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) for pivoting the cover (4) and having an electric motor (11) and a gear mechanism (12) connected to the electric motor (11). The gear mechanism (12) has an output shaft (14) connected to the cover (4), the output shaft (14) and / or a gear shaft (13) of the gear mechanism (12) has a depression (15), and the actuator arrangement (10) has a latching device (17) which is designed to engage in the depression (15) in order to secure at least one rotational position of the gear mechanism (12).

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 according 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 an output shaft connected to the cover,

[0015] the output shaft and / or a transmission shaft of the gearbox has a recess,

[0016] The actuator assembly has a locking device designed to engage in the recess to secure at least one rotational position of the gearbox. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[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 mechanism, the actuator assembly is held more securely in the rotational position corresponding to the cover's position.

[0019] A locking mechanism for the gearbox is proposed, for example, which prevents rotation by engaging a radial recess, groove, or bore in a gearbox shaft or output shaft. The locking position can correspond to the covering position, thus ensuring that the covering position is held more securely. The locking mechanism can engage reversibly in the gearbox, for instance, so that it automatically releases when sufficient force is applied, either by an electric motor or manually. The locking mechanism is, for example, a simple mechanism designed for engagement. For instance, the locking mechanism can engage in the recess when it comes into contact with it. With sufficient force, the locking mechanism can disengage from the recess. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0020] The advantages and technical effects of the invention mentioned above are further developed in preferred embodiments.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 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.

[0023] 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. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0024] 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 arranged transversely, perpendicularly, or parallel to the output shaft. The output shaft can be made of plastic and / or metal.

[0025] The torque at the output shaft is preferably greater than the torque provided by the electric motor, whereas the speed of the output shaft is preferably smaller than that of the electric motor.

[0026] 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.

[0027] An electric motor is understood to be an electric machine or an electromechanical converter that can convert electrical power into mechanical power. A DC electric motor is preferably used. A rotor of the electric motor can be driven to transmit torque (directly or indirectly) to the transmission shaft. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0028] or to provide it directly or indirectly to the output shaft. The rotor preferably runs parallel to the axis of the transmission shaft or output shaft.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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. The cover has, for example, a lever or arm section for connecting 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, e.g., 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.

[0031] In an advantageous further development, the actuator arrangement includes an actuator housing. The locking device can be arranged, and in particular fixed, within the actuator housing. The actuator housing can at least partially accommodate the other components of the actuator arrangement. The locking device can be fixed to the gearbox along with the actuator housing. The locking device can be formed on the actuator housing. Thus, a Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0032] Protection is provided for the locking mechanism. The actuator housing can be made of plastic and is, in particular, an injection-molded part.

[0033] The detent device preferably includes a spring element. The spring element can be a coil spring and / or made of metal to ensure maximum durability and / or to provide at least an approximately linear spring characteristic. The detent device can have a detent point designed to engage in the recess. The spring element can actuate the detent point, in particular pressing it in the direction of the transmission, more precisely the drive shaft and / or the transmission shaft with the recess. For example, the detent point is arranged on the spring element. The detent point can be a sphere. The detent point can have a spherical shape and / or a convex shape, or be convex at least partially. The detent point can be made of plastic or metal. The detent point can be pressed against the transmission and, during operation of the transmission, enter the recess and slide out of it.The components of the locking mechanism can be pressed out. They can be individually or all enclosed within the actuator housing. In particular, this allows for a durable, reliable, and wear-resistant locking mechanism.

[0034] A base may be provided for the spring element and / or the detent tip, or for receiving the spring element and / or the detent tip. The detent device may include the base. The base may also be part of the actuator housing, in particular, it may be formed integrally with the actuator housing. The spring element can be secured via the base so that it can be compressed and extended in a controlled manner. The base may have a bore for the spring element. If the actuator housing is manufactured by injection molding, the base may be manufactured together with the actuator housing. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0035] The locking mechanism can include a retaining element for holding the locking tip and / or the spring element. The retaining element can be fixed or fixable to the actuator housing and / or the base. For example, the retaining element can be secured by means of a bayonet fitting. The base can have one or more projections to engage with the retaining element in a positive fit or to form the bayonet fitting. The retaining element can be fixed – preferably by accommodating the spring element and / or locking tip – e.g., clipped, inserted, or screwed in place. The retaining element can be at least partially sleeve-shaped and / or hollow. The retaining element can have a recess and / or bore for the locking tip. For example, the locking tip can be received by the retaining element and protrude from the recess / bore and be subjected to force from the rear by the spring element.This allows the locking mechanism to act on the gearbox for a long time and makes it robust against external influences.

[0036] The transmission shaft and the output shaft can be arranged coaxially. The transmission shaft and the output shaft can be connected to each other in a torque-transmitting joint, preferably by being inserted into one another. The transmission shaft and the output shaft can preferably be telescopic to compensate for axial impacts on the output shaft. The transmission, particularly together with the detent mechanism, can be housed or mounted in the actuator housing. A preferably flexible locking element can axially secure the transmission shaft and the output shaft to each other.

[0037] In the connection area, the shafts can be connected by means of a fastener or a locking element, for example, to transmit axial forces (e.g., impact forces) via the locking element. The locking element can be a clamp. The locking element can be inserted radially into a recess. The locking element can be Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0038] be elastic or flexible, e.g. to compensate for or dampen an overload.

[0039] The connection area can be located adjacent to and / or within the teeth of the transmission shaft. Specifically, 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0042] 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 embedded in the actuator housing. The control unit allows the charging connector, and in particular the actuator assembly, to be more independent of the hybrid vehicle and, for example, does not require an external control unit.

[0043] 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 output shaft can telescope creates a very reliable angle measurement and the sensor is well protected. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0044] 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 predefined 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. The controller may also be configured to receive a predefined threshold value. In particular, the controller may be configured to allow the cover to pivot only when the predefined temperature threshold has been reached or exceeded.This prevents the cover from being swung and potentially damaged at excessively low temperatures or with materials that are too brittle.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 to a slower speed. In particular, a gear ratio of 30 < i < 150, preferably 60 < i, is required. <Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0047] 120, in particular 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 input in the range of 25 watts to 250 watts to provide sufficient torque and sufficiently fast actuation.

[0048] Furthermore, an actuator arrangement is proposed for a charging connector for an electric or hybrid vehicle for moving, in particular pivoting, a cover of the charging connector and for use with an electric motor and, 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 for moving, in particular pivoting, a cover of the charging connector is proposed.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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".

[0051] The invention is explained in further detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the drawings, wherein Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0052] Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical structural and / or functional features.

[0053] The drawings show

[0054] Fig. 1A-B shows a charging connector with an actuator arrangement in a perspective view, shown with housing (A) and without housing (B),

[0055] Fig. 2 shows the actuator arrangement in a top view, shown without the cover of the actuator arrangement.

[0056] Fig. 3A-B Parts of the actuator arrangement in a perspective view (A) and in two partial perspective views (B), and

[0057] Fig. 4A-B shows the locking device engaging in a recess of an output shaft in two partial, perspective views.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In Fig. 1A-B, 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. 1A-B, thus providing access to the charging contacts 3. The charging contacts 3 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0060] The corresponding charging contacts of a corresponding charging connector can be contacted when the cover 4 is in the open position. The cover 4 has a flat section and a lever section. A pivot axis of the cover 4 corresponds to the axis of rotation of an output shaft 14 and runs parallel to the flat section.

[0061] 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 in the actuator housing 5; these will be described in more detail below.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0064] In addition to the shafts 13 and 14 described above, the transmission 12 has further transmission shafts 13.2 and 13.1, 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The actuator arrangement 10 includes a control unit 21, which is designed to control the electric motor 11 and preferably to detect an angle of rotation and a temperature. The control unit 21 includes a sensor 22 designed as a Hall sensor, which can detect an angle of rotation 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 at a distance of 1 mm from the sensor 22. The magnet 30 rotates with the transmission shaft 13. The control unit 21 can prevent the pivoting of the cover 4 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 is connected to the SensorKiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0068] 22 and a temperature sensor in the actuator housing 5. The control unit 21 can also be contacted or energized externally via the terminal 6 to power the actuator assembly 10. The actuator assembly 10 is designed to provide a torque of at least 2 Nm at the output shaft 14.

[0069] 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°.

[0070] In the connection area 16, a locking element is located to connect the shafts 13 and 14 for axial forces, securing the transmission shaft 13 and the output shaft 14 to each other in the axial direction of the shafts 13 and 14 (in the plane of Fig. 2, the right-left direction). The locking element is a clamp that is inserted radially into the shafts 13 and 14.

[0071] The actuator arrangement 10 has a detent device 17 which is designed to engage in the output shaft 14 to secure a rotational position of the gearbox that corresponds to the covering position.

[0072] As can be seen in Fig. 3A-B, the locking device 17 is fixed to the actuator housing 5 and acts on the output shaft 14. A base 29 formed on the actuator housing 5 receives the locking device 17. A retaining element 28 of the locking device 17 is secured to the base 29 by means of a bayonet fitting.

[0073] The locking device 17 has a spring element 18 and a spherical locking tip 19, which are held in or on the base 29 by the retaining element 28. The locking tip 19 can be pressed in against the spring force of the spring element 18. The spring force ensures that the locking tip 19 is pushed out of the retaining element 28 as far as possible. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0074] The retaining element 28 is preferably hollow in order to accommodate the base 29, spring element 18 and / or locking tip 19, at least partially.

[0075] The retaining element 28, for example, has a recess or bore that corresponds to the detent tip 19 and is smaller than the detent tip 19. This allows the detent tip to be retained within the retaining element 28 while still protruding from it. In this way, the detent tip 19 can rotate as a ball within the retaining element 28, thereby reducing friction.

[0076] Opposite the detent point 19, the gearbox 10, more precisely the output shaft 14, is provided with a recess 15, which can be seen in Fig. 4A-B.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 4A-B, it can be seen that the recess 15 is a radial material retraction on the output shaft 14. The recess 15 also extends over the circumference of the output shaft 14, but this extension is at most 20° or at most 10° of the circumference.

[0078] In this case, the recess corresponds to the detent tip 19 in such a way that the detent tip 19 strikes the recess 15 when the output shaft 14 is rotated in both directions, or strikes within a rotation of 20°, 10°, 5° or less.

[0079] The depth of the recess 15 in the radial direction is preferably less than the radius of the detent tip 19, so that the detent tip 19 can slide out of the recess 15 or the detent can be released.

[0080] The locking device 17 engages in only one position of the entire movement range of the cover 4, in particular the covering position. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0081] Not shown is an embodiment in which the recess is arranged in a different transmission shaft than the output shaft, namely, with reference to the present embodiment, for example in the transmission shaft 13, 13.1 and / or 13.2 and / or directly on the electric motor 11. 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 Recess

[0095] 16 Connection area

[0096] 17 Resting device

[0097] 18 spring element

[0098] 19 Rastspitze

[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] 28 Retaining element

[0108] 29 sockets

[0109] 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 an output shaft (14) connected to the cover (4), the output shaft (14) and / or a transmission shaft (13) of the transmission (12) has a recess (15), and the actuator arrangement (10) has a locking device (17) which is designed to engage in the recess (15) to secure at least one rotational position of the gearbox (12).

2. Charging connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device (17) is arranged in an actuator housing (5) of the actuator arrangement (10).

3. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (17) has a spring element (18) and a locking tip (19) provided for engaging in the recess (15) and spring-loaded by means of the spring element (18), wherein the locking tip (19) is at least partially convex. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft 4. Charging connector (1 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the locking device (17) has a base (29) which is fixed in particular to the actuator housing (5) for receiving the spring element (18) and / or the locking tip (19).

5. Charging connector (1 ) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the locking device (17) has a retaining element (28) for retaining the locking tip (19) which is fixed to the actuator housing (5) and / or to the base (29), in particular by means of a bayonet lock.

6. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a / 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, preferably plugged into each other, preferably wherein the transmission (12) is received in the actuator housing (5).

7. Charging connector (1) according to claim 6, 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 stages or three stages and translates from the electric motor (11) into slow speed.

9. Charging connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output shaft (14), preferably 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. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft 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 the actuator housing (5).

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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