hybrid vehicles, comprising a housing, charging contacts arranged in the housing which can be contacted through an opening in the housing by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector in a plug-in area, and a locking and unlocking actuator arranged on the housing, wherein the locking and unlocking actuator is configured to retract a locking element into or out of the plug-in area through a locking element opening formed on the underside of the housing. The invention further relates to the use of the charging connector in an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0004] Electric and hybrid vehicles have a rechargeable energy storage system, usually a high-voltage battery, which provides energy to an electric drive motor during operation. The storage capacity of these high-voltage batteries is limited, so they must be recharged regularly at a charging station. The battery is charged via a charging cable located between the charging station and the vehicle. This charging cable, for example, according to the North American SAE J3400 charging standard (NACS), has a charging plug on one end that connects to a charging socket at the charging station and a charging coupler on the other end that connects to a charging connector installed in the electric or hybrid vehicle. For the purposes of this document, charging sockets, charging plugs, charging couplers, and charging connectors are collectively referred to as "charging connectors."Charging sockets and charging couplings have contact sleeves as charging contacts, and charging plugs as well as charging plugs that can be installed in electric or hybrid vehicles have contact pins as charging contacts which can be inserted into the contact sleeves.

[0005] In today's charging technology for electric and hybrid vehicles, it is common to use charging connectors and corresponding charging connectors. P24022WO 2 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0006] During the charging process, the connection must be securely locked to ensure uninterrupted power transmission. This is achieved using a locking element that holds the corresponding charging connector, which is attached to or plugged into the vehicle's charging connector, in the inserted position. This locking mechanism prevents the charging process from being unintentionally interrupted by preventing the charging connectors from disconnecting. Simultaneously, the locking element ensures that the charging connector is fully inserted, as an incomplete connection would prevent the locking mechanism from functioning.

[0007] The locking and unlocking of such charging connectors is typically achieved by electromechanical actuators that move the locking element between locked and unlocked positions. However, these actuators are sensitive to moisture and water, which can lead to problems in practical applications. In particular, in designs where the locking element is inserted into the charging connector from the underside, there is a risk that water will accumulate in the connector's mating area and enter the actuator area through the opening through which the locking element passes.

[0008] The ingress of liquids, such as water, into the actuator area can lead to serious malfunctions. Moisture or water at the actuator can cause a short circuit, which impairs the reliable function of the locking mechanism and, in the worst case, can irreparably damage the actuator. Since charging connectors are frequently used outdoors and therefore exposed to rain or moisture, protecting these sensitive components is essential to ensure their longevity and functionality. P24022WO 3 January 8, 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0009] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a charging connector for electric and hybrid vehicles with improved water drainage.

[0010] This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further details are found in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, a charging connector for electric and hybrid vehicles is provided, comprising a housing, charging contacts arranged in the housing which can be contacted through an opening in the housing by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector in a plug-in area, a locking and unlocking actuator arranged on the housing, wherein the locking and unlocking actuator is designed to move a locking element into or out of the plug-in area through a locking element opening formed on the underside of the housing, so that the charging connector can be locked in the state plugged together with the corresponding charging connector, and a collection tray designed to receive a liquid flowing out of the locking element opening and sealingly enclosing the locking element.

[0012] According to the invention, the charging connector has a housing in which charging contacts are arranged. The charging contacts can be connected through an opening in the housing to corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector in a plug-in area. The opening in the housing provides a connection between the charging connector and a corresponding charging connector, so that electrical contact between the two can be established in the plug-in area. Simultaneously, the housing is designed to extend beyond the charging contacts and only exposes them at the opening for contacting corresponding charging contacts in the plug-in area. In the present case, a plug-in area of ​​the P24022WO 4 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG is described.

[0013] The charging connector according to the invention is characterized by the fact that, when plugged into its corresponding charging connector, the charging connector overlaps with the corresponding charging connector in the plugging direction, and the charging contacts of the two connectors are in galvanically conductive contact with each other. Such a plugging area of ​​a charging connector is generally also defined and geometrically limited by the fact that the charging connector has a housing with an opening that ensures that the two charging connectors overlap with each other over a certain maximum length when plugged in, corresponding to the fully inserted state of one charging connector into the other.

[0014] Furthermore, a locking and unlocking actuator is arranged on the housing. This actuator is designed to insert or remove a locking element through a locking element opening on the underside of the housing. A locking and unlocking actuator can be understood as a mechanical or electromechanical device that moves the locking element to secure or release the connection between the charging connector and the corresponding charging connector. A locking element is a component that is moved into a position where it blocks or allows the movement of another part, in this case, the corresponding charging connector. The locking element opening provides a passage through which the locking element can be inserted into or removed from the plug-in area.One advantage of this arrangement is that the charging connector can be securely locked in the connected state, thus ensuring a stable and uninterrupted connection between the charging connector and the corresponding charging connector. P24022WO 5 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG.

[0015] The essential feature of the invention is that the charging connector has a drip tray for collecting any liquid that flows from the locking element opening, the drip tray sealingly enclosing the locking element. A drip tray can be understood as a component that serves to collect liquid that enters the connector area. By sealingly enclosing the locking element, the drip tray prevents the liquid from flowing through the locking element opening along the locking element and into the area of ​​the locking and unlocking actuator. An advantage of this arrangement is that it prevents the ingress of liquid, especially water, into the sensitive area of ​​the locking and unlocking actuator, thereby significantly reducing the risk of short circuits and damage to the locking and unlocking actuator.This contributes to the long-term reliability and functionality of the charging connector and protects the locking and unlocking actuator from the effects of moisture.

[0016] When a corresponding charging connector is mentioned in this context, this refers, on the one hand, to a charging connector that has the same mating face as the charging connector according to the invention, wherein one mating face has contact pins while the other mating face has contact sleeves, and vice versa. The set consisting of the charging connector and the corresponding charging connector can therefore be plugged together. On the other hand, the term "corresponding charging connector" is also used here when the mating faces only partially correspond in the aforementioned sense, i.e., the corresponding charging connector, for example,The charging connector according to the invention does not have all the contacts present in the charging connector according to the invention, but the existing contacts of the corresponding charging connector correspond to those of the charging connector according to the invention in terms of their mating face, so that the charging connector according to the invention and the corresponding charging connector can also be plugged together in this case. P24022WO 6 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, at least one surface of the collection tray corresponds to at least one surface of the locking element opening, so that the liquid flowing through the locking element opening can be completely collected by the tray. A surface of the collection tray can be understood as a surface that collects or channels the liquid or water from the locking element opening. An advantage of this arrangement is that the water flowing through the locking element opening is reliably and completely channeled into the collection tray, ensuring precise drainage and protection of the locking and unlocking actuator underneath.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is formed between the drip tray and the locking element. A sealing element can be understood as a component that ensures a seal between two elements to prevent the ingress of water. The arrangement of a sealing element prevents water from penetrating along the locking element into the areas below the drip tray, thus protecting the locking and unlocking actuator from moisture and improving the durability of the structure.

[0019] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the sealing element is designed as a sealing ring. A sealing ring can be considered an annular sealing element that is placed between two surfaces to ensure a reliable seal. The use of a sealing ring offers a simple, robust, and quickly replaceable seal that prevents the ingress of water along the locking element and thus supports the reliable function of the locking and unlocking actuator.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, it is intended that the drip tray is fixed in position to the locking element. Fixed in position here means that the drip tray is permanently connected to the locking element. This arrangement ensures a constant positioning of the drip tray relative to the locking element. P24022WO 7 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0021] to the locking element, which enables robust and low-wear water drainage.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the collection tray is welded to the sealing element. A welded joint can be considered a permanent, strong connection between two materials, ensuring high stability and tightness. Welding the collection tray to the sealing element creates a particularly robust and watertight connection, guaranteeing long-term functionality and minimizing the risk of leaks.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the drip tray rests against the underside of the housing with a drip rim attached to the bottom of the tray when the locking element is inserted into the insertion area. A drip rim can be defined as the raised edge of the drip tray that prevents water from running off the bottom of the tray unhindered. The drip rim ensures that the drip tray rests securely against the underside of the housing and that the water is effectively collected and drained away without entering the surrounding areas.

[0024] One embodiment of the invention provides that the drip tray, with a rim attached to the bottom of the tray, is arranged on the underside of the housing at the opening of the locking element, and that a sliding seal is formed between the drip tray and the locking element. A sliding seal can be understood as a sealing element that moves along with the movement of the locking element, thus enabling a dynamic seal. This arrangement offers the advantage that the drip tray reliably seals the locking element in any position, providing a flexible yet effective seal and reducing the risk of water ingress. In this context, it is provided that the drip tray is designed such that even in a case where the locking element is... P24022WO 8 January 8, 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0025] The insertion area has not been driven into, ensuring a reliable seal between the locking element and the drip tray.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, it is intended that the edge of the tray facing the housing is provided with a circumferential sealing element. A circumferential sealing element can be defined as a seal along the entire edge that prevents water from escaping the tray. This design secures the entire edge area of ​​the tray and thus reliably protects the underlying components from moisture ingress.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the collection tray is provided with a drain, the drain being designed to remove the liquid collected in the tray. A drain can be understood as a tube through which the water collected in the tray is directed away. The drain enables effective water drainage, thus ensuring that no liquid accumulates in the collection tray.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking element is a bolt, with the locking and unlocking actuator being mounted on the underside of the housing. The bolt can be retracted into the plug-in area in a linear movement perpendicular to the charging contacts, and the drip tray has an opening in its base through which the bolt is guided in a sealing manner. A bolt can be defined as a mechanical lock that is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by a linear movement. The linear movement ensures precise and reliable locking, while the opening in the base of the tray provides a sealing guide for the bolt, preventing water from penetrating the locking and unlocking actuator. P24022WO 9 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0029] A further embodiment of the invention provides for a drainage opening and a further collection tray, wherein the drainage opening is arranged on the underside of the housing, and the further collection tray is designed to collect any liquid draining from the drainage opening. A drainage opening can be understood as an opening for the controlled discharge of water, which allows the further collection tray to safely collect additional water. The combination of the drainage opening and the further collection tray optimizes water drainage and reduces the risk of water accumulation in the housing area.

[0030] Alternatively, it can be provided that the collection tray extends to the drainage opening instead of the additional collection tray and also collects the water flowing out through the drainage opening.

[0031] As part of further development, it is planned that an additional drain, attached to the second collection tray, will remove the liquid collected in that tray. This additional drain can be considered an extra opening or drainpipe that ensures water drainage from the second collection tray. This arrangement guarantees comprehensive water drainage and effectively prevents water from accumulating in the collection trays and impairing the function of the locking and unlocking actuator.

[0032] According to a further development of the invention, the drain is a water connection, allowing the fluid to be discharged to the water management system of the electric or hybrid vehicle. A water connection, such as a hose connection, can be understood as a connecting element that enables the fluid to be directed to an external water management system. This improves water drainage and directs the water away from the charging connector, further minimizing the risk of moisture damage. P24022WO 10 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0033] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the secondary collection tray is located at a greater distance from the underside of the housing than the primary collection tray, and that the drain of the primary collection tray directs the liquid collected in it into the secondary collection tray. This greater distance allows for a staged or cascading drainage system, in which the water is directed in a controlled manner from the primary collection tray to the secondary collection tray. This arrangement optimizes water drainage and prevents the collection trays from overflowing.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional collection tray is designed to have a rim attached to the underside of the housing, resting against a base. The rim also features a recess arranged laterally in the tray rim to accommodate the drain. This lateral recess can be defined as an opening in the tray rim specifically designed for the drain. This ensures targeted and controlled drainage of the water. When the collection tray is fixed in position by the locking element, the recess extends over a length corresponding to the stroke of the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0035] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the collection tray and / or the further collection tray have a tray bottom inclined towards the drain and / or the further drain. An inclined tray bottom supports water drainage and ensures that the water is efficiently directed towards the drain.

[0036] The invention also relates to the use of the charging connector described above on the vehicle body of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. However, the principle applies that P24022WO 11 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0038] The exemplary embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely represent embodiments. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description as well as the claims, individually or in combination.

[0039] The drawings show

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a charging connector according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0041] Fig. 2 shows, in perspective, a charging connector corresponding to the charging connector from Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Fig. 3a-b perspective views of the charging connector from Fig. 1, each with a locking element in an unlocking position and the locking element in a locking position according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0043] Fig. 4 shows in perspective the locking and unlocking actuator from Fig. 3a according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0044] Fig. 5a-b schematically shows a collection tray and another collection tray in a cross-sectional view, each with the locking element in the unlocked position and the locking element in the locked position according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the drip tray according to an embodiment of the invention. P24022WO 12 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a charging connector 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This is a charging connector for installation in the vehicle body of an electric or hybrid vehicle. The present charging connector 1 is essentially, and with respect to its mating face, a charging connector conforming to the North American SAE J3400 charging standard (NACS). The charging connector 1 has two charging contacts 3 in the form of DC charging contacts for DC charging, as well as a protective contact 21 and two communication contacts 22, which are shown in Figure 2a.

[0047] The charging connector 1 can be coupled to a corresponding charging connector 6, which is shown in Fig. 2. This is a charging coupler that can be attached to a charging cable and plugged into the charging connector. The charging coupler shown here as an example has corresponding charging contacts 5.

[0048] A locking and unlocking actuator 8 is arranged on the underside of a housing 2 of the charging connector 1. This actuator is configured to move a locking element 9 from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking element 9 is designed as a bolt 9, which is moved linearly by the locking and unlocking actuator 8 into a plug-in area 7 of the charging connector 1. The housing 2 of the charging connector 1 extends beyond the charging contacts 3 along a longitudinal axis and exposes them through an opening 4 for contact with corresponding charging contacts 5 of the corresponding charging connector 6.

[0049] Figures 3a and 3b show, in part, essentially the plug-in area 7 of the charging connector 1 through the opening 4 in the housing 2. Figure 3a shows the plug-in area 7 with the latch 9 in the unlocked position. Figure 3b shows the plug-in area 7 with the latch 9 in the locked position. The latch 9 is secured with the P24022WO 13 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0050] The locking and unlocking actuator 8 extends into and out of the plug-in area 7 through the locking element opening 10. The locking element opening 10, as well as a drainage opening 16, is located on the underside of the part of the housing 2 adjacent to the plug-in area 7. Any liquid, in this case water, entering the plug-in area 7 flows to the underside of the housing 2, which is provided with the locking element opening 10 and the drainage opening 16.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows the locking and unlocking actuator 8 with bolt 9, a drip tray 11, and a further drip tray 17. Fig. 1 shows that the drip tray 11 and the further drip tray 17 are each positioned below the locking element opening 10 and the drainage opening 16, respectively. The drip tray 11 seals around the bolt 9. For this purpose, the drip tray 11 has an opening 14 in a tray base 15 through which the bolt 9 passes.

[0052] The drip tray 11 is fixed in position to the latch 9, so that it moves with the latch 9. When the latch 9 is in the locked position, the drip tray 11 rests against the underside of the housing 2 with a tray rim 19 that surrounds the tray base 15.

[0053] The collection tray 11 is shown in perspective in Fig. 6. A drain 13 is attached to the tray base 15 or in the tray rim 19, which ensures that the water collected in the collection tray 11 flows into the further collection tray 17. The collection tray 11 completely covers the sealing element opening 10, so that all the water flowing out of the sealing element opening 10 enters the collection tray 11. The further collection tray 17 completely covers the drainage opening 16, so that all the water flowing out of the drainage opening 16 enters the further collection tray 17. P24022WO 14 January 8, 2026 Kieke rt AG

[0054] Figures 5a and 5b show the position of the drip tray 11 relative to the further drip tray 17 in the locked and unlocked positions in a cross-sectional view. The drip tray 11 is fixed in position to the latch 9 by a sealing element 12. As the drip tray 11 moves with the latch 9, the drain 13 also moves relative to the further drip tray 17. To accommodate the drain 13, a recess 20 is formed in a rim 19 of the further drip tray 17, extending along one stroke of the latch 9, so that in the unlocked position the drain 13 rests against an edge of the recess 20.

[0055] The water that enters the secondary collection tray 17 from the drainage opening 16 and the drain 13 is discharged from the secondary collection tray 17 via a further drain 18 and introduced into a water management system of the electric or hybrid vehicle. The secondary collection tray 17 has a tray bottom 15 that slopes towards the further drain 18. The secondary collection tray 17 is arranged on the locking and unlocking actuator 8, with the tray edge 19 of the secondary collection tray 17 extending to the underside of the housing 2, as can be seen in Fig. 1. P24022WO 15 January 8, 2026

[0056] Kieke rt AG

[0057] Reference symbol list

[0058] 1 charging connector

[0059] 2 cases

[0060] 3 charging contacts

[0061] 4 Opening

[0062] 5 corresponding charging contacts

[0063] 6 corresponding charging connectors 7 plug area

[0064] 8 Locking and unlocking actuator

[0065] 9 Locking element / bolt

[0066] 10 Locking element opening

[0067] 11. Drip tray

[0068] 12 Sealing element

[0069] 13 Procedure

[0070] 14 Opening

[0071] 15 Bathtub floor

[0072] 16 Drainage opening

[0073] 17 more drip trays

[0074] 18 further process

[0075] 19 bathtub rim

[0076] 20 recesses

[0077] 21 Protective contact

[0078] 22 communication contacts

Claims

P24022WO 16 January 8, 2026 Kieke rt AG Patent claims 1. Charging connector (1) for electric and hybrid vehicles, with a housing (2), Charging contacts (3) arranged in the housing (2), which can be contacted through an opening (4) of the housing (2) by corresponding charging contacts (5) of a corresponding charging connector (6) in a plug-in area (7), a locking and unlocking actuator (8) arranged on the housing (2), wherein The locking and unlocking actuator (8) is designed to insert a locking element (9) into or remove it from the plug-in area (7) through a locking element opening (10) formed on the underside of the housing (2), so that the charging connector (1) can be locked in the state plugged together with the corresponding charging connector (6), and with a collection tray (11) designed to receive a liquid flowing out of the locking element opening (10) and sealingly enclosing the locking element (9).

2. Charging connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the collection tray (11) corresponds to at least one surface of the locking element opening (10), so that the liquid flowing through the locking element opening (10) can be completely collected with the collection tray (11).

3. Charging connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sealing element (12) is formed between the collection tray (11) and the locking element (9).

4. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drip tray (11) is fixed in position to the locking element (9). P24022WO 17 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG 5. Charging connector (1) according to claim 4, wherein the collection tray (11) is welded to the locking element (9).

6. Charging connector (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the drip tray (11) is attached to the locking element (9) in such a way that the drip tray (11) rests against the underside of the housing (2) when the locking element (9) is inserted into the plugging area (7) with a drip edge (19) attached around the perimeter to a drip base (15).

7. Charging connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drip tray (11) is arranged on the underside of the housing (2) at the locking element opening (10) with a drip tray rim (19) attached around a drip tray base (15), and a sliding seal is formed between the drip tray (11) and the locking element (9).

8. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection tray (11) has a drain (13) the drain (13) being designed to discharge liquid collected with the collection tray (11).

9. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (9) is a latch (9), wherein the locking and unlocking actuator (8) is attached to the underside of the housing (2), the locking bar (9) can be inserted into the plug-in area (7) in a linear movement perpendicular to the charging contacts (3), and The collection tray (11) has an opening (14) in the tray base (15) through which the locking bar (9) is guided in a sealing manner. P24022WO 18 8 January 2026 Kieke rt AG 10. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims with a drainage opening (16) and a further collection tray (17), wherein the drainage opening (16) is located on the underside of the housing (2), and the further collection tray (17) is designed to receive any liquid flowing from the drainage opening (16).

11. Charging connector (1) according to claim 10 with a further drain (18) attached to the further collection tray (17), wherein the further drain (18) is designed to discharge the liquid collected with the further collection tray (17).

12. Charging connector (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the further collection tray (17) has a greater distance to the underside of the housing (2) than the collection tray (11), and the drain (13) of the collection tray (11) discharges the liquid absorbed in the collection tray (11) into the further collection tray (17).

13. Charging connector (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the further collection tray (17) with a tray rim (19) attached around a tray base (15) rests against the underside of the housing (2), and has a recess (20) arranged laterally in the tray rim (19) for receiving the drain (13).

14. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection tray (11) and / or the further collection tray (17) have a tray bottom (15) inclined towards the drain (13) and / or towards the further drain (18).

15. Use of a charging connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims on the vehicle body of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

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