DE202022102553U1 - Charging plug charging socket system with contact protection - Google Patents

Abstract

Charging element for transferring an electrical charging current to a second charging element, the charging element having electrical contact elements for transferring the charging current to electrical contact elements of the second charging element, characterized in that the charging element is provided with an air overpressure system which has an air supply (220), through which air under pressure passes through at least one area of the charging element to be protected, as a result of which at least one stream of compressed air (221) flows through the area to be protected.

Description

The invention relates to a charging plug/charging socket system with protection for the electrical contacts of the charging plug and/or charging socket.

Vehicle drives are increasingly being electrified, for example passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, etc. Various tasks have to be solved in this area, with charging systems for electrically charging the vehicles in particular having to be provided. When designing the charging systems, one of the things to consider is that charging systems are often installed outdoors, so the systems must be weatherproof.

However, the maritime sector is also becoming increasingly electrified, so that charging systems are required that have to meet the increased requirements of the maritime environment. This applies in particular to salty water, but also to the salty air. Salt water leads to corrosion, especially in materials that are used for efficient power transmission. As a result, electrical resistance increases, generating more heat during charging and potentially shutting down the system as temperature limits are exceeded. This in turn leads to more downtime and/or increased maintenance costs.

The charging plug and charging socket are always separate from each other. The charging plug is located, for example, on a charging cable that belongs to a charging station. The charging socket is then provided on a vehicle and the charging plug is temporarily inserted into the charging socket in order to carry out an electrical charging process. The charging plug and charging socket are then separated again. When not in use, the charging plug is in a parking position in which it may be protected from environmental influences. The charging socket is usually protected from environmental influences by a cover, which can be a flap or cover, for example.

In order to start the charging process, the charging plug must be removed from the protected environment so that its contact elements are exposed to the environment. The protective flap or cover of the charging socket must also be opened or removed so that its contact elements are also unprotected from the environment. In these situations, too, the contact elements should therefore be protected in a suitable manner.

During contact, i.e. during the charging process, both systems are not fully protected from the salty environment. The salty water, which can get to the power transmission elements, e.g. due to strong wind (spray), is particularly dangerous.

The object of the invention is therefore to design the charging elements in a charging plug charging socket system in such a way that they are protected against maritime environmental influences before the charging process and also in the connected state during the charging process.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a charging element according to independent claim 1 . Advantageous developments of the loading element result from the dependent claims 2-7. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a charging plug charging socket system according to independent claim 8. Advantageous developments of the system result from claims 9-11.

It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful way and show further refinements of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and specifies the invention, in particular in connection with the figures.

The charging element according to the invention is part of a charging plug/charging socket system in which the charging plug is inserted into the socket receptacle of a charging socket for an electrical charging process. The respective charging element is consequently used to transmit an electrical charging current to a second charging element, with the charging element having electrical contact elements for transmitting the charging current to electrical contact elements of the second charging element. According to the invention, the loading element is provided with an air overpressure system which has an air supply through which air under overpressure is fed through at least one area of the loading element to be protected, whereby at least one stream of compressed air flows through the area to be protected. The charging element can be the charging plug or the charging socket, or both charging elements are provided with an appropriate air overpressure system. The charging plug and charging socket can be designed in different ways, for example with a pin connection or with ring-shaped contact tracks that are brought into a coaxial position with one another during the plugging process, in which inner contact rings are contacted with outer contact rings. A charging plug with a plurality of axially spaced outer contact rings on a cylindrical plug body is then plugged into a charging socket with a hollow-cylindrical socket receptacle, on the inside of which there are several axially spaced inner contact rings.

A pump can be used to generate the overpressure, and the overpressure generated is suitably selected depending on the configuration and area of application of the respective charging element. Any excess pressure compared to the prevailing atmospheric pressure can suffice and, if necessary, can also be selected to be higher. Filtered air is preferably used, which may otherwise be ambient air that is filtered. The filtered air is fed via an air supply in the form of a pipe and/or hose system to an area of the respective charging element that is to be protected. The areas to be protected can include several spaces and elements in the charging element, which are to be kept free from environmental influences by the compressed air.

For example, the contact surface of at least one electrical contact element of the charging element is in the area to be protected and the compressed air stream flows at least partially around or over it. In the case of a charging plug with external contact rings, compressed air can flow over their contact surfaces from the outside, for example, so that they are kept free from environmental influences such as salty air or water. Until shortly before the plug-in process, these contact surfaces are preferably provided with a cover, which is removed or moved for the plug-in process in order to release the contact surfaces. At this point at the latest, the air overpressure system is activated to protect the now exposed contact surfaces. Another embodiment provides that the air overpressure system is already activated when the contact surfaces are still protected by the cover. The compressed air then flows through a gap between the contact surfaces and the cover and can escape in a suitable manner. In this way, standing air in the system is first blown out before the mechanical cover is removed. If a cover is fundamentally considered insufficient, the air overpressure system can also be activated if necessary when the charging plug is in the park position, i.e. no charging is pending.

In one embodiment it is provided that the front opening of the charging element is located in the area to be protected and through which the compressed air stream flows. This is the case, for example, when a charging plug with outer contact rings has a cover in the form of a protective tube which coaxially surrounds the contact rings. The cover can be pushed back axially for a charging process in order to release the contact surfaces. However, as long as the cover lies over the contact surfaces, it forms an opening at the end or a circumferential gap through which compressed air can escape and prevents harmful substances from entering through the opening. The compressed air then not only flows over the contact surfaces, but also flows through an opening at the front.

In particular, however, this is the case when the charging element is a charging socket with a hollow socket receptacle for receiving the charging plug. The socket opening then has an opening on the end face and the compressed air stream flows past the contact surfaces, for example on the inside of the socket receptacle. The compressed air then exits the opening at the front. In this way, standing air can be pressed out of the system and the contact surfaces are kept free from environmental influences. Alternatively, it can be provided that the compressed air flow is fed to the front opening of the charging socket without first flowing through the socket receptacle, i.e. without flowing over the contact surfaces. This also prevents harmful substances from entering through the front opening. This operating mode is particularly suitable for the state in which the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket. The contact surfaces of the two charging elements are contacted and the socket receptacle is filled with the body of the charging connector. The compressed air flow prevents harmful substances from penetrating between the socket receptacle and the charging plug. Furthermore, in one embodiment, an axially movable base is provided in the charging socket, which is moved in the direction of the socket opening in the “not charging” state. In this state, the contact rings of the charging socket are protected from being touched by the bottom. But here, too, additional protection of the contacts can be provided by the air overpressure system according to the invention, in order to protect the contacts not only from being touched, but also from the ingress of harmful substances.

The air thus flows outside through the air openings. This can be done directly at the opening of the plug or socket. In this case, the overpressure only prevents salty outside air or spray from penetrating the plug/socket. Alternatively, the openings for the air can also be behind the electrical contact elements, so that the overpressure air flows over the contacting elements and the air in the system is pushed out.

The air overpressure system can work in two states. First individually at each both contacting partners (plug and socket), which in particular prevents the ingress of salty air / spray. On the other hand, there is the state during the charging process when the plug and socket are in contact. Here it can make sense that only the front system on the socket side is active to prevent the ingress of salty air / spray.

The air supply preferably has an air distribution system which is designed to generate a plurality of compressed air flows. The compressed air flows generated are appropriately directed to achieve the desired air displacement within the system. The air distribution system is formed, for example, by a hollow body with a plurality of outlet openings through which a compressed air flow emerges. This hollow body has an air connection for introducing the compressed air into the hollow body and is designed, for example, in the shape of a ring. This enables a circular distribution of several compressed air flows, which is adapted to the shape of cylindrical charging plugs and hollow-cylindrical socket receptacles.

The invention also includes a charging plug-charging socket system, having a charging plug according to an embodiment of the invention and/or a charging socket according to an embodiment of the invention. Both the charging plug and the charging socket are preferably provided with an air overpressure system. To control the system, it has a control unit, with the charging plug and charging socket each having their own control unit, which together form a control unit within the meaning of the invention. The control unit is designed to activate the air overpressure system of at least one charging element before the charging element is connected to another charging element for an electrical charging process. This can be done directly before a loading process or the air overpressure system is kept permanently activated even in the parking position. The control unit receives a corresponding signal from a charging station or a vehicle. Consequently, the overpressure is maintained until both charging elements are again in a protected environment. If there is no protected environment, the positive pressure can also be maintained permanently to protect the system.

The control unit is optionally also designed to keep the air overpressure system of at least one charging element activated during the electrical charging process. In particular, it can be provided that the overpressure of the compressed air flow during the charging process with connected charging elements differs from the overpressure of the compressed air flow with unconnected charging elements, that it z. B. is lower. In the unconnected state, the compressed air is then stronger because the contact surfaces are not exposed in the connected state. In the connected state, it can also be provided that the air overpressure system is controlled in such a way that the compressed air stream is fed to the front opening of the charging socket without flowing through the socket receptacle.

The control unit can also be designed to distinguish between the plugged and unplugged state and to adapt at least the activation on one side (e.g. switching off on the plug side) accordingly.

Further advantages, special features and expedient developments of the invention result from the subclaims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

• 1 eine Ausführungsform eines Ladesteckers mit einem Luft-Überdrucksystem;
• 2 eine Ausführungsform einer Ladebuchse mit einem Luft-Überdrucksystem und Überströmung der Kontaktelemente;
• 3 eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Ladebuchse mit Durchströmung der stirnseitigen Buchsenöffnung; und
• 4 ein verbundenes Ladestecker-Ladebuchsensystem mit einer Durchströmung der stirnseitigen Buchsenöffnung.

From the illustrations shows:

• 1 an embodiment of a charging connector with an air overpressure system;
• 2 an embodiment of a charging socket with an air overpressure system and overflow of the contact elements;
• 3 a further embodiment of a charging socket with flow through the front socket opening; and
• 4 a connected charging plug charging socket system with a flow through the front socket opening.

the 1 until 3 show embodiments of charging elements with air overpressure systems that can be activated when no charging is taking place. 4 shows the plugged status.

1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a charging plug with an essentially cylindrical shape. Inside the charging connector 210 there is a cooling device 230 which extends axially through the charging connector 210 but only provides an optional additional function and is indicated with a dashed outline. The essential components of the charging plug form a plurality of contact rings 211, for example three, and a housing 212. The contact rings 211 extend coaxially around the cooling device 230 and are spaced apart axially. is provided. Furthermore, a movable cover 213 is provided in the form of a protective tube, which can be displaced axially with respect to the contact rings 211 . This is represented by a double arrow.

The charging plug has an air supply 220 which, if required, generates at least one compressed air flow 221 which is guided in such a way that it flows over the outer contact surfaces 211 ′ of the contact rings 211 . This takes place from the cable side (right) to the end face 214 of the charging plug 210 . In 1 two such compressed air streams 221 are shown, but more than two compressed air streams are preferably distributed over the circumference of the charging plug. The air streams exit at the end face 214 of the charging plug 210 as air outlet streams 222 .

2 shows an embodiment of a charging socket 240 with a hollow-cylindrical socket receptacle and a plurality of internal contact rings 242. The charging socket 240 has a socket opening 241 on the end face, through which a charging plug can be inserted into the interior of the socket. The charging socket has an air supply 220, which is formed, for example, by a number of air hoses or tubes. The air supply 220 feeds an air distribution element 224, which generates a plurality of compressed air streams, of which a compressed air stream is identified by the reference number 221 as an example. These compressed air streams 221 flow along the inner contact surfaces of the contact rings 242 and emerge as air outlet streams 222 from the bushing opening 241 on the end face. The air distribution element 224 is, for example, an annular hollow body with a plurality of outlet openings 223 through which compressed air emerges.

3 FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a charging socket 240' which is similar to the embodiment of FIG 2 is trained. However, the air supply 220 does not generate any compressed air streams that flow along the inside of the contact rings 242, but the air supply bypasses this inner area and only generates several compressed air streams 221 in the area of the socket opening 241, which then emerge from the opening 241 as air outlet streams 222. This can be an alternative to a solution as in the 2 be provided or in addition.

This form of air flow is particularly advantageous when the charging plug and charging socket are connected to one another, as shown schematically in 4 is shown. Then the socket receptacle of the charging socket 240 receives the charging plug 210 and their respective ring-shaped contacts 211 and 242 are electrically contacted with one another. Compressed air flows 221 continue to be generated in the area of the socket opening in order to prevent harmful substances from entering the plugged connection and having a negative effect on the contact points.

Reference List

210

charging plug

211

Electrical contact charging connector, contact ring

211'

contact surface

212

Housing

213

cover

214

Front side charging plug

220

air supply

221

compressed air flow

222

air discharge flow

223

exit port

224

air distribution element

230

cooling device

240,240'

charging socket

241

socket opening

242

Electrical contact charging socket, contact ring

Claims (12)

Charging element for transferring an electrical charging current to a second charging element, the charging element having electrical contact elements for transferring the charging current to electrical contact elements of the second charging element, characterized in that the charging element is provided with an air overpressure system which has an air supply (220), through which air under pressure passes through at least one area of the charging element to be protected, as a result of which at least one stream of compressed air (221) flows through the area to be protected. loading element after claim 1 , characterized in that the charging element is a charging plug (210) or a charging socket (240). loading element after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the contact surface of at least one electrical contact element (211) of the charging element is located in the area to be protected and the compressed air flow (221) flows around it at least partially. Loading element according to one or more of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the front opening (214; 241) of the charging element is in the area to be protected and the compressed air flow (221) flows through it. Loading element according to one or more of claims 2 until 4 , characterized in that the charging element is a charging socket (240) with a hollow socket receptacle for accommodating the charging plug (210), and the compressed air flow (221) is fed to the front opening (241) of the charging socket (240) without flowing through the socket receptacle . Loading element according to one or more of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the air supply (220) has an air distribution system (223) which is designed to generate a plurality of compressed air streams (221). loading element after claim 6 , characterized in that the air distribution system (223) is a hollow body with a plurality of outlet openings (224) through which a compressed air flow (221) emerges, in particular an annular hollow body. Charging plug charging socket system, comprising a charging plug (210) and / or a charging socket (240) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that it has a control unit which is designed to activate the air overpressure system of at least one charging element (210; 240) before the charging element is connected to another charging element for an electrical charging process. Charging plug charging socket system claim 8 , characterized in that the control unit is designed to keep the air overpressure system of at least one charging element (210; 240) activated during the electrical charging process. Charging plug charging socket system claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the control unit is designed to control the air overpressure system of at least one charging element (210; 240) in such a way that the overpressure of the compressed air flow (221) during the charging process when the charging elements (210; 240) are connected differs from the overpressure of the compressed air flow ( 221) in the case of unconnected charging elements (210; 240) differs in that it is in particular lower. Charging plug charging socket system according to one or more of the Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that the charging socket (240) according to claim 5 is designed, and the control unit is designed to control the air overpressure system so that the compressed air flow (221) of the front opening (241) of the charging socket (240) is supplied without flowing through the socket receptacle. Charging plug charging socket system according to one or more of the Claims 8 until 11 , characterized in that the control unit is adapted to activate the air overpressure system before or after a mechanical cover on the charging element (210; 240) has been removed.

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