EP3873766A1 - Device for conductive charging comprising an improved centering means - Google Patents

Device for conductive charging comprising an improved centering means

Info

Publication number
EP3873766A1
EP3873766A1 EP19797688.9A EP19797688A EP3873766A1 EP 3873766 A1 EP3873766 A1 EP 3873766A1 EP 19797688 A EP19797688 A EP 19797688A EP 3873766 A1 EP3873766 A1 EP 3873766A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
vehicle unit
cone
vehicle
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19797688.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Marco Weiss
Werner JÄGER
Bernhard Hoess
Manfred Holzmann
Alexander Ewald
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hirschmann Automotive GmbH
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Original Assignee
Hirschmann Automotive GmbH
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hirschmann Automotive GmbH, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG filed Critical Hirschmann Automotive GmbH
Publication of EP3873766A1 publication Critical patent/EP3873766A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/10—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
    • B60L53/14—Conductive energy transfer
    • B60L53/16—Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
    • B25J15/0019—End effectors other than grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J19/00—Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewing; Safety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
    • B25J19/0025—Means for supplying energy to the end effector
    • B25J19/0029—Means for supplying energy to the end effector arranged within the different robot elements
    • B25J19/0033—Means for supplying energy to the end effector arranged within the different robot elements with axial connectors in end effector flange
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/30—Constructional details of charging stations
    • B60L53/35—Means for automatic or assisted adjustment of the relative position of charging devices and vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
    • H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
    • H01R13/453—Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
    • H01R13/4538—Covers sliding or withdrawing in the direction of engagement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2260/00—Operating Modes
    • B60L2260/20—Drive modes; Transition between modes
    • B60L2260/32—Auto pilot mode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2107/00—Four or more poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
    • Y02T90/12—Electric charging stations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
    • Y02T90/14—Plug-in electric vehicles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for conductive charging, in particular of electric vehicles at a fixed station, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • a plug connection for connecting in particular electrical lines comprising at least one female connecting element and one male
  • Connecting element the female connecting element receiving the male connecting element in a form-fitting manner and wherein the two connecting elements can be non-positively and releasably connected in the case of form-fitting contact, and wherein a connecting region of the male connecting element is formed coaxially tapering and comprises at least one displaceable contact body which is in a first position within and is arranged projecting from the male connecting element in a second position.
  • conductive charging in particular of electric vehicles, is possible at a base station.
  • One connecting element is arranged on the autonomously driving vehicle, whereas the other connecting element is arranged in a stationary manner, but can be moved there within certain limits. If the vehicle moves with its connecting element in the direction of the fixed connecting element,
  • these two connecting elements are brought into operative connection by bringing the respective contact bodies of the two connecting elements into connection with one another for electrical contacting, so that the charging current can then flow.
  • the contact elements (contact body) of the male connecting element are arranged movably in this male connecting element. In a first position, they are arranged entirely within the male connecting element, so that this contact body is protected against contact and contamination. Only when the two connecting elements have been brought together does the contact body, which was previously located within the connecting element, move out of the male connecting element, so that these contact bodies can be contacted with the associated contact bodies of the female connecting element.
  • the invention provides an improved device for conductive charging.
  • Conductive charging means that the electrical contacts of a base station at which charging energy is made available are operatively connected to electrical contacts of an autonomously driving vehicle, so that they touch each other for charging.
  • this conductive charging has the advantage of significantly higher energy transmission, so that autonomously driving vehicles are charged much faster and are ready for operation again.
  • a vehicle unit for the entire device for conductive charging, which is arranged on the vehicle, in particular the electric vehicle.
  • a robot unit is provided which can be controlled by the vehicle for the purpose of charging.
  • the robot unit is thus stationary, but can be moved within certain limits at the location where charging is to take place.
  • the purpose of this is that the vehicle with its vehicle unit does not have to control the robot unit 100 percent, but rather that the robot unit searches for the vehicle unit when the vehicle has been parked for charging.
  • the device comprises the vehicle unit with a centering cone and the robot unit with a counter cone as centering means which can be brought into operative connection with one another.
  • the invention provides that the inlet angles of the centering cone and the counter cone are different. This advantageously minimizes the frictional forces during the centering process and thus the interaction of the robot unit with the vehicle unit. In addition, sliding blockages are avoided during this centering process, so that operational safety is significantly increased and the contact elements of the two units are brought into a defined position with respect to one another during contacting.
  • the centering cone in particular the centering tip of the centering cone, is placed in the area of the counter cone.
  • a vertical centering force is set, that is, impressed.
  • the centering tip of the centering cone is centered in the counter cone, for which purpose the surfaces of the centering tip of the centering cone slide on the surface of the counter cone.
  • the centering cone is arranged on the vehicle unit and the counter cone on the robot unit.
  • the centering cone is arranged on the robot unit and the counter cone of the vehicle unit.
  • the centering cone is formed over the entire surface.
  • this centering means can be operated particularly robustly, in particular when the counter-cone (see below) is designed like a strut. This also significantly reduces the frictional forces.
  • the counter-cone is formed over the entire surface or strut-like, in particular formed by at least two cone struts. If both the centering cone and the counter-cone are formed over the entire surface, the centering process can be carried out very well as a result of the different inlet angles, with the frictional forces being significantly minimized at the same time since the
  • Centering cone and the counter cone despite their full-surface configuration, only come into full contact at the end of the centering process, but not beforehand.
  • the inflow angle of the centering cone is acute, preferably greater than 45 degrees, further preferably greater than 60 degrees, and the inflow angle of the counter cone is flat, preferably less than 10 degrees, further preferably equal to 0 degrees.
  • the angles of the first section of the centering cone are preferably acute, preferably greater than 45 degrees, more preferably greater than 60 degrees, and the angles of the respective second section of the centering cone and the counter cone are flat, preferably less than 10 degrees, further preferably equal to 0 degrees.
  • the contact elements of the robot unit are recessed in a housing and are therefore protected from external contact or contamination, but are accessible to the contact elements of the vehicle unit.
  • the contact elements of the vehicle unit must also be protected against contact or contamination.
  • the contact elements according to the invention are recessed in a housing and are therefore protected from external contact or contamination, but are accessible to the contact elements of the vehicle unit.
  • the contact elements of the vehicle unit must also be protected against contact or contamination.
  • Vehicle unit covered by a gripping protection, so that the contact elements of the vehicle unit are not accessible as long as there is no charging and as long as the vehicle unit has not been operatively connected to the robot unit. Only when the robot unit is moved in the direction of the vehicle unit, is this gripping protection by the robot unit relative to the housing of the
  • Vehicle unit moves, so that the contact elements of the vehicle unit, which are fixedly arranged in the housing of the vehicle unit, are released and can engage in the corresponding free spaces in the robot unit in order to touch and contact the contact elements of the robot unit located there.
  • the gripping protection is supported on the housing of the vehicle unit by means of springs.
  • This configuration has the essential advantage that the gripping protection is moved as a mechanical component in relation to the housing of the vehicle unit, whereas the contact elements of the vehicle unit are arranged in a fixed position in it, since in practice a movable mechanical component (without electrical function) is much better can be realized as an electrically conductive component, which in the case of the prior art not only serves for electrical contacting, but which also has to be moved at the same time As a result, the invention realizes a much simpler and safer construction of the device for conductive charging.
  • the contacts are also arranged fixed in the housing of the robot unit. For example, the contacts in the robot unit and the vehicle unit are area-wise
  • FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a device 1 according to the invention for conductive charging.
  • a vehicle unit 2 is shown, which has a housing in which contact elements (not shown here) and, if appropriate, further functional components are arranged.
  • This vehicle unit 2 is arranged at a suitable location, in particular on an underbody, of an electric vehicle, which preferably moves autonomously.
  • robot unit 3 which likewise has a housing in which contact elements (also not shown here) and also, if appropriate, further functional components.
  • FIG. 1 shows that the robot unit 3 is already in engagement with the vehicle unit 2.
  • Other means that are required for movement and position detection for the robot unit 3 or the vehicle unit 2 are present, but are not shown.
  • FIG. 2 shows the side of the robot unit 3 pointing in the direction of the vehicle unit 2.
  • the robot unit 3 has a housing 4, preferably made of plastic.
  • this plastic housing 4 there is a conductor ring 5 (several conductor rings 5 are shown) which are connected to an energy source (not shown) for charging the vehicle.
  • Each conductor ring 5 ends with a contact lug 6, which is present, for example, for contacting a connector, not shown.
  • a conductor ring 5 is shown in FIG. 3, for example.
  • Such a conductor ring 5 is preferably realized as a deep-drawn sheet, which forwards the current to the vehicle and which is arranged in a suitable position and size in the housing 4 of the robot unit 3.
  • a plurality of conductor rings 5 are arranged concentrically one inside the other.
  • Each conductor ring 5 has a base which is arranged at the circumferential end of a cylinder section 8 and protrudes therefrom.
  • the conductor ring 5 can thus be arranged very well in the housing 4, in particular it can be fixed. This applies in particular when a partial area of the cylinder section 8 is surrounded together with the base 7 by a plastic material which forms the housing 4.
  • At least one recess 9 is present over the circumference of the cylinder section 8. In this embodiment there are exactly three recesses 9.
  • FIG. 4 shows the vehicle unit 2, which is preferably arranged with its underside (when viewing FIG. 4) on an underside of the vehicle (not shown).
  • the vehicle unit 2 also has a housing 10, preferably made of plastic. Facing the upper side (when viewing FIG. 4) of the vehicle unit 2 is a preferably plate-shaped gripping protection 12, which is approximately plane-parallel to the upper side
  • the contacts 11 in the vehicle unit 2 which are present but not yet fully recognizable here, are arranged in a fixed manner in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2. Cutouts are provided in the grip guard 12 for the corresponding contacts 11 in the vehicle unit 2, so that when the grip guard 12 is pressed together by the robot unit 3 in the direction of the upper side of the vehicle unit 2, the contacts 11 can penetrate these cutouts and are thus released. in order to be able to be applied to the contacts 5 in the robot unit 3.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the flat gripping protection 12 with the corresponding cutouts for the contacts 11 (spring contacts) is shown in FIG.
  • Such a gripping protection 12, like the housings 4, 10 of the two units 2, 3, can also be produced, for example, in a plastic injection molding process. It is essential that the gripping guard 12 can be moved relative to the vehicle unit 2 in order to either protect or release the contacts 11 in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2, the contacts 11 being arranged in a fixed manner in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2.
  • the gripping protection 12 has a base 13 with a central opening 14. Around the center opening 14 there is an area that extends obliquely to the base 13, in which a plurality of recesses 15 are arranged all around and also beveled. The corresponding conductor springs 11 of the vehicle unit 2 are guided through these recesses 15 and released if charging is to be carried out, or arranged under these recesses 15 if no charging is to be carried out, so that overall the gripping protection 12 has the effect that the conductor springs 11 are covered in the latter case . Furthermore,
  • the gripping guard 12 also has a plurality of recesses 16 all around, through which further elements can be carried out in order, for example, to bring the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 to each other in the correct position.
  • a coding lug 17 (or possibly further elements or more than one coding lug) can also be present.
  • FIG. 6 An exemplary embodiment of a contact 11 (conductor spring) of the vehicle unit 2 is shown in FIG. 6.
  • This contact 11 which is shown as an example, is in turn a deep-drawn sheet, which likewise forwards the current to the vehicle.
  • An outer ring can be seen as the base 18, from which a contact tab (again for the connection of a connector, not shown) protruding outwards and contacts 20 angled toward the inside extend upwards, these contacts 20 either being released by the gripping protection 12 or are covered for the purpose of protection against contact or contamination.
  • a contact tab (again for the connection of a connector, not shown) protruding outwards and contacts 20 angled toward the inside extend upwards, these contacts 20 either being released by the gripping protection 12 or are covered for the purpose of protection against contact or contamination.
  • FIG. 7 finally shows the method for operating the two units 2, 3 as described above and shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.
  • the required coverage of the robot unit 3 with the vehicle unit 2, after it has been achieved, is shown in the middle representation in FIG. It can be seen here that the contact elements 11 in the vehicle unit are still arranged within the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 and are covered by the gripping protection 12.
  • the gripping protection 12 is pressed against the spring force by the robot unit 3 in the direction of the housing 10, so that the contacts 11 in the vehicle unit 2 are thereby released by the gripping protection 12 so that they can come into contact with the contacts 5 of the robot unit 3 Bring active connection and thus the contacting of contacts 5, 11 of the two units can be seen in the right-hand illustration of FIG. 7, so that the charging process can now take place.
  • the housing 4 of the robot unit 3 has a dome 21, which is passed through the central opening 14 of the gripping protection 12.
  • the dome 21 of the robot unit 3 is guided by a corresponding counter element on the side of the vehicle unit 2, which is designed and suitable for connecting to the dome 21 and thereby guiding the robot unit 3 during the movement towards the vehicle unit 2.
  • FIG. 7 also shows that the gripping guard 12 can be moved in one direction 22 from its starting position 23 and vice versa.
  • this starting position 23 between the gripping protection 12 and the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 is defined and is, for example, by a spring arranged between the gripping protection 12 and the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2, preferably a plurality of springs, again preferably at each corner point of the preferably square trained gripping protection 12, realized.
  • This at least one spring is compressed in the direction of movement 22 and the gripping guard 12 moves in the direction of the defined point on the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 when a defined point (or a defined area) of the housing 4 of the robot unit 3 moves towards the vehicle unit 2 becomes.
  • the gripping protection 12 is also moved further in the direction of the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 and the at least one spring is compressed, so that the contacts 11 of the vehicle unit 2 are released and in operative connection with them Contacts 5 of the robot unit 3 can be brought.
  • This position of the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 relative to one another is, as already explained, shown in the lower right illustration of only 7. It goes without saying that after the charging process has been completed, the two units 2, 3 are separated from one another in the reverse procedure, the contacts 11 fixed in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 being covered again by the gripping protection 12 after the robot unit 3 has been removed the vehicle unit 2 has been removed.
  • the centering means of the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 are explicitly shown once again in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • a centering cone 24 is present within the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2, as shown in FIG.
  • This centering cone 24 with its larger diameter, starts from a bottom of the housing 10 and projects from this bottom. It tapers up to a point or is flattened at its tapered end (as shown).
  • the centering cone 24 is preferably produced together with the housing 10, but can also be produced as a separate component and then arranged on the housing 10.
  • the centering cone 24 is advantageously arranged centrally coaxially within the contact elements 5 of the vehicle unit 2 arranged coaxially to one another.
  • a counter cone 25 of the robot unit 3 is shown in FIG. This counter cone 25 can (as shown) be part of the housing 4.
  • the counter cone 25 is also arranged centrally coaxially within the contact elements 11 of the robot unit 3.
  • the counter-cone 25 is formed by cone struts 26 (two cone struts 26 can be seen, but actually there are four or more than four, but possibly also less than four cone struts 26).
  • the counter cone 25, like the centering cone 24, can also be formed over the entire surface. In the embodiment shown in the figures it can be seen that the tapered centering cone 24 on the vehicle unit 2 and the counter cone 25 on the
  • Robot unit 3 is arranged. Both for this special exemplary embodiment and in general, the cones shown and described accordingly can also be arranged in reverse on the respective unit 2, 3.

Abstract

A device (1) for conductive charging, having a vehicle unit (2) that is fixedly mounted on a vehicle, and a stationary, but moveably mounted robot unit (3), wherein: the vehicle unit (2) can be operatively connected to the robot unit (3) in order to carry out the charging process; the two units (2, 3) each have a housing (4, 10) in which associated contact elements (5, 11) are disposed; in the robot unit (3), the contact elements (5) are recessed in the housing (4) of the robot unit (3); the contact elements (11) in the housing (10) of the vehicle unit (2) are fixed in place; and the vehicle unit (2) has a centering cone (24) and the robot unit (3) has a mating cone (25), or vice versa, as centering means which can be mutually operatively connected, characterised in that the tapering angles of the centering cone (24) and of the mating cone (25) are different.

Description

Vorrichtung zum konduktiven Laden mit einem verbesserten Zentriermittel  Conductive charging device with an improved centering means
Beschreibung description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum konduktiven Laden, insbesondere von Elektrofahrzeugen an einer Feststation, gemäß den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffes des Patentanspruches 1. The invention relates to a device for conductive charging, in particular of electric vehicles at a fixed station, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.
Aus der WO 2016/119001 A1 ist zum konduktiven Laden schon eine Steckverbindung zum Verbinden von insbesondere elektrischen Leitungen bekannt, umfassend zumindest ein weibliches Verbindungselement und ein männlichesFrom WO 2016/119001 A1, a plug connection for connecting in particular electrical lines is known for conductive charging, comprising at least one female connecting element and one male
Verbindungselement, wobei das weibliche Verbindungselement das männliche Verbindungselement formschlüssig aufnimmt und wobei die beiden Verbindungselemente bei formschlüssigen Kontakt kraftschlüssig lösbar verbindbar sind und wobei ein in Verbindung tretender Bereich des männlichen Verbindungselementes koaxial zulaufend ausgebildet ist und zumindest einen verschiebbaren Kontaktkörper umfasst, welcher in einer ersten Position innerhalb und in einer zweiten Position aus dem männlichen Verbindungselement vorragend angeordnet ist. Mit der in dieser internationalen Patentanmeldung beschriebenen Vorrichtung ist ein konduktives Laden insbesondere von Elektrofahrzeugen an einer Feststation möglich. Das eine Verbindungselement ist an dem autonom fahrenden Fahrzeug angeordnet, wohingegen das andere Verbindungselement ortsfest, dort jedoch in gewissen Grenzen bewegbar, angeordnet ist. Bewegt sich das Fahrzeug mit seinem Verbindungselement in Richtung des feststehenden Verbindungselementes, Connecting element, the female connecting element receiving the male connecting element in a form-fitting manner and wherein the two connecting elements can be non-positively and releasably connected in the case of form-fitting contact, and wherein a connecting region of the male connecting element is formed coaxially tapering and comprises at least one displaceable contact body which is in a first position within and is arranged projecting from the male connecting element in a second position. With the device described in this international patent application, conductive charging, in particular of electric vehicles, is possible at a base station. One connecting element is arranged on the autonomously driving vehicle, whereas the other connecting element is arranged in a stationary manner, but can be moved there within certain limits. If the vehicle moves with its connecting element in the direction of the fixed connecting element,
werden diese beiden Verbindungselemente in Wirkverbindung miteinander gebracht, indem für eine elektrische Kontaktierung die jeweiligen Kontaktkörper der beiden Verbindungselemente in Verbindung miteinander gebracht werden, sodass danach der Ladestrom fließen kann. these two connecting elements are brought into operative connection by bringing the respective contact bodies of the two connecting elements into connection with one another for electrical contacting, so that the charging current can then flow.
Bei diesem Stand der Technik sind jedoch die Kontaktelemente (Kontaktkörper) des männlichen Verbindungselementes bewegbar in diesem männlichen Verbindungselement angeordnet. In einer ersten Position sind sie vollständig innerhalb des männlichen Verbindungselementes angeordnet, sodass ein Berührungs- und Verschmutzungsschutz dieser Kontaktkörper gegeben ist. Erst wenn die beiden Verbindungselemente zusammengebracht worden sind, bewegt sich der Kontaktkörper, der sich bisher innerhalb des Verbindungselementes befand, aus dem männlichen Verbindungselement heraus, sodass diese Kontaktkörper mit den zugehörigen Kontaktkörpern des weiblichen Verbindungselementes kontaktiert werden können. In this prior art, however, the contact elements (contact body) of the male connecting element are arranged movably in this male connecting element. In a first position, they are arranged entirely within the male connecting element, so that this contact body is protected against contact and contamination. Only when the two connecting elements have been brought together does the contact body, which was previously located within the connecting element, move out of the male connecting element, so that these contact bodies can be contacted with the associated contact bodies of the female connecting element.
Für den Betrieb der bekannten Vorrichtung ist es wichtig, dass die beiden Verbindungselemente gezielt und definiert aufeinander zur Anlage kommen. Hierfür ist ein in Verbindung tretender Bereich des männlichen Verbindungselementes koaxial zulaufend ausgebildet, wobei der Anlagebereich des weiblichen Verbindungselementes korrespondierend ausgebildet ist. Damit ist es zwar schon möglich, dass die beiden in Wirkverbindung zu bringenden Verbindungselemente gezielt geführt werden. Allerdings hat die Praxis gezeigt, dass diese Führung aufgrund des recht flachen Winkels, der durch den koaxialen Zulauf gebildet ist, nicht ausreichend ist. Außerdem ist es von Nachteil, dass die koaxialen Zuläufe, d. h., deren Winkel in Bezug beispielsweise auf die jeweilige Bewegungsachse (Zulaufwinkel), For the operation of the known device, it is important that the two connecting elements come into contact with one another in a targeted and defined manner. For this purpose, a connecting region of the male connecting element is designed to coaxially taper, the contact region of the female connecting element being designed correspondingly. It is thus already possible for the two connecting elements to be brought into operative connection to be guided in a targeted manner. However, practice has shown that this guidance is not sufficient due to the rather flat angle formed by the coaxial inlet. It is also disadvantageous that the coaxial inlets, ie their angles with respect to the respective movement axis (inlet angle), for example,
sowohl bei dem männlichen als auch bei dem weiblichen Verbindungselement gleich (gleich groß) sind. Dadurch kann es in nachteiliger Weise insbesondere bei dem Startvorgang des Zusammenführens dieser beiden Verbindungselemente zu Blockaden, aber auch bei der weiteren Zusammenführung dieser beiden Elemente zu Abgleitblockaden kommen. Außerdem sind die Reibungskräfte während desare the same (same size) for both the male and the female connecting element. As a result, blockages can occur in a disadvantageous manner, in particular during the starting process of bringing these two connecting elements together, but sliding blocks can also occur when these two elements are brought together again. In addition, the frictional forces during the
Zentriervorganges deutlich erhöht, da die beiden Zentriermittel großflächig aufeinander zur Anlage kommen. Centering process significantly increased, since the two centering devices come into contact with one another over a large area.
Die Erfindung stellt eine verbesserte Vorrichtung zum konduktiven Laden zur Verfügung. Unter konduktivem Laden ist zu verstehen, dass die elektrischen Kontakte einer Feststation, an der Ladeenergie zur Verfügung gestellt wird, mit elektrischen Kontakten eines autonom fahrenden Fahrzeuges in Wirkverbindung gebracht werden, sodass diese sich zum Laden berühren. Dieses konduktive Laden hat gegenüber dem ebenfalls bekannten induktiven Laden, welches berührungslos erfolgt, den Vorteil der deutlich höheren Energieübertragung, sodass autonom fahrende Fahrzeuge wesentlich schneller aufgeladen werden und wieder betriebsbereit sind. The invention provides an improved device for conductive charging. Conductive charging means that the electrical contacts of a base station at which charging energy is made available are operatively connected to electrical contacts of an autonomously driving vehicle, so that they touch each other for charging. Compared to the well-known inductive charging, which takes place without contact, this conductive charging has the advantage of significantly higher energy transmission, so that autonomously driving vehicles are charged much faster and are ready for operation again.
Für die gesamte Vorrichtung zum konduktiven Laden ist eine Fahrzeugeinheit vorgesehen, die an dem Fahrzeug, insbesondere dem Elektrofahrzeug, angeordnet ist. Unabhängig und an jeder beliebigen anderen Stelle ist eine Robotereinheit vorgesehen, die von dem Fahrzeug zwecks auf Ladevorgang angesteuert werden kann. Die Robotereinheit ist somit ortsfest, jedoch in gewissen Grenzen an dem Ort, an dem geladen werden soll, bewegbar. Dies hat den Zweck, dass das Fahrzeug mit seiner Fahrzeugeinheit nicht 100-prozentig die Robotereinheit überdeckend ansteuern muss, sondern dass sich die Robotereinheit die Fahrzeugeinheit sucht, wenn das Fahrzeug zwecks Laden abgestellt worden ist. A vehicle unit is provided for the entire device for conductive charging, which is arranged on the vehicle, in particular the electric vehicle. Independently and at any other point, a robot unit is provided which can be controlled by the vehicle for the purpose of charging. The robot unit is thus stationary, but can be moved within certain limits at the location where charging is to take place. The purpose of this is that the vehicle with its vehicle unit does not have to control the robot unit 100 percent, but rather that the robot unit searches for the vehicle unit when the vehicle has been parked for charging.
Die Vorrichtung umfasst dabei die Fahrzeugeinheit mit einem Zentrierkonus und die Robotereinheit mit einem Gegenkonus als miteinander in Wirkverbindung bringbare Zentriermittel. The device comprises the vehicle unit with a centering cone and the robot unit with a counter cone as centering means which can be brought into operative connection with one another.
Darauf basierend ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass die Zulaufwinkel des Zentrierkonus und des Gegenkonus unterschiedlich sind. Dadurch werden in vorteilhafter Weise die Reibungskräfte während des Zentriervorganges und damit das miteinander in Wirkverbindung bringen der Robotereinheit in Bezug auf die Fahrzeugeinheit minimiert. Außerdem werden Abgleitblockaden während dieses Zentriervorganges vermieden, sodass dadurch die Betriebssicherheit deutlich erhöht ist und die Kontaktelemente der beiden Einheiten in eine definierte Position zueinander während der Kontaktierung gebracht werden. Flierzu erfolgt ein Aufsetzen des Zentrierkonus, insbesondere der Zentrierspitze des Zentrierkonus, in den Bereich des Gegenkonus. Dabei wird eine vertikale Zentrierkraft eingestellt, d. h. aufgeprägt. Es erfolgt eine Zentrierung der Zentrierspitze des Zentrierkonus in dem Gegenkonus, wobei hierzu ein Abgleiten der Oberflächen der Zentrierspitze des Zentrierkonus auf der Oberfläche des Gegenkonus erfolgt. Dies erfolgt so lange, bis es zu einem Anliegen der Auflageflächen der einander zugewandten Kontaktelemente von Fahrzeugeinheit und Robotereinheit kommt. Durch die unterschiedlichen Zulaufwinkel kommt es dadurch zu einer Feinzentrierung über das Abgleiten der einander zugewandten Flächen, insbesondere Oberseiten, der Kontaktelemente, bis alle Oberflächen zueinander positioniert sind. Dadurch wird in vorteilhafter Weise eine vertikale Steckkraft, insbesondere eine definierte vertikale Steckkraft, aufgeprägt, sodass, sofern vorhanden, ein Greifschutz (siehe weiter unten in der Beschreibung) übergepresst (bewegt) wird mit einem Freigeben (Freisetzen) der geschützten Based on this, the invention provides that the inlet angles of the centering cone and the counter cone are different. This advantageously minimizes the frictional forces during the centering process and thus the interaction of the robot unit with the vehicle unit. In addition, sliding blockages are avoided during this centering process, so that operational safety is significantly increased and the contact elements of the two units are brought into a defined position with respect to one another during contacting. The centering cone, in particular the centering tip of the centering cone, is placed in the area of the counter cone. A vertical centering force is set, that is, impressed. The centering tip of the centering cone is centered in the counter cone, for which purpose the surfaces of the centering tip of the centering cone slide on the surface of the counter cone. This continues until the contact surfaces of the mutually facing contact elements of the vehicle unit and the robot unit come to rest. The different inlet angles result in fine centering by sliding the mutually facing surfaces, in particular top sides, of the contact elements until all surfaces are positioned with respect to one another. This advantageously applies a vertical insertion force, in particular a defined vertical insertion force, so that, if present, a gripping protection (see below in the description) is overpressed (moved) with a release (release) of the protected
Kontaktelemente auf der Seite der Fahrzeugeinheit. Anschließend kommt es zu einer gegenseitigen Überdeckung der Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit und der Robotereinheit, sodass dadurch in vorteilhafter Weise eine robuste Kontaktierung erfolgt. Contact elements on the side of the vehicle unit. Then there is mutual overlap of the contact elements of the vehicle unit and the robot unit, so that a robust contact is advantageously made.
Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen von Zentrierkonus und Gegenkonus sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben. In diesem Zusammenhang gibt es folgende Möglichkeiten der Anordnung: Erste Ausgestaltung: der Zentrierkonus ist an der Fahrzeugeinheit und der Gegenkonus an der Robotereinheit angeordnet. Further advantageous configurations of the centering cone and counter cone are specified in the subclaims. In this context, there are the following options for the arrangement: First embodiment: the centering cone is arranged on the vehicle unit and the counter cone on the robot unit.
Zweite Ausgestaltung: der Zentrierkonus ist an der Robotereinheit und der Gegenkonus der Fahrzeugeinheit angeordnet. Second embodiment: the centering cone is arranged on the robot unit and the counter cone of the vehicle unit.
In Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Zentrierkonus vollflächig ausgebildet ist. Dadurch lässt sich dieses Zentriermittel besonders robust betreiben, insbesondere dann, wenn der Gegenkonus (siehe im Folgenden) strebenartig ausgebildet ist. Auch hierdurch werden die Reibungskräfte deutlich minimiert. In a development of the invention it is provided that the centering cone is formed over the entire surface. As a result, this centering means can be operated particularly robustly, in particular when the counter-cone (see below) is designed like a strut. This also significantly reduces the frictional forces.
In Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Gegenkonus vollflächig oder strebenartig, insbesondere von zumindest zwei Konusstreben gebildet, ausgebildet ist. Sind sowohl der Zentrierkonus als auch der Gegenkonus vollflächig ausgebildet, lässt sich infolge der unterschiedlichen Zulaufwinkel der Zentriervorgang sehr gut durchführen, wobei gleichzeitig die Reibungskräfte deutlich minimiert sind, da der In a further development of the invention it is provided that the counter-cone is formed over the entire surface or strut-like, in particular formed by at least two cone struts. If both the centering cone and the counter-cone are formed over the entire surface, the centering process can be carried out very well as a result of the different inlet angles, with the frictional forces being significantly minimized at the same time since the
Zentrierkonus und der Gegenkonus trotz ihrer vollflächigen Ausgestaltung erst am Ende des Zentriervorganges vollflächig zur Anlage kommen, vorher aber nicht. Centering cone and the counter cone, despite their full-surface configuration, only come into full contact at the end of the centering process, but not beforehand.
In Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Zulaufwinkel des Zentrierkonus spitz, vorzugsweise größer 45 Grad, weiter vorzugsweise größer 60 Grad, und der Zulaufwinkel des Gegenkonus flach, vorzugsweise kleiner 10 Grad, weiter vorzugsweise gleich 0 Grad, ist. In a further development of the invention it is provided that the inflow angle of the centering cone is acute, preferably greater than 45 degrees, further preferably greater than 60 degrees, and the inflow angle of the counter cone is flat, preferably less than 10 degrees, further preferably equal to 0 degrees.
Vorzugsweise sind die Winkel des ersten Abschnitts des Zentrierkonus spitz, vorzugsweise größer 45 Grad, weiter vorzugsweise größer 60 Grad, und die Winkel des jeweils zweiten Abschnitts des Zentrierkonus und des Gegenkonus flach, vorzugsweise kleiner 10 Grad, weiter vorzugsweise gleich 0 Grad. The angles of the first section of the centering cone are preferably acute, preferably greater than 45 degrees, more preferably greater than 60 degrees, and the angles of the respective second section of the centering cone and the counter cone are flat, preferably less than 10 degrees, further preferably equal to 0 degrees.
Aufgrund dieser Größenangaben ist der Zentriervorgang besonders wirksam und definiert durchführbar und es werden die Reinigungskräfte wiederum deutlich minimiert. Außerdem kommt es insbesondere bei diesen Größenangaben zu einerBased on this size information, the centering process is particularly effective and can be carried out in a defined manner and the cleaning forces are in turn significantly minimized. In addition, there is a particular problem with these sizes
Vorzentrierung, bevor die Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit mit denPre-centering before the contact elements of the vehicle unit with the
Kontaktelementen der Robotereinheit in Berührung kommen. Somit werden aufgrund dieser Vorzentrierung die Kontaktelemente schon in eine definierte Stellung zueinander gebracht, bevor der Zentriervorgang und das miteinander inContact elements of the robot unit come into contact. Because of this pre-centering, the contact elements are brought into a defined position with respect to one another before the centering process and that with one another
Wirkverbindung bringen der Robotereinheit mit der Fahrzeugeinheit durchgeführt und abgeschlossen wird. Insgesamt werden dadurch der eigentliche Zentriervorgang sowie der Kontaktvorgang und die damit verbundene Betriebssicherheit, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Langlebigkeit der Vorrichtung zum Laden, deutlich verbessert. Bringing the robot unit to the vehicle unit is operatively connected and completed. Overall, the actual centering process as well as the contact process and the associated operational safety are significantly improved, in particular with regard to the longevity of the device for charging.
Die Kontaktelemente der Robotereinheit sind versenkt in einem Gehäuse und damit vor äußeren Berührungen oder Verschmutzungen geschützt angeordnet, jedoch für die Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit zugänglich. Die Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit müssen ebenfalls vor Berührungen oder Verschmutzungen geschützt sein. Zu diesem Zweck sind nach der Erfindung die Kontaktelemente derThe contact elements of the robot unit are recessed in a housing and are therefore protected from external contact or contamination, but are accessible to the contact elements of the vehicle unit. The contact elements of the vehicle unit must also be protected against contact or contamination. For this purpose, the contact elements according to the invention
Fahrzeugeinheit von einem Greifschutz abgedeckt, sodass die Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit nicht zugänglich sind, solange nicht geladen wird und solange die Fahrzeugeinheit nicht mit der Robotereinheit in Wirkverbindung gebracht worden ist. Erst wenn die Robotereinheit in Richtung der Fahrzeugeinheit bewegt wird, wird dieser Greifschutz durch die Robotereinheit relativ in Bezug auf das Gehäuse derVehicle unit covered by a gripping protection, so that the contact elements of the vehicle unit are not accessible as long as there is no charging and as long as the vehicle unit has not been operatively connected to the robot unit. Only when the robot unit is moved in the direction of the vehicle unit, is this gripping protection by the robot unit relative to the housing of the
Fahrzeugeinheit bewegt, sodass die Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit, die feststehend in dem Gehäuse der Fahrzeugeinheit angeordnet sind, freigegeben werden und in die entsprechenden Freiräume in der Robotereinheit eingreifen können, um die dort liegenden Kontaktelemente der Robotereinheit zu berühren und damit zu kontaktieren. Zu diesem Zweck ist der Greifschutz über Federn an dem Gehäuse der Fahrzeugeinheit abgestützt. Diese Ausgestaltung hat den wesentlichen Vorteil, dass der Greifschutz als mechanisches Bauteil in Bezug auf das Gehäuse der Fahrzeugeinheit bewegt wird, wohingegen die Kontaktelemente der Fahrzeugeinheit feststehend in dieser angeordnet sind, da sich in der Praxis ein bewegbares mechanisches Bauteil (ohne elektrische Funktion) wesentlich besser realisieren lässt als ein elektrisch leitfähiges Bauteil, welches in dem Falle des Standes der Technik nicht nur der elektrische Kontaktierung dient, sondern welches gleichzeitig auch noch bewegt werden muss. Dadurch realisiert die Erfindung einen wesentlich einfacheren und sichereren Aufbau der Vorrichtung für das konduktive Laden. Ebenso sind die Kontakte feststehend in dem Gehäuse der Robotereinheit angeordnet. Beispielsweise sind die Kontakte in der Robotereinheit und der Fahrzeugeinheit bereichsweise Vehicle unit moves, so that the contact elements of the vehicle unit, which are fixedly arranged in the housing of the vehicle unit, are released and can engage in the corresponding free spaces in the robot unit in order to touch and contact the contact elements of the robot unit located there. For this purpose, the gripping protection is supported on the housing of the vehicle unit by means of springs. This configuration has the essential advantage that the gripping protection is moved as a mechanical component in relation to the housing of the vehicle unit, whereas the contact elements of the vehicle unit are arranged in a fixed position in it, since in practice a movable mechanical component (without electrical function) is much better can be realized as an electrically conductive component, which in the case of the prior art not only serves for electrical contacting, but which also has to be moved at the same time As a result, the invention realizes a much simpler and safer construction of the device for conductive charging. The contacts are also arranged fixed in the housing of the robot unit. For example, the contacts in the robot unit and the vehicle unit are area-wise
zwecks ihrer Festlegung in dem jeweiligen Gehäuse von einem Kunststoffmaterial umspritzt, wobei nach dem Umspritzvorgang ein Teilbereich der Kontakte zwecks Kontaktierung bzw. Anschluss von Zufuhrleitungen freibleibt. Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren, wie diese Vorrichtung betrieben wird, wird im Folgenden beschrieben und anhand der Figuren 1 bis 9 erläutert. overmoulded by a plastic material in order to fix them in the respective housing, a portion of the contacts remaining free after the overmolding process for the purpose of contacting or connecting supply lines. An exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention and a method of how this device is operated are described below and explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.
Figur 1 zeigt den prinzipiellen Aufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 für das konduktive Laden. Es ist eine Fahrzeugeinheit 2 dargestellt, die ein Gehäuse aufweist, in dem (hier nicht dargestellte) Kontaktelemente und gegebenenfalls weitere Funktionsbauteile angeordnet sind. Diese Fahrzeugeinheit 2 wird an geeigneter Stelle, insbesondere an einem Unterboden, eines Elektrofahrzeuges, welches vorzugsweise sich autonom bewegt, angeordnet. Weiterhin ist eine sogenannte Robotereinheit 3 vorhanden, die ebenfalls ein Gehäuse aufweist, in dem (hier ebenfalls nicht dargestellte) Kontaktelemente und auch gegebenenfalls weitere Funktionsbauteile aufweist. Diese beiden Einheiten 2, 3 werden in etwa überdeckend in Wirkverbindung gebracht, wenn das Fahrzeug an einer Ladestation, an der die Robotereinheit 3 vorhanden ist, angekommen ist. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a device 1 according to the invention for conductive charging. A vehicle unit 2 is shown, which has a housing in which contact elements (not shown here) and, if appropriate, further functional components are arranged. This vehicle unit 2 is arranged at a suitable location, in particular on an underbody, of an electric vehicle, which preferably moves autonomously. Furthermore, there is a so-called robot unit 3, which likewise has a housing in which contact elements (also not shown here) and also, if appropriate, further functional components. These two units 2, 3 are brought into operative connection approximately overlapping when the vehicle has arrived at a charging station at which the robot unit 3 is present.
In Figur 1 ist gezeigt, dass die Robotereinheit 3 schon im Eingriff mit der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 steht. Weitere Mittel, die zur Bewegung und Positionserfassung für die Robotereinheit 3 bzw. die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 erforderlich sind, sind vorhanden, jedoch nicht dargestellt. FIG. 1 shows that the robot unit 3 is already in engagement with the vehicle unit 2. Other means that are required for movement and position detection for the robot unit 3 or the vehicle unit 2 are present, but are not shown.
Figur 2 zeigt die in Richtung der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 weisende Seite der Robotereinheit 3. Es ist erkennbar, dass die Robotereinheit 3 ein Gehäuse 4, vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff, aufweist. In diesem Kunststoffgehäuse 4 ist ein Leiterring 5 (dargestellt sind mehrere Leiterringe 5) vorhanden, die mit einer nicht dargestellten Energiequelle zum Laden des Fahrzeuges verbunden sind. Ein jeder Leiterring 5 endet mit einer Kontaktfahne 6, die zum Beispiel zwecks Kontaktierung mit einem nicht dargestellten Steckverbinder vorhanden ist. FIG. 2 shows the side of the robot unit 3 pointing in the direction of the vehicle unit 2. It can be seen that the robot unit 3 has a housing 4, preferably made of plastic. In this plastic housing 4 there is a conductor ring 5 (several conductor rings 5 are shown) which are connected to an energy source (not shown) for charging the vehicle. Each conductor ring 5 ends with a contact lug 6, which is present, for example, for contacting a connector, not shown.
Ein Leiterring 5 ist beispielsweise in Figur 3 dargestellt. Vorzugsweise wird ein solcher Leiterring 5 als Tiefziehblech realisiert, welches den Strom zum Fahrzeug weiterleitet und der in geeigneter Position und Größe in dem Gehäuse 4 der Robotereinheit 3 angeordnet ist. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung sind mehrere Leiterringe 5 konzentrisch ineinander angeordnet. Ein jeder Leiterring 5 weist eine Basis auf, die am umlaufenden Ende eines Zylinderabschnittes 8 angeordnet ist und von diesem absteht. Damit kann der Leiterring 5 sehr gut in dem Gehäuse 4 angeordnet, insbesondere festgelegt werden. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn ein Teilbereich des Zylinderabschnittes 8 zusammen mit der Basis 7 von einem Kunststoffmaterial umgeben ist, welches das Gehäuse 4 bildet. Über den Umfang des Zylinderabschnittes 8 ist mindestens eine Ausnehmung 9 vorhanden. Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel sind genau drei Ausnehmungen 9 vorhanden. A conductor ring 5 is shown in FIG. 3, for example. Such a conductor ring 5 is preferably realized as a deep-drawn sheet, which forwards the current to the vehicle and which is arranged in a suitable position and size in the housing 4 of the robot unit 3. In this embodiment, a plurality of conductor rings 5 are arranged concentrically one inside the other. Each conductor ring 5 has a base which is arranged at the circumferential end of a cylinder section 8 and protrudes therefrom. The conductor ring 5 can thus be arranged very well in the housing 4, in particular it can be fixed. This applies in particular when a partial area of the cylinder section 8 is surrounded together with the base 7 by a plastic material which forms the housing 4. At least one recess 9 is present over the circumference of the cylinder section 8. In this embodiment there are exactly three recesses 9.
Figur 4 zeigt die Fahrzeugeinheit 2, die mit ihrer Unterseite (bei Betrachtung der Figur 4) vorzugsweise an einer Unterseite des Fahrzeuges (nicht dargestellt) angeordnet ist. Auch die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 weist ein Gehäuse 10, vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff, auf. Der Oberseite (bei Betrachtung der Figur 4) der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 zugewandt ist ein vorzugsweise plattenförmiger Greifschutz 12, der in etwa planparallel zu der Oberseite FIG. 4 shows the vehicle unit 2, which is preferably arranged with its underside (when viewing FIG. 4) on an underside of the vehicle (not shown). The vehicle unit 2 also has a housing 10, preferably made of plastic. Facing the upper side (when viewing FIG. 4) of the vehicle unit 2 is a preferably plate-shaped gripping protection 12, which is approximately plane-parallel to the upper side
des Gehäuses 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 bewegbar angeordnet ist. Die Kontakte 11 in der Fahrzeugeinheit 2, die vorhanden, aber hier noch nicht vollständig erkennbar sind, sind feststehend in dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnet. Für die entsprechenden Kontakte 11 in der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 sind in dem Greifschutz 12 Ausschnitte vorhanden, sodass dann, wenn der Greifschutz 12 in Richtung der Oberseite der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 von der Robotereinheit 3 zusammengedrückt wird, die Kontakte 11 diese Ausschnitte durchdringen können und damit freigegeben werden, um an die Kontakte 5 in der Robotereinheit 3 angelegt werden zu können. Eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung des flächig ausgeführten Greifschutzes 12 mit den entsprechenden Ausschnitten für die Kontakte 11 (Federkontakte) ist in Figur 5 dargestellt. Ein solcher Greifschutz 12 kann ebenfalls wie die Gehäuse 4, 10 der beiden Einheiten 2, 3 zum Beispiel in einem Kunststoffspritzgussverfahren hergestellt werden. Wesentlich ist es, dass der Greifschutz 12 relativ zu der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 bewegbar ist, um die Kontakte 11 in dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 entweder zu schützen oder freizugeben, wobei die Kontakte 11 in dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 feststehend angeordnet sind. of the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 is movably arranged. The contacts 11 in the vehicle unit 2, which are present but not yet fully recognizable here, are arranged in a fixed manner in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2. Cutouts are provided in the grip guard 12 for the corresponding contacts 11 in the vehicle unit 2, so that when the grip guard 12 is pressed together by the robot unit 3 in the direction of the upper side of the vehicle unit 2, the contacts 11 can penetrate these cutouts and are thus released. in order to be able to be applied to the contacts 5 in the robot unit 3. An exemplary embodiment of the flat gripping protection 12 with the corresponding cutouts for the contacts 11 (spring contacts) is shown in FIG. Such a gripping protection 12, like the housings 4, 10 of the two units 2, 3, can also be produced, for example, in a plastic injection molding process. It is essential that the gripping guard 12 can be moved relative to the vehicle unit 2 in order to either protect or release the contacts 11 in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2, the contacts 11 being arranged in a fixed manner in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2.
Weiterhin ist erkennbar und dargestellt, dass der Greifschutz 12 eine Basis 13 mit einer Mittenöffnung 14 aufweist. Um die Mittenöffnung 14 herum ist ein schräg zu der Basis 13 verlaufender Bereich vorgesehen, in dem umlaufend und dazu noch abgeschrägt mehrere Ausnehmungen 15 angeordnet sind. Über diese Ausnehmungen 15 werden die entsprechenden Leiterfedern 11 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 hindurchgeführt und freigegeben, wenn geladen werden soll, oder unter diesen Ausnehmungen 15 angeordnet, wenn nicht geladen werden soll, sodass insgesamt der Greifschutz 12 bewirkt, dass im letztgenannten Fall die Leiterfedern 11 abgedeckt sind. Außerdem It can also be seen and illustrated that the gripping protection 12 has a base 13 with a central opening 14. Around the center opening 14 there is an area that extends obliquely to the base 13, in which a plurality of recesses 15 are arranged all around and also beveled. The corresponding conductor springs 11 of the vehicle unit 2 are guided through these recesses 15 and released if charging is to be carried out, or arranged under these recesses 15 if no charging is to be carried out, so that overall the gripping protection 12 has the effect that the conductor springs 11 are covered in the latter case . Furthermore
weist der Greifschutz 12 noch umlaufend mehrere Aussparungen 16 auf, durch die weitere Elemente durchgeführt werden können, um beispielsweise ein lagekorrektes aufeinander Zuführen von Fahrzeugeinheit 2 und Robotereinheit 3 zu bewirken. Um den Greifschutz 12 lagerichtig montieren zu können, kann weiterhin eine Kodiernase 17 (oder gegebenenfalls weiterer Elemente oder auch mehr als eine Kodiernase) vorhanden sein. the gripping guard 12 also has a plurality of recesses 16 all around, through which further elements can be carried out in order, for example, to bring the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 to each other in the correct position. In order to be able to mount the gripping protection 12 in the correct position, a coding lug 17 (or possibly further elements or more than one coding lug) can also be present.
Eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung eines Kontaktes 11 (Leiterfeder) der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 ist in Figur 6 dargestellt. Dieser beispielhaft dargestellte Kontakt 11 ist wiederum ein Tiefziehblech, welches ebenfalls den Strom zu dem Fahrzeug weiterleitet. Erkennbar ist ein außenliegender Ring als Basis 18, von dem ausgehend nach außen abstehend eine Kontaktfahne (wiederum für den Anschluss eines nicht dargestellten Steckverbinders) und in Richtung des Inneren abgewinkelte Kontakte 20 sich nach oben erstrecken, wobei diese Kontakte 20 von dem Greifschutz 12 entweder freigegeben oder abgedeckt werden zwecks Berührungs- bzw. Verschmutzungsschutz. Wenn mehrere solcher Leiterfedern 11 konzentrisch in der Robotereinheit bzw. hier der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnet sind, variieren diese in ihren Durchmessern. Figur 7 schließlich zeigt das Verfahren zum Betreiben der beiden Einheiten 2, 3, wie sie vorstehend beschrieben und in den Figuren 1 bis 6 gezeigt sind. An exemplary embodiment of a contact 11 (conductor spring) of the vehicle unit 2 is shown in FIG. 6. This contact 11, which is shown as an example, is in turn a deep-drawn sheet, which likewise forwards the current to the vehicle. An outer ring can be seen as the base 18, from which a contact tab (again for the connection of a connector, not shown) protruding outwards and contacts 20 angled toward the inside extend upwards, these contacts 20 either being released by the gripping protection 12 or are covered for the purpose of protection against contact or contamination. If several such conductor springs 11 are arranged concentrically in the robot unit or here the vehicle unit 2, they vary in their diameters. FIG. 7 finally shows the method for operating the two units 2, 3 as described above and shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.
In der linken Darstellung der Figur 7 ist erkennbar, dass zwar die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 schon in den Bereich der Robotereinheit 3 gebracht worden ist, jedoch noch keine Kontaktierung stattgefunden hat. Das bedeutet, dass die Robotereinheit 3 erst noch ihre genaue Position in Bezug auf die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 suchen und einstellen muss, In the left-hand illustration of FIG. 7 it can be seen that although the vehicle unit 2 has already been brought into the area of the robot unit 3, no contact has yet been made. This means that the robot unit 3 still has to find and set its exact position in relation to the vehicle unit 2,
wozu entsprechende Sensoren und Mittel für die Bewegung der Robotereinheit 3 vorhanden, aber nicht dargestellt sind. for which purpose appropriate sensors and means for the movement of the robot unit 3 are present, but are not shown.
Die erforderliche Überdeckung der Robotereinheit 3 mit der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 ist, nachdem sie erzielt worden ist, in der mittleren Darstellung der Figur 7 dargestellt. Hier ist erkennbar, dass die Kontaktelemente 11 in der Fahrzeugeinheit noch innerhalb des Gehäuses 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnet und von dem Greifschutz 12 abgedeckt sind. Der Greifschutz 12 wird gegen die Federkraft von der Robotereinheit 3 in Richtung des Gehäuses 10 gedrückt, sodass dadurch die Kontakte 11 in der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 von dem Greifschutz 12 freigegeben werden, damit diese zur Anlage kommen können mit den Kontakten 5 der Robotereinheit 3. Dieses in Wirkverbindung bringen und damit die Kontaktierung der Kontakte 5, 11 der beiden Einheiten ist in der rechten Darstellung der Figur 7 erkennbar, sodass nunmehr der Ladevorgang erfolgen kann. The required coverage of the robot unit 3 with the vehicle unit 2, after it has been achieved, is shown in the middle representation in FIG. It can be seen here that the contact elements 11 in the vehicle unit are still arranged within the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 and are covered by the gripping protection 12. The gripping protection 12 is pressed against the spring force by the robot unit 3 in the direction of the housing 10, so that the contacts 11 in the vehicle unit 2 are thereby released by the gripping protection 12 so that they can come into contact with the contacts 5 of the robot unit 3 Bring active connection and thus the contacting of contacts 5, 11 of the two units can be seen in the right-hand illustration of FIG. 7, so that the charging process can now take place.
Damit die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 und die Robotereinheit 3 in einer definierten Position zueinander zusammengeführt werden können, weist das Gehäuse 4 der Robotereinheit 3 einen Dom 21 auf, der durch die Mittenöffnung 14 des Greifschutzes 12 durchgeführt wird. Der Dom 21 der Robotereinheit 3 wird dabei geführt durch ein entsprechendes Gegenelement auf Seiten der Fahrzeugeinheit 2, welches dazu ausgebildet und geeignet ist, mit dem Dom 21 in Verbindung zu treten und dabei die Robotereinheit 3 bei der Bewegung auf die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 hin zu führen. So that the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 can be brought together in a defined position, the housing 4 of the robot unit 3 has a dome 21, which is passed through the central opening 14 of the gripping protection 12. The dome 21 of the robot unit 3 is guided by a corresponding counter element on the side of the vehicle unit 2, which is designed and suitable for connecting to the dome 21 and thereby guiding the robot unit 3 during the movement towards the vehicle unit 2.
In der mittleren Darstellung von Figur 7 ist noch zur Verdeutlichung dargestellt, dass der Greifschutz 12 in einer Bewegungsrichtung 22 von seiner Ausgangsstellung 23, und umgekehrt, bewegt werden kann. Die Ausgangsstellung 23 des Greifschutzes 12 For the sake of clarity, the middle representation of FIG. 7 also shows that the gripping guard 12 can be moved in one direction 22 from its starting position 23 and vice versa. The starting position 23 of the gripping protection 12
ist eine solche Stellung, bei der der Greifschutz 12 planparallel beabstandet zu einem definierten Bezugspunkt (bzw. Bezugsfläche) des Gehäuses 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnet ist. Der Abstand bei dieser Ausgangsstellung 23 zwischen dem Greifschutz 12 und dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 ist definiert und wird beispielsweise durch eine zwischen dem Greifschutz 12 und dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnete Feder, vorzugsweise mehrere Federn, wiederum vorzugsweise an jedem Eckpunkt des vorzugsweise quadratisch ausgebildeten Greifschutzes 12, realisiert. Diese zumindest eine Feder wird in Bewegungsrichtung 22 zusammengedrückt und der Greifschutz 12 in Richtung des definierten Punktes an dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 bewegt, wenn ein definierter Punkt (bzw. eine definierte Fläche) des Gehäuses 4 der Robotereinheit 3 auf die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 zu bewegt wird. Mit weiterer Bewegung der Robotereinheit 3 in Bewegungsrichtung 22 auf die Fahrzeugeinheit 2 wird auch der Greifschutz 12 weiter in Richtung des Gehäuses 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 bewegt und dabei die zumindest eine Feder zusammengedrückt, sodass die Kontakte 11 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 freigegeben werden und in Wirkverbindung mit denen Kontakten 5 der Robotereinheit 3 gebracht werden können. Diese Lage von Fahrzeugeinheit 2 und Robotereinheit 3 zueinander ist, wie schon ausgeführt, in der rechten unteren Darstellung von nur 7 gezeigt. Es versteht sich von selbst, dass nach Abschluss des Ladevorganges die beiden Einheiten 2, 3 in umgekehrter Vorgehensweise wieder voneinander getrennt werden, wobei die in dem Gehäuse 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 feststehenden Kontakte 11 wieder von dem Greifschutz 12 abgedeckt werden, nachdem die Robotereinheit 3 von der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 entfernt worden ist. is such a position in which the gripping protection 12 is arranged at a plane-parallel distance from a defined reference point (or reference surface) of the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2. The distance in this starting position 23 between the gripping protection 12 and the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 is defined and is, for example, by a spring arranged between the gripping protection 12 and the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2, preferably a plurality of springs, again preferably at each corner point of the preferably square trained gripping protection 12, realized. This at least one spring is compressed in the direction of movement 22 and the gripping guard 12 moves in the direction of the defined point on the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 when a defined point (or a defined area) of the housing 4 of the robot unit 3 moves towards the vehicle unit 2 becomes. With further movement of the robot unit 3 in the direction of movement 22 onto the vehicle unit 2, the gripping protection 12 is also moved further in the direction of the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 and the at least one spring is compressed, so that the contacts 11 of the vehicle unit 2 are released and in operative connection with them Contacts 5 of the robot unit 3 can be brought. This position of the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 relative to one another is, as already explained, shown in the lower right illustration of only 7. It goes without saying that after the charging process has been completed, the two units 2, 3 are separated from one another in the reverse procedure, the contacts 11 fixed in the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2 being covered again by the gripping protection 12 after the robot unit 3 has been removed the vehicle unit 2 has been removed.
In den Figuren 8 und 9 sind noch einmal explizit die Zentriermittel der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 und der Robotereinheit 3 dargestellt. The centering means of the vehicle unit 2 and the robot unit 3 are explicitly shown once again in FIGS. 8 and 9.
Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist gemäß Figur 8 innerhalb des Gehäuses 10 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 ein Zentrierkonus 24 vorhanden. Dieser Zentrierkonus 24 geht mit seinem größeren Durchmesser von einem Boden des Gehäuses 10 aus und steht von diesem Boden ab. Er läuft spitz nach oben zu einer Spitze aus oder ist (wie dargestellt) an seinem zulaufenden Ende abgeflacht. Vorzugsweise wird der Zentrierkonus 24 zusammen mit dem Gehäuse 10 hergestellt, kann aber auch als separates Bauteil hergestellt und dann an dem Gehäuse 10 angeordnet werden. Wie in Figur 8 erkennbar ist der Zentrierkonus 24 in vorteilhafter Weise zentral koaxial innerhalb der koaxial zueinander angeordneten Kontaktelemente 5 der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnet. In Figur 9 ist ein Gegenkonus 25 der Robotereinheit 3 gezeigt. Auch dieser Gegenkonus 25 kann (wie dargestellt) Bestandteil des Gehäuses 4 sein. Er kann aber auch ein separates Bauteil sein, welches an dem Gehäuse 4 angeordnet wird. Auch der Gegenkonus 25 ist zentral koaxial innerhalb der Kontaktelemente 11 der Robotereinheit 3 angeordnet. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 9 ist der Gegenkonus 25 von Konusstreben 26 (erkennbar zwei Konusstreben 26, tatsächlich vorhanden jedoch vier oder mehr als vier, gegebenenfalls aber auch weniger als vier Konusstreben 26) gebildet. Der Gegenkonus 25 kann jedoch auch, wie der Zentrierkonus 24, vollflächig gebildet sein. In dem in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist erkennbar, dass der spitz zulaufende Zentrierkonus 24 an der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 und der Gegenkonus 25 an der In this exemplary embodiment, a centering cone 24 is present within the housing 10 of the vehicle unit 2, as shown in FIG. This centering cone 24, with its larger diameter, starts from a bottom of the housing 10 and projects from this bottom. It tapers up to a point or is flattened at its tapered end (as shown). The centering cone 24 is preferably produced together with the housing 10, but can also be produced as a separate component and then arranged on the housing 10. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the centering cone 24 is advantageously arranged centrally coaxially within the contact elements 5 of the vehicle unit 2 arranged coaxially to one another. A counter cone 25 of the robot unit 3 is shown in FIG. This counter cone 25 can (as shown) be part of the housing 4. However, it can also be a separate component which is arranged on the housing 4. The counter cone 25 is also arranged centrally coaxially within the contact elements 11 of the robot unit 3. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9, the counter-cone 25 is formed by cone struts 26 (two cone struts 26 can be seen, but actually there are four or more than four, but possibly also less than four cone struts 26). However, the counter cone 25, like the centering cone 24, can also be formed over the entire surface. In the embodiment shown in the figures it can be seen that the tapered centering cone 24 on the vehicle unit 2 and the counter cone 25 on the
Robotereinheit 3 angeordnet ist. Sowohl für dieses spezielle Ausführungsbeispiel als auch allgemein gilt, dass die dargestellten und entsprechend beschriebenen Konusse auch umgekehrt an der jeweiligen Einheit 2, 3 angeordnet sein können. Dies gilt insbesondere für den Fall, dass der als Zentrierspitze ausgeführte Zentrierkonus 24 an der Robotereinheit 3 und der korrespondierend ausgestaltete Gegenkonus 25 an der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 angeordnet sind (also umgekehrte Darstellung wie zum Beispiel in den Figuren 8 und 9 dargestellt), da aufgrund der flachen Beschaffenheit des Gegenkonus 25 an der Fahrzeugeinheit 2 diese Einheit besonders flach ausgelegt werden kann, da oftmals unterhalb des Fahrzeuges der Einbauraum sehr knapp bemessen ist. Da im Bereich der Robotereinheit 3 mehr Platz zur Verfügung steht, kann dort der Zentrierkonus 24, der mit einem spitzen Zulaufwinkel ausgestattet ist, besser angeordnet werden. Robot unit 3 is arranged. Both for this special exemplary embodiment and in general, the cones shown and described accordingly can also be arranged in reverse on the respective unit 2, 3. This applies in particular to the case in which the centering cone 24, designed as a centering tip, is arranged on the robot unit 3 and the correspondingly configured counter cone 25 on the vehicle unit 2 (i.e. the reverse representation as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example), since it is flat Condition of the counter cone 25 on the vehicle unit 2, this unit can be designed to be particularly flat, since the installation space below the vehicle is often very tight. Since more space is available in the area of the robot unit 3, the centering cone 24, which is equipped with an acute inlet angle, can be better arranged there.
Bezugszeichenliste Reference symbol list
1. Vorrichtung zum Laden 1. Loading device
2. Fahrzeugeinheit  2. Vehicle unit
3. Robotereinheit  3. Robot unit
4. Gehäuse  4. Housing
5. Leiterring (= Kontakt oder Kontaktelement) 5. conductor ring (= contact or contact element)
6. Kontaktfahne 6. Contact flag
7. Basis  7. Base
8. Zylinderabschnitt  8. Cylinder section
9. Ausnehmung  9. Recess
10. Gehäuse  10. Housing
11. Leiterfedern (= Kontakt oder Kontaktelement) 11. Conductor springs (= contact or contact element)
12. Greifschutz 12. Grip protection
13. Basis  13. Base
14. Mittenöffnung  14. Center opening
15. Ausnehmung  15. Recess
16. Aussparung  16. Recess
17. Kodiernase  17. Coding nose
18. Basis  18th base
19. Kontaktfahne  19. Contact flag
20. Kontaktfedern  20. Contact springs
21. Dom  21. Cathedral
22. Bewegungsrichtung  22. Direction of movement
23. Ausgangsstellung  23. Starting position
24. Zentrierkonus  24. Centering cone
25. Gegenkonus  25th cone
26. Konusstrebe  26. Cone strut

Claims

Vorrichtung zum konduktiven Laden mit einem verbesserten Zentriermittel Patentansprüche Device for conductive charging with an improved centering means
1. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden, aufweisend eine an einem Fahrzeug fest angeordnete Fahrzeugeinheit (2) und eine ortsfest, dort aber bewegbar angeordnete Robotereinheit (3), wobei die Fahrzeugeinheit (2) mit der Robotereinheit (3) zum Laden in Wirkverbindung gebracht werden kann, wobei die beiden Einheiten (2, 3) jeweils ein Gehäuse (4, 10) aufweisen, in dem zugehörige Kontakte (5, 11 ) angeordnet sind, wobei in der Robotereinheit (3) die Kontakte (5) vertieft in dem Gehäuse (4) der Robotereinheit (3) angeordnet sind und die Kontakte (11 ) in dem Gehäuse (10) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) feststehend angeordnet sind, wobei und die Fahrzeugeinheit (2) einen Zentrierkonus (24) und die Robotereinheit (3) einen Gegenkonus (25) oder umgekehrt als miteinander in Wirkverbindung bringbare Zentriermittel aufweisen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zulaufwinkel des Zentrierkonus (24) und des Gegenkonus (25) unterschiedlich sind. 1. A device (1) for conductive charging, comprising a vehicle unit (2) fixedly arranged on a vehicle and a robot unit (3) arranged fixedly but movably there, the vehicle unit (2) being operatively connected to the robot unit (3) for charging can be brought, the two units (2, 3) each having a housing (4, 10) in which associated contacts (5, 11) are arranged, the contacts (5) being deepened in the robot unit (3) Housing (4) of the robot unit (3) are arranged and the contacts (11) in the housing (10) of the vehicle unit (2) are arranged stationary, and the vehicle unit (2) has a centering cone (24) and the robot unit (3) have a counter cone (25) or vice versa as centering means which can be brought into operative connection with one another, characterized in that the inlet angles of the centering cone (24) and of the counter cone (25) are different.
2. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrierkonus (24) und der Gegenkonus (25) jeweils einen inneren Abschnitt und einen äußeren Abschnitt aufweisen, wobei der Zentrierwinkel des inneren Abschnitts des Zentrierkonus (24) der Robotereinheit (3) größer ist als der Winkel des äußeren Abschnitts. 2. Device (1) for conductive charging according to claim 1, characterized in that the centering cone (24) and the counter-cone (25) each have an inner section and an outer section, the centering angle of the inner section of the centering cone (24) Robot unit (3) is larger than the angle of the outer section.
3. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der innere Abschnitt des Gegenkonus (25) der3. Device (1) for conductive charging according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner portion of the counter cone (25) of the
Fahrzeugeinheit (2) oder der Robotereinheit (3) eine Durchtrittsöffnung aufweist. Vehicle unit (2) or the robot unit (3) has a passage opening.
4. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Durchtrittsöffnung an ihrer Innenseite eine Zentrierphase oder eine Abrundung aufweist. 4. The device (1) for conductive charging according to claim 3, characterized in that the passage opening has a centering phase or a rounding on its inside.
5. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach Anspruch 2, 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der innere Abschnitt des Gegenkonus (25) der5. The device (1) for conductive charging according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the inner portion of the counter cone (25)
Fahrzeugeinheit (2) eine dem inneren Abschnitt des Zentrierkonus (24) der Robotereinheit (3) angepasste Gegenkontur oder umgekehrt aufweist. Vehicle unit (2) has a counter contour adapted to the inner section of the centering cone (24) of the robot unit (3) or vice versa.
6. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach einem der vorhergehenden6. Device (1) for conductive charging according to one of the preceding
Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der innere Abschnitt des Zentrierkonus (24) vollflächig ausgebildet ist. Claims, characterized in that the inner portion of the centering cone (24) is formed over the entire surface.
7. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Gegenkonus (25), insbesondere dessen äußerer Abschnitt, vollflächig oder strebenartig, insbesondere von zumindest zwei Konusstreben (26) gebildet, ausgebildet ist. 7. The device (1) for conductive charging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter cone (25), in particular the outer portion thereof, is formed over the entire surface or strut-like, in particular by at least two cone struts (26).
8. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Winkel des ersten Abschnitts des8. The device (1) for conductive charging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle of the first section of the
Zentrierkonus (24) spitz, vorzugsweise größer 45 Grad, weiter vorzugsweise größer 60 Grad, sind, und die Winkel des jeweils zweiten Abschnitts des Zentrierkonus (24) Centering cone (24) are pointed, preferably greater than 45 degrees, more preferably greater than 60 degrees, and the angles of the second section of the centering cone (24)
und des Gegenkonus (25) flach, vorzugsweise kleiner 10 Grad, weiter vorzugsweise gleich 0 Grad, sind. and the counter cone (25) are flat, preferably less than 10 degrees, more preferably equal to 0 degrees.
9. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) ein relativ zu dem Gehäuse (10) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) bewegbarer Greifschutz (12) vorgesehen ist, mit dem die Kontakte (11 ) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) geschützt oder freigegeben werden. 9. The device (1) for conductive charging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the vehicle unit (2) relative to the housing (10) of the vehicle unit (2) movable gripping protection (12) is provided, with which the contacts (11) the vehicle unit (2) are protected or released.
10. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kontaktelemente (5) der Robotereinheit (3) versenkt in dem Gehäuse (4) vor äußeren Berührungen oder Verschmutzungen geschützt angeordnet, jedoch für die Kontaktelemente (11 ) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) zugänglich sind. 10. The device (1) for conductive charging according to claim 9, characterized in that the contact elements (5) of the robot unit (3) sunk in the housing (4) arranged protected against external contact or contamination, but for the contact elements (11) Vehicle unit (2) are accessible.
11. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Greifschutz (12) über Federn an dem Gehäuse (10) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) abgestützt ist. 11. The device (1) for conductive charging according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the gripping protection (12) is supported by springs on the housing (10) of the vehicle unit (2).
12. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach einem der vorhergehenden12. Device (1) for conductive charging according to one of the preceding
Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kontaktelemente (11 ) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) von dem Greifschutz (12) abgedeckt sind, sodass die Kontaktelemente (11 ) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) nicht zugänglich sind, solange nicht geladen wird und solange die Fahrzeugeinheit (2) nicht mit der Robotereinheit (3) in Wirkverbindung gebracht worden ist, und erst wenn die Robotereinheit (3) in Richtung der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) bewegt wird, wird dieser Greifschutz (12) durch die Claims, characterized in that the contact elements (11) of the vehicle unit (2) are covered by the gripping protection (12), so that the contact elements (11) of the vehicle unit (2) are not accessible as long as they are not charged and as long as the vehicle unit (2 ) has not been brought into operative connection with the robot unit (3), and only when the robot unit (3) is moved in the direction of the vehicle unit (2) is this gripping protection (12) by the
Robotereinheit (3) relativ in Bezug auf das Gehäuse (10) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) bewegt, sodass die Kontaktelemente (11 ) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2), die feststehend in dem Gehäuse (10) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) angeordnet sind, freigegeben werden und in entsprechende Freiräume in der Robotereinheit (3) eingreifen können, um die dort liegenden Kontaktelemente (5) der Robotereinheit (3) zu berühren und damit zu kontaktieren. Robot unit (3) moves relative to the housing (10) of the vehicle unit (2), so that the contact elements (11) of the vehicle unit (2), which are arranged in the housing (10) of the vehicle unit (2), are released and can intervene in corresponding free spaces in the robot unit (3) in order to touch and contact the contact elements (5) of the robot unit (3) located there.
13. Vorrichtung (1 ) zum konduktiven Laden nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kontakte (5) in der Robotereinheit (3) und/oder die Kontakte (11 ) der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) bereichsweise zwecks ihrer Festlegung in dem jeweiligen Gehäuse (4, 10) der Robotereinheit (3) und/oder der Fahrzeugeinheit (2) von einem Kunststoffmaterial umspritzt sind. 13. The device (1) for conductive charging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacts (5) in the robot unit (3) and / or the contacts (11) of the vehicle unit (2) in some areas for the purpose of their definition in the respective Housing (4, 10) of the robot unit (3) and / or the vehicle unit (2) are overmolded with a plastic material.
EP19797688.9A 2018-10-31 2019-10-31 Device for conductive charging comprising an improved centering means Pending EP3873766A1 (en)

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DE102018127173 2018-10-31
PCT/EP2019/079819 WO2020089390A1 (en) 2018-10-31 2019-10-31 Device for conductive charging comprising an improved centering means

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EP19797683.0A Pending EP3873765A1 (en) 2018-10-31 2019-10-31 Device and method for conductive charging
EP19797692.1A Pending EP3873767A1 (en) 2018-10-31 2019-10-31 Device for conductive charging comprising improved contact elements

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EP19797692.1A Pending EP3873767A1 (en) 2018-10-31 2019-10-31 Device for conductive charging comprising improved contact elements

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US (3) US20210387539A1 (en)
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CN (3) CN113165542B (en)
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CN113165542B (en) 2024-01-02
US20210323423A1 (en) 2021-10-21
US11780340B2 (en) 2023-10-10
CN113165542A (en) 2021-07-23
CN113165543A (en) 2021-07-23
WO2020089390A1 (en) 2020-05-07
EP3873767A1 (en) 2021-09-08
US20210387539A1 (en) 2021-12-16
DE102019129436A1 (en) 2020-04-30
DE102019129439A1 (en) 2020-04-30
DE102019129419A1 (en) 2020-04-30
EP3873765A1 (en) 2021-09-08
US20210331596A1 (en) 2021-10-28
WO2020089392A1 (en) 2020-05-07
CN113286722A (en) 2021-08-20

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