WO2013045329A2

WO2013045329A2 - Charging socket for a plug type connection for charging an electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2013045329A2
Application number: PCT/EP2012/068446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Wittrock; Dirk Weyrauch; Talat Salman
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-09-29
Filing date: 2012-09-19
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: WO2013045329A3; DE102011083788A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging socket (1) for a plug type connection (3), in particular for charging an insertion-force-intensive plug type connection of an electric vehicle, having a socket housing (7) which has an insertion opening (8) for introducing the connector contacts (5) of a connector (2) along an insertion direction (E) into the socket housing (7) and having a contact arrangement (12) which comprises the socket contacts (14) of the charging socket (1). In order to provide a charging socket (1) which enables user-friendly, low-force insertion and release of a plug type connection (3) for charging electric vehicles, there is provision according to the invention for the contact arrangement (12) to be constructed so as to be able to be moved from a waiting position, in which the socket contacts (14) are spaced apart from the connector contacts (5) of a connector (2) inserted into the charging socket (1), into a charging position, in which the socket contacts (14) are connected to the connector contacts (5) of the connector (2) inserted into the charging socket (1).

Description

CHARGING SOCKET FOR A PLUG TYPE CONNECTION FOR CHARGING AN

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

The present invention relates to a charging socket for a plug type connection, in particular for charging an electric vehicle, having a socket housing which has an insertion opening for introducing the connector contacts of a connector along an insertion direction into the socket housing and having a socket-side contact arrangement which comprises the socket contacts of the charging socket.

The present invention further relates to a method for connecting a plug type connection, in particular for charging an electric vehicle, comprising the steps: a) introducing the connector contacts of a connector into a socket housing of a charging socket and b) contacting the connector contacts with the socket contacts of a socket-side contact arrangement of the charging socket. In order to charge electric vehicles, connector systems for the end user of the type also used in the household have been used until now. Although these systems have the advantage that low insertion or withdrawing forces occur when the connector contacts are electrically connected to the socket contacts, the charging operation takes a very long time.

In order to accelerate the charging operation, high-current plug type connections have been developed. In such high-current plug type connections, but also in other connectors, particularly multi-pole connectors, high insertion or joining forces often of more than 50 N are intended to be applied in order to overcome the friction forces necessary to connect the plug type connection. However, the present invention is not limited to friction or joining-force-intensive plug type connections for the closure of which a high joining force must be applied, but can instead be used for plug type connections in general. These high forces impede operation and involve a considerable risk of injury for the operator because standardised high-current connectors or multi-pole connectors are provided with a continuous flange which abuts a connection collar of the charging socket. Owing to the high joining forces for connection, the connection flange is pressed against the socket collar, whereby a dangerous pinch point is produced.

In order to simplify the operation of a plug type connection, in particular a high- current plug type connection, there are known plug type connections which are constructed with a lever for closing and opening. On the one hand, however, this is not particularly comfortable for the operator since, in addition to introducing the connector, he must also carry out other hand movements for closing the plug type connection. On the other hand, the fitting of a lever results in an increased spatial requirement and a more complex plug structure of the charging socket for a current plug type connection.

An object of the present invention is consequently to provide a charging socket and a method which enable user-friendly, low-force connection and release of a plug type connection for charging electric vehicles.

The present invention solves this problem in that, with the charging socket mentioned in the introduction, the socket-side contact arrangement is constructed so as to be able to be moved from a waiting position, in which the socket contacts are spaced apart from the socket contacts of a connector which is inserted into the charging socket, into a charging position, in which the socket contacts are connected to the connector contacts of the connector inserted into the charging socket.

For the method mentioned in the introduction for connecting a plug type

connection, the object is achieved according to the invention in that the socket- side contact arrangement for contacting is moved from a waiting position, in which the socket contacts are spaced apart from the connector contacts of the connector which is inserted into the charging socket, into a charging position, in which the socket contacts are connected to the connector contacts.

An advantage of the present invention is that the operator can introduce the connector into the socket housing with a small connection force, for example, of less than 5 N and can move it into the predetermined end position of the connector. At this time, the contact arrangement of the charging socket is still located in the waiting position so that, when the connector is inserted along the insertion or pushing-in direction (these two terms are used synonymously below) into the inserted end position thereof in the socket housing, the connector contacts are not yet connected to the socket contacts. Therefore, when the connector is inserted into the charging socket, only very small forces are produced, which enables low- force insertion. Only after the connector has been inserted into the charging socket and is located in its end position is the contact arrangement moved from the waiting position into the charging position, whereby connector contacts are connected to the socket contacts and the charging operation is started. In the charging position, the contact arrangement is accommodated in the connector face of the connector and connector contacts are connected to socket contacts in an electrically conductive manner. The charging socket of the present invention also enables low-force removal of the connector from the charging socket, for which the contact arrangement is first moved from the charging position back into the waiting position. In this instance, the connector contacts are separated from the socket contacts and the great insertion or withdrawing forces which occur during contact subside. The connector may subsequently be removed from the socket housing with a low level of force counter to the insertion direction.

On the whole, the charging socket according to the invention and the method according to the invention enable an operator to introduce the connector of a high- current plug type connection with little force and without any danger of injury into the provided end or insertion position into the charging socket. In the end position, the connector is correctly precentred and aligned in the charging socket, which improves the user-friendliness of plug type connections, in particular of high- current plug type connections, and reduces risk of injury for the operator since no great insertion or joining forces have to be applied when the connector is inserted. The present invention can be further improved by means of various configurations which are each advantageous per se and which can be freely combined with each other. These configurations and the advantages connected therewith will be set out below. In a first embodiment, the contact arrangement may be movably supported relative to the socket housing, whereby a movement of the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position is facilitated.

In another embodiment, the contact arrangement may comprise a movable contact housing in which the socket contacts are arranged. According to this embodiment, the charging socket according to the invention has, in addition to the socket housing, a contact block which comprises the contact housing and the socket contacts arranged in this contact housing. This contact block or the contact housing can be supported so as to be movable relative to the socket housing, whereby the two contact-carrying elements, the connector and the contact housing, can be moved towards each other when the high-current plug type connection is closed, which shortens the insertion paths and enables a particularly compact structure of the charging socket according to the invention. According to another embodiment, the contact housing in the waiting position may already protrude at least partially into the connector inserted into the charging socket, preferably in the region of the connector face thereof. The two contact- carrying elements, the connector and contact housing, are thereby already pre- inserted in the waiting position and partially mechanically connected to each other, which facilitates movement of the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position and in which the introduction of the connector into the charging socket housing is already guided and centred by the contact housing.

According to another embodiment, the charging socket may have a guide which directs the translation of the contact arrangement in and counter to the insertion direction. This embodiment facilitates introduction of the contact arrangement into the connector face of the connector and prevents tilting of the contact arrangement when it is moved from the waiting position into the charging position, in that the movement of the contact arrangement is directed by the guide in a predetermined direction. The translation counter to the insertion direction when the contact arrangement is moved from the waiting position into the charging position also promotes the connection and release of the contact arrangement with respect to the connector face and/or socket contacts and connector contacts, since the movement of the contact arrangement is adapted to the insertion direction of the connector.

In another embodiment of the charging socket, there may be provided for moving the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position a drive which allows motorised closure of the plug type connection. The motor produces the insertion or joining forces required to contact the contacts of even friction- loaded force-intensive plug type connections. For example, an electromotive drive can be used in order to move the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position. In one configuration, the drive may be constructed as a linear drive, whereby a translation of the contact arrangement in and counter to the insertion direction can readily be achieved. Furthermore, the drive may be constructed in a bi-directional manner and bring about not only the movement of the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position but, at the same time, also the return from the charging position into the waiting position.

In another embodiment, the charging socket may have a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism may be constructed in such a manner that it converts a rotation movement which may be, for example, from a motor, such as an electric motor which may also be part of the charging socket, into a linear movement of the contact arrangement. Embodiments having such a gear mechanism are

particularly compact since the motor can be fitted on the radial periphery of the charging socket and not axially, that is to say, in or counter to the insertion direction with spacing from the charging socket, and nonetheless allows a translation of the contact arrangement in and counter to the insertion direction. Preferred examples of such a gear mechanism are a worm gear and/or a helical gear. In another embodiment, the charging socket is distinguished in that a drivable actuation member is arranged on the contact arrangement. By means of such an actuation member, for example, a toothed rod and/or a thread, which may be fitted or formed, for example, on an outer face of the contact arrangement, the contact arrangement may be coupled to the drive, in particular the gear mechanism thereof, and moved in a linear manner by means of the motor via the gear mechanism.

In one embodiment, the drivable actuation member may be formed on an

outwardly directed face of the contact housing.

In order to enable automatic movement of the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position, according to another embodiment the charging socket may be provided with a switch arrangement for actuating the drive. In this manner, the drive can be started by actuating the switch arrangement and the contact arrangement can be moved automatically from the waiting position into the charging position.

According to another embodiment, the switch arrangement of the charging socket may comprise at least one start switch which starts the drive when actuated and at least one stop switch which stops the drive when actuated. It is thereby possible to start the drive and stop it again in order to move the contact arrangement selectively from the waiting position into the charging position but not beyond.

Jamming of the contact arrangement or unintentional loading of the drive is thereby prevented since the drive is stopped when the contact arrangement is already in the desired position, whether this be the waiting position or the charging position.

In another embodiment of the charging socket, the start switch may be arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the connector, and/or the stop switch may be arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the drive and/or the contact

arrangement. In this manner, the start switch may be activated by the introduced connector which is inserted into its end position and the drive may be activated as soon as the connector is completely accommodated in the socket housing and arranged in the end position thereof. The fact that the stop switch is actuated by the gear mechanism and/or the contact arrangement has the advantage that the gear mechanism and contact arrangement are moved when the contact

arrangement is moved from the waiting position to the charging position. If the stop switch is actuated by the drive and/or contact arrangement which move when the contact arrangement is moved, the extent of the movement can be precisely defined and then stopped in a selective manner by actuating the stop switch. According to another embodiment, the charging socket may comprise a retention device for fixing the connector in the socket housing. In this manner, the connector which is arranged in the end position in the socket housing may be retained or even locked and not fall inadvertently from the socket housing even when the contact arrangement is still in the waiting position and the high connection forces which press the connector into the socket do not yet occur.

According to an embodiment, the retention device may have at least one retention element which is constructed so as to be able to engage behind a fixing stop of the inserted connector. In this manner, the retention element may engage behind the inserted connector in the end position and consequently prevent it from being unintentionally removed from or falling out of the socket housing. For example, the retention element may be constructed as a retention bracket or retention arm and may have a region which, when the connector is inserted into the socket housing, is redirected counter to a resilient force. As soon as the connector is located in its end position, the retention element is moved by the resilient effect back into the rest position thereof, into a position in which a retention element, for example, a catch projection, engages behind a fixing stop of the inserted connector, for example, an inner wall of a catch opening. The redirection of the retention element when the connector is inserted may be promoted by the fact that the retention element has a sliding face which is orientated in an inclined manner relative to the insertion direction, and which the connector strikes during insertion, and which slides along the connector in such a manner that the retention element is redirected counter to a resilient force.

In one embodiment, the retention element may be constructed as a retention wedge whose tip is orientated substantially radially relative to the insertion direction of the connector, the one wedge face forming a ramp which is orientated in terms of the component in the insertion direction and the other wedge face forming a ramp which is orientated in terms of the component counter to the insertion direction. When a corresponding application of force is carried out when the connector is inserted into or removed from the charging socket housing, the corresponding wedge face slides along the connector housing and a resilient region of the retention device is redirected counter to the resilient force thereof.

According to another embodiment of the charging socket, there may be provided a connector securing member which is constructed so as to be movable from a release position, in which the connector securing member promotes release of the connector from the retention device, into a securing position, in which the connector securing member prevents release of the connector from the retention device. If the connector securing member is located in the release position, insertion of the connector into the socket housing and withdrawal of the connector from the socket housing is facilitated and can be carried out with particularly small forces. As soon as the connector securing member has been moved from the release position into the securing position, it blocks the retention device whereby release of the connector is impeded and the connector is consequently locked in the end position thereof in the charging socket. Preferably, the movement of the connector securing member from the release position into the securing position is coupled to the movement of the contact arrangement from the waiting position into the charging position. Consequently, the connector securing member may constantly be in the release position when the contact arrangement is in the waiting position so that introduction and release of the connector into/from the charging socket are facilitated. As soon as the contact arrangement is moved from the waiting position, the connector securing member can be moved at the same time by the coupling into the securing position, whereby release of the connector from the charging socket which is then also undesirable is prevented.

The coupling of the movement of the connector securing member to the adjustment of the contact arrangement may, according to another embodiment, be achieved by the drive and/or the contact arrangement having a carrier for moving the connector securing member from the release position into the securing position and/or from the securing position into the release position. The carrier may be constructed, for example, as a projection which is arranged or constructed on a gear element of the drive or on the contact arrangement.

The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to

embodiments and the drawings. The various features of the embodiments may be combined independently of each other, as already set out in the individual advantageous configurations.

In the drawings:

Figures 1 A to 1 C are schematic illustrations of the method according to the invention for connecting a multi-pole plug type connection ;

Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a charging socket according to the invention according to a first embodiment, when viewed obliquely from the rear; Figure 3 is a front view of the charging socket of Figure 2 according to the invention ;

Figure 4 is a side view of the charging socket of Figure 2 according to the invention ;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the charging socket of Figure 2 according to the invention ;

Figures 6A to 6C are schematic longitudinal sections of the charging socket of Figure 2 according to the invention, the charging socket being illustrated in the waiting position (Figure 6A), the charging socket being illustrated in the waiting position with a connector inserted into the charging socket (Fig. 6B) and the charging socket being illustrated in the charging position with a connector inserted into the charging socket (Fig. 6C), respectively, in the photograph sequence; Figure 7 is a perspective view, taken obliquely from the rear, of the socket housing of the charging socket of Figure 2 according to the invention in the charging position thereof, one portion being illustrated in a sectioned manner;

Figure 8 is a side view of the charging socket of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective longitudinal section, taken obliquely from the front, of the charging socket of Figure 7 according to the invention ;

Figure 1 0 is a perspective view, taken obliquely from the rear, of the socket housing of the charging socket of Figure 2;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the contact housing of the charging socket of the first embodiment;

Figure 1 2 is a side view of the retention device of the charging socket according to the first embodiment;

Figure 1 3 is a perspective view of a connector securing member of the charging socket of the first embodiment, together with the start switch of the switch device; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a gear component of the charging socket of the first embodiment, together with the stop switch of the switch device;

Figure 1 5 is a perspective view in which the connector securing member including the starting switch from Figure 1 3 and the gear element including the stop switch from Figure 14 are illustrated in the charging position ;

Figure 1 6 is a schematic side view of the connector securing member of Figure 13 and the gear element of Figure 14, in each case without the corresponding switch, in the waiting position ;

Figure 1 7 is a schematic side view of the connector securing member of Figure 13 and the gear element of Figure 14, in each case without the corresponding switch, in the charging position ;

Figure 1 8 is a perspective side view of a charging socket according to a second embodiment;

Figure 1 9 is a longitudinal section of the charging socket of Figure 18; and

Figure 20 is a rear view of the charging socket of Figure 1 8. The principle of the charging socket according to the invention and the method according to the invention for connecting a plug type connection are explained in greater detail below with reference to the series of illustrations of Figures 1 A to 1 C. Figure 1 A is a schematic, longitudinally sectioned side view of a charging socket 1 according to the invention and a connector 2 which together form a multi-pole plug type connection 3, which requires great insertion forces for assembly. The connector 2 may, for example, be a standard connector, in which a plurality of connector contacts 5 are arranged. The connector is inserted into the charging socket 1 with the connector face 6 thereof at the front in the insertion direction E.

The charging socket 1 comprises a socket housing 7 which has, at the front side 16 thereof which is directed counter to the insertion direction E, an insertion opening 8. The charging socket 1 further comprises a contact arrangement 1 2 having a contact housing 1 3 in which the socket contacts 14 are arranged. The contact arrangement 1 2 is arranged at the rear side 1 5 of the charging socket housing 7 which faces the insertion opening 8 and can be moved counter to the insertion direction E from the waiting position thereof which is illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B into a charging position which is illustrated in Figure 1 C.

In conventional manner, the connector 3 is introduced with the connector face 6 thereof at the front into the insertion opening 8 of the housing 7 of the charging socket 1 . The connector 2 is introduced into its end insertion position which is illustrated in Figures 1 B and 1 C into the housing 7 of the charging socket. In this position, which is illustrated in Figure 1 B, the contact housing 1 3 and connector housing 4, in particular the connector face 6 thereof, already mechanically extend one into the other, whereby the connector is guided into its predetermined end position and is positioned therein.

In order to prevent the connector 2 from falling out of the charging socket 1 , a retention device 9 is arranged on the cover of the socket housing 7. The retention device 9 of the embodiment, which is illustrated schematically in Figures 1 A to 1 C, comprises a locking element 1 0 which can be brought into engagement with the connector 2 which is inserted into its end position. The connector housing 4 has a locking opening 1 1 which in the end insertion position is in alignment with the locking element 1 0 in a radial direction. In this position, the locking element 1 0 can be pushed in a radial direction, that is to say, transversely relative to the axis of the high-current plug type connection, which corresponds to the insertion direction E, inside the socket housing 7 and consequently be placed in the locking opening of the connector housing 4. Removal of the connector 2 counter to the insertion direction E is prevented by the locking element 1 0 placed in the locking opening 1 1 .

When the connector 2 is inserted into the charging socket 1 , there is still no electrical contacting of the connector 2 with the charging socket 1 since the charging socket is still located in the waiting position thereof, which is illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B.

In the waiting position, the housing 13 of the contact arrangement 12 is moved so far out of the socket housing that the socket contacts 14 are spaced apart from the connector contacts 5 of the connector 2 which is inserted into the charging socket 1 in the end position thereof. Only when the contact arrangement 12 is moved relative to the socket housing 7 counter to the insertion direction E, as can be seen from the transition of Figure 1 B to Figure 1 C, is the contact arrangement 1 2 completely moved into the connector face 6 of the connector 2, the charging socket 1 being moved into the charging position in which the socket contacts 14 are electrically connected to the connector contacts 5 of the connector 2 inserted into the charging socket 1 and the high-current plug type connection 3 is inserted.

In the method for connecting a plug type connection 3, the connector contacts 5 of the connector 2 are consequently first inserted into the socket housing 7 of the charging socket 1 by the connector 2 being placed completely in the housing 7 of the charging socket 1 in the end position thereof. Only in a next step are the connector contacts 5 connected to the socket contacts 14 by the contact arrangement 1 2 of the charging socket 1 according to the invention being moved into the charging position from the waiting position thereof, in which there is still no electrical connection produced between socket contacts 14 and connector contacts 5 even when the connector 2 is placed in the end position in the socket housing 7. In this manner, the connector 2 can be placed in the charging socket 1 using little force since, during the insertion operation, no electrical contacting of the socket contacts 14 with the connector contacts 5 and the high withdrawing or insertion forces which occur during electrical contacting are produced. Only after the connector 2 has been placed in the charging socket 1 using little force and is prevented from falling out by means of actuation of the retention device 9 does the electrical contacting take place by the contact arrangement 1 2 of the charging socket 1 according to the invention being moved from the waiting position into the charging position. This is a user-friendly concept and prevents risk of injury since the high joining forces for connecting the contacts 5, 14 of the connector 2 and charging socket 1 are not applied by the operator.

A charging socket 1 according to a first embodiment is explained in greater detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 17.

Figures 2 to 5 show a first embodiment of a charging socket 1 according to the invention, Figure 2 being a perspective view obliquely from the rear, Figure 3 a front view, Figure 4 a side view and Figure 5 a rear view, respectively. The charging socket 1 comprises a socket housing 7 which has an insertion opening 8 at the front side 16 directed counter to the insertion direction E. The socket housing 7 is illustrated in Figure 1 0 in a schematic, perspective view obliquely from the rear. The charging socket 1 further comprises a contact arrangement 1 2 which is illustrated in detail in Figure 1 1 as a schematic, perspective view, also taken obliquely from the rear.

The socket housing 7 is provided close to the front side 1 6 with a securing collar 1 7 which has securing openings 1 8 for flange-mounting the charging socket 1 at the four corners thereof. The socket housing 7 itself is formed in a substantially cylindrical manner and serves to receive both the contact arrangement 12 and the connector face 6 of the connector 2.

The housing 13 of the contact arrangement 12 is also constructed in a cylindrical manner and is provided with seven contact chambers 19 in which the socket contacts 14 are arranged. The contact chambers 19 extend in a manner substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the contact arrangement 12 whose orientation in a state inserted in the charging socket 1 substantially corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the charging socket 1 and the insertion direction E.

The contact arrangement 12 has, at the end thereof directed in the insertion direction E in the inserted state, an outer thread 20 which forms an actuation member 21 by means of which the contact arrangement 12 can be driven and by means of which the force for moving the contact arrangement 12 from the waiting position into the charging position relative to the socket housing 7 can be introduced. When the contact arrangement 12 is moved from the waiting position into the charging position and back, the housing 13 of the contact arrangement 12 is moved axially counter to and in the insertion direction E relative to the socket housing 7. This relative displacement movement is carried out without rotation of the contact arrangement 12, which will be explained in greater detail below.

In order to direct the movement of the contact arrangement 12 in and counter to the insertion direction E, the contact arrangement 12 is supported in a guide 22. The guide 22 is a linear guide and comprises two guide rails 24 which protrude from the rear side 15 of the socket directed in the insertion direction E and corresponding guide openings 25 of the contact arrangement 12. The guide rails 24 are arranged radially opposite each other with respect to the centre axis and have a T-shaped cross-section whose narrow base faces the centre axis M of the charging socket 1 . The guide openings 25 are formed correspondingly in the contact housing 13. The embodiment of the charging socket 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings is provided with a drive 26 which comprises an electric motor 27 having a drive shaft 28. A drive pinion 29 is mounted in a rotationally secure and fixed manner on the drive shaft 28. The pinion 29 drives a toothed gear wheel 30 which is formed on the outer side of a coupling sleeve 31 . The coupling sleeve 31 surrounds the socket housing 7 in a radial direction at the rear side 1 5 of the socket and is supported there in a fixed but rotatable manner on the charging socket 7. The coupling element 31 with the toothed wheel 30 is shown in detail in Figure 14. To provide support, the coupling sleeve 31 has, at the side thereof directed counter to the insertion direction E in the assembled state, projections which protrude radially inwards or a peripheral groove 33 which is open towards the centre axis M. A bearing collar 32 of the socket 7 is inserted into the peripheral groove 33 in order to ensure the fixed but rotatable support.

The toothed wheel 30 is formed on the outer covering face close to the side of the coupling sleeve directed in the insertion direction E and is orientated radially outwards away from the centre axis M. At the inner peripheral face 34 of the coupling sleeve, there are formed three drive or adjustment cams 35 which are offset through 1 20^Q and which, in the assembled state, engage in the outer thread 20 of the contact arrangement 1 2 and, when the motor rotates, transfer this adjustment force to the outer thread 20 as an actuation member 21 of the contact arrangement 1 2, which leads to a displacement of the contact arrangement 1 2 in or counter to the insertion direction E relative to the socket housing 7.

If the contact arrangement 1 2 is moved counter to the insertion direction E, the contact arrangement 1 2 is moved from the waiting position into the contact position. If the drive direction of the electric motor 27 is reversed, the contact arrangement 1 2 is moved in the insertion direction E from the socket housing 7 into the waiting position. The end 36 of the thread 20 located counter to the insertion direction E limits the adjustability of the contact arrangement in the insertion direction E. If the drive cams 35 are arranged at this end 36, the contact arrangement is located in the waiting position. In order to automatically transfer the contact arrangement 12, the charging socket 1 is provided in the embodiment shown with a switch arrangement 37 which has a start switch 38 and a stop switch 39. The start switch 38 and the stop switch 39 are each provided with an actuation arm 40, with the actuation of which the motor 27 is either started or stopped. The actuation of the start switch 38 and stop switch 39 of the switch device 37 will be discussed in greater detail below.

The socket housing 7, as can be seen in Figure 10, is provided with a mounting sleeve 41 which protrudes radially from the outer covering face for the electric motor 27. The mounting sleeve surrounds a mounting space 42 in which a portion of the motor 27 can be inserted and screwed by means of front-side openings 43. In this manner, the motor 27 of the drive 26 can be assembled on the radial periphery of the housing 7 of the charging socket 1 in a compact manner.

In addition to the assembly space 42 for the electric motor 27, the assembly sleeve 41 also has two seats 44, 45 for the two switches 38, 39 of the switch device 37.

One seat 44 of the stop switch 39 is provided with fixing rods 46 which protrude from the seat and onto which the stop switch 39 can be fitted. In order to retain the stop switch 39 on the seat 44 and prevent it from being removed from the fixing rods 46, two catch hooks 47 are formed at opposing ends of the seat 44. In principle, the stop switch is pushed over the fixing rods 46 and fitted on its seat 44. In the fitted state, the fixing rods 46 prevent displacement of the stop switch radially with respect to the fixing rods 46. The catch hooks 47 which protrude from the seat 44 prevent the stop switch from being removed from the seat 44 so that the stop switch 39 can be fixed to the socket housing 7 in a simple manner.

An alternative method of fitting a switch is shown in the second seat 45 for the start switch 38. This seat 45 is provided with two securing openings 48 by means of which the start switch 38 can be screwed to the seat 45. The screwing by means of securing screws 49 can be seen, for example, in Figures 4 and 5. The use of the charging socket 1 shown in Figures 2 to 5 is explained in greater detail below with reference to Figures 6A to 6C.

In this instance, the sectioned illustration of Figure 6A corresponds to the schematic illustration 1 A in which the charging socket 1 is shown in longitudinal section in the waiting position thereof. Figure 6B corresponds to the schematic Figure 1 B in which the connector is completely inserted into the charging socket 1 and is arranged in the end position thereof, but the charging socket 1 is still located in the waiting position so that the connector contacts 5 are not yet connected to the socket contacts 14. In Figure 6C, the state according to Figure 1 C is shown, in which the connector 2 and charging socket 1 of the high-current plug type connection 3 are completely connected and the contact arrangement 12 of the charging socket 1 is moved forwards into the charging position counter to the insertion direction E relative to the socket housing 7 so that the connector contacts 5 and the socket contacts 14 are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner.

In Figures 6A to C, but also in Figure 4, the retention device 9 of the illustrated embodiment can be seen and fixes the connector 2 in the end insertion position (see Figures 6B and 6C) in the socket housing 7. In a similar manner to the schematic drawing of Figure 1 , the connector housing 4 is provided with a locking opening 1 1 , in which the retention element 1 0' of the embodiment illustrated engages.

The illustrated charging socket 1 is provided with two retention devices 9 which are arranged at radially opposing regions of the socket housing 7 with respect to the centre axis M and received in retention seats 50 provided therefor. The retention seats 50 are arranged on the outer wall of the socket housing 7 and protrude radially from the outer face thereof, the retention seats 50 extending substantially in alignment with the two guide rails 24. The retention seats 50 comprise two lateral walls 51 . Between these walls there is formed a through- opening 23 through which the inner space of the socket housing 7 is accessible from the outer side and through which the retention device 9 which is located at the outer side of the socket housing 7 extends as far as the inner space of the socket housing 7.

The structure of the retention device of the charging socket according to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6 is now explained in greater detail below with reference with Figure 1 2.

The retention device 9 is formed by a leaf-spring-like retention bracket. The retention bracket at the end thereof directed counter to the insertion direction E has a first support face 52 which, in the assembled state, rests on the retention seat 50 between the two lateral walls 51 . In the insertion direction E, the actual retention element 1 0' adjoins the support face 52. This retention element 1 0' protrudes in a radial direction from the support face 52 and comprises at the tip thereof a catch wedge which extends with respect to the support face 52 radially towards the centre axis of the charging socket 1 . The catch wedge comprises a wedge tip 53 which is directed in a radial direction towards the centre axis M and which forms the connection of two sliding faces 54, 55. The first sliding face 54 is orientated in an inclined manner with respect to the insertion direction E in such a manner that the connector housing 4, when inserted into the socket housing 1 , comes into contact with this sliding face 54 which is arranged in the socket housing 7 in the inserted state, as can be seen in Figure 6A. The sliding face 54 moves along the connector housing 4 when the connector 2 is introduced, the retention element 1 0' being redirected radially outwards away from the centre axis M of the charging socket 7. The catch wedge slides along the outer cover of the connector housing 4 until the wedge tip 53 comes into contact with the locking opening 1 1 and the retention element 1 0' is moved back into its rest position. The locking opening 1 1 consequently forms a fixing stop 56 which the retention element 1 0' abuts with the sliding face 55 thereof in the end insertion position, the wedge tip 53 protruding into the locking opening 1 1 and the retention device 1 0' consequently engaging behind the fixing stop 56. The connector 2 is thereby prevented from falling out of the socket housing 7. The release of the connector 2 from the socket housing is also carried out with little force. In this instance, the second sliding face 55, in a similar manner to the sliding face 54, slides along the connector housing 4.

The retention element 10' is adjoined in the insertion direction E by another support face 52a which is provided with a pressure cushion 57. The pressure cushion 57 lifts away in a radial direction from the centre axis M of the charging socket 1 outwards from the support face 52a. The function of this pressure cushion 57 will be explained in greater detail below.

The retention device terminates at the end thereof directed in the insertion direction E with a curved bearing member or a bearing pocket 58 which is constructed in a hook-like manner and which is accessible only in the insertion direction. As can be seen in Figure 6, this bearing pocket 58 engages around a corresponding bearing web 59 of the retention seat 50 and consequently prevents removal of the retention device 9 outwards in a radial direction. If the bearing pocket 58 is fitted over the bearing web 59, these two elements 58, 59 form a pivot bearing about which the retention device can be pivoted by means of resilient deformation.

The charging socket 1 illustrated is provided with a connector securing member 60 which is illustrated schematically in Figure 13. The connector securing member 60 is constructed in an annular manner and surrounds the socket housing 7 at the outer side thereof. The connector securing member 60 is arranged in the insertion direction E directly upstream of the coupling sleeve 31 and substantially covers the region of the charging socket 1 in which the bearing web 59 and the support face 52a having the pressure cushion 57 are located.

The connector securing member 60 may be moved from a release position which is illustrated in Figure 4, 6A and 6B to a securing position which is illustrated in Figure 6C and in Figure 8.

The annular connector securing member 60 has, at radially opposing regions, release openings 61 which are in alignment with the retention device 9 in the release position and which enable tilting/pivoting of the retention device 9 about the pivot bearing formed by the curved bearing member 58 and bearing web 59 in a radial direction outwards away from the centre axis M of the charging socket 1 . In the release position, the retention device 9 can consequently be readily deformed and press outwards from the connector housing 4 with the wedge-like retention element 1 0' thereof from the inner space of the socket housing 7, which promotes introduction of the connector 2 and withdrawal of the connector 2 from the socket housing 7 and is possible using the lowest possible level of force.

In the securing position, the securing shoulder 62 which directly abuts the release opening 61 is located in the region of the retention device 9 and covers the support face 52a from the outer side so that the pressure cushion 57 abuts the inner side of the securing face 62. This position can be seen, for example, in Figure 6C. In the securing position, release of the connector from the retention device 9 is consequently prevented by the securing face 62 pressing on the pressure cushion 57 and impeding a deformation of the retention device 9 since redirection of the retention element 1 0' from the housing 7 of the charging socket 1 is inhibited.

The connector securing member 60 is also supported in a fixed and conditionally rotatable manner on the socket housing 7, the connector securing member simply being able to be rotated about the socket housing 7 through the rotation range d which substantially corresponds to 1 0^Q. This rotation range d substantially corresponds to the region of the release opening 61 and the securing face 62 so that the connector securing member substantially rotates only between the two positions, the release position, in which the release opening is in alignment with the retention device 9, and the securing position, in which the securing face 62 is in alignment with the retention device 9. To this end, there are formed at the inner side of the annular connector securing member radially inwardly directed limiting stops 63a, 63b between which the lateral walls 51 of the retention seats 50 are located and which limit the rotation of the connector securing member 60 on the socket housing 7. The rotation of the connector securing member 60 is coupled to the rotational movement of the coupling sleeve 31 for which the coupling sleeve 31 is provided with a carrier 64. The carrier 64 is a projection which protrudes in an axial direction counter to the insertion direction E from the assembled coupling sleeve in the direction towards the assembled connector securing member 60. The connector securing member 60 is itself provided with a carrier 65 which protrudes as a curvature/semi-circle axially in the insertion direction E from the edge of the annular connector securing member. During a rotation of the coupling sleeve 31 , the carrier 64 thereof comes into contact with the carrier 65 of the connector securing member 60 and transmits its rotational movement to the connector securing member 60 which is moved thereby. The carrier 65 of the connector securing member 60 is arranged at the end of a resilient arm 66 which can be redirected axially counter to the insertion direction E so that the carrier 65 can be redirected and released from its engagement with the carrier 64 of the coupling sleeve 31 when the connector securing member 60 is moved from the release position into the securing position. In this manner, the movement of the connector securing member 60 from the release position, in which it is located when the contact arrangement 1 2 is in the waiting position, is coupled to the movement of the drive 26. When the contact arrangement 1 2 is moved from the waiting position to the charging position, the connector securing member 60 is consequently moved at the same time from the release position into the securing position. After the connector securing member 60 has been moved into the securing position and the limit stop 63a strikes the lateral wall 51 of the retention seat 50, the rotation of the connector securing member 60 ends. The arm 66 with the carrier 65 of the connector securing member 60 is then axially redirected, the carrier 64 at the coupling sleeve 31 is released and slides along the connector securing member 60, without being coupled thereto any longer. In this manner, the relatively large rotation movement of the coupling sleeve, which carries out almost a complete rotation when the contact arrangement 12 is moved from the waiting position into the charging position can at the same time drive the necessary rotational movement of the connector securing member 60 which is only approximately 1 0^Q. Figure 1 6 schematically illustrates how the coupling sleeve 31 and connector securing member 60 are positioned with respect to each other in the waiting position of the charging socket 1 . In this position, the carrier 64 of the coupling sleeve 31 is located in the rotation direction D, in which the coupling sleeve 31 is rotated when the contact arrangement is moved from the waiting position to the charging position, directly upstream of the carrier 65 of the connector securing member 60. The connector securing member 60 is thereby moved from its release position to the securing position directly at the beginning of the displacement of the contact arrangement 1 2 from the waiting position since the carrier 64 immediately comes into contact with the carrier 65 and the coupling sleeve 31 carries the connector securing member 60. After the coupling sleeve 31 has rotated through approximately 1 0^Q, the further rotation of the connector securing member 60 is blocked by the stop 63b, the resilient arm 66 of the connector securing member 60 is axially redirected counter to the insertion direction E and the engagement of the carriers 64, 65 is released so that subsequently only the insertion sleeve 31 continues the rotation in the rotation direction D.

The rotation of the insertion sleeve 31 is completed as soon as the contact arrangement has reached the charging position. This position is illustrated in Figure 1 7, where it can be seen that the coupling sleeve 31 completes almost a full rotation in order to move the contact arrangement 1 2 from the waiting position into the loading position.

The contact arrangement 1 2 of the illustrated charging socket 1 can be driven in a motorised manner not only by the drive 26. The switching arrangement 37 instead also enables automatic driving of the contact arrangement 1 2, which will be explained in greater detail below.

The actuation arm 40 of the start switch 38 protrudes into the inner space of the socket housing 7 and terminates at that location, where the end of the connector housing 4 directed in the insertion direction E comes to rest in the end insertion position. This can be seen in Figure 9. So that the actuation arm 40 of the start switch 38 can protrude into the inner space of the socket housing 7, the connector securing member 60 has a pocket 74 at the edge thereof directed counter to the insertion direction E. The pocket 74 forms a recess and extends substantially in the peripheral direction over the rotation range d so that the pocket 76 not only makes space for the actuation arm 40 of the start switch 38 but at the same time acts as a seat or bearing therefor.

If the connector 2 is moved into the end insertion position which is illustrated in Figure 6B, the tip of the connector housing 4 directed in the insertion direction E presses on the actuation arm 40 and thus actuates the start switch, which starts the motor 27 of the drive 26 and moves the contact arrangement 1 2 from the waiting position into the charging position.

However, not only the start of the movement of the contact arrangement 1 2 from the waiting position into the charging position is controlled in the illustrated embodiment of the charging socket 1 . The stopping of the motor is also brought about automatically as soon as the charging position is reached. To this end, the coupling sleeve 31 is provided with a stop rib 75 which protrudes radially from the outer side thereof. As soon as the charging position is reached, the stop rib 75 strikes the actuation arm 40 of the stop switch 39 which terminates in the region of the outer cover of the coupling sleeve, and consequently actuates the stop switch 39 and switches the motor off. These arrangements of the stop switch 39 and coupling sleeve 31 can be seen in Figures 14 and 1 5.

In this manner, automated, motorised movement of the contact arrangement 12 from the waiting position into the charging position is achieved as soon as the connector 2 is completely located in its previously determined end insertion position. However, the switch arrangement 37 does not only allow automatic starting and stopping of the motor 27. At the same time, the start switch 38 and the stop switch 39 also act as sensors that the movement from the waiting position to the charging position has been completed correctly. If, for example, the connector 2 becomes disengaged from the housing 7 of the charging socket 1 in spite of the retention device 9, the connector housing 4 no longer applies any pressure to the actuation arm 40 of the start switch 38, whereby the motor is stopped. In this manner, it is ensured that the contact arrangement 1 2 is moved into the charging position only as long as the connector 2 is correctly inserted in the charging socket 1 . The stop switch 39 may in turn be coupled to the motor 27, for example, by means of a clock timer, the clock timer automatically switching off the motor 27 when a specific time period, within which the movement of the contact

arrangement 1 2 from the waiting position into the charging position is intended to be completed, has been exceeded. In this manner, the adjustment operation is interrupted, for example, should the contact arrangement 12 become jammed during the movement and not be correctly displaced. In the two problematic cases set out by way of example, inadvertent release of the connector from the charging socket or tilting of the contact arrangement 12 when moving from the waiting position to the charging position, an error message can advantageously be output by the switch arrangement.

As soon as the charging operation is complete, the contact arrangement 12 of the charging socket 1 according to the invention is moved from the charging position back into the waiting position. To this end, the electric motor is driven in the reverse direction and the coupling sleeve 31 is moved counter to the direction shown by the rotation direction D. Shortly before the end of the movement, the connector securing member 60 is moved from its securing position into the release position again, that is to say, when the carrier 64 of the coupling sleeve 31 , after it has completed almost a full rotation, again comes into contact with the carrier 65 of the connector securing member 60, carries the connector securing member 60 and moves into the release position in which the limit stop 63a strikes the lateral wall 51 , whereby the further movement of the connector securing member 60 is prevented. The arm 66 is then redirected by the carrier 64 and the carrier 64 is moved back into its waiting position via the carrier 65.

In this manner, it is ensured that the carrying of the connector securing member 60 by the coupling sleeve 31 when the contact arrangement 1 2 is moved from the charging position into the waiting position is carried out only shortly before the waiting position is reached so that the connector securing member 60 remains as long as possible in the securing position and removal of the connector is prevented for as long as possible.

A second embodiment of the charging socket 1 according to the invention is described below and is illustrated in Figures 18 to 20. Only the differences of the charging socket 1 according to the second embodiment with respect to the charging socket 1 of the first embodiment will be set out in greater detail below. For components whose function and/or structure is similar or identical to

components of the previous embodiment, the same reference numerals are used. The charging socket 1 according to the second embodiment is also provided with an electromotive drive 26 which has a motor 27 and a drive shaft 28. For the sake of clarity, the fitting of the motor is not illustrated in Figures 18 to 20.

In the second embodiment the motor 27 is also arranged so as to be radially offset with respect to the contact arrangement 27.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the rotation movement of the electric motor 27 is converted, not by means of a helical gear 67a, but instead by means of a worm gear 67 into a translation movement of the contact arrangement 12 in and counter to the insertion direction E. To this end, a drive worm 68 is mounted in a

rotationally secure manner on the drive shaft 28. There engages in the thread of the drive worm 68 a coupling toothed wheel 69 which is orientated substantially parallel with the insertion direction E and the drive shaft 28 and which can be moved by the drive worm 68.

The socket housing 7 of the contact arrangement 12 is provided with a toothed rod 70 as an actuation member 21 which, at the side of the coupling toothed wheel 69 facing the drive worm 68, is in engagement therewith and, when the motor 27 is actuated by the coupling toothed wheel 69, is moved in and counter to the insertion direction E relative to the socket housing 7, respectively. In the

embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 20, the toothed rod 70 is formed on the outer side of the contact housing 13 by there being provided therein an engagement groove 71 , in the base of which the toothed rod 70 is formed.

In the housing 7 of the socket 1 , there is produced a through-opening 72 which corresponds to the engagement groove 71 with the toothed rod 70 and through which the coupling toothed rod 69 protrudes and where the coupling toothed rod 69 is supported by means of a pin 73.

Even if the charging socket 1 of the second embodiment is not illustrated with a switch arrangement 37, the second embodiment may of course also be provided with start switches 38 and stop switches 39 which enable automatic movement of the contact arrangement 12 from the waiting position into the charging position.

List of reference numerals

1 Charging socket

2 Connector

3 Plug type connection

4 Connector housing

5 Connector contacts

6 Connector face

7 Socket housing

8 Insertion opening

9 Retention device

10, 1 0' Locking element/retention element

1 1 Locking opening

12 Contact arrangement

13 Contact housing

14 Socket contacts

15 Rear side of the socket housing

16 Front side of the socket housing

17 Securing collar

18 Securing openings of the securing collar

19 Contact chambers

20 Outer thread

21 Actuation member

22 Linear guide

23 Through-opening of the retention seat

24 Guide rails

25 Sliding openings

26 Drive

27 Motor

28 Drive shaft

29 Pinion

30 Toothed wheel

31 Coupling sleeve 32 Bearing collar

33 Sliding continuation members

34 Inner peripheral face of the coupling sleeve

35 Adjustment cam

36 End of the thread

37 Switch arrangement

38 Start switch

39 Stop switch

40 Actuation arm

41 Assembly sleeve

42 Assembly space for motor

43 Openings in the assembly space

44 Seat of the stop switch

45 Seat of the start switch

46 Fixing rods

47 Catch hook

48 Securing opening on the seat of the start switch

49 Securing screws

50 Retention seats for retention device

51 Lateral walls of the retention seats

52, 52a Support face

53 Wedge tip of the retention element

54 First sliding face

55 Second sliding face

56 Fixing stop

57 Pressure cushion

58 Curved bearing member/bearing pocket

59 Bearing web

60 Connector securing member

61 Release opening

62 Securing face

63a, 63b Limiting stops

64 Carriers of the coupling sleeve 65 Carriers of the connector securing member

66 Redirectable arm

67 Worm gear

67a Helical gear

68 Drive worm

69 Coupling toothed wheel

70 Toothed rod

71 Engagement groove

72 Through-opening

73 Pin

74 Pocket of the insertion direction

75 Stop rib

E Insertion direction

D Rotation direction (from waiting to charging position) r_M radial direction towards the centre axis of the charging socket d Rotation range of the connector securing member

M Centre axis

Claims

1 . Charging socket (1 ) for a plug type connection (3), in particular for an insertion- force-intensive plug type connection for charging an electric vehicle, having a socket housing (7) which has an insertion opening (8) for introducing the

connector contacts (5) of a connector (2) along an insertion direction (E) into the socket housing (7) and having a contact arrangement (12) which comprises the socket contacts (14) of the charging socket (1 ), characterised in that the contact arrangement (12) is constructed so as to be able to be moved from a waiting position, in which the socket contacts (14) are spaced apart from the connector contacts (5) of a connector (2) inserted into the charging socket (1 ), into a charging position, in which the socket contacts (14) are connected to the

connector contacts (5) of the connector (2) inserted into the charging socket (1 ).

2. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the contact arrangement (12) is movably supported relative to the socket housing (7).

3. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 2, characterised in that the contact arrangement (12) comprises a movable contact housing (13) in which the socket contacts (14) are arranged.

4. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 3, characterised in that the contact housing (13) in the waiting position protrudes at least partially into the connector (2) inserted into the charging socket (1 ).

5. Charging socket (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised by a guide (22) which directs the translation of the contact arrangement (12) in and counter to the insertion direction (E).

6. Charging socket (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised by a drive (26) for moving the contact arrangement (12) from the waiting position into the charging position.

7. Charging socket (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a drivable actuation member (21 ) is arranged on the contact arrangement (12).

8. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 7, characterised in that the actuation member (21 ) has a toothed rod (70) and/or a thread (20).

9. Charging socket (1 ) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised by a switch arrangement (37) for actuating the drive (26).

10. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 9, characterised in that the switch arrangement (37) comprises at least one start switch (38), which starts the drive (26) when actuated, and at least one stop switch (39) which stops the drive (26) when actuated.

1 1 . Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 10, characterised in that a) the start switch (38) is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the connector (2); and/or b) the stop switch (39) is arranged so as to be able to be actuated by the drive (26) and/or the contact arrangement (12).

12. Charging socket (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , characterised by a retention device (9) for fixing the connector (2) in the socket housing (7).

13. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 12, characterised by a connector securing member (60) which is constructed so as to be movable from a release position, in which the connector securing member (60) promotes release of the connector (2) from the retention device, (9), into a securing position, in which the connector securing member (60) prevents release of the connector (2) from the retention device (9).

14. Charging socket (1 ) according to claim 13, characterised in that the drive (26) and/or the contact arrangement (12) has/have a carrier (64) for moving the connector securing member (60) from the release position into the securing position.

15. Method for connecting a plug type connection (3), in particular an insertion- force-intensive plug type connection for charging an electric vehicle comprising the steps of:

a) introducing the connector contacts (5) of a connector (2) into a socket housing (7) of a charging socket (1 ) and

b) contacting the connector contacts (5) with the socket contacts (14) of a contact arrangement (12) of the charging socket (1 ), characterised in that the contact arrangement (12) is moved from a waiting position, in which the socket contacts (14) are spaced apart from the connector contacts (5) of the connector (2) inserted into the charging socket (1 ), into a charging position, in which the socket contacts (14) are connected to the connector contacts (5).