WO2024099502A1

WO2024099502A1 - Charging socket for an electric or hybrid vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2024099502A1
Application number: PCT/DE2023/100777
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin DJEDOVIC; Tanja SCHWINNING
Original assignee: Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2022-11-11
Filing date: 2023-10-17
Publication date: 2024-05-16
Also published as: DE102022129879A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging socket (1) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a first socket (3), a second socket (5), the sockets (3, 5) forming the charging socket (1) and being arranged together in a charging compartment of a motor vehicle body, and also comprising a movable charging compartment cover, wherein the charging compartment can be covered by means of the charging compartment cover, and wherein a socket (3, 5), preferably the second socket (5) can be separately closed.

Description

Charging socket for an electric or hybrid vehicle

The invention relates to a charging socket for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a first multi-pole socket, a second two-pole socket, wherein the sockets form the charging socket and are arranged together in a charging recess of a motor vehicle body, and a movable charging flap, wherein the charging recess can be covered by means of the charging flap.

Such charging sockets are preferably integrated into the body of motor vehicles and usually arranged behind a movable charging flap. The charging flap serves on the one hand to prevent misuse of the charging socket and on the other hand to protect the charging socket from environmental influences. The charging socket is used in different design variants. The invention relates to a charging socket with a first socket for an alternating voltage and a second socket for a direct voltage connection. The sockets differ in the number of poles available and essentially in the fact that different charging currents are available for the motor vehicle. Just as a precaution, it should be pointed out that the charging socket can also include an electrical control system, a connection contact, a locking mechanism and/or a cooling device. The invention relates to the sockets associated with the charging socket.

The charging socket according to the invention has a combination of a multi-pole and a two-pole socket. These sockets are also called Type 2 plugs for DC and AC charging and are known as EU standard plugs.

The charging socket is permanently installed in the charging recess of the motor vehicle so that an operator is able to insert the charging plug into the charging socket of the charging recess. Various solutions from the state of the art have become known for closing the charging recess and thus covering the charging socket.

DE 20 2021 901 685 Ul discloses a sliding and pivoting device for a vehicle flap to cover a charging socket. To release the charging socket, which is also referred to here as an interface or charging module, the vehicle flap can first be moved using a sliding device and then moved using a pivoting device. The charging socket is thus released via a linear displacement followed by pivoting of the vehicle flap.

From DE 10 2020 209 607 A1, a locking arrangement for closing a tank recess of a motor vehicle body is known, wherein a cover element is displaceably moved in the body by means of a linear drive. The locking arrangement carries out two different movements. To open the charging recess, the charging flap or cover element is first moved by means of a lifting movement in order to then carry out a longitudinal movement and thus release the charging socket.

From the unpublished DE 10 2021 116 318 . 8 a device for closing a charging device of an electric or hybrid vehicle, having a connector half arranged in the vehicle for connection to another connector half, an electrically drivable locking device, wherein in an unactuated state of the connector half an opening of the charging device can be closed by means of the locking device, and wherein the locking device can be mechanically brought into engagement with the further connector half inserted into the connector half, wherein a position of the locking device can be detected by means of a sensor. In two different embodiments it is described that the charging flap is arranged displaceably, so that the charging socket or the charging recess can be closed at least in part even during the charging process.

The solutions known from the state of the art have generally proven themselves. However, the state of the art reaches its limits when it comes to protecting the socket that is not needed. In particular, when charging has to take place under weather and/or environmental influences, if charging is carried out using one socket, the other socket can only be protected to a limited extent from environmental influences and misuse. This is where the invention comes in and aims to demonstrate improvements.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved charging socket for an electric or hybrid vehicle. In particular, the object of the invention is to create protection for an unused socket so that safe operation of the charging process can be guaranteed. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. However, it is pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described below are not restrictive; rather, any desired variation of the features described in the description, the patent claims and the drawings is possible.

According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a charging socket is provided for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a first multi-pin socket, a second two-pin socket, wherein the sockets form the charging socket and are arranged together in a charging recess of a motor vehicle body, and a movable charging flap, wherein the charging recess can be covered by means of the charging flap, and wherein a socket, preferably the second two-pin socket, can be closed separately. The design of the charging socket according to the invention now creates the possibility of partially closing the charging socket, so that a socket can be kept closed when charging. This offers a multitude of advantages, which are described in more detail below in the respective embodiments.

A significant advantage of the charging socket design according to the invention is that the second socket not used for charging is closed during the charging process. This protects the unused socket from environmental influences and also from improper or abusive use. For example, in the case of moisture or precipitation in the form of rain or snow, no Moisture can get into the additional socket. The charging flap usually covers and/or seals the charging recess, but if a charging plug is plugged in, the charging recess may not be closed or may only be partially closed. The inventive use of a separate cover for the socket not assigned to the charging process ensures that the additional socket is securely and completely closed and thus the additional socket is protected during the charging process.

A charging socket according to the invention is used in motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, vans, industrial trucks, trucks, etc. This list is of course not restrictive; rather, the charging socket can be used wherever electric or hybrid-powered vehicles or means of transport are used that are equipped with a traction battery. This also includes driverless means of transport, such as buses, work equipment, etc. Closing it also offers the advantage that the other socket is protected when the motor vehicle is being charged autonomously, i.e. fully automatically.

As already mentioned above, the charging socket has two sockets, one of which can be used for charging with alternating current (AC) and a second socket that can be charged with direct current (DC). Such sockets are known and are certified, for example, by EU standards. The sockets are arranged next to each other in a charging recess. This offers the advantage that a charging flap can close the charging recess, so that the passenger vehicle, for example, has a closed and/or flat surface with the charging flap. The term charging recess is not to be understood as restrictive, but can also include another opening or a loading area of the vehicle. For example, if the charging socket is installed in the trunk of a vehicle, the charging recess would be designed as a trunk and the charging flap would be formed by the trunk lid. It is essential to the invention that at least one socket, preferably the second DC socket, can be closed separately.

If the second socket can be closed or covered by means of a cover flap, this results in an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Closing the further socket by means of a cover flap offers the advantage that a sealing closure of the socket is possible. The cover flap can fit completely around the socket and thus prevent environmental influences from penetrating. The cover flap can follow the shape of the socket and thus ensure protection for the socket with as little construction as possible. The cover flap serves as protection, so that the cover flap can also be referred to as a protective cap or protective flap or cover cap. The task of the cover flap is to seal the socket around the outer circumference.

The cover flap is advantageously made of plastic. Plastics have the advantage that they are light, can be easily formed into almost any shape and, as a cost-effective material, have a positive effect on the cost of the charging socket. It is also conceivable that the cover flap has a Seal , whereby the seal can be formed all the way around an edge of the socket . The seal can be mounted in one piece on the cover flap or formed as a fixed part of the cover flap . The cover flap would in this case be formed as a two-component component , for example .

If the second socket can be closed in such a way that a charging plug can be inserted into the first socket, this again results in an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The cover flap closes the socket in such a way that the first socket is freely accessible and can function as a socket. Charging via the first socket is therefore possible, with the charging flap preferably being designed in such a way that it follows the shape of the opening of the first socket. The first socket is thus completely enclosed by the housing of the charging socket and the cover flap, so that the user has a completely open first socket available. In other words, the cover flap follows the shape of the opening of the first socket. This offers the advantage that a plug inserted into the first socket is completely sealed. This means that dirt and/or moisture can neither penetrate into the second socket nor the first socket during the charging process.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover flap can be actuated electrically. The cover flap is moved by means of an electric drive and preferably by means of an electric drive and at least one gear stage. Electrical energy is available in the motor vehicle, so that a movement can be introduced into the cover flap by means of a micro-drive. The cover flap can be moved in a linear swivel motion or in a combined movement, for example linear movement and swivel motion. Depending on the arrangement of the cover flap, the cover flap is then moved over the preferred second socket and finally brought to rest in a sealing manner on an opening in the second socket.

A further embodiment of the invention arises when the cover flap can be lifted off the second socket by means of a lifting movement and can be moved out of an overlap area with the second socket by means of a second pivoting movement. The combined movement of a lifting movement and a pivoting movement makes it possible to achieve the best possible fit of the cover flap over the opening of the second socket. The cover flap covers the opening of the second socket in such a way that a sealing cover can be created. According to the invention, however, it is also conceivable for the cover flap to fit positively into the opening of the second socket so that the cover flap is flush with the housing of the charging socket.

It is also conceivable that, for example, a circumferential recess is arranged in the housing of the charging socket, into which the cover flap can be inserted. The first lifting movement then enables the cover flap to detach itself from the system with the housing, or from the recess and the system with the housing of the charging socket, in order to then reach an area in which the cover flap can be pivoted. A pivoting movement can be an angle of more than 90 °, preferably 120 °, so that the cover flap can be completely removed from the area of the openings of the sockets. can be swung out. In the case of a linear movement and/or a swivel movement and/or a folding movement of the cover flap, the cover flap is always moved far enough that the second socket is freely accessible.

In one embodiment of the invention, the electric drive has a drive wheel, the drive wheel being part of a linear drive, in particular a spindle drive. By means of a spindle drive, actuating movements can be implemented in a simple construction. In addition, a spindle drive can be designed to be as small as possible, so that only a small amount of space is required to drive the loading flap or to move the loading flap. In addition, short actuating times can be implemented by means of a spindle drive or a linear drive, which in turn are advantageous for the operator. Large actuating paths can also be easily implemented by means of a linear drive, which in turn can be used to move the cover cap.

Advantageously, a linear and a rotary movement can be introduced into the cover cap by means of a spindle of the spindle drive. The lifting or adjusting movement of the linear drive can be converted into two different movements according to the invention. In other words, the movement of the cover cap can be divided up by means of the adjustment path of the linear drive. The cover cap can be lifted off the housing of the charging socket by means of a linear movement and the adjustment path of the linear drive can also be used to initiate a rotary movement in the cover flap. Advantageously, the spindle of the spindle drive is used directly to initiate the movement. To implement the movements, a slide can be arranged directly on the spindle. If the slide can be operated by means of the spindle, whereby a linear movement can be introduced into the cover cap by means of the slide, the cover cap can be lifted off the surface of the housing using the simplest of construction means. The spindle is driven linearly along its central axis by means of a spindle nut. The spindle drive provides part of the gear system of the electric drive. Since the linear drive directly generates a linear travel, this linear movement can be directly converted into a linear movement of the cover cap. The slide can be attached directly to the spindle of the spindle drive or can be formed integrally with the spindle.

The slider advantageously interacts with a holding contour of a holder plate. The slider is preferably formed in one piece with the spindle and interacts with a holding contour of a holder plate. The holder plate is accommodated in the housing so that it can be moved linearly. The slider thus acts on the holder plate by the slider engaging a contour of the holder plate. The engagement contour or holding contour thus serves as an engagement means for moving the holder plate.

According to the invention, the cover cap is pivotably mounted in the holder plate. The holder plate thus has another function. On the one hand, the holder plate serves to initiate the linear movement and on the other hand, the holder plate serves to pivotally mount the cover cap. The holder plate is thereby moved by means of the spindle drive and in particular in particular by means of the slider arranged on the spindle, it is moved linearly. If the cover cap is now attached directly to the holder plate, the movement of the slider leads directly to a movement of the cover cap. For this purpose, the holder plate has a mounting bolt, into which the cover cap can be inserted in a form-fitting manner. This is of course only one exemplary embodiment; a correspondingly different pivoting bearing, in which the cover cap can be inserted into the holder plate, is of course also conceivable.

In an advantageous design variant, the spindle of the spindle drive can be brought into engagement with the cover cap, so that a pivoting movement can be introduced into the cover cap by means of the spindle itself. The spindle can therefore initiate the linear movement of the cover cap and at the same time serve to move the cover cap in a pivoting manner. The interaction between the slide and the holding contour can serve for this, in that the holding contour only engages with the slide in certain areas. The spindle performs a pivoting movement during the adjustment path. If the slide now only engages the holding contour over a partial area of the rotary movement, the linear movement of the holder plate can be limited. This is used according to the invention so that only the adjustment path of the spindle that is required to lift the cover cap off the housing is used by means of the slide. After lifting, the slide leaves the holding contour, so that the holder plate itself comes to a standstill and/or interacts with a stop. If a stop is used for the holder plate, the lifting or releasing of the slide from the holding contour must be coordinated with the contact of the holder plate with the stop. The spindle therefore has a multiple function. On the one hand, the Spindle for lifting the cover cap and at the same time initiating the rotational movement of the cover cap.

Advantageously, the spindle can be guided at least in part by means of the holder plate. The spindle itself can, for example, be guided through the holder plate, so that a linear guide for the spindle is immediately available. If the spindle and cover cap work together directly, the spindle can be guided through the holder plate. According to the invention, the travel of the linear unit or the spindle is used to move the cover cap in a linear as well as a rotary manner. In the first movement sequence, the holder plate is moved linearly by means of the slide attached to the spindle and in a second movement sequence, i.e. after the slide is released from the holding contour, the opening movement of the cover cap is initiated or completed by means of the spindle itself. The holder plate itself thus serves as a means of linear movement, as a holder for the cover cap and as a linear guide for the spindle.

In order to be able to initiate an opening movement of the spindle into the cover cap, it is advantageous if the spindle is in positive engagement with the cover cap. If the radial end of the spindle has a ball head, for example, the cover cap can have a corresponding recess into which the ball head of the spindle can be inserted, preferably snapped into place. This provides a structurally advantageous means of initiating a pivoting movement in the cover cap. It is of course also conceivable that, for example, a cylindrical shape is arranged at the end of the spindle, which can be inserted and/or clipped into a holder on the cover cap. In any case, a form-fitting A coherent connection between the spindle and the cover cap ensures secure guidance of the cover cap over the entire swivel path.

In a further embodiment, the cover cap can be detachably attached to the charging socket. In the aforementioned embodiment or embodiments, the cover cap can engage positively with the spindle and the holder plate. If the cover cap is detachably attached to the holder plate and the spindle, it is possible to manually remove the cover cap from the charging socket in the event of a power failure. Positive-locking connections and in particular clip connections can be advantageous for this, so that on the one hand the movement can be safely initiated in the cover cap and on the other hand the cover cap can be easily released from the holder plate and the spindle.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using a preferred embodiment. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

It shows :

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a charging socket designed according to the invention, wherein the cover flap in a

Closing position is shown, Figure 2 is a view from the direction of arrow II of the charging socket according to Figure 1 in an enlarged view, showing the closed position of the cover cap,

Figure 3 shows the view according to the direction of arrow I I of the cover cap drive in a position in which the cover cap is lifted from a surface of the charging socket,

Figure 4 is a detailed view of the slider from the direction of arrow IV, showing a position of the slider after the holder plate has assumed its final position and a rotational movement of the cover cap begins,

Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of an open cover cap in its fully opened position, and

Figure 6 is a detailed view of the cover cap drive from the direction of arrow VI on the drive device, again showing the fully open position of the cover cap.

In Figure 1, a charging socket 1 is shown in a three-dimensional view. The charging socket 1 is partially closed by a cover flap 2, so that only a first socket 3 is in an open position. The charging socket 1 is shown detached from a motor vehicle, whereby the charging socket 1 can usually be arranged behind a loading flap of a motor vehicle in a charging recess (again not shown). The charging socket 1 has a housing 4, whereby in the housing 4 two different sockets 3, 5 are included. The first socket 3 is preferably a socket for charging using an alternating voltage, whereas the second socket 5 is suitable for charging using direct current.

The charging socket 1 has a drive device 6 which is accommodated in the housing 4 of the charging socket 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a spindle 7 of a spindle drive can be seen, the spindle 7 being operatively connected to a holder plate 8 and the cover cap 2. Figure 1 shows the closed position of the cover cap 2, i.e. the cover cap 2 lies flush against a surface 9 of the housing 4 of the charging socket 1. The cover cap 2 closes off the additional socket 5 all the way around, so that only the first socket 3 is freely accessible to the operator. The cover cap 2 has a recess 10 for this purpose, so that a plug inserted into the first socket 3 can seal the opening 11 all the way around and can be inserted all the way around the opening 11. A receptacle 12 can also be seen, wherein the receptacle 12 serves on the one hand to hold the cover cap 2 and on the other hand to pivotally mount the cover cap 2.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the drive device 6 and in particular the holder plate 8. The closed position of the cover cap 2 is shown, i.e. the position in which the cover cap 2 lies flush against the surface 9 of the charging socket 1. In this respect, the illustration in Figure 2 corresponds to the closed position of the cover cap 2 as shown in Figure 1. Starting from Figure 2, the spindle 7 can be seen, with a slide 13 arranged on the spindle 7, the slide 13 consisting on the one hand of two guide surfaces 14, 15 and on the other hand interacting with a holding contour 16. The spindle 7 is driven by means of a spindle drive (not shown), i.e. a spindle nut and an upstream gear and an electric drive. The spindle 7 executes a rotary movement in the direction of the arrow PI, which corresponds to a counterclockwise movement in Figure 2. The holding contour 16 is in turn connected to the holder plate 8 or is formed in one piece with the holder plate 8. The holder plate 8 in turn has a guide section 17, the guide section 17 being held so that it can be guided linearly in the housing 4 of the charging socket. The guide section 17 in turn projects through the surface 9 of the housing 4 and is connected at the end, i.e. at a radial end 18, to the receptacle 12. The receptacle 12 has a pivot axis 19 into which the cover cap 2 has been inserted. The end 18 of the guide section 17 is firmly connected to the receptacle 12, so that the receptacle 12 can also serve as a stop means when the holder plate 8 moves.

If the spindle 7 is now moved about its central axis M in the direction of the arrow PI, the slider moves with the spindle 7 in the direction of the arrow P2. The slider and in particular the guide surfaces 14, 15 take the holding contour 16 with them, which in turn also moves the holder plate 8 in the direction of the arrow P2. The fixed connection between the holder plate and the receptacle 12 causes the cover cap 2 to be displaced in parallel overall, i.e. to be lifted off the surface 9. Figure 3 now shows the position of the slide 13 after the spindle 7 has been rotated by approximately 90°. The guide surfaces 14, 15 continue to engage with the holding contour 16, so that up to this point the cover cap 2 is moved linearly in the direction of the arrow P2 as described above and is lifted off the surface 9. The holder plate 8 has at this point reached a stop surface 21 on the housing 4 with an extension 20. The forward movement in the direction of the arrow P2 of the cover cap 2 is consequently limited in the linear movement by the stop 21.

If the spindle 7 is now rotated further in the direction of the arrow PI and moved further in the direction of the arrow P2, the guide surfaces 14, 15 come out of engagement with the holder contour 16, whereby the slide 13 is released from the holding plate 16. The position of the released slide 13 is shown in Figure 4. The spindle 7 continues to move in the direction of the arrow P2 without taking the holding plate 8 with it.

When the spindle 7 moves forwards further, an extension 22 is moved through the guide section 17, whereby a ball section 23 formed on the end of the spindle 7 pivots the cover cap 2. The fully pivoted cover cap 2 is shown in Figure 5. The spindle 7 is moved forwards until a shoulder 24 strikes against a limiter 25. In other words, the cover cap 2 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow P3 until the spindle 7 with the shoulder 24 strikes against the stop 25. The holder plate 8 can be regarded here as a multifunctional component in the drive device 6. By means of the holding contour 16, a linear movement of the Cover cap 2 can be used, the linear movement can be limited by means of the extension 20, the spindle 7 can be mounted by means of the guide section 17, the holder 12 can be held by means of the free end 18 and the pivoting movement can be adjusted by means of the limiter 25.

Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the drive device 6 in an enlarged representation. The positive engagement between the ball section 23 and the cover cap can be seen, as well as the pivot bearing 26 of the cover cap 2. The interaction between the holder 12 and the guide section 17 can also be seen, with the guide section 17 not only holding the holder 12 but also having the task of guiding the linear movement through the housing 4.

Two spring arms 27, 28 are arranged on the cover cap 2 and are operatively connected to the ball section 23. The design of the spring arms 27, 28 ensures that the cover cap 2 can be released manually in the event of a power failure. To do this, the ball section 23 can be released from the spring arms 27, 28 and the cover cap 2 can be lifted off the pivot axis 19. It can also be seen in Figure 6 that the cover cap 2 is attached to the pivot axis 19 by means of a clip connection 29.

To close the cover or move the cover cap 2 towards the surface 9 of the charging socket 1, the spindle moves in the opposite direction, so that in a first movement sequence the cover cap 2 returns to the parallel position. sition to the surface 9, after which the cover cap 2 is then moved linearly again, i.e. parallel to the surface 9, in the interaction between the slide 13 and the holding contour 16 and comes into contact with the surface 9 of the charging socket 1.

The inventive design of the charging socket 1 now makes it possible to provide protection for the socket that is not needed during charging and, in addition, to enable automated charging of a motor vehicle by allowing the cover flap 2 to be pivoted out of the area of the socket 5 by an electric motor and by means of a control system.

Reference symbol list

1 charging socket

2 Cover cap

3 , 5 socket

4 Housing

6 Drive system

7 spindle

8 Holder plate

9 Surface

10 Recess

11 Opening

12 Recording

13 sliders

14 , 15 Guide surface

16 Holding contour

17 Guide section

18 End of guide section

19 Swivel axis

20 Extension

21 Stop surface

22 Extension

23 Spherical section

24 paragraph

25 Limiter, stop

26 Swivel bearing

27 , 28 Spring arms

29 clips connection

PI , P2 , P3 arrow

M central axis

Claims

Patent claims

1. Charging socket (1) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a first multi-pin socket (3), a second two-pin socket (5), wherein the sockets (3, 5) form the charging socket (1) and are arranged together in a charging recess of a motor vehicle body, and a movable charging flap, wherein the charging recess can be covered by means of the charging flap, characterized in that a socket (3, 5), preferably the second two-pin socket (5), can be closed separately.

2. Charging socket (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the socket (3, 5) can be closed by means of a cover flap (2).

3. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover flap (2) is made of plastic, preferably a two-component plastic, and even more preferably with a seal.

4. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the socket (3, 5) can be closed in such a way that a charging plug can be inserted into the further socket (3, 5).

5. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover flap (2) can be actuated electrically.

6. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover flap (2) is closed by means of a first Lifting movement from the socket (3, 5) and by means of a second pivoting movement can be moved out of an overlap area with the other socket (3, 5).

7. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electric drive has a drive wheel and that the drive wheel is part of a linear drive, in particular a spindle drive.

8. Charging socket (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a linear and a rotary movement can be introduced into the cover cap (2) by means of a spindle (7) of the spindle drive.

9. Charging socket (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a slide (13) can be actuated by means of the spindle (7) and that a linear movement can be introduced into the cover cap (2) by means of the slide (13).

10. Charging socket (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the slide (13) cooperates with a holding contour (16) of a holder plate (8).

11. Charging socket (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover cap (2) is pivotally mounted on the holder plate (8), in particular on a receptacle (12).

12. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the spindle (7) can be brought into engagement with the cover cap (2) and that a pivoting movement can be introduced into the cover cap (2).

13. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the spindle (7) can be guided at least by means of the holder plate (8), in particular a guide section (17).

14. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the spindle (7) is in positive engagement with the cover cap (2).

15. Charging socket (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the cover cap (2) can be detachably attached to the charging socket (1).