DE202015009802U1 - Device for charging an electrically operated vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for charging an electrically operated vehicle with a charging socket (1) comprising a plug element (3) with a plug face (7), which is designed for electrical and / or mechanical contacting with a mating plug element provided on a charging cable, and comprising a plug for receiving the Plug element (3) formed housing (2) with an opening (6) through which the plug face (7) of the plug element (3) is accessible, characterized in that a lighting module (4) which can be attached to the charging socket (1) is provided , wherein the lighting module (4) has a light source, at least one light exit surface (16) for light emitted by the light source and a contact surface (17), and wherein the lighting module (4) with the contact surface (17) connects to a on the housing (2) of the charging socket (1) provided mounting surface (12, 12 ') can be applied, and that connecting means for fixing the lighting module (4) on the charging socket (1) is provided are marriages.

Description

The invention relates to a device for charging an electrically operable vehicle with a charging socket comprising a plug element with a plug face, which is designed for electrical and / or mechanical contacting with a mating plug element provided on a charging cable, and comprising a housing designed for receiving the plug element Opening through which the plug face of the plug element is accessible.

In order to charge an energy store of an electrically operable vehicle, the vehicle is usually connected to a charging station providing the electrical energy by means of a charging cable. In the charging configuration, an interface is formed between the charging cable and the charging station on the one hand and the charging cable and the electrically operable vehicle on the other hand, at which the components are mechanically fixed and electrically contacted. In particular, it is known to provide a charging socket with a plug element at the charging station and in the vehicle, and mating plug elements which can be inserted into the plug elements of the charging sockets on both sides of the charging cable. With regard to the charging socket provided at the charging station, one typically speaks of a socket outlet and of a vehicle inlet on the side of the vehicle.

In order to simplify the attachment of the charging cable to the charging socket, especially in the dark, is from the US 2012/129378 A1 a mating connector is known which provides a light source through which an area in front of the mating connector can be illuminated. The mating connector that can be attached to the charging socket functions like a cable lamp. In a particularly simple manner, the mating plug element can thus be attached to the plug element of the charging socket even under unfavorable visibility conditions. During the charging process itself, the lighting device in the mating plug element has no function, since a light exit surface is provided on a mating face of the mating plug element facing the plug element and is therefore covered in the interface between the plug element and mating plug element.

From the JP 2010 / 165596A It is known to arrange three light sources spaced apart from one another on the mating plug element provided for attachment to the plug element of the charging socket. The relative position of the light sources to one another corresponds to a relative position of three optical detector elements provided on the charging socket. After the mating plug element has been attached to the plug element, the correct positioning of the mating plug element in the charging socket can be identified optically via the detector elements.

The object of the present invention is to develop an easy-to-use device for charging electrically operated vehicles in such a way that a lighting module can be provided inexpensively and used flexibly. In particular, it should be provided that the lighting module visually displays information about the charging process to the user during the charging process.

To achieve the object, the invention in connection with the preamble of claim 1 is characterized in that a lighting module which can be attached to the charging socket is provided, the lighting module having a light source, at least one light exit surface for light emitted by the light source and an abutment surface, and wherein Lighting module with the contact surface can be placed on a fastening surface provided on the housing of the charging socket, and that connecting means are provided for fixing the lighting module on the charging socket.

The particular advantage of the invention is that the device with the charging socket and the lighting module that can be attached to the charging socket is modular. The modular structure favors cost-effective implementation. By dispensing with the integration of the lighting module or the light source in the charging socket, a large number of identical parts can be used. In particular, provision can be made to install the charging socket for various applications as required, with or without a lighting module. Likewise, the lighting module can be designed geometrically so that it can be attached to different charging sockets. For example, different types of charging sockets can provide the same fastening surface or the same housing and different plug elements and can therefore be suitable for being connected to the same lighting module.

The attachment of the lighting module to the housing of the charging socket also ensures that the light source or the light exit surface assigned to it is also visible and not covered when the mating plug element provided on the charging cable is inserted into the plug element of the charging socket. The lighting module can thus serve to illuminate the surroundings of the charging socket and to simplify the attachment of the mating plug element to the plug element. Furthermore, the lighting module can be used during operation or during charging in the manner of a status display. For example, it can be displayed whether a charging process has been carried out correctly, has been completed or has been interrupted due to an error.

For example, a light-emitting diode can be provided as the light source. The light emitted by the light source can be shaped, for example, by means of an optical element, in particular a light guide or a lens, and can be emitted via a light exit surface. The light exit surface can be provided on a cover lens or can be implemented directly on the optical element. A control unit for controlling or energizing the light source can be provided, for example, as a component of the lighting module. The control unit can, for example, comprise a circuit carrier or a circuit board on which the light source is fixed. The lighting module can also be designed as a closed or encapsulated module in such a way that the optical or electrical functional components are protected in the interior of the lighting module. In particular, the lighting module can be designed such that moisture entry is counteracted.

The contact surface of the lighting module is in particular designed to correspond to the fastening surface which is provided on the housing of the charging socket. The corresponding design of the contact surface and the mounting surface enables simple, safe and intuitive installation. In addition, despite the modular structure, the viewer has the impression of a holistic, integrated device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two fastening surfaces are provided on the housing. For example, the two fastening surfaces are provided on opposite sides of the charging socket, in particular on opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane of the charging socket and / or an axis of symmetry of the charging socket. The provision of at least two fastening surfaces results in a high degree of flexibility with regard to the configuration of the device according to the invention. For example, it can be provided to implement a charging socket with two or more lighting modules. The lighting modules are placed on the two or more mounting surfaces of the charging socket. Likewise, a mounting position of a single lighting module can be varied or selected according to customer-specific specifications if the housing of the charging socket has more than one fastening surface. According to the specifications, the lighting module can either be applied to a first fastening surface of the charging socket or to a second fastening surface of the charging socket. The modular concept in the construction of the device according to the invention is thereby further strengthened and the use of identical parts is promoted.

According to a development of the invention, the lighting module is constructed symmetrically with respect to a transverse central axis thereof. In particular, it can be provided that the transverse central axis of the lighting module extends orthogonally to the axis of symmetry or longitudinal central plane of the charging socket in the assembled state. The provision of a lighting module which is symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis results in a high degree of flexibility with regard to the attachment of the lighting module to the charging socket. In particular, if corresponding fastening surfaces are provided on the housing of the charging socket, the lighting module can optionally be installed on a first housing side or on a second housing side opposite the first housing side. In this respect, the same lighting module can be used irrespective of its mounting position.

In the sense of the invention, the lighting module is constructed symmetrically if it has a symmetrical arrangement of the interface components, in particular the connecting means for fixing the lighting module to the charging socket. A complete physical geometry can also be provided. In particular, a base body determining the appearance of the lighting module can be designed with the front side symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis.

According to a development of the invention, the connecting means are designed for releasable or repeated fixing of the lighting module to the charging socket. The provision of a detachable or repeated fixing of the lighting module on the charging socket can advantageously simplify handling, maintenance and repair.

According to a development of the invention, fastening units are designed as connecting means on the charging socket, the lighting module being able to be non-positively fixed to the charging socket via the fastening units. On the lighting module itself, recesses are provided as holding means, which are designed to connect the lighting module to the charging socket, in particular in the area of the fastening unit. The fastening units are implemented, for example, as screw domes. For example, the fastening units provide a threaded sleeve injected into plastic, into which a fastening screw can be screwed. It can be provided that the fastening units are formed as part of the housing and are molded onto a base body of the housing. Advantageously, the provision of the positive connection permanently secure hold of the lighting module on the charging socket can be guaranteed.

According to a development of the invention, a positioning contour can be provided on the charging socket, in particular in the area of the fastening surface, and a counter contour can be provided on the contact surface of the lighting module. Positioning contour and counter-contour are preferably matched to one another such that when the counter-contour is applied to the positioning contour, the lighting module is positively placed on the housing of the charging socket. By providing the connecting means for the positive connection of the lighting module and the charging socket, it is advantageously possible to achieve a high positioning accuracy in relation to the relative position of the components.

In particular, it can be provided that at the same time connecting means are provided for the fluid and for the form-fitting fixing of the lighting module on the housing. In this case, for example, by attaching the counter contour to the positioning contour, the lighting module can first be positioned relative to the housing of the charging socket, and then a screw connection of the holding means to the fastening units can be used to establish a forceful connection between the lighting module and the charging socket.

According to a development of the invention, the connecting means provided on the charging socket or the lighting module, and in particular the fastening units provided on the housing, also serve to fasten the lighting module and at least one further functional module to the housing of the charging socket. An actuator module, for example, can be provided as a further functional module, which comprises means for fixing or locking the mating plug element on the plug element during the charging process. A particularly cost-effective design and assembly of the device according to the invention advantageously results if the connecting means or the fastening units permit double use. In this respect, there is also a high degree of flexibility here, which takes into account the modular concept of the entire arrangement.

According to a development of the invention, the charging socket is designed in the manner of a vehicle inlet provided on an electrically operable vehicle. By providing the lighting module on the vehicle inlet, a favorable lighting situation can advantageously be created and handling can be simplified. While the socket outlet or the charging station regularly offer the possibility of installing stationary lighting, the variable positioning of the vehicle means that there are hardly any opportunities to provide adequate and reproducible lighting in the area of the interface between the charging cable and the vehicle. In this respect, the provision of the lighting module on the vehicle-side charging socket is advantageous.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention can be gathered from the further subclaims and the detailed description below. Features mentioned there can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings serve only as an example to clarify the invention and have no restrictive character.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Laden eines elektrisch betreibbaren Fahrzeugs mit einer Ladedose, einem Aktuatorikmodul und einem an der Ladedose festgelegen Beleuchtungsmodul,
• 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Montagesituation für die Vorrichtung nach 1,
• 3 eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung nach 1 in einem teilmontierten Zustand,
• 4 eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung nach 1 mit einem Teilschnittbereich X,
• 5 eine Seitenansicht des Beleuchtungsmoduls nach 1,
• 6 eine Detailvergrößerung des Bereichs Y nach 4,
• 7 eine alternative Konfiguration einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer geänderten Anordnung des Beleuchtungsmoduls an der Ladedose und
• 8 eine Prinzipdarstellung der unterschiedlichen Montagemöglichkeiten, welche sich zum Festlegen des Beleuchtungsmodules an einer einzigen Ladedose nach den 1 und 7 ergeben.

Show it:

• 1 2 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention for charging an electrically operable vehicle with a charging socket, an actuator module and a lighting module fixed to the charging socket,
• 2nd a perspective view of an assembly situation for the device according to 1 ,
• 3rd a further perspective view of the device according to 1 in a partially assembled condition,
• 4th a side view of the device after 1 with a partial cutting area X,
• 5 a side view of the lighting module after 1 ,
• 6 a detailed enlargement of the area Y after 4th ,
• 7 an alternative configuration of a device according to the invention with a modified arrangement of the lighting module on the charging socket and
• 8th a schematic diagram of the different mounting options, which are to fix the lighting module on a single socket according to the 1 and 7 surrender.

An inventive device for charging an electrically operated vehicle according to the 1 to 6 includes a charging socket as components 1 with a housing 2nd and one in the case 2nd provided plug element 3rd , a lighting module 4th , an actuator module 5 and a clasp 27 for one on the case 2nd provided through opening 28 ' . The lighting module 4th and the actuator module 5 are on the outside of the housing 2nd created and on the side of the housing 2nd attached.

The housing 2nd encloses the plug element 3rd and has an opening provided on the front 6 on, through which a mating face 7 of the plug element 3rd is accessible. In particular, the mating face 7 of the plug element 3rd a mating connector element attached to a charging cable (not shown) can be attached for electrical or mechanical contacting of the vehicle. The housing 2nd has a plug element 3rd basic body surrounding the jacket 8th with from the main body 8th protruding fastening tabs 9 as well as one on the base body 8th attachable housing frame 14 on. The mounting tabs 9 see in particular bore-like recesses 10th in front. The mounting tabs 9 with the recesses 10th are intended for fixing the charging socket 1 on an attachment (not shown) of the electrically operated vehicle or on a charging station providing the electrical energy.

Next is on the body 8th of the housing 2nd a plurality of spaced apart fastening units 11 intended. The fastening units 11 are exemplarily formed in the manner of screw domes. For example, to form the fastening units 11 be provided one of the mounting screws 23 overmoulding metal threaded sleeve with plastic. Alternatively, it can be provided in the fastening units made of plastic 11 a self-tapping fastening screw 23 to use. The fastening units 11 are intended for fixing function modules to the housing 2nd . In particular, on the fastening units 11 the lighting module 4th or the actuator module 5 be determined.

The use of mounting screws 23 is only exemplary. Alternatively, the lighting module 4th and the charging socket 1 be connected in other ways.

The charging socket 1 also sees on an outside of the case 2nd which the housing frame 14 is assigned a mounting surface 12th in front. The mounting surface 12th is used to create the lighting module 4th to the housing 2nd . The attachment surface is present 12th only as an example on the housing frame 14 intended. It is also possible to use the mounting surface 12th anywhere in the housing 2nd to provide, especially on the base body 8th of the housing 2nd .

The charging socket 1 is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane 13 the same. There is also an axis of symmetry 31 formed in relation to a front 29 the charging station 1 .

The lighting module 4th has a basic body 22 with a partially crescent-shaped front 15 and two spaced-apart light exit surfaces 16 on. As part of the lighting module 4th Furthermore, a light source, preferably a light-emitting diode, a control unit for the light source and an optical element for shaping a light distribution are provided. The light source, the control unit and the optical element are not shown. The lighting module sees on the jacket side 4th an investment area 17th in front. The contact surface 17th is used to create the lighting module 4th to the charging socket 1 in the area of the mounting surface 12th . Next is on the lighting module 4th a plurality of holding means 18th , 19th intended. The holding means 18th , 19th each have recesses 20th , 21 and protrude from a base body like a flap 22 of the lighting module 4th from.

As can be seen in particular in the side view of the lighting module 4th to 5 shows are a total of three holding means 18th , 19th intended. A first holding device 18th with an elongated recess 20th is at the same distance from two other holding devices 19th with two circular recesses 21 intended. With regard to the relevant interface components, in particular with regard to the holding means 18th , 19th with the recesses 20th , 21 and the position of the light exit surfaces 16 , is the lighting module 4th symmetrical with respect to one towards the front 15 extending transverse central axis 26 designed. The transverse central axis 26 extends perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 31 and the median longitudinal plane 13 the charging socket 1 .

The actuator module is used to assemble the device according to the invention 5 as well as the lighting module 4th in one assembly direction 30th to the housing 2nd the charging socket 1 set so that the contact surface 17th of the lighting module 4th on the mounting surface 12th the charging socket 1 is present. To set the lighting module 4th on the housing 2nd through the first holding means 18th and another holding means 19th two fastening screws 23 in the fastening units 11 fixed. A distance of the fastening units 11 is corresponding to the distance of the recesses 20th , 21 in the holding means 18th , 19th chosen.

As especially in 6 is shown, results in addition to the non-positive determination of the fastening units 11 and the holding means 18th , 19th furthermore a form-fitting definition of the lighting module 4th on the housing 2nd by on the mounting surface 12th of the housing 2nd a positioning contour 24th and on the contact surface 17th of the lighting module 4th a correspondingly designed counter contour 25th is provided. Grips the opposite contour 25th which are feathery and sublime Contact surface 17th is formed in the groove-shaped positioning contour 24th , there is a positive connection between the lighting module 4th and the housing 2nd . Overall, a fixed position assignment between the lighting module can thus 4th and the housing 2nd as well as a non-positive, safe and permanent connection of the same are guaranteed.

The lighting module 4th is so to the charging socket 1 determined that a viewer shows a common, related unit. The impression of the related structural unit is achieved in particular or reinforced by the fact that the front 15 of the lighting module 4th in a common plane with the front 29 the charging socket 1 extends. The front 29 the charging socket 1 is defined here by an opening 6 of the housing 2nd in any case, the opening edge surrounded in sections 32 .

An alternative configuration of the device according to the invention 7 provides that with respect to the transverse central axis 26 symmetrical lighting module 4th in the area of one of the mounting surfaces 12th opposite second mounting surface 12 ' which on the housing 2nd is provided is grown. The housing 2nd which is in relation to the median longitudinal plane 13 and the axis of symmetry 31 is constructed symmetrically, therefore sees the mounting surface opposite 12th and the second mounting surface 12 ' in front. Due to the symmetrical structure of the housing 2nd or in relation to the median longitudinal plane 13 symmetrical arrangement of the mounting surfaces 12th , 12 ' on the housing 2nd and the symmetrical structure of the lighting module 4th in relation to the transverse central axis 26 the possibility is created of the lighting module 4th to the housing on two opposite sides 2nd the charging socket 1 to flange. In this respect, the housing 2nd additional, the second mounting surface 12 ' assigned fastening units 11 ' on which in the alternative configuration after 7 serve over the mounting screws 23 with the holding means 18th , 19th of the lighting module 4th to be screwed.

Together with the lighting module 4th is in the area of the fastening units 11 ' the closure 27 fixed. The actuator module 5 is particularly intended to be inserted into the plug element 3rd inserted, not shown mating connector during the charging process in the charging socket 1 to lock. For this purpose, a latch is attached to the housing 2nd provided through opening 28 guided. In this respect, the closure 27 provided to the on the housing 2nd symmetrical to the first through opening 28 provided second through opening 28 ' to close. For example, it can be provided on the actuator module 5 and the locking of the mating connector in the connector 3rd to renounce. In this case, two closures 27 on the mounting units 11 , 11 ' be determined.

8th shows in the manner of a schematic diagram, like the same lighting module 4th on opposite sides of the charging socket 1 to the housing 2nd the same can be grown. With the fastening screws 23 becomes the lighting module 4th either either together with the actuator module 5 on the mounting units 11 or together with the clasp 27 on the opposite fastening units 11` fixed. The mounting direction 30th , 30 ' is opposite here.

The same components and component functions are identified by the same reference symbols.

Reference list

1

Charging socket

2nd

casing

3rd

Plug-in element

4th

Lighting module

5

Actuator module

6

opening

7

Mating face

8th

Basic body

9

Mounting tab

10th

Recess

11

Fastening unit

11 '

Fastening unit

12th

Mounting surface

12 '

Mounting surface

13

Longitudinal median plane

14

Housing frame

15

Front

16

Light exit surface

17th

Contact surface

18th

Holding means

19th

Holding means

20th

Recess

21

Recess

22

Basic body

23

Fastening screw

24th

Positioning contour

25th

Counter contour

26

Transverse central axis

27

Clasp

28

Through opening

28 '

Through opening

29

front

30th

Installation direction

30 '

Installation direction

31

Axis of symmetry

32

Opening edge

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• US 2012129378 A1 [0003]
• JP 2010165596 A [0004]

Claims (10)

Device for charging an electrically operable vehicle with a charging socket (1) comprising a plug element (3) with a plug face (7), which is designed for electrical and / or mechanical contacting with a mating plug element provided on a charging cable, and comprising a for receiving the Plug element (3) formed housing (2) with an opening (6) through which the plug face (7) of the plug element (3) is accessible, characterized in that a lighting module (4) which can be attached to the charging socket (1) is provided , wherein the lighting module (4) has a light source, at least one light exit surface (16) for light emitted by the light source and a contact surface (17), and wherein the lighting module (4) with the contact surface (17) connects to a on the housing (2) the charging socket (1) provided attachment surface (12, 12 ') can be applied, and that connecting means for fixing the lighting module (4) on the charging socket (1) is preferred are seen. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least two fastening surfaces (12, 12 ') are provided on the housing (2) and / or that the two fastening surfaces (12, 12') on two opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane (13) of the charging socket (1) and / or an axis of symmetry (31) of the charging socket (1) are provided. Device after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the lighting module (4) is symmetrical with respect to a transverse central axis (26) thereof. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized in that the connecting means are designed for releasable and / or repeated fixing of the lighting module (4) to the charging socket (1). Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that fastening units (11, 11 ') are formed on the charging socket (1) as connecting means for non-positively connecting the lighting module (4) to the charging socket (1) and / or that the lighting module (4) has at least one holding means (18 , 19) with a recess (20, 21) as connecting means, which is designed for the non-positive connection of the lighting module (4) to the charging socket (1), preferably in the area of the fastening units (11, 11 '). Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that at least three holding means (18, 19) are provided spaced apart from one another on the lighting module (4), at least one holding means (18) having an elongated hole-shaped recess (20) and wherein for the non-positive fixing of the lighting module (4) on the Charging socket (1) the lighting module (4) in the area of the holding means (18) with the elongated hole-shaped recess (20) and at least one further holding means (19) are fixed to at least two fastening units (11) arranged at a corresponding distance. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that on the housing (2) of the charging socket (1) preferably in the area of the fastening surface (12, 12 ') there is a positioning contour (24) as a connecting means and on the contact surface (17) of the lighting module (4) a counter contour (25 ) are designed as connecting means such that the lighting module (4) is positively attached to the housing (2) of the charging socket (1) by the application of the counter contour (25) to the positioning contour (24). Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the connecting means and preferably the fastening units (11, 11 ') provided on the charging socket (1) at the same time fixing the lighting module (4) and at least one further functional module, preferably an actuator module (5) for locking the mating plug element on the Plug element (3) serve. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that on the lighting module an at least sectionally flat front (15) having at least one light exit surface (16) is formed, that on the housing (2) an opening edge (6) surrounding the opening (6) with an at least sectionally flat, linear front (29) is provided, and that the fastening units (11, 11 ') relative to the holding means (18, 19) and / or the positioning contour (24) are provided relative to the counter contour (25) such that the Front (15) of the lighting module (4) extends in a common plane with the front (29) of the housing (2). Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the charging socket (1) is designed in the manner of a vehicle inlet provided on an electrically operated vehicle.

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