Vehicle Charging Socket with Multi-Position Latching for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging connection systems for vehicles require large installation spaces and allow only round shapes due to the need for rotational movement, making them unsuitable for diverse charging systems and complicating the compensation for tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A charging connection element with a charging socket and a sealing element featuring a first latching element and a second latching element that can latch in multiple positions, utilizing a saw-tooth toothing system to adjust and secure the distance between them, allowing for flexible compensation of tolerances and reduced installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bayonet catch connection is used, then rotational movement is enabled, but only round shapes are possible and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate latching elements on the charging socket and corresponding latching elements on the sealing element, allowing independent positioning and connection without requiring rotational movement or round shapes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotational bayonet catch mechanism, the patent employs a linear latching system where latching elements engage in multiple latching positions along a connection direction, inverting the traditional rotational connection approach
2Reliability
If sealing elements are used to compensate tolerances, then sealing is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed to be positionable at multiple latching positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the distance between charging socket and sealing element to compensate for tolerances while maintaining compact installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The distance parameter between the charging socket and sealing element can be varied by selecting different latching positions, enabling tolerance compensation through parameter adjustment rather than increasing overall installation space
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple latching positions are provided, then tolerance compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into discrete latching positions with corresponding latching elements, simplifying the overall structure while enabling multiple positioning options for tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements automatically engage at appropriate latching positions during assembly, providing self-aligning tolerance compensation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or additional components
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging connection element (1) of a vehicle (10), for connection to a charging apparatus, comprising a charging socket (2) for receiving electrical connectors (14), and comprising a sealing element (3) for sealing off the charging socket (2) from other components of the vehicle (10), wherein the charging socket (2) has a first latching element (4) and the sealing element (3) has a second latching element (5), wherein the first latching element (4) and the second latching element (5) can be latched relative to one another in a large number of different latching positions in order to prevent the charging socket (2) and the sealing element (3) from becoming detached, and wherein different distances between the charging socket (2) and the sealing element (3) are defined by the different latching positions.