Charging plug connector for an electric or hybrid vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging plug connector (1) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, the plug connector comprising: a housing (2); charging contacts (3) which are arranged in the housing (2) and can be contacted by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging plug connector; a pivotable cover (4) which covers the charging contacts (3) in a covering position and uncovers the charging contacts (3) in an open position; and an actuator arrangement (10), which has an electric motor (11) and a gear mechanism (12) connected to the electric motor (11), for pivoting the cover (4). The gear mechanism (12) has a gear mechanism shaft (13), which receives a torque from the electric motor (11), and an output shaft (14), which is connected to the cover (4); the gear mechanism shaft (13) and the output shaft (14) are co-axially arranged and are torque-transmittingly connected to each other in a connecting region (16); and an elastic securing element (17) is provided in the connecting region (16) and fixes the gear mechanism shaft (13) and the output shaft (14) to each other in the axial direction.

Description

[0001] Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0002] CHARGING CONNECTOR FOR AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE

[0003] The invention relates to a charging connector for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a housing, charging contacts arranged in the housing which can be contacted by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector, a pivotable cover which covers the charging contacts in a covering position and releases the charging contacts in an open position, and an actuator arrangement for pivoting the cover.

[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, conforming to the European standard IEC 62196 Type 2, has a charging plug on one end that can be inserted into a charging socket provided at the charging station, and a charging coupler on the other end that can be connected 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] The charging contacts of the charging connector can be protected by the cover. The cover must be able to be moved away from its covering position to connect to the corresponding charging connector. The actuator arrangement is provided for this purpose. (If mechanically...) Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0006] If the actuator arrangement is affected, stresses occur on the actuator arrangement, which can lead to unwanted positions of the cover and also to damage.

[0007] Based on this, the object of the invention is to improve the charging connector in such a way that the actuator arrangement is as robust as possible against external influences.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a charging connector for an electric or hybrid vehicle is thus provided, comprising

[0010] a case,

[0011] Charging contacts arranged in the housing, which can be contacted by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector,

[0012] a pivoting cover that covers the charging contacts in a covering position and exposes the charging contacts in an open position, and

[0013] An actuator arrangement for pivoting the cover, comprising an electric motor and a gearbox connected to the electric motor. It is proposed that

[0014] The gearbox has a transmission shaft that receives torque from the electric motor and an output shaft connected to the cover.

[0015] the transmission shaft and the output shaft are arranged coaxially and are connected to each other in a connection area in a torque-transmitting manner, preferably by plug connections, e.g., plugged into each other, and Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0016] An elastic locking element is provided in the connection area, which secures the transmission shaft and the output shaft to each other in the axial direction.

[0017] The invention provides a charging connector with an actuator arrangement for pivoting a cover, which is resistant to impacts against the cover or the output shaft and to (vehicle) vibrations acting on the actuator arrangement. An impact or force on the cover can introduce a torque into the output shaft, for example, in or against a direction of rotation from the covering and the open position, and / or introduce a force in the axial direction of the output shaft onto the gearbox, for example, a tensile or compressive force. Ultimately, the present invention provides mechanical protection for the gearbox.

[0018] This offers a surprising advantage: it counteracts impacts on the charging connector, particularly on the cover, caused by manual handling, vibrations, or collisions with the corresponding charging connector during insertion. Thanks to the locking element, the actuator assembly is thus better protected against impacts against the output shaft or cover.

[0019] A two-part gearbox output shaft is advantageously proposed, for example, whose parts are arranged coaxially, rotationally fixed within one another, and secured against loosening in the axial direction or fixed in position relative to each other by a separate, movable or flexible locking element. This advantageously ensures that vibrations or shocks at the cover, which are inherently transmitted to the gearbox, are absorbed or transmitted, at least in the axial direction, by the elastic locking element. In this respect, the locking element can, for example, act as a weak link in the power transmission chain from the cover to the gearbox or the electric motor. - Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0020] to protect the gearbox and / or the electric motor. Due to the elasticity of the locking element, an axial force can be absorbed, transmitted with spring force or reduced amplitude, and / or dampened.

[0021] The invention further enables an expansion of the application range of the actuator assembly to different charging connectors, since the output shaft can be easily replaced. The invention also allows the output shaft to be easily replaced if damaged, without having to replace the entire actuator assembly or the entire gearbox.

[0022] The invention is based on the finding that a multi-part, in particular plug-in, e.g. nested, output shaft, especially in connection with an electric motor and a gearbox or spur gear drive, offers structural flexibility and protection of the actuator arrangement.

[0023] The advantages and technical effects of the invention mentioned above are further developed in preferred embodiments.

[0024] When a corresponding charging connector is mentioned in this context, it refers 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 and the other mating face has contact sleeves, and vice versa. A contact pin can form a detachable current-carrying connection with a contact sleeve.

[0025] The set consisting of the charging connector according to the invention and the corresponding charging connector can therefore be plugged together. For the purposes of this document, the term "corresponding charging connector" is also used even if the mating faces only partially correspond in the aforementioned sense, i.e., if the corresponding charging connector does not have all the contacts that are present in the charging connector according to the invention. (Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft)

[0026] The existing contacts of the corresponding charging connector, however, correspond to the charging connector according to the invention in terms of the plug-in face, so that the charging connector according to the invention and the corresponding charging connector can also be plugged together in this case.

[0027] A gearbox is understood to be, in particular, a machine element used to transfer, transform, and / or change motion variables. For example, it can change rotational speed and / or torque, and / or transmit motion, especially rotary motion. The gearbox has at least an output shaft to transmit torque from the electric motor. For example, the gearbox has, as shafts or transmission shafts, an input shaft for inputting torque (e.g., from the electric motor) and an output shaft for outputting the possibly converted torque.

[0028] The term "output shaft" refers specifically to the output shaft of the gearbox or actuator assembly, which is connected to or already connected to the cover. The output shaft is designed to transmit torque to the cover. Preferably, the output shaft penetrates a wall of the actuator housing or protrudes from it. The output shaft is preferably only partially enclosed within the actuator housing. A gearbox shaft and the output shaft can be aligned or coaxial with each other. Alternatively, a gearbox shaft can be provided that is arranged transversely, perpendicularly, or parallel to the output shaft. The output shaft can be made of plastic and / or metal.

[0029] The torque at the output shaft is preferably greater than the torque provided by the electric motor, whereas the rotational speed of the output shaft is preferably lower than that of the electric motor. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0030] A transmission shaft is a rotating transmission component that may be toothed and / or directly or indirectly connected to the electric motor. The transmission preferably has several transmission shafts, for example, to form gear stages and / or a linkage between input and output. The transmission shaft directly or indirectly receives torque from the electric motor. The transmission shaft, and for example other components of the actuator assembly, is preferably housed in an actuator housing. The transmission shaft can be made of plastic and / or metal. For example, a toothed section may be made of metal and a shaft section of plastic.

[0031] An electric motor is an electric machine or electromechanical converter capable of converting electrical power into mechanical power. A DC electric motor is preferred. The rotor of the electric motor can be driven to provide torque (directly or indirectly) to the transmission shaft or the output shaft. The rotor preferably runs parallel to the axis of the transmission shaft or output shaft.

[0032] The actuator arrangement provides, in particular, the function of an actuator that can, for example, provide an automatic, directed movement. The actuator arrangement is designed to pivot the cover. The actuator arrangement can, for example, pivot from the covering position to the open position, and preferably vice versa. The distance between the positions is preferably at most one revolution, more preferably at most three-quarters of a revolution or half a revolution, of the output shaft.

[0033] The cover preferably serves to protect the charging contacts, e.g., against splashing water or unwanted contact. The cover is preferably a plastic part, e.g., manufactured by injection molding. The cover has, for example, a flat section for covering the charging contacts in the covering position. (Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft cover)

[0034] For example, it has a lever section or arm section designed for connection to the gearbox and for receiving torque from the gearbox. The flat section can be pivoted via the lever or arm section. The flat section can rest against the housing, preferably sealingly, for example by means of a gasket. A pivot axis of the cover, which coincides, for example, with the output shaft, can run at least substantially parallel to the flat section to save space.

[0035] In an advantageous further development, the transmission shaft has a first recess facing the output shaft. This first recess is located, in particular, on a rotational axis of the transmission shaft and / or the output shaft. The output shaft can be inserted into this first recess, especially for torque transmission. The output shaft can engage with the transmission shaft in a positive-locking manner around the rotational axis. The output shaft can have a profile for torque transmission, especially one facing the first recess. The output shaft and the transmission shaft can be engaged in such a way that there is no or virtually no backlash. For example, the backlash is at most 5°, 1°, or 0.5°.

[0036] In particular, the first recess can have a depth that is greater in the axial direction than the profile arranged or inserted in the first recess and / or than the portion of the output shaft that is inserted into the first recess for torque transmission. It is possible that the output shaft is inserted only into an outer section of the first recess, particularly to provide axial clearance between the output shaft and the transmission shaft, for example, to allow further insertion into the transmission shaft in the event of axial impacts against the output shaft. In other words, for example, the transmission shaft and output shaft can be designed to telescope together. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0037] The transmission shaft may have a second recess. The output shaft may have a recess, in particular a groove. The locking element may be inserted into or engage in the second recess and the recess of the output shaft. The locking element may provide a positive connection between the transmission shaft and the output shaft in the axial direction. In this respect, the locking element can be understood as an intermediate piece, a connecting link, or a cotter pin, particularly for axial force transmission. Especially in conjunction with axial play between the transmission shaft and the output shaft, this provides particular mechanical protection for the transmission. In particular, the locking element can be designed such that it automatically disengages from its position in the event of overload and allows axial movement of the output shaft.For example, the locking element can "jump" out of the recess and later automatically return to it.

[0038] The locking element is elastic or flexible. It can be a single, integral component. The locking element can be understood as a connecting element for the shafts. It can be flexible to allow axial movement between the shafts. For example, the locking element is a ring, which is open at one point on its circumference. The ring can expand due to this opening. The locking element can be at least substantially ring-shaped. It can also be a spring or leaf spring. Preferably, the locking element is a clamp, for example, a metal clamp. It can be designed as a spring-loaded clamp.

[0039] In particular, the locking element is inserted radially into the second recess and the groove or slot. Specifically, the locking element surrounds the output shaft, for example, at least via Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0040] half the circumference, preferably more than half the circumference. The engagement preferably occurs under tension, which can also reduce backlash between the shafts and increase the rigidity of the arrangement. With this arrangement, the locking element, viewed axially, covers both shafts and enables positive locking in this direction. The locking element can therefore be very easily inserted radially into the two shafts to provide axial locking. Releasing this axial locking is also very easy, for example, to remove and replace the output shaft.

[0041] The recess can extend circumferentially, for example, partially or completely around the output shaft. The locking element preferably engages the groove only partially in the radial direction; the locking element then projects radially from the output shaft. For example, the locking element is a ring or has a ring shape that surrounds the output shaft and / or partially penetrates it. If the recess is a groove, for example with a rounded groove base, but also in other cases, the locking element can simply "jump" or slide in and out axially, thus allowing relative movement of the shafts in the axial direction, if necessary, e.g., in the case of overload or axial impacts, at least temporarily.

[0042] The connection area can be located adjacent to and / or within the teeth of the transmission shaft. In particular, the first recess for torque transmission to the output shaft can be located within the teeth of the transmission shaft. The output shaft can essentially be inserted into the teeth and / or overlap axially with them. This creates a compact connection between the transmission shaft and the output shaft, saving material. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0043] The gearbox can have at least one helical and / or axially parallel gear pair. For example, the aforementioned gearing is a helical gear. Alternatively or additionally, the gearbox can be designed as a two-stage or three-stage unit, particularly with parallel axes and / or axes that lie at least substantially in one plane. The gearbox can reduce the speed from the electric motor to a slower speed. Spur gears or spur gear sets are preferably used in the gearbox. The electric motor is preferably arranged axially parallel and / or coaxially with the output shaft. This ensures the quietest possible, backlash-free operation with a compact actuator design.

[0044] The output shaft may have a connecting profile. The connecting profile may be located opposite the connection area. The connecting profile may project outwards, in particular from the actuator housing and / or away from the gearbox or gearbox shaft. The connecting profile may be connected to the cover in a torque-transmitting manner and / or be inserted into the cover in a rotationally fixed manner. The cover may be attached to the connecting profile. The cover may have a corresponding or additional connecting profile for torque transmission.

[0045] A control unit may be provided. The control unit is preferably designed to control the pivoting of the cover. In particular, the control unit is designed to control the electric motor. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be designed to detect an angle of rotation and / or a temperature. The control unit may comprise a circuit board with (control) electronics. The control unit is, for example, electrically connected to the electric motor. For example, the electric motor is connected to and / or attached to the circuit board and / or the electronics. The control unit may be integrated into or installed in the actuator housing. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0046] This means that the charging connector, especially the actuator arrangement, can be more independent of the hybrid vehicle and, for example, does not rely on an external control system.

[0047] The control unit can include a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the gearbox, particularly the output shaft. The sensor can be a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor can be positioned to detect the gearbox shaft. The gearbox shaft can have a magnet that is detectable by the Hall sensor and / or located opposite the Hall sensor. The sensor or Hall sensor can be mounted on the circuit board and / or soldered to it. The circuit board and / or the sensor can, for example, be positioned transversely to the gearbox shaft to detect the gearbox shaft in a compact manner. For example, the sensor can be positioned with a gap, for example in the range of 0 to 5 mm, preferably between 0 and 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm ± 0.8 mm, from the gearbox shaft, particularly the magnet, to enable reliable angle detection.In particular, the fact that the transmission shaft and the output shaft can telescope creates a very reliable angle detection system and the sensor is well protected.

[0048] The controller may include a temperature sensor and / or be configured to receive data or a temperature reading from a temperature sensor. The controller may be designed to prevent the cover from pivoting below a certain temperature threshold. For example, the temperature sensor may be integrated into the controller, or an external temperature sensor may provide data to the controller. The temperature sensor may be connected to and / or attached to the circuit board and / or electronics. In particular, an ambient temperature may be detected. For example, the controller may receive a temperature reading via a bus or bus signal, or it may measure the temperature itself. Steu-Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0049] The control system can also be configured to receive a predetermined limit value. In particular, the control system is configured to only allow the cover to pivot when the limit temperature has been reached or exceeded. This prevents the cover from pivoting and potentially being damaged at excessively low temperatures or with materials that are too brittle.

[0050] The controller, sensor, and / or temperature sensor can be located in the actuator housing and / or attached to or within it. The actuator housing can advantageously enclose the controller partially or completely, thus protecting it. This creates a proximity to the electric motor and / or gearbox to ensure short signal paths and low energy losses. The actuator housing can be sealed, particularly to protect the components it contains, such as the controller, gearbox, and / or electric motor, at least partially from moisture.

[0051] The actuator arrangement can be configured to provide a torque at the output shaft of at least 0.5 Nm, preferably at least 1 Nm, and particularly at least 2 Nm. For example, a single-stage, preferably two- or three-stage, gearbox can be used for this purpose, which reduces the speed from the electric motor. In particular, a gear ratio of 30 < i < 150, preferably 60 < i < 120, and particularly i = 90 ± 20, is provided. The electric motor can advantageously have a nominal voltage range, for example, between 5 and 25 volts, preferably between 9 and 16 volts. Typically, the electric motor has a power consumption in the range of 25 watts to 250 watts to provide sufficient torque and sufficiently fast actuation.

[0052] Furthermore, an actuator arrangement for a charging connector for an electric or hybrid vehicle is proposed for moving, in particular pivoting, a cover of the charging connector and with an electric motor and Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0053] in particular a gearbox connected to the electric motor. The actuator arrangement can be provided independently of the charging connector, the cover, and / or charging contacts. The actuator arrangement can be configured as described herein. Furthermore, the use of the actuator arrangement for a charging connector for an electric or hybrid vehicle to move, in particular pivot, the cover of the charging connector is proposed.

[0054] The invention is fundamentally applicable in connection with any charging contacts of a charging connector or any charging connectors for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment, the contact sleeves and the contact pins are DC charging contacts.

[0055] Within the context of revelation, the abbreviation "bzw." is used as a short form for "respectively" and is intended to indicate alternative, essentially equivalent and / or synonymous characteristics or terms in order to clarify the idea or meaning of a particular use of a characteristic or term. "Respectively" can always be replaced with "and / or".

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the drawings, where identical reference numerals in the figures indicate identical structural and / or functional features.

[0057] The drawings show

[0058] Fig. 1A-B shows a charging connector with an actuator arrangement in a perspective view, shown with housing (A) and without housing (B), Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0059] Fig. 2 shows the actuator arrangement in a top view, shown without the cover of the actuator arrangement, and

[0060] Fig. 3A-B shows a transmission shaft, an output shaft and a locking element in a perspective view, which are separate from each other (A) and which are inserted into each other (B).

[0061] Figure 1A-B shows a charging connector 1 for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a housing 2, (DC) charging contacts 3 arranged in the housing 2, a pivotable cover 4, and an actuator arrangement 10 for pivoting the cover 4. Figure 1B shows the charging connector 1 without, or with, the housing 2 hidden.

[0062] In Fig. 1 AB, the cover 4 is in a concealed position, covering the charging contacts 3. The cover 4 can be pivoted into an open position, exposing the charging contacts 3. In this respect, the cover 4 can be pivoted away from the charging contacts 3 and, for example, folded or pivoted downwards / forwards in Fig. 1 AB, thus providing access to the charging contacts 3. The charging contacts 3 can be contacted by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector when the cover 4 is in the open position. The cover 4 has a flat section and a lever section. One pivot axis of the cover 4 corresponds to the axis of rotation of an output shaft 14 and runs parallel to the flat section.

[0063] The actuator assembly 10 comprises an actuator housing 5, a connection 6, and the output shaft 14 projecting from the actuator housing 5. The actuator housing 5 is tightly closed or closable with a cover 7. An electric motor, a gearbox, and a control unit are housed within the actuator housing 5; these will be described in more detail below. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0064] Looking at Fig. 2, only the actuator assembly 10 is visible in a top view, with the cover 7 obscured. The electric motor 11 and the gearbox 12 connected to the electric motor 11 are clearly located in the actuator housing 5. The gearbox is mounted in the actuator housing 5. The gearbox 12 has a toothed transmission shaft 13 and the output shaft 14 as shafts 13 and 14. The transmission shaft 13 and the output shaft 14 are arranged coaxially and inserted into each other in a connection area 16 in a torque-transmitting and telescopic manner. The transmission shaft 13 receives a torque coming from the electric motor 11, which is converted in this case, and transmits it (essentially unchanged) to the output shaft 14.

[0065] The connection area 16 is located both adjacent to and within the teeth 27 of the transmission shaft 13. The output shaft 14 is surrounded by the teeth 27 in a face section. The transmission shaft 13 receives the torque coming from the direction of the electric motor 11 via the teeth 27.

[0066] In addition to the shafts 13 and 14 described above, the transmission 12 has further transmission shafts 13.2 and 13.3, each with teeth, to form several, in this case, for example, three, transmission stages 24, 25, 26. The first transmission stage 24 is formed from a pinion of the electric motor 11 and the further transmission shaft 13.1. The second transmission stage 25 is formed from the further transmission shaft 13.1 and the further transmission shaft 13.2. The third transmission stage is formed from the further transmission shaft 13.2 and the transmission shaft 13. The gear pairs thus formed are each axially parallel and helical. The shafts 13, 13.1, 13.2 and 14 are rotatably mounted in a common plane, in particular in the actuator housing 5. Starting from the electric motor 11, the gearbox 12 reduces the speed with each stage 24, 25, 26, resulting in an overall gear ratio of i = 90. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0067] The output shaft 14 has an outwardly projecting connecting profile 23 opposite the connection area 16, which is connected to the cover 4 in a torque-transmitting manner (Fig. 1A-B) or can be connected to it (Fig.

[0068] 2-3). The connecting profile 23 has at least one axially extending radial projection for engaging with the cover 4. More precisely, there are four radial projections.

[0069] The actuator arrangement 10 includes a control unit 21, which is designed to control the electric motor 11 and preferably to detect a rotation angle and a temperature. The control unit 21 includes a sensor 22 designed as a Hall sensor, which can detect a rotation angle of the output shaft 14. Opposite the Hall sensor, a magnet 30 is located on the transmission shaft 13 at a distance of less than 5 mm from the Hall sensor, in particular with a distance or gap to the sensor 22 of 1 mm. The magnet 30 rotates with the transmission shaft 13. The control unit 21 can prevent the cover 4 from pivoting if the temperature measured by the control unit 21 falls below a limit temperature, for example, the freezing point at 0°C or a limit temperature of less than 0°C. The control unit 21, together with the sensor 22 and a temperature sensor, is fixed in the actuator housing 5.The control unit 21 can also be externally contacted or energized via connection 6 in order to energize the actuator assembly 10. The actuator assembly 10 is designed to provide a torque of at least 2 Nm at the output shaft 14.

[0070] In the present case, the output shaft 14 rotates by less than 360° between the covering position and the open position, preferably less than 270° or less than 180°.

[0071] In the connection area 16, a locking element 17 is located as a connecting means for the shafts 13, 14 for forces in the axial direction, which secures the transmission shaft 13 and the output shaft 14 in the axial direction of the shafts 13, 14 (in the Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0072] The plane of Fig. 2 (the right-left direction) defines the orientation of the two parts. The locking element 17 is a clamp which, in this case, is inserted radially into a second recess 18 of the transmission shaft 13.

[0073] The transmission shaft 13 has a first recess 15 facing the output shaft 14. For torque transmission, the output shaft 14 has a profile 20 facing the first recess 15. The output shaft 14 is inserted into the first recess 15, and thanks to the profile 20, torque transmission between the shafts 13 and 14 can take place. The profile 20 is shown in more detail in Fig. 3A-B. The first recess 15 has a profile corresponding to the profile 20.

[0074] The first recess 15 has a depth that is greater in the axial direction than the profile 20 arranged or to be arranged in the first recess 15. This creates axial movement of the shafts 13, 14 relative to each other, for example so that the output shaft 14 can move further into the transmission shaft 13 and can be pulled out again.

[0075] Fig. 3A-B shows the transmission shaft 13, the output shaft 14 and the locking element 17.

[0076] The locking element 17 is a one-piece element that is flexible, for example made of metal, preferably steel, to allow axial movement between the shafts. The locking element 17 has a ring shape with an opening at one point for reversible expansion. The locking element 17 can be understood as a spring or a spring clip.

[0077] Fig. 3A shows that the transmission shaft 13 has the second recess 18 and the output shaft 14 has a recess 19. The second recess 18 is essentially an opening in the first recess 15, in particular in a wall formed by the first recess 15, wherein the second recess Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0078] The second recess 18 extends essentially in the radial and circumferential directions. It is located at the edge or on a wall of the first recess 15 to provide lateral access to the first recess 15 for the locking element 17.

[0079] The recess 19 is a groove circumferential on the output shaft 14, for example for a retaining ring or the locking element 17. The locking element 17 can be inserted radially through the second recess 18 to engage the output shaft 14.

[0080] With reference to Fig. 3B, it can be seen that the locking element 17 engages in the second recess 18 and in the recess 19, providing a positive locking connection between shafts 13 and 14 in the axial direction. The locking element 17 engages only partially in the recess 19 in the radial direction, or rather, is only immersed in the recess 19 in its inner part. The locking element 17 therefore projects radially from the output shaft 14, thus ensuring axial overlap with the transmission shaft 13. The locking element 17 grips the output shaft 14 under tension.

[0081] Only with a sufficiently large axial force (i.e., the shafts 13, 14 are pulled apart or pushed together, e.g., when the charging connector vibrates or when the cover 4 is manually actuated) can the output shaft 14 be pulled out of the transmission shaft 13 or pushed in further; in such a case, the locking element 17 can spring out of the recess 19 and allow the axial movement, at least temporarily, and upon corresponding return movement, automatically re-engage in the recess 19 through elastic deformation. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0082] Reference symbol list

[0083] 1 charging connector

[0084] 2 cases

[0085] 3 charging contacts

[0086] 4 Cover

[0087] 5 actuator housings

[0088] 6 connection

[0089] 7 lids

[0090] 10 Actuator arrangement

[0091] 11 Electric motor

[0092] 12 gearboxes

[0093] 13, 13.1, 13.2 Shaft, Gear shaft

[0094] 14 Shaft, transmission shaft, output shaft 15 First recess (of 13)

[0095] 16 Connection area

[0096] 17 Safety element

[0097] 18 second recess (of 13)

[0098] 19 exceptions (out of 14)

[0099] 20 profiles (out of 14)

[0100] 21 Control

[0101] 22 Sensor

[0102] 23 connection profile (out of 14)

[0103] Level 24

[0104] Level 25

[0105] Level 26

[0106] 27 Gearing

[0107] 30 Magnet

Claims

Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Patent claims 1. Charging connector (1) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a housing (2), Charging contacts (3) arranged in the housing (2), which can be contacted by corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector, a pivotable cover (4) which, in a covering position, covers the charging contacts (3) and, in an open position, exposes the charging contacts (3), and an actuator arrangement (10) for pivoting the cover (4) and with an electric motor (11) and a gearbox (12) connected to the electric motor (11), wherein the gearbox (12) has a gearbox shaft (13) which receives torque from the electric motor (11) and an output shaft (14) connected to the cover (4), the transmission shaft (13) and the output shaft (14) are arranged coaxially and are connected to each other in a connection area (16) in a torque-transmitting manner, and In the connection area (16) an elastic locking element (17) is provided that secures the transmission shaft (13) and the output shaft (14) to each other in the axial direction.

2. Charging connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the transmission shaft (13) has a first recess (15) facing the output shaft (14), into which the output shaft (14) is inserted for torque transmission, and wherein the output shaft (14) has a profile (20) facing the first recess (15) for torque transmission. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft 3. Charging connector (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first recess (15) has a depth which is greater in the axial direction than the profile (20) arranged in the first recess (15).

4. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (17) engages in a second recess (18) of the transmission shaft (13) and in a recess (19) of the output shaft (14) and provides a positive locking connection between the transmission shaft (13) and the output shaft (14) in the axial direction.

5. Charging connector (1) according to claim 4, wherein the locking element (17) is inserted radially into the second recess (18) and the recess (19) and engages the output shaft (14) under tension.

6. Charging connector (1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the recess (19) extends circumferentially and the locking element (17) engages in the recess (19) only partially in the radial direction and / or projects radially from the output shaft (14), and preferably, wherein the recess (19) is a groove.

7. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection area (16) is arranged adjacent to and / or in the middle of a toothing (27) of the transmission shaft (13).

8. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gearbox (12) has at least one helical and / or axially parallel gear pair, and / or is designed in two or three stages and translates from the electric motor (11) to a slow speed. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft 9. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output shaft (14) opposite the connection area (16) has a connecting profile (23) projecting outwards in particular, which is connected to the cover (4) in a torque-transmitting manner.

10. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit (21) designed to control the electric motor (11) and preferably to detect an angle of rotation and / or a temperature.

11. Charging connector (1) according to claim 10, wherein the control (21) has a sensor (22) which detects an angle of rotation of the transmission (12), in particular of the output shaft (14).

12. Charging connector (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sensor (22) is a Hall sensor and the transmission shaft (13) has a magnet (30) opposite the Hall sensor.

13. Charging connector (1 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the control (21) has a temperature sensor and the control (21) is configured to prevent the pivoting of the cover (4) below a limit temperature.

14. Charging connector (1) according to claims 10 to 13, wherein the control (21), the sensor (22) and / or temperature sensor is / are arranged in an actuator housing (5) of the actuator arrangement (10).

15. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator arrangement (10) is designed to provide a torque on the output shaft (14) of at least 0.5 Nm, preferably at least 1 Nm, in particular at least 2 Nm.

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