DE102010041362A1 - Charging device for charging rechargeable battery of electric car at charging station, has electrical connector mechanically connected with loading station in electrically conducting manner in one operating position - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an electrical connector (1) for forming an electrical interconnection with a charging station (7). The electrical connector is fixable at an electric car (6) by an attaching unit (5) in an operating position (A) such that a charging cable (8) is mechanically connected with the electrical connector in an electrically conducting manner. The electrical connector induces relative to the electric car and is mechanically connected with a loading station in an electrically conducting manner in another operating position.

Description

The invention relates to a charging device for an electric vehicle with a preferably attachable to the electric vehicle with fastening means electrical connector having the features of the preamble of the main claim.

An electric vehicle is an electric vehicle that is powered by an electric motor. The electric motor draws its power via an energy storage, eg. B. battery or battery, which is housed in the electric vehicle. The battery must be recharged after a discharge. For charging the battery is a charging device in the context of the present invention. The charging device may be part of the electric vehicle or part of a charging station. If the battery of an electric vehicle to be charged, the charger of a charging station with the charger of an electric vehicle is mechanically and electrically connected. Afterwards, the battery can be recharged with the help of electrical power supplied by the charging station.

From the publication DE 10 2009 052 366 A1 goes out a charging device of an electric vehicle, which on the one hand a socket or a charging socket and on the other hand comprises a charging plug, which is connected to an electric cable. Charging plug and charging socket are housed behind one or two covers of the body of the electric vehicle. For charging, the charging plug can be pulled out after opening the corresponding cover and plugged into a socket. Conversely, an external charging plug connected to an electric cable can be plugged into the socket of the electric vehicle to charge the electric vehicle. From this document DE 10 2009 052 366 A1 There are several ways to fit the electric cable in the electric vehicle. Thus, a drum is proposed with indentation on which the electric cable can be wound up. Spring forces can be provided in order to be able to move an electric cable into an interior space. Optionally, a servomotor may additionally be provided. In the socket of the motor vehicle, the charging plug of the motor vehicle is plugged in, if not charged, so as to fix the charging plug when not in use.

It is therefore known, via a separate charging cable - similar to an electrical extension cable - to connect a current charging station with an electrical connector to an electric vehicle. It is also known to accommodate the electric cable similar to a vacuum cleaner on a spring-loaded drum in the electric vehicle so that the plug can be easily pulled out and guided to the charging station.

It is intended to make the electrical connectors on the electric vehicle and the charging station so different that a connection by means of a charging cable is possible, but not several charging cables can be inserted one behind the other. This limitation to short charging cable lengths is required for safety reasons because of the high currents. However, this also limits the flexibility in the use of the electrical connection, as couplings do not match.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for a simple charging of an electric vehicle.

To solve the problem, a charging device with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The charging device according to the invention according to claim 1 may be part of an electric vehicle or part of a charging station, which is able to supply the electricity for charging an electric vehicle. The charging station may supply DC and / or AC, for example in the form of three-phase current for charging the battery of an electric vehicle. The charging device comprises a plurality of electrical contacts (connectors) for connection to electrical contacts of a charging device corresponding thereto. If the claimed charging device is mechanically and electrically connected as part of a charging station with a corresponding charging device of an electric vehicle, then the battery of the electric vehicle can be charged. For example, the charging device comprises on the one hand electrical contacts which serve for charging with direct current, and on the other hand electrical contacts which serve for charging with alternating current. In addition, the charging device may comprise electrical contacts for control purposes or other secondary purposes, such as the supply of power to an electric drive or electrical locking device. An electrical and mechanical connection here means that the electrical connectors are reliable, ie secured against accidental falling out and the charging current can flow.

The charging device for an electric vehicle comprises an electrical connector preferably fastened to the electric vehicle with fastening means. This corresponds to the prior art with a fixed or removable charging socket. This serves establishing an electrical connection with a remote from the electric vehicle charging station. In this case, the electrical connector is necessarily electrically connected to the electric vehicle via an electric cable, in practice usually with a charge controller or directly to the battery or the battery for charging. The electric cable can be a fixed wiring in the interior of the electric vehicle, which is connected to the fixed electrical connector. However, it may also be a pull-out electrical cable electrical cable, which can be pulled out of the electric vehicle together with the electrical connector.

According to the invention, it is now provided that the charging device is designed such that the electrical connector can be selectively brought into at least two operating positions. The two operating positions are, in particular, two different plug depths or contact depths of, for example, 34 mm and 44 mm. So it can be flexible, yes, depending on local conditions both with an external charging cable and without an external charging cable z. B. at a gas station or with a charging station electrically and mechanically connected. The external charging cable has at its two ends then also basically the two operating positions, ie in particular two different connector depths or contact depths of, for example, 34 mm and 44 mm. Expressed colloquially, the idea lies in the fact that a plug that hangs on an automatically retracting electrical cable of the electric vehicle, at the same time can also serve as a fixed charging socket and preferably can adopt different mating plug compatibility modes. There are then at least two different connection options for charging with electricity available. The external electric cable

In the first above-mentioned connection possibility with the external electric cable, the electrical connector is brought in one embodiment in a first operating position in which the electrical connector is fixed to the electric vehicle, that the external charging cable can be mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical connector. In the second above-mentioned connection possibility without using an external electric cable, the electrical connector is brought into a second operating position, in which the electrical connector moves relative to the electric vehicle and with a charging station ( 7 ) can be mechanically and electrically connected.

Thus, in one embodiment, there is always a charging cable which can be conveniently pulled out of an electric vehicle and which the driver can not lose or have to search for. This can be used to bridge the usual distances - usually typical of filling stations - from the electric vehicle to the charging station. Thus, the electrical connector is loosened and pulled out of the electric vehicle attachment behind the electric cable. He is plugged into the charging station, which is referred to here as the second operating position. If, for example, an electrical connector of the charging station is designed for a insertion depth of 44 mm, then the insertion depth of the vehicle-side electrical connector in the second operating position is 44 mm.

Alternatively, the same vehicle-side electrical connector can be used to be used as a firmly mounted on the electric vehicle connector. The electrical connector is fixed for this purpose in one embodiment on the electric vehicle via detachable fastening means, so that an external charging cable can be inserted into the electrical connector, without having to hold the vehicle-side electrical connector by hand. In this first operating position it serves as a permanently installed charging socket. This allows the use of an external suitable charging cable, the use of which requires the first operating position in the electric vehicle. The use of an external electric cable can, for. B. may be required to be able to bridge longer distances to the charging station due to unfavorable structural conditions. The external electric cable can therefore be designed, for example, with a higher cross-section. This also allows the automatic connection by robot arms, which expose the vehicle-side electrical connector and connect with an external charging cable. The invention therefore allows both modes with less space, especially in the optically visible area of the body in comparison to the solution DE 10 2009 052 366 A1 ,

Also, the at least two operating positions can be used to charge the battery of an electric vehicle with the help of another electric vehicle, so as to be able to provide roadside assistance.

Preferably, an opening is provided in a surface of the electric vehicle, in which the electrical connector is positioned in the first operating position (A). When connecting the charging cable, the electrical connector is thus easily accessible. Preferably, it is inconspicuously arranged in a recessed position. This is especially true when a detachable, preferably hinged cover is provided at the opening, behind which the electrical connector is hidden in the first operating position and thus protected against vision and environmental influences. Preferably, a fuel cap flap is provided as a cover, which can preferably hide further connections, in particular electrical plugs or sockets or filler necks for fuels. The usual tank flap covered Thus, several connections and the usual appearance of motor vehicles is not changed.

If preferably the electric cable is extendable, in particular against a spring force and / or the electric cable, for example, can be wound on an electric cable drum, the electric cable is always safe and well managed and stored. Kinks are avoided and the usual comfort of the vacuum cleaner cable is guaranteed. If, preferably, the electrical cable can be pulled out through the opening, in particular the fuel filler flap can cover this opening. The electric cable is on the one hand easily accessible and on the other hand housed protected.

The following embodiment takes into account the flexibility limitations that arise when the electrical connectors on the electric vehicle and the charging station are designed differently to prevent plugging several similar charging cable in a row:
Preferably, the electrical connector according to the invention has switching means which cause it to be selectively connected to a first mating connector, e.g. B. the vehicle-side end of an external charging cable, or a second Gegenkonnektor, z. B. the socket on the charging station is compatible. Compatibility here means that a mechanical and electrically conductive connection can be established between the components. The electrical connector can thus "switch over" to avoid incompatibilities.

Preferably, the electrical connector is optionally compatible only with the first mating connector or the second mating connector, but not with both simultaneously. This prevents incorrect operation.

Suitable switching means are here in particular movable between two positions movable barriers or electrical contacts. These can be done manually, d. H. be activated deliberately by an action of the user regardless of the position of the electrical connector. Thus, advantageously, the electrical connector can be released and pulled out with the electric cable from the electric vehicle and adapted to the available Gegenkonnektor.

Preferably, the switching means are configured such that the electrical connector is compatible with the first mating connector when the electrical connector is in the first operating position and / or the electrical connector is compatible with the second mating connector when the electrical connector is in the second operating position. Thus, the electrical connector is always compatible with the counterpart connector located at the corresponding operating position. This switching can be seen manually or automatically.

Preferably, however, the switching means are designed to be switchable automatically and switch over as soon as the electrical connector changes its position. This can be z. B. be as soon as the electrical connector leaves a first position or is connected to the first or second Gegenkonnektor or disconnected from this. Automatic switching here means that no additional conscious action of the operator is necessary, but the switching takes place automatically, for. B. when loosening or inserting the electrical connector or in the fastener. The switching can be done by an electric motor or by spring force. The easiest way is if z. B. when inserting in vehicle-mounted fasteners switching, for example, takes place against a spring tension and when releasing from the fastener, for example, provides a released spring force for a renewed switching.

Preferably, the switching means are designed such that different insertion depths can be effected in the connection between the electrical connector and the Gegenkonnektoren, which provides additional security against incorrect operation. For this purpose, the switching means may preferably have a plurality of pins or bushings which are movable in the axial direction, that is shortened or extendable, to selectively effect an electrically conductive connection with corresponding mating bushes or counter-pins of the first mating connector or the second mating connector.

In one embodiment, the second mating connector is a power connection of the charging station, ie a current-giving socket.

Matching the first counter connector forms the one end of an external charging cable. The other end of the external charging cable is compatible with the second mating connector. This is one way to increase the flexibility described above.

It is expressly emphasized that the invention also applies mutatis mutandis in reverse order, d. H. claimed as part of a charging station with withdrawable electrical connector. It would be in the corresponding description parts and the corresponding claims only the terms "vehicle" and "charging station" to swap where they serve as position information for the electrical connectors and electrical cables.

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Likewise, according to the invention, the features mentioned above and even further can be used individually or in any desired combinations with one another. The mentioned embodiments are not exhaustive and have exemplary character.

1 shows a detail of an electric vehicle 6 with a charging device according to the invention, with a charging station 7 can be electrically connected. The electric vehicle 6 includes a battery 4 , which in this case has a charge controller 3 and one in the vehicle 6 housed electric cable 2 with a vehicle-side electrical connector 1 connected is. The electrical connector 1 is located in the area of the surface of the body and is in an opening provided therein 61 appropriate. The opening 61 is with a hinged gas cap flap 62 closed, as long as no charging cable is connected or the electrical connector 1 not pulled out.

The inventive electrical connector 1 is about a suitable fastener 5 , z. B. a correspondingly shaped holder, magnetic contacts, clamping contacts, actuator with movable latch or the like on the vehicle, here within the opening 61 and below the flap 62 , held that a corresponding mating contact piece 81 an external charging cable 8th can be connected to this. The electrical connector 1 Similar to a fixed connection to the vehicle socket is anchored to conventional electric vehicles in the tank flap, so that the driver the counter connector 81 of the charging cable 8th can easily plug in, without the other hand, the electrical connector 1 to have to hold. So it can be connected, for example, with just one hand. The electrical connector 1 is thus in the first operating position A and has in this example, a contact depth or plug depth of 34 mm. The other end 82 of the charging cable 8th is in a corresponding counterconnector 71 the charging station 7 plugged in, so that the charging process can be done. For a joining of the end 82 with the counterconnector 71 For example, a connector depth or a contact depth of 44 mm may be required. The charging cable 8th can with the end 82 alternatively also fixed with the charging station 7 be connected that a plug connection would be present.

2 shows another connection possibility of the same vehicle 1 , This is not, however, of the separate, external charging cable 8th Made use of. Rather, the electrical connector 1 from the fasteners 5 solved and together with his electric cable 2 out of the vehicle 6 pulled out, which is present through the opening 61 in which previously the electrical connector was positioned takes place.

The electrical connector 1 is then in the second operating position B, in which the electrical connector occupies, for example, a contact depth or plug depth of 44 mm. In the second operating position B, the electrical connector 1 therefore directly mechanically and electrically with the electrical connector of the charging station 7 get connected. The electrical connector 1 will be in the Befestigungsmitttel after loading again 5 returned, with the electric cable 2 for example, by the above measures or, for example, due to on the electric cable 2 on the vehicle side adjacent, electrically driven rollers retracts independently. The fasteners 5 For example, may have releasable snap-in connections and springs, so that, for example, when inserting the electrical connector, a spring is tensioned and the fastening means 5 engage. To release the electrical connector, the latching connection must be solved, which is moved by the stored spring force of the electrical connector to the driver, which facilitates withdrawal of the electrical connector.

In the 1 and 2 have the two counter connectors 81 . 71 different connection dimensions, where in the electrical connector 1 switching 11 are provided, which ensure that the electrical connector assumes a different configuration depending on the operating position A or B and optionally to the first or second mating connector 81 . 71 is compatible.

3 exemplifies the function of such a switching means 11 based on electrical connectors, namely pins 91 . 92 and jacks 93 , However, usually more switching means are necessary. In the 3 under A) and B) shown on the right 93 are as long sockets, z. B. configured with an insertion depth of 44 mm and are part of a charging socket on a charging station. These long charging sockets 93 require to connect to matching long pins 91 , also with a insertion depth of 44 mm. In order to bring about an electrical connection, one end of an electric cable connected to the vehicle can now be connected to the pin 91 to the long socket 93 the charging station are introduced (dashed arrow) and plugged into this.

In b), however, the case is shown that an extension cable 94 with incompatible jacks 94A and pins 94A is used. The socket 94A has a smaller insertion depth, z. B. 34 mm, compared with the large socket 93 at the charging station. This therefore requires a matching short pin on the vehicle side 92 , of the for example, also has a connector depth of 34 mm. To connect now has the short socket 94a of the charging cable 94 to the matching short pen 92 the vehicle-side electrical connector are introduced. This results in the necessity that the vehicle-side electrical connector has a pin which optionally as a long pin 91 or a short pen 92 can be trained. This can be achieved, for example, by a conductive pin which is movably mounted in the axial direction 95 according to 3C ) will be realized. The electrically conductive pin 95 is in a housing 111 slidably disposed in the axial direction by the length L, wherein springs or other return elements may be provided which the pin 95 in one or the other position in the absence of other forces can force. Alternatively or additionally, moving the pen 95 electromagnetically, electromotively or with the aid of a shape memory alloy done electrically between the two positions. It is essential that the pen 95 by appropriate measures, for. B. sliding contacts or a cable connection can be connected to a power line; the current fed in on the right-hand side must therefore switch to another location 11 can leave again. In this case, preferably, a cylindrical section 96 be provided, which has a larger cross section than the pin 95 Thus, over the resulting larger contact surface with the housing 111 a lower electrical contact resistance can be generated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

electrical connector

11

switching

111

Housing of the switching means

2

electric cable

3

charge controller

4

battery

5

fastener

6

electric vehicle

61

opening

62

filler door

7

charging station

71

second counterconnector

8th

charge cable

81

first counterconnector

82

other end of the charging cable

A

first operating position

B

second operating position

91

long pen

92

short pen

93

long socket

94

charge cable

94A

short socket on the charging cable

94B

long pin on the charging cable

95

moving pen

96

cylindrical section

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009052366 A1 [0003, 0003, 0013]

Claims (15)

Charging device ( 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ) for an electric vehicle ( 6 ) with an electrical connector ( 1 ) for establishing an electrical connection with a charging station ( 7 ), characterized in that the electrical connector ( 1 ) optionally in at least two operating positions (A, B) can be brought, in particular - in a first operating position (A), in which the electrical connector ( 1 ) on the electric vehicle by means of fastening means ( 5 ) is fixable that a charging cable ( 8th ) mechanically and electrically conductive with the electrical connector ( 1 ) can be connected; and - in a second operating position (B), in which the electrical connector ( 1 ) moved relative to the electric vehicle and with a charging station ( 7 ) can be mechanically and electrically connected. Charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connector in the first operating position has a different insertion depth or plug depth than in the second operating position, wherein the insertion depth or plug depth in the first position is preferably 34 mm and in the second position preferably 44 mm. Charging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an opening ( 61 ) is provided in a surface of the electric vehicle, in which the electrical connector is positioned in the first operating position (A), preferably in a recessed position and wherein in particular a detachable, preferably hinged cover ( 62 ) at the opening ( 61 ), behind which the electrical connector ( 1 ) is hidden in the first operating position (A). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a fuel cap flap as a cover for the electrical connector ( 1 ) is provided, which preferably also other connections, in particular electrical plugs or sockets or filler neck for fuels, can cover. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an electric cable connected to the electrical connector ( 2 ) extendable, in particular against a spring force and / or on an electric cable drum and / or through the opening ( 61 ) extendable through, is stored in an interior, in particular in an interior of the electric vehicle electric vehicle. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connector ( 1 ) Switching means ( 11 ), in particular between two positions movable movable barriers or electrical contacts, which cause the electrical connector ( 1 ) optionally with a first counterconnector ( 81 ) or a second counterconnector ( 71 ) is compatible. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when the electrical connector with the first counterconnector ( 81 ), it is not compatible with the second counterconnector ( 71 ) and / or if the electrical connector is compatible with the second mating connector, it is not compatible with the first mating connector. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means ( 11 ) are formed such that the electrical connector with the first counterconnector ( 81 ) is compatible when the electrical connector is in the first operating position (A) and / or the electrical connector with the second counter connector ( 71 ) is compatible when the electrical connector is in the second operating position (B). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means ( 11 ) are formed such that different insertion depths in the connection between the electrical connector ( 1 ) and the counterconnectors ( 81 . 71 ) can be effected, preferably a insertion depth of 34 mm and a insertion depth of 44 mm. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means are automatically activated as soon as the electrical connector leaves the first or second operating position (A, B) or with the first or second counterconnector ( 81 . 71 ) is connected or disconnected from this. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second counterconnector ( 71 ) a power connection of the charging station ( 7 ). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first counterconnector ( 81 ) one end of the charging cable ( 8th ) and the other end ( 82 ) of the charging cable ( 8th ) with the second counterconnector ( 71 ) is compatible. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means ( 11 ) have a plurality of pins or bushings, which are movable in the axial direction to selectively an electrically conductive connection with corresponding mating bushes or counter-pins of the first mating connector ( 81 ) or the second counterconnector ( 71 ) to effect. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric convector with the electric vehicle via an electric cable ( 2 ) electrically connected. Set with a charging device according to one of the preceding claims and an additional external charging cable, the charging cable in particular has two different plug and / or contact depths of, for example, 34 mm and 44 mm.

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