DE102016104196A1 - Socket element and plug-in element for an electrical plug connection, electrical plug connection and method for producing an electrical plug connection - Google Patents

Abstract

A socket element (10), in particular a socket (16), for an electrical plug connection (14), with at least two electrical contact elements (20) for transmitting electrical energy, is a permanently reliable and electrically secure connection with regard to this, irrespective of the type of current supply equipped with a radio unit for transmitting radio signals for identification and / or compatibility testing, wherein the radio unit cooperates with a controller used to enable the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements (20), and with a switching element for activating the radio unit, wherein the switching element by mating of the socket member (10) with a complementary plug-in element (12) is actuated. A plug-in element (10), an electrical plug connection (14) and a method for producing an electrical plug connection (14) are specified.

Description

The present invention relates to a socket element and a plug-in element for an electrical plug connection with at least two electrical contact elements for the transmission of electrical energy. In addition, the present invention relates to an electrical connector. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for producing an electrical plug connection for the transmission of electrical energy.

From the state of the art electrical socket elements and plug-in elements in the form of grounded sockets and earthing plugs are known. When mating of protective contact socket and safety plug, a contact sequence is run through, since first the protective conductor and only then neutral and phase are connected. In addition, from the prior art commercially available Autoladestecker called "Type 2" are known, the contacting also takes place in a contact sequence due to different contact elements and signal pins, so that contact elements of different polarity are connected with a time delay to an arc when mating or pulling apart to avoid.

However, it is disadvantageous that rests on signal pins and thus exposed contacts voltage. Signal pins will quickly corrode when used outdoors, as they are thin and will not be cleaned by strong incoming current. As a result of contamination and corrosion, bridging between the signal pins may occur. This is associated with the risk of short circuits, so that a function is not guaranteed in the long term. If one were to replace the signal pins by a wireless signal transmission, a mating of plug and socket and thus the concern of a voltage to the contact elements could already be done before the contact elements have physical contact with each other. There is a risk of an electric arc and electric shock to the user. A sufficiently safe use of such plugs and sockets is not guaranteed in the long run.

The invention has for its object, regardless of the Bestromungsart to allow a permanently reliable and electrically secure connection.

The invention solves the problem by a socket element with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the socket element is characterized by a radio unit for transmitting radio signals for identification and / or compatibility testing, wherein the radio unit with a release of the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements cooperating controller, and a switching element for activating the radio unit, wherein the switching element is operable by mating the female member with a complementary male member.

Such an embodiment of the socket element has the advantage that an electrically secure connection can be produced. This is due to the fact that the socket element and a complementary plug-in element are initially de-energized. By mating of female element and complementary plug element, a switching element is actuated, which serves to activate a radio unit. The radio unit transmits radio signals in order to carry out an identification and / or compatibility test of the socket element and plug-in element or the components connected thereto. With positive or authorized identification and / or compatibility, a controller with which the radio unit interacts releases the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements. Only then are the contact elements energized. As a result, a contact sequence is created in which the formation of an arc is avoided and contact elements are de-energized in the exposed state. As a result, the security in the handling of the socket element and plug element is significantly optimized by a user, especially if the prevailing Bestromungsart is DC. By the radio unit is activated only when mating plug-in element and socket element, an unwanted reading or manipulation of the female element is prevented when plug-in element is not plugged. In other words, a plug element which is complementary to the socket element serves as a "mechanical key" for activating the radio unit. By deliberately switching on the radio unit, the energy consumption is also reduced because no permanent polling (presence check of a counterpart) takes place.

It is conceivable that the switching element during mating of the socket element with a complementary plug-in element can be actuated by the plug-in element.

The socket element can be used not only in vehicles or houses but in any kind of self-sufficient island networks. Accordingly, the socket element can be fixedly mounted on a charging station or a house wall. The female element is suitable for the transmission of direct current or alternating current.

The socket element can be designed as a socket. The contact elements may be designed as contact sockets, in a for Receiving a complementary plug element serving receptacle of the female element are arranged. The radio unit is preferably arranged on a wall bounding the receptacle in the insertion direction, in particular integrated in the wall of the receptacle. The contact sockets are suitable for fitting pick-up pins. Also more than two contact elements are conceivable.

On one of the contact elements, a voltage of -120 volts to +120 volts, preferably from +50 volts to +70 volts, more preferably applied by +60 volts. At a further of the contact elements may be present a voltage of 0 volts, said contact element is not a connection to the earth (no "ground"). The contact elements and / or their lines are preferably double galvanic isolated. On a protective conductor can be omitted.

The controller may be located in the socket element itself, in a plug-in element complementary to the socket element, or in a terminal (e.g., energy storage, charger, power consumer) connected to a socket element or plug-in element. It is conceivable that the controller of the radio unit is connected upstream, wherein the radio unit can be arranged together with switching element in the socket element. The controller can be designed as a microcontroller.

The switching element may be positioned such that it is actuated only after the contact elements of the female element (e.g., contact sockets) are electrically connected to electrical contact elements of the male element (e.g., contact pins). In other words, the switching element may be in a defined arrangement to the contact elements, so that the switching element is actuated only after establishing an electrical contact to the contact elements. By the switching element, a defined (insertion) position of a plug element in the socket element is detected. The defined position can be an end position in which the plug element is completely inserted into the socket element. As a result, the safety in the handling of the female member is favored, since a release of the energy transfer takes place only when reaching a defined (insertion) position.

Specifically, the switching element may be formed as an electronic switching element, in particular as a sensor element, or as a circuit closing a switch. The switch may be formed as a mechanical switch or button, which is biased by a spring. Furthermore, the switch can be designed as a tracking contact / contact bridge (electrical switch). This creates a structurally simple solution for detecting a defined position. The sensor element can be embodied as a Hall probe (magnetic sensor), light barrier (optical sensor), or capacitor (capacitive sensor). This allows a more accurate resolution when capturing a (plug-in) position.

Advantageously, a locking element may be provided for locking a plug element on the socket element. This can be a plug-in element set on the socket element, whereby the security is increased again. The locking element may be formed as a U-shaped or V-shaped lock bracket. The lock bracket can serve in blocking position to the rear handle a recess in the plug element.

Conveniently, an actuator, in particular controlled by the controller, may be provided for actuating the locking element. Thus, the locking element is selectively displaced between a release position and a blocking position. The actuation of the actuator by the controller has the advantage that the actuation of the locking element coordinated to release the energy transfer can take place. It is conceivable that the energy transfer only begins when the locking element has reached the blocking position. This again increases the security.

In an advantageous manner, the radio unit can be designed as a preferably active near-field radio unit (NFC unit). This ensures the desired range of a radio signal transmission over just a few centimeters (Tamper Protection). An active near-field radio unit has the advantage that it can thus also be communicated with a counterpart with passive near field radio unit (passive NFC tag).

The object mentioned above is also achieved by a plug-in element with the features of the independent claim. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements with regard to the advantages and the inventive step.

The plug-in element can be used not only in vehicles or houses, but in any kind of self-sufficient island networks. The plug element is suitable for the transmission of direct current or alternating current.

The plug element can be designed as a plug. The contact elements may be designed as contact pins, which are arranged on the plug and oriented in the insertion direction. Preferably, the radio unit is arranged on the front side on the plug, in particular integrated into the plug on the front side. The contact pins are for insertion in contact sockets suitable. Also more than two contact elements are conceivable.

The controller can be arranged in the plug element itself, in a socket element complementary to the plug element or in a terminal (for example energy store, charger, energy consumer) connected to plug-in element or socket element. It is conceivable that the controller of the radio unit is connected upstream, wherein the radio unit can be arranged together with switching element in the plug-in element. The controller can be designed as a microcontroller.

With regard to the possible, applied to the contact elements voltages, as they also apply to the plug element, reference is made to the statements in connection with claim 1.

Appropriately, a switching element for activating the radio unit may be provided, wherein the switching element is actuated by mating of the plug element with a complementary socket element. This can, regardless of whether the socket element, a switching element is present, an activation of the radio unit of the plug element targeted on actuation of the switching element. It is conceivable that the switching element during mating of the plug element with the complementary socket element can be actuated by the socket element.

The switching element of the plug element can correspond constructively to the switching element of the socket element. In concrete terms, the switching element can therefore be designed as an electronic switching element, in particular as a sensor element, or as a switch closing a circuit (see above).

Advantageously, a locking element may be provided for locking the plug element to a complementary socket element. The locking element may be formed as a lock plate, which is arranged on the plug element and for cooperation with a locking element of a socket element, such as a lock bracket, is suitable. This contributes to increasing the safety in handling the female member.

In an advantageous manner, the radio unit of the plug element can be designed as a preferably passive near-field radio unit (NFC unit). This ensures the desired range of a radio signal transmission over just a few centimeters (Tamper Protection). A passive near-field radio unit has the advantage that it can be fed by a near-field radio unit of the counterpart and does not need its own energy source.

The object mentioned is also achieved by an electrical connector with the features of the further independent claim. With regard to the advantages and the inventive step, reference is made to the comments on claim 1.

The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for producing an electrical plug connection for transmitting electrical power with the features of the further independent claim. With regard to the advantages and the inventive step, reference is made to the comments on claim 1.

Advantageously, the physical contact between the contact elements can be effected by plugging together a socket element having at least two contact elements with a complementary plug element having at least two contact elements. This is done by the user, by inserting the plug element into the socket element.

Appropriately, the switching element can be actuated by mating the female member with the male element. It is conceivable that the switching element is actuated during mating by the plug-in element. Hereby, an activation of the radio unit and a possible release of the energy transfer takes place only after mating of plug-in element and socket element. This increases the safety for the user.

For further embodiment of the method, the measures described in connection with the socket element and the plug element can be used.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures, wherein like elements are sometimes only once provided with reference numerals. Show it:

1 in an isometric view of an embodiment of a female member and a male member;

2a , b in a front view and a sectional view (bent section) of the socket element and the plug element 1 in mated condition;

3a , b in sectional views of the female element and the male element 1 in mated state (a) and during the mating (b); and

4 in a schematic representation of a circuit diagram of the socket element and the plug element 1 ,

1 shows a female element 10 for an electrical connector and a plug-in element 12 for an electrical plug connection. The socket element 10 and the plug element 12 form an electrical plug connection 14 ,

The socket element 10 has a housing 10 ' with a recording 11 for a corresponding plug-in element 12 on. The plug element 12 has a housing 12 ' with a plug-in section 13 on. The plug element 12 can with its plug section 13 can in the recording 11 be plugged in.

The socket element 10 is as a power outlet 16 trained and can, for example, be mounted on a charging station or a wall. The plug element 12 is as a plug 18 executed and can due to its complementary design in the socket 16 be plugged in.

The socket element 10 has two electrical contact elements 20 for transmitting electrical energy as contact sockets 22 are formed. The contact sockets 22 are in the recording 11 arranged. coat sleeves 23 surround the contact sockets 22 , In addition, the socket element 10 a radio unit 24 on, which is used for the transmission of radio signals for identification verification and / or compatibility testing (see. 2 ).

The radio unit 24 acts with a to release the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements 20 serving controller 26 together, in the present embodiment of an energy source 28 (Eg energy storage or charger) is assigned and possibly a part of the energy source 28 forms (cf. 4 ). The contact sockets 20 are electrically in the embodiment with the energy storage 28 connected.

In addition, the socket element 10 a switching element 30 to activate the radio unit 24 on, wherein the switching element 30 by mating the female element 10 with a complementary plug-in element 12 is actuated, through the plug element 12 (see. 3 ).

The switching element 30 is positioned so that it is only operated after the contact elements 20 of the socket element 10 with electrical contact elements 32 of the plug element 12 are electrically connected (see. 3 ). The switching element 30 is in the present embodiment as a switch or button 34 formed and biased by a spring (not shown). The switching element 30 is in the recording 11 arranged, on or in the recording 11 in the direction of insertion limiting wall 35 , In embodiments not shown, the switching element 30 Also be designed as a sensor element (eg Hall probe, light barrier or capacitor).

The socket element 10 also has a locking element 36 for locking a plug element 12 on the socket element 10 , The locking element 36 is as a lock strap 38 executed (cf. 3a ).

The socket element 10 also has an actuator for actuating the locking element 36 on (not shown), with which the locking element 36 is displaceable between a release position and a blocking position. The actor is through the controller 26 controlled.

The radio unit 24 is as a preferably active near-field radio unit 40 (NFC unit) trained (see. 4 ). The radio unit 24 is in, on or behind the recording 11 in the direction of insertion limiting wall 35 arranged (cf. 3 ).

The plug element 12 has at least two electrical contact elements 32 for transmitting electrical energy, acting as contact pins 42 are formed. In addition, the plug element 12 a radio unit 44 for the transmission of radio signals for identification verification and / or compatibility testing.

The radio unit 44 works with a controller 26 together, for releasing the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements 32 serves. The controller 26 is an energy source in the present embodiment 28 (eg energy storage or charger) and possibly forms part of the energy source 28 ,

The plug element 12 can also be a switching element 46 to activate the radio unit 44 have, wherein the switching element 46 by plugging the plug element together 12 with a complementary socket element 10 is actuated, wherein the switching element during mating by the female element 10 is actuated (not shown). The switching element 46 is in the present embodiment as a switch or button 47 formed and biased by a spring (not shown).

The plug element 12 also has a locking element 48 for locking the plug element 12 on a complementary bushing element 10 on. The locking element 48 is as a lock plate 50 executed (cf. 3 ). The locking element 48 has a recess on each leg 51 on, in the blocking position by the locking element 36 (Shackle 38 ). The locking element 36 projects in sections from the Einsteckabschnitt 13 of the plug element 12 out.

The radio unit 44 of the plug element 12 is as a passive near field radio unit 52 (NFC unit) trained (see. 4 ). Thus, the radio unit 24 of the socket element 10 the radio unit 44 of the plug element 12 provide energy. The radio unit 44 is frontally in the plug element 12 integrated, in the plug-in section 13 ,

The method for producing an electrical plug connection for transmitting electrical energy proceeds as follows:
First, between the serving for transmission of electrical energy contact elements 20 . 32 made a physical contact. This is done by plugging the at least 2 contact elements 20 having bushing element 10 with a complementary, at least two contact elements 44 having plug-in element 12 ,

Thereafter, a switching element 30 actuated, the one serving for identification checking and / or compatibility testing radio unit 24 activated. The actuation of the switching element 30 done by the plug element 12 , wherein the switching element 30 as a switch or button 34 may be formed and through the insertion section 13 of the plug element 12 can be operated.

The radio unit 24 works with a controller 26 Together, the transfer of electrical energy through the contact elements 20 . 32 releases. The switching element 30 is by plugging the female element 10 with the plug element 12 operated, through the plug element 12 ,

Claims (14)

Bushing element ( 10 ), in particular socket ( 16 ), for an electrical plug connection ( 14 ), with at least two electrical contact elements ( 20 ) for the transmission of electrical energy, a radio unit ( 24 ) for the transmission of radio signals ( 25 ) for the identification and / or compatibility check, wherein the radio unit ( 24 ) with a release of the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements ( 20 ) serving controllers ( 26 ) and with a switching element ( 30 ) for activating the radio unit ( 24 ), wherein the switching element ( 30 ) by mating the female element ( 10 ) with a complementary plug-in element ( 12 ) is operable. Bushing element ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching element ( 30 ) is positioned so that it is actuated after the contact elements ( 20 ) of the female element ( 10 ) with electrical contact elements ( 32 ) of the plug element ( 12 ) are electrically connected. Bushing element ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching element ( 30 ) as an electronic switching element, in particular as a sensor element, or as a switch ( 34 ) is trained. Bushing element ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking element ( 36 ), in particular a lock bracket ( 38 ), for locking a plug element ( 12 ) on the socket element ( 10 ). Bushing element ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized by one, in particular by the controller ( 26 ), Actuator for actuating the locking element ( 36 ). Bushing element ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radio unit ( 24 ) as, preferably active, near field radio unit ( 40 ) is trained. Plug element ( 12 ), in particular connectors ( 18 ), for an electronic connector ( 14 ), with at least two electrical contact elements ( 32 ) for the transmission of electrical energy and a radio unit ( 44 ) for the transmission of radio signals ( 25 ) for the identification and / or compatibility check, wherein the radio unit ( 44 ) with a release of the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements ( 32 ) serving controllers ( 26 ) cooperates. Plug element ( 12 ) according to claim 7, characterized by a switching element ( 46 ) for activating the radio unit ( 44 ), wherein the switching element ( 46 ) by plugging the plug element ( 12 ) with a complementary socket element ( 10 ) is operable. Plug element (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by a locking element ( 48 ), in particular a lock plate ( 50 ), for locking the plug element ( 12 ) on a complementary socket element ( 10 ). Plug element according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the radio unit ( 44 ) as, preferably passive, near field radio unit ( 52 ) is trained. Electrical plug connection ( 14 ) with a socket element ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and a plug-in element ( 12 ) according to one of claims 7 to 10. Method for producing an electrical plug connection ( 14 ) for the transmission of electrical energy, wherein between the serving for transmission of electrical energy contact elements ( 20 . 32 ) is made a physical contact, after which a switching element ( 30 ) is operated, which serves for identification and / or compatibility testing radio unit ( 24 ), and wherein the radio unit ( 24 ) with a controller ( 26 ), which controls the transmission of electrical energy via the contact elements ( 20 . 32 ) releases. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the physical contact between the contact elements ( 20 . 32 ) by putting together at least two contact elements ( 20 ) having female connector element ( 10 ) with a complementary, at least two contact elements ( 44 ) having plug element ( 12 ) he follows. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the switching element ( 30 ) by mating the female element ( 10 ) with the plug element ( 12 ) is pressed.

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