DE102013222509A1 - Charging module for charging electrical storage media of electrically powered motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging module (1) for the charging of electrical storage media at least temporarily electrically powered motor vehicles. For this purpose, an electrical plug-in connection for a vehicle external power supply is produced by means of a charging cable with a charging socket of the charging module (1). To ensure that the connector is not accidentally disconnected, the charging process is controlled so that for this purpose first an electrically actuated locking element is moved from an unlocking position into a plug-in connection mechanically locking locking position. An emergency unlocking device is used for manual movement of the locking element in its unlocked position in which the connector is detachable. For this purpose, an actuating element of the emergency unlocking device has a pivoting lever connected to the locking element, which is deflectable by a translational movement of a manually operable, entrainable tool (8). The translatory movement is predetermined in the orientation by a guide. As a result, the operation of the emergency release device can be done by means of a commercially available screwdriver.

Description

The invention relates to a charging module for the charging of electrical storage media at least temporarily electrically powered vehicles, with a connector for a vehicle external power supply, a between a locking position and an unlocking electromotive movable locking element for securing the connector in the locked position and with a manually actuated by means of an actuating element Emergency unlocking device for moving the locking element in its unlocked position in which the connector is detachable. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle equipped with such a loading module motor vehicle.

In times of scarce resources and climate change, electric and hybrid electric vehicles are regarded as hopes for private transport. In a typical charging situation, the electric and hybrid electric vehicle is connected to a local power grid and the on-board storage medium is charged from the local power grid. It is also desirable to charge the vehicle at locations other than the base station, for example, at a charging station of a parking facility or a business location. With these remote charging options, it is often desirable to protect the charging cable against unauthorized access during charging.

For this purpose, it is already known to use charging modules with a locking element for a provided with a connector charging cable in electric and hybrid electric vehicles to produce a safe and secure connection between the electrical power supply and the motor vehicle when charging the storage media. In particular, the charging cable is thereby secured against unintentional release of the connector during the charging process.

For this purpose, a corresponding charging socket of the connector is provided on the motor vehicle, in which the carried along with the vehicle or provided at a charging station charging cable can be inserted in order to connect the motor vehicle with the external power supply can.

It is to be prevented that the plug connection of the charging cable is unauthorized solved or this is stolen or the charging process is interrupted by third parties. The locking element also serves to protect against unwanted unauthorized current consumption for other vehicles or other purposes.

For this purpose, such locking elements between the charging cable connector and the corresponding charging socket are provided on the motor vehicle, which together form the connector and are controlled in particular via the vehicle electronics. In this case, it is possible in particular to make use of the safety system of the vehicle, such as the electric central locking or the immobilizer.

However, it can not be ruled out reliably that a fault, for example a failure of the controller or the vehicle electrics, impairs the function of the locking device, which means that the plug connection can no longer be disconnected by means of the controller. Thus, a further journey or towing the motor vehicle is excluded. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a manually operable emergency unlocking device that allows the user to bring the locking element itself to the unlocked position.

Such emergency release is for example from the DE 10 2011 050 783 A1 known. The locking device serves to lock and unlock a charging cable connector and has a movable locking means in the form of a longitudinally displaceable locking bolt or a locking lever and an electromechanical drive which drives the locking means. With the emergency release, the authorized operator can transfer the locking means from its locking position to its unlocked position. For this purpose, the emergency release from the vehicle interior is actuated or cooperates with a secure actuator, which is operated via a locking device, in particular a mechanical lock cylinder with a corresponding key or a traction means. For this purpose, the locking device, in particular the lock cylinder, accessible from the vehicle outside for the user. In order to produce a particularly secure mechanical connection between the locking means and the movable part, this is to be arranged such that the connection is not accessible from the outside, thus preventing manipulation from the outside.

The DE 10 2012 208 661 A1 already discloses a locking device for locking and unlocking a charging cable for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles and has a locking bolt which is adapted to lock the charging cable in the charging port during charging. The vehicle also has a hood lock, which is kinematically coupled by means of a traction means with the locking bolt.

The DE 10 2010 029 446 A1 relates to an actuator with a movable by means of an electric motor bolt. In addition, the actuator may include a lever with which the latch can be moved back mechanically from its extended position. If an intended for locking electrics or electronics is disturbed, the driver can manually operate from the interior of the lever of the actuator. Subsequently, a charging plug can be removed from a charging socket. In a simple embodiment, the lever consists of a bolt with a handle element attached thereto or an eyelet attached thereto for attaching a Bowden cable.

The DE 102 59 465 A1 discloses an actuator for a tank flap lock of a motor vehicle with an electric motor, which is able to rotate a spindle. A rotational movement of the spindle causes a linear displacement of a bolt. The latch is sealed to the outside by a bellows to protect the actuator from moisture and dirt.

From the DE 196 42 687 A1 An actuator is known with which the connection of a charging plug and a charging socket of an electric motor vehicle is locked.

A disadvantage proves in the described prior art that the manual operation of the emergency release is relatively cumbersome and in particular requires relatively accurate knowledge of handling. So it is often not possible for a person not familiar with the operation to intuitively operate the emergency release. Furthermore, known systems are often designed so that the operation of the emergency release device is reserved for a person with access to the interior, so that it is not possible, for example rescue workers to achieve a quick operation of the emergency release.

Against this background, the invention has the object to perform a loading module of the type mentioned in such a way that the emergency release can be quickly, easily and without an attached to a key or a transponder, individual access authorization can be operated. Furthermore, a vehicle equipped with such a loading module motor vehicle is to be created.

The first object is achieved with a loading module according to the features of claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly expedient developments of the invention.

According to the invention, therefore, a charging module is provided in which the charging module to the vehicle outside a plug-out compound cover, the actuating element of the emergency unlocking device is positioned on the vehicle interior facing side of the cover and the cover directed to this actuator guide through the cover for a having defined translational movement of a tool, by which a manual actuation force is transferable to the actuating element of the emergency release device. As a result, a more intuitive operation of the emergency release is possible in a surprisingly simple manner, which is readily understandable not only familiar to the vehicle or vehicle type people, but also rescue workers or first responders. In particular, eliminating the time-consuming in the prior art and in extreme cases inconclusive search for the operating unit of the emergency release device. In addition, the production cost of emergency release device by the elimination of power transmission devices, such as Bowden cables, significantly reduced. This is accompanied by a significant increase in the reliability of the emergency release, which works well, for example, even in a significant, accidental damage to the vehicle body. A deterioration of the functionality is also not to be feared because of environmental influences, because the guide for the tool is so dimensioned that the penetration of dirt particles or moisture is excluded in normal operation, or at least limited to a minimum. For this purpose, the guide is adapted to the dimensions of the tool and can thus be limited to dimensions of the free cross-sectional area in the range of a few millimeters.

In this case, the charging module could be embodied as a separate functional module that can be separated from the motor vehicle. On the other hand, it is particularly advantageous if the loading module is permanently connected to the motor vehicle in a permanent manner, in particular in ordinary use.

The locking element could be actuated by a rotational movement of the tool from the outside. For this purpose, the guide can receive the tool in a rotationally movable manner or, in turn, can be made to pivot in order to transmit the movement and can be equipped with a shape suitable for transmitting a torque. In contrast, it is particularly advantageous if the actuating element of the emergency unlocking device has a pivoting lever connected to the locking element, which is deflectable by a translatory movement of the tool. As a result, a particularly simple structural design is realized. In particular, the operation of the emergency unlocking device is not limited to a particular tool, but can be operated for example by means of commercial screwdriver or, if necessary, with a broken antenna. The axis of rotation of the pivot lever is not parallel to the axis of the translatory actuating axis, but in particular orthogonal thereto. In order to avoid sliding of the tool, the pivot lever preferably has a concave contact surface for the tool.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention is also achieved in that the tool is translationally movable in the guide, so that in contrast to a rotational movement, a certain angular position of the tool relative to its longitudinal axis is not required. Rather, a faulty operation is almost impossible. Of course, the actuating element can also be designed so that this can be actuated equally by a rotational movement and / or a translational movement.

It is particularly practical in this case if the tool in the guide can be applied in a form-fitting manner or inserted through it, so that the tool has a predetermined orientation by the guide and the operator therefore only has to perform the translational movement. The operation is further simplified by the movement is limited to a maximum of two degrees of freedom. If the tool and the matched guide are not rotationally symmetrical and thus a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis is excluded, the movement can alternatively be limited to a single degree of freedom.

Of course, the actuating element with the locking element directly, for example, be integrally connected thereto. On the other hand, an embodiment of the invention in which the actuating element of the emergency unlocking device is connected to the locking element via a traction means is particularly useful.

As a result, on the one hand the required effort is reduced by an appropriate selection of the transmission ratios by the actuation path is increased. On the other hand, a flexible arrangement of the emergency unlocking device can thereby be realized spatially separated from the locking element, so that the loading module thus created according to the invention can be installed without problem for different vehicle types and variants.

In another, likewise particularly advantageous modification of the present invention, the guide defines a passage opening, which is closed by a separating layer, in particular a plastic film, through which the tool acts on the actuating element. Taking into account the fact that the emergency release is used only in extremely rare exceptional situations, a separating layer, for example, with a predetermined breaking point or perforation, proves to be useful for protection against external influences. In particular, so the penetration of moisture can be reliably prevented. The separation surface extends in this case in a plane of the cover outer surface or with an offset thereto in the direction of the vehicle interior. In addition, the use of the emergency release device can be easily recognized and optionally detected. Of course, it may be provided to glue over the release layer by means of a repair patch or to join the release surfaces by means of an adhesive bond. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the separating layer has sufficient flexibility or elasticity to allow actuation of the actuating element without destruction of the separating layer.

It is particularly practical if the closed guide and / or the separating layer is provided with a pointer, so as to allow a faster and more intuitive operation.

Another, also particularly practical embodiment of the invention is achieved even if the cover is made of a plastic, in particular of a polymer, elastomer or composite material. The cover can be embodied as a molded part and a carrier of further functional components and designed to be fixable as a structural unit in a receptacle of the vehicle body intended therefor. In addition, the cover is thereby inexpensive to manufacture.

In addition, the cover and / or the separating layer at least partially consist of a translucent plastic. As a result, the components that are relevant for the emergency unlocking device but also other components are recognizable from the outside, so that the functional position of the actuating element can be visually checked by the operator by means of the tool.

The tool could be removed from the existing tool kit. If according to another promising modification, the tool is releasably fixed to the cover, then the tool is always within reach and available for use. In this case, the tool can be arranged, for example, in a recognizable spatial proximity or assignment to the guide.

Preferably, the tool is at least partially made of a thermally and / or electrically insulating material. As a result, for example, an unintentional electrical discharge is prevented by the insertion of the tool and thus improves the overall reliability.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is still achieved with a motor vehicle with a charging module for charging the electrical storage medium of the motor vehicle, wherein the charging module with a plug connection for a vehicle external power supply, a movable between a locking position and an unlocking locking element for securing the connector in the locked position and equipped with a manually operable emergency unlocking device for moving the locking element in its unlocked position in which the connector is detachable, wherein the loading module to the vehicle outside includes a plug-out blanking cover, the actuating element of the emergency unlocking device is positioned on the inside of the vehicle facing side of the cover and the cover a targeting this actuator guide through the cover for a defined transla toric movement of a tool, by which a manual actuating force is transferable to the actuating element of the emergency release device. In a simple way, thereby a quick release of the connector is also possible for those people who have no individual access authorization, ie a key or a transponder for the motor vehicle. Rather, only a tool, preferably in the form of a screwdriver, is needed, which is moved translationally along an axis predetermined by the guide. As a result, the tool hits the actuator so as to effect the operation of the emergency release device and the disconnection of the connector.

By allowing the guide in their function intuitive operation and, in addition, for example, markers to quickly find, for example, in the dark, outside people in an emergency, a quick operation is possible. In this case, prevents a separation layer that must be severed severable for the user and their damage is clearly visible that the user comes to the idea to disconnect the connector regularly using the emergency release.

The invention allows numerous embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of them is shown in the drawing and will be described below. This shows in

1 an electrically powered motor vehicle in a side view;

2 a body portion of the motor vehicle enclosing a loading module;

3 an enlarged view of the loading module during the operation of an emergency release device;

4 a rear view of the loading module during the in 2 shown operation of the emergency release device;

5 an enlarged view of the emergency unlocking device accordingly 4 ,

The loading module according to the invention 1 will be described below on the basis of 1 to 5 described in more detail. These each show a body section 2 one in 1 in a side view illustrated electrically driven motor vehicle, which is the loading module 1 for the electrical power supply of the motor vehicle receives and the while driving with an ordinary flap 3 is closed. Accordingly, the loading module is used 1 the charging of a running as a battery electrical storage medium. For this purpose, by means of a charging cable, not shown, with a charging socket 4 of the charging module 1 an electrical connector for an external power supply made. Due to the relatively high current flow is to ensure that the connector is not accidentally disconnected, otherwise it may lead to an unwanted electrical discharge, which is harmful to the vehicle electronics. The charging process is therefore controlled so that this first an electrically actuated locking element 5 is moved from an unlocking position in a locking position mechanically blocking the connector. The plug connection is thereby secured during the entire charging process. However, a fault in the control can not be completely excluded during operation, so that the locking element 5 additionally an emergency release device 6 for manual movement of the locking element 5 in its unlocked position, in which the connector is detachable, is assigned. For this purpose, an actuating element of the emergency release device 6 one with the locking element 5 connected, designed as a pivot lever actuator 7 , which by a translational movement of a manually operable, mitführbaren tool 8th is deflectable. The translational movement is for this purpose in the orientation by a guide 9 predetermined. This allows the operation of the emergency release device 6 by means of a commercially available, provided in the example shown with an electrically insulated handle screwdriver. The leadership 9 thus limits one to the cross section of the tool 8th matched passage opening 10 passing through a thin release layer 11 is closed off from a plastic film. The tool 8th can effortlessly through this separation layer 11 be pushed through and on the pivot lever 7 the emergency unlocking device 6 act.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

loading module

2

body section

3

flap

4

charging socket

5

locking element

6

emergency unlocking

7

actuator

8th

Tool

9

guide

10

Port

11

Interface

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 102011050783 A1 [0008]
• DE 102012208661 A1 [0009]
• DE 102010029446 A1 [0010]
• DE 10259465 A1 [0011]
• DE 19642687 A1 [0012]

Claims (10)

Charging module ( 1 ) for the charging of electrical storage media at least temporarily electrically powered motor vehicles, with a connector for an external vehicle power supply, a between a locking position and an unlocked position by an electric motor movable locking element ( 5 ) for securing the plug-in connection in the locking position and with a by means of an actuating element ( 7 ) manually operated emergency release device ( 6 ) for moving the locking element ( 5 ) in its unlocked position, characterized in that the loading module ( 1 ) comprises on a vehicle outside a plug-connection-saving cover, the actuating element ( 7 ) of the emergency unlocking device ( 6 ) is positioned on the side of the cover facing the vehicle interior, and the cover is positioned on this actuating element ( 7 ) guided tour ( 9 ) through the cover for a defined translational movement of a tool ( 8th ), by which a manual actuation force on the actuating element ( 7 ) of the emergency unlocking device ( 6 ) is transferable. Charging module ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element ( 7 ) of the emergency unlocking device ( 6 ) one with the locking element ( 5 ) has associated pivot lever. Charging module ( 1 ) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the tool ( 8th ) in the leadership ( 9 ) is translationally movable. Charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool ( 8th ) in the leadership ( 9 ) is held positively movable. Charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 7 ) of the emergency unlocking device ( 6 ) via a traction means with the locking element ( 5 ) connected is. Charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide ( 9 ) defines a passage opening which through a separating layer ( 11 ) is closed, through which the tool ( 8th ) on the actuator ( 7 ) acts. Charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide ( 9 ) and / or the separating layer ( 11 ) is provided with a hint mark. Charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover and / or the separating layer ( 11 ) at least partially consist of a translucent plastic. Charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool ( 8th ) on the charging module ( 1 ), in particular detachably fixed to the cover. Motor vehicle with a charging module ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims for the charging of the electrical storage medium of the motor vehicle, wherein the charging module ( 1 ) with a plug connection for an external vehicle power supply, a between a locking position and an unlocking position by an electric motor movable locking element ( 5 ) for securing the plug-in connection in the locking position and with a manually actuated emergency release device ( 6 ) for moving the locking element ( 5 ) is equipped in its unlocked position, characterized in that the loading module ( 1 ) comprises on a vehicle outside a plug-connection-saving cover, wherein the actuating element ( 7 ) of the emergency unlocking device ( 6 ) is positioned on the side of the cover facing the vehicle interior, and the cover is positioned on this actuating element ( 7 ) goal-oriented leadership ( 9 ) through the cover for a defined translational movement of a tool ( 8th ), by which a manual actuation force on the actuating element ( 7 ) of the emergency unlocking device ( 6 ) is transferable.

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