DE102013112289B4 - Arrangement with a charging socket and a cover device - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement with a charging socket (3) and a covering device, wherein the charging socket (3) has:- a plug connector (2) which can be connected to a mating plug connector, and- a second magnetic assembly (10), wherein the covering device has:- a covering cap (11, 12, 13, 14) for covering plug contacts (20) of the plug connector (2) when the latter is not connected to a mating plug connector, and- a first magnetic assembly (119, 127, 131, 141), wherein the first and second magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127, 131, 141) cooperate in a first position relative to one another in order to hold the covering cap (11, 12, 13, 14) in a position covering the plug contacts (20) on the plug connector (2), wherein the first and second magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127, 131, 141) are movable relative to one another when the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) covers the plug contacts of the connector (2) and can be brought into a position relative to one another by actuating the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) in which repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127, 131, 141) which have a tendency to detach the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) from the plug connector (2),wherein the cover cap (12) comprises an insert (122) which engages with the plug connector (2) when the cover cap (12) is closed, wherein the insert (122) can only be brought into engagement with the plug connector (2) in a predetermined spatial orientation with respect to the latter, andwherein the insert (122) is provided displaceably on the cover cap (12) and that the first magnetic assembly (127) is arranged on the insert (122).

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement with a charging socket and a covering device.

A covering device of the type mentioned is, for example, from DE 10 2010 061 384 A1 known. It describes a housing with a box-like body that is firmly connected to a plug. To protect the connector connected to the box-like body when it is not connected to a movable mating connector, the housing includes a cover pivotally connected to the box-like body. The cover is automatically closed on the box-like body by magnetic means when there is no movable mating connector.

Next is from the US 5,919,048 A a device for connecting an external power cable to a motor vehicle is known. The device comprises a plug connector which is housed in a housing which can be covered by a cover. The cover is pivotally connected to the housing and is closed by the interaction of a magnet arranged on the housing with a metal plate arranged on the cover.

From the JP 2009-259411 A an arrangement with a charging socket is known, the charging socket having a plug connector which can be connected to a mating plug connector. The mating connector has a first magnetic assembly and a second magnetic assembly disposed on the connector, wherein the first and second magnetic assemblies cooperate in a first position relative to each other to hold the mating connector in a first position on the connector. The first and second magnetic assemblies are movable relative to one another and can be brought into a position relative to one another by actuating the mating connector, in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies, which have the tendency to detach the mating connector from the plug connector.

The US 3,521,216 A describes a socket and a plug that can be inserted into the socket, with magnetic elements being arranged on both the socket and the plug, which work together when the plug is inserted into the socket.

The WO 2012/7158225 A1 describes an electrical receptacle having an electrical receptacle, a cover for the receptacle, and a hinge connecting the cover to the receptacle so that the cover can pivot toward and away from an opening in the receptacle to permit insertion of an electrical plug to be included in the recording. A paired combination is provided that includes a magnet and a magnetically attractive area on the lid or container that causes the lid to be attracted to the container when the lid reaches a predetermined distance from the container, thereby causing the lid to pass through magnetic attraction on the container is closed when the plug is not inserted.

In the publications US 2005/0023841 A1 , US 2007/0067954 A1 and TW M 462886 U Closing options for notebooks are disclosed.

The US 6,699,050 B1 and the US 5,285,014 A1 each disclose an arrangement with a charging socket and a covering device assigned to the charging socket, the charging socket having a plug connector which can be connected to a mating plug connector, and the covering device having a cover cap for covering plug contacts of the plug connector when it is not connected to a mating plug connector .

The US 2009/0239392 A1 shows an arrangement with a charging socket. The US 2010/0227488 A1 also shows a covering device with a cover cap.

The invention is based on the problem of creating an arrangement that is easy to open and at the same time ensures secure coverage of the plug contacts of the plug connector.

This problem is solved by an arrangement with the features of claim 1.

The arrangement according to the invention has a charging socket and a covering device. The charging socket has a plug connector that can be connected to a mating plug connector and a second magnetic assembly. The covering device has a cover cap for covering plug contacts of the plug connector when it is not connected to a mating plug connector, and a first magnetic assembly. The first and second magnetic assemblies interact in a first position relative to one another in order to hold the cover cap on the plug connector in a position that covers the plug contacts. The first and second magnetic assemblies can be moved relative to one another when the cover cap is closed and can be brought into a position relative to one another by actuating the cover cap bar, in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies, which tend to detach the cover cap from the connector. The cover cap comprises an insert which is in engagement with the plug connector when the cover cap is closed, the insert only being able to be brought into engagement with the plug connector in a predetermined spatial orientation, the insert being displaceably provided on the cover cap and the first magnetic Assembly is arranged on the insert.

This makes detaching the cover cap from the connector easier and more convenient. Depending on the strength of the repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies, the cover cap can therefore be removed from the connector more easily, i.e. with less effort, or, if the repulsive forces are strong enough, can even be detached from the connector using them alone. Both magnetic attractive forces and magnetic repulsive forces can occur between the two magnetic assemblies. All that matters is that there is a total force acting on the cover cap that tends to separate the cover cap from the connector.

The first and/or second magnetic assembly each comprises at least one magnetic element. Such magnetic elements can be formed, for example, by permanent magnets or electromagnets and/or include magnetizable, in particular ferromagnetic, materials (e.g. iron, cobalt or nickel). It is essential that magnetic attraction and repulsion forces can be generated through the interaction of the magnetic elements of the two magnetic assemblies.

In order to bring the two magnetic assemblies into a spatial position relative to one another in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies, the spatial position of the first magnetic assembly and/or the second magnetic assembly can in principle be changed. Advantageously, the first magnetic assembly can be moved relative to the second magnetic assembly by actuating the cover cap, while the spatial position of the second magnetic assembly is not changed.

In order to change the spatial position of the first magnetic assembly, i.e. the magnetic assembly of the cover cap, with respect to the second magnetic assembly and specifically to bring the first magnetic assembly into a spatial position with respect to the second magnetic assembly in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies, On the one hand, it can be provided that the first magnetic assembly is firmly connected to the cover cap and can be moved together with it by actuating the cover cap (e.g. twisting). On the other hand, the first magnetic assembly can be movably mounted on the cover cap and a relative movement between the first magnetic assembly and the cover cap can be caused by actuating the cover cap.

The covering device can, particularly in the latter case, comprise an actuating mechanism which can be provided, for example, on the cover cap. By actuating the actuating mechanism, the first magnetic assembly can be brought into a spatial position relative to the second magnetic assembly, in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies.

Such an actuating mechanism can, for example, comprise a pivoting or rotation generating element, such as a rotary knob or a lever, with which the first magnetic assembly can be rotated or pivoted. By means of such a pivoting or rotational movement, the first magnetic assembly can be brought into a spatial position in which repulsive forces act between the magnetic assemblies, which have a tendency to detach the cover cap from the connector.

Furthermore, the actuation mechanism can comprise a button, by actuation of which the first magnetic assembly can be brought into a spatial position in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies. For this purpose, the first magnetic assembly can be arranged on a component that is movable, in particular displaceable, with respect to the cover cap and which is moved, in particular displaced, by actuating the button.

In general, a change in the spatial position of an individual magnetic element can be sufficient to change the spatial position of the two magnetic assemblies relative to one another, which results in repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies. However, several or even all magnetic elements of the first or second magnetic assembly are preferably moved together.

According to a further development of the invention, the first magnetic assembly comprises at least a first and at least a second magnet ic element. It is provided that the cover cap is held in a closed position covering the plug contacts through interaction of the first magnetic element with the second magnetic assembly. In order to generate repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies, the first magnetic assembly can be brought into a spatial position by actuating the cover cap in which the second magnetic element interacts with the second magnetic assembly to generate the repulsive force.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic axis defined by magnetic poles of at least one magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly can be aligned parallel to a magnetic axis defined by magnetic poles of at least one magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly. In particular, the magnetic axes of all magnetic elements of the first and/or the second magnetic assembly can be aligned parallel to one another.

It is also possible for one or more of the magnetic elements of the second magnetic assembly to be aligned anti-parallel with respect to the remaining magnetic elements of the second magnetic assembly. Some or all of the magnetic elements of the second magnetic assembly are assigned a magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly, which is aligned with respect to the respective magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly in such a way that when the cover cap is closed, attractive forces result that hold the cover cap in the closed position. The two groups of differently aligned magnetic elements can be provided on the cover cap or the plug connector in such a way that the cover cap can only be brought into a closed position on the plug connector in a predetermined spatial orientation and/or that the cover cap automatically moves into this predetermined position spatial orientation moves (particularly rotates) while being brought into the closed position on the connector.

Such an orientation specification, also called coding, can alternatively or additionally also be done mechanically. For example, the cover cap and/or the plug connector can include mutually associated components, such as pins and holes or the like, which ensure that the cover cap can only be brought into the closed position on the plug connector in a certain spatial orientation. According to the invention, the cover cap also comprises an insert which, in the closed position of the cover cap on the plug connector, engages with at least a part of the plug connector, such as a frame part and/or one or more plug contacts. In particular, the insert as well as other components of the cover cap can be shaped to complement the plug connector or the so-called plug face of the plug connector. It is provided that the insert can only be brought into engagement with the plug connector (or the part of the plug connector) in a certain spatial orientation, whereby the cover cap connected to the insert can only be placed on the plug connector in this one spatial orientation and inserted into it can be brought into the closed position.

According to the invention, at least some, in particular all, magnetic elements of the first magnetic assembly are arranged on the insert of the cover cap.

Further according to the invention, the insert is displaceable (in particular along the magnetic axis of one or more magnetic elements of the first and/or second magnetic assembly) on the cover cap. A displacement of the insert can be effected in particular by a button on the cover cap (or generally by an actuating mechanism).

If the first magnetic assembly comprises a first and a second magnetic element (or a plurality of first and a plurality of second magnetic elements), it can be provided that the magnetic axis of a respective first magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly is coaxial with the magnetic axis of at least one magnetic element of the second magnetic Assembly is aligned when the cover cap is held in the position covering the plug contacts by interaction of the magnetic assemblies, and that the magnetic axis of a respective second magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly is aligned coaxially with the magnetic axis of at least one magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly when the magnetic assemblies are in a spatial position relative to one another that results in repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies.

According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the same magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly can, depending on the spatial position of the first magnetic assembly, interact with either a first or a second magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly, with either attractive or repulsive forces being generated can be. Alternatively, the first magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly can interact with one magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly and the second magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly can interact with another magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly. For this purpose, for example, the magnetic axes of the first and second magnetic elements of the first magnetic assembly can be aligned anti-parallel to one another, so that when the first or second magnetic element of the first magnetic assembly is coaxially aligned with the one (or another) magnetic element of the second magnetic assembly attracting forces or repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies.

The first magnetic assembly preferably comprises a plurality of first and/or a plurality of second magnetic elements and the second magnetic assembly preferably comprises a plurality of magnetic elements.

It can be provided that the first magnetic assembly can be brought into at least a first and a second position by actuating the cover cap. In the first position, the cover cap is held in a position covering the plug contacts by the interaction of the magnetic assemblies, while in the second position repulsive forces act between the magnetic assemblies. In this case, the cover cap can, for example, be designed in such a way that it is initially neither held nor repelled when it is brought into a position on the connector that covers the plug contacts. The first magnetic assembly can then be brought into either the first or second position by actuating the cover cap.

A magnetic element of the first and/or the second magnetic assembly can in particular be designed as a bar magnet. All magnetic elements of the first and second magnetic assembly are preferably designed as bar magnets.

On the one hand, the cover cap can be connected to the connector, e.g. via a joint or a hinge. On the other hand, the cover cap can also be completely separable from the connector and held in the position covering the plug contacts solely by magnetic forces. If the cover cap can be completely separated from the connector, it can be connected to the connector via a loss protection device, such as a plastic band, for convenience.

The cover device can generally be used for any type of connector, e.g. with optical or electrical plug contacts for contacting corresponding plug contacts of a mating connector. A connector that can be covered using the cover device is particularly suitable as a charging socket and/or charging plug for charging an electric vehicle.

A connector according to claim 21 has a connector with plug contacts and a cover device. The covering device comprises a cover cap which is designed to cover the plug contacts of the plug connector and on which a first magnetic assembly is arranged, as well as a second magnetic assembly which is arranged on the plug connector and is intended to interact with the first magnetic assembly in order to Keep the cover cap in a position that covers the plug contacts.

Such a connector can in particular be designed as a charging connector and can be used both on the electric vehicle and on a power supply, such as a charging station for charging or discharging an electric vehicle, and as a charging plug on a charging cable.

The cover cap of the cover device of the plug connector can in particular be held in the position covering the plug contacts exclusively by magnetic forces, i.e. without additional holding forces via a mechanical connection. Such a covering device can also be implemented with particular advantage in combination solely with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ladebuchse mit einem Steckverbinder;
• 2A eine seitliche Ansicht der Ladebuchse aus 1;
• 2B einen Querschnitt durch die Ladebuchse der 1 und 2A durch die Schnittebene A-A in 2A;
• 3 zur Erläuterung der Erfindung ein erstes, nicht beanspruchtes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Abdeckkappe mit einem Drehkörper in einer ersten Lage in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 4A eine Draufsicht auf die Abdeckkappe aus 3;
• 4B eine seitliche Ansicht der Abdeckkappe der 3 und 4A;
• 4C eine teilweise durch die Schnittebene B-B in 4B aufgeschnittene Ansicht auf die Abdeckkappe der 3 bis 4B;
• 5A eine Draufsicht auf die Abdeckkappe der 3 bis 4C mit dem Drehkörper in einer zweiten Lage;
• 5B eine seitliche Ansicht der Abdeckkappe aus 5A;
• 5C einen Querschnitt durch die Abdeckkappe der 5A und 5B durch die Schnittebene C-C in 5B;
• 6 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Abdeckkappe mit einer Taste in einer ersten Lage in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 7A eine seitliche Ansicht der Abdeckkappe aus 6;
• 7B einen Querschnitt durch die Abdeckkappe der 6 und 7A durch die Schnittebene D-D in 7A;
• 8 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die auf die Ladebuchse der 1 bis 2B aufgesetzte Abdeckkappe der 6 bis 7B;
• 9A eine Draufsicht auf die Abdeckkappe und die Ladebuchse aus 8;
• 9B einen Querschnitt durch die Abdeckkappe und die Ladebuchse der 8 und 9A durch die Schnittebene E-E in 9A, wobei die Taste der Abdeckkappe in der ersten Lage dargestellt ist;
• 9C einen Querschnitt durch die Abdeckkappe und die Ladebuchse der 8 und 9A durch die Schnittebene F-F in 9A, wobei die Taste der Abdeckkappe in einer zweiten Lage dargestellt ist;
• 10A zur Erläuterung der Erfindung eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein nicht beanspruchtes drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer auf die Ladebuchse der 1 bis 2B aufgesetzten Abdeckkappe;
• 10B eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Abdeckkappe und die Ladebuchse aus 10A;
• 11A eine Draufsicht auf die Abdeckkappe und die Ladebuchse der 10A und 10B;
• 11 B einen Querschnitt durch die Abdeckkappe und die Ladebuchse der 10A bis 11A durch die Schnittebene G-G in 11A; und
• 12A-12C zur Erläuterung der Erfindung drei verschiedene Varianten eines nicht beanspruchten vierten Ausführungsbeispiels einer Abdeckkappe.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of a charging socket with a connector;
• 2A a side view of the charging socket 1 ;
• 2 B a cross section through the charging socket 1 and 2A through the section plane AA in 2A ;
• 3 To explain the invention, a first, unclaimed exemplary embodiment of a cover cap with a rotating body in a first position in a perspective view;
• 4A a top view of the cover cap 3 ;
• 4B a side view of the cover cap 3 and 4A ;
• 4C one partially through the section plane BB in 4B cutaway view of the cover cap 3 to 4B ;
• 5A a top view of the cover cap 3 to 4C with the rotating body in a second position;
• 5B a side view of the cover cap 5A ;
• 5C a cross section through the cover cap 5A and 5B through the section plane CC in 5B ;
• 6 a second embodiment of a cover cap with a button in a first position in a perspective view;
• 7A a side view of the cover cap 6 ;
• 7B a cross section through the cover cap 6 and 7A through the cutting plane DD in 7A ;
• 8th a side view of the charging socket 1 to 2B attached cover cap 6 to 7B ;
• 9A a top view of the cover cap and the charging socket 8th ;
• 9B a cross section through the cover cap and the charging socket 8th and 9A through the section plane EE in 9A , with the cover cap button shown in the first position;
• 9C a cross section through the cover cap and the charging socket 8th and 9A through the section plane FF in 9A , wherein the button of the cover cap is shown in a second position;
• 10A To explain the invention, a perspective view of an unclaimed third embodiment of the charging socket 1 to 2B attached cover cap;
• 10B a side view of the cover cap and the charging socket 10A ;
• 11A a top view of the cover cap and the charging socket 10A and 10B ;
• 11 B a cross section through the cover cap and the charging socket 10A to 11A through the section plane GG in 11A ; and
• 12A-12C To explain the invention, three different variants of an unclaimed fourth exemplary embodiment of a cover cap.

1 , 2A and 2 B show an exemplary embodiment of a charging socket 3 with a plug connector 2. This is used to connect a charging plug for charging an energy storage device of a vehicle, such as a battery, or generally for providing electrical energy to the vehicle.

The charging socket 3 in the present case comprises a rear part 31 and a front frame 30. The frame 30 has a contact surface 301 surrounded by an oblique edge 300, which will be referred to below with reference to 3 to 11B will be discussed in more detail. An opening 32 is provided in the frame 30 on the side facing away from the rear part 31, into which the plug connector 2 is inserted. The plug connector 2 comprises a plurality of plug contacts 20, which can be electrically contacted with corresponding plug contacts of a mating connector. A circuit can be closed via the plug contacts 20 in order to provide electrical power to the vehicle and in particular to charge or discharge the vehicle's energy storage device.

The charging socket 3 can be used both stationary on a power supply, i.e. for example on a charging column or charging station, and on the vehicle itself.

Based on 2A and 2 B It can be seen that the connector is assigned a magnetic assembly 10, consisting of several (here five) magnetic elements in the form of bar magnets 10A-10E. The bar magnets 10A-10E are arranged in the frame 30 of the connector 2 adjacent to the opening 32 and around it at certain distances from one another and firmly connected to the frame 30. For this purpose, they can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the frame 30 and held therein in a form-fitting or non-positive manner or, for example, glued to the frame 30.

Each bar magnet 10A-10E has two magnetic poles that define a magnetic axis. The bar magnets 10A-10E of the connector 2 are aligned parallel to one another, with the magnet axes along the viewing direction in 2 B get lost. All magnetic north and south poles of the bar magnets 10A-10E also point in the same direction.

The bar magnets 10A-10E of the connector 2 are known permanent magnets. Alternatively, however, other magnetic elements can also be used instead of permanent magnets, such as magnetizable materials and/or electromagnets.

The ones in the 1 and 2 B The number of plug contacts 20 shown is only to be understood as an example. Furthermore, some of the plug contacts 20 can be used to transmit information via electrical or optical connections. For example, it can be transmitted how high the power requirement of the vehicle's energy storage is or whether a charging process can be started or completed.

The magnetic axes of the bar magnets 10A-10E also do not necessarily have to be aligned parallel to one another. So some of the bar magnets 10A-10E can be aligned anti-parallel to the magnetic axes of other bar magnets 10A-10E or inclined to them with respect to their magnetic axes.

3 shows a first, unclaimed exemplary embodiment of a cover cap 11 assigned to the charging socket 3 in a perspective view. The cover cap 11 includes a (flat) cover part 112 and an actuation mechanism. This has a rotating body 110 rotatably connected to the cover part 112 and a rotation generating element designed as a handle 111. The flat cover part 112 is delimited by an edge 117 and is connected to a charging socket such as the charging socket 3 from the 1 to 2B can be placed in order to cover the opening 32 and thus the plug contacts 20 of the plug connector 2. The cover part 112 comes into contact with the contact surface 301 of the frame 30 of the charging socket 3, and the edge 117, which has an in 3 can be provided with an invisible circumferential projection, engages over the sloping edge 300 of the frame 30 to ensure a secure fit of the cover cap 11 on the charging socket 3. The edge 117 and the sloping edge 300 have a corresponding shape.

The rotating body 110 has a substantially circular contour and is partially surrounded along this contour by a circumferential wall 113 projecting from the cover part 112. A recess 114 is provided in the circumferential wall 113 on two opposite sides of the rotating body 110, from which in the perspective view 3 only one is visible. A pin 1102 protruding from the rotating body 110 engages in each of the two recesses. A rotation of the rotating body 110, for example by actuating the handle 111, is limited since the pins 1102, which are firmly connected to the rotating body 110 and engage in the recesses 114, can only be moved between two edges of the recesses 114 which serve as stops 118, 118 ' can. In 3 the rotating body 110 is in a first position in which the pins 1102 rest on the stops 118'.

The cover cap 11 further comprises several clamps 116, by means of which a 3 not shown housing part of the cover cap 11 can be connected.

The 4A and 4B show a top view or a side view of the cover cap 11 3 . In the top view 4A The two recesses 114 provided on opposite sides of the rotating body 110 can be seen, as well as the pins 1102 which engage in one of these recesses 114 and rest against the stops 118'. Based on the partially cut top view of the cover cap 11 according to 4B It becomes clear that in several receptacles 1101 in a wall section 1100 of the rotating body 110, a magnetic element designed as a bar magnet 119A-119E of a magnetic assembly 119 assigned to the cover cap 11 is arranged.

Several (here three) bar magnets 119A, 119C, 119E are arranged on the rotating body of the cover in such a way that they are in the 3 to 4C The illustrated first position of the rotating body 110 lies essentially above, ie in alignment with the bar magnets 10A, 10C, 10E assigned to the plug connector, when the cover cap 11 is placed on the charging socket 3. In the present case, the magnetic axes of the pairs of bar magnets formed thereby are 119A, 10A; 119C, 10C; 119E, 10E of the cover cap 11 on the one hand and the charging socket 3 on the other hand are each aligned essentially coaxially with one another. This results in magnetic attractive forces between the bar magnets 119A, 119C, 119E of the cover cap 11 and the bar magnets 10A, 10C, 10E assigned to the charging socket 3 when the cover cap 11 is placed on the charging socket 3 as intended. These attractive forces cause the cover cap 11 to be held on the charging socket.

The cover cap 11 connected to the charging socket 3 protects the plug contacts 20 of the plug connector 2 of the charging socket 3 from environmental influences, such as dust and/or splash water. In order to further improve this protection, the cover cap 11 and/or the charging socket 3 can also include sealing elements not shown in the figures, such as a sealing ring.

By holding the cover cap 11 on the charging socket 3 using magnetic forces, a secure covering of the plug contacts 20 can also be ensured regardless of possible fluctuations in the ambient temperature. In contrast, for example, rubber plugs or covers, which are held on a plug connector 2 or a charging socket 3 by means of a positive or non-positive fit, can pass through Due to temperature fluctuations, they lose their tight fit and become detached from the plug connector 2 or the charging socket 3.

The cover cap 11, together with the two magnetic assemblies 119, 10, in the present case the bar magnets 119A-119E assigned to the cover cap 11 and the bar magnets 10A-10E assigned to the plug connector 2, forms a covering device, which is not only used to cover the plug contacts 20 of the plug connector 2 a charging socket 3, but also for covering plug contacts of other plug connectors. For this purpose, the bar magnets 10A-10E assigned to the connector 2 can be arranged on the corresponding connector in the form of a plug or a socket and the shape of the cover cap 11 can be adapted to the shape of the connector if necessary.

The sizes and strengths of bar magnets 10A-10E; 119A-119E and the positions at which they are arranged on the cover cap 11 and the charging socket 3 can be selected application-specifically. This also allows the resulting magnetic force with which the cover cap 11 is held on the charging socket 3 to be varied.

In order to be able to easily remove the cover cap 11 from the charging socket 3 when it is placed on the charging socket 3 in a position covering the plug contacts 20 and through the interaction of the bar magnets 10A-10E; 119A-119E is held, the spatial position of the bar magnets 119A-119E of the cover cap 11 can be changed relative to the bar magnets 10A-10E assigned to the connector 2.

For this purpose, the rotating body 110 is placed in one 5A to 5C shown second layer. Opposite the first (in the 3 to 4C shown) position, the rotating body 110 is rotated (counterclockwise) so that the pins 1102 of the rotating body 110 come into contact with the stops 118 delimiting the recesses 114. The second position of the rotating body 110 is particularly visible in the top view 5A to recognize. A rotation of the rotating body 110 from the first to the second position or vice versa can be done by operating the handle 111.

The top view 5C to those in the section plane CC 5B Partially cut cover cap 11 illustrates the spatial position of the bar magnets 119A-119E in the second position of the rotating body 110. If the cover cap 11 is intended to be in a position covering the plug contacts 20 of the plug connector 2, then those bar magnets 119A, 119C, 119E are in the position shown second position of the rotating body 110 is no longer aligned coaxially with the bar magnets 10A, 10C, 10E of the charging socket 3, which were responsible for generating the magnetic holding forces in the first position of the rotating body 110. An interaction of these bar magnets 119A, 119C, 119E; 10A, 10C, 10E is therefore at least significantly weakened in this second position of the rotating body 110.

However, in the second position of the rotating body 110, two further bar magnets 119B, 119D (different from the aforementioned bar magnets 119A, 119C, 119E) of the cover cap 11 are brought into line with bar magnets 10B, 10D of the plug connector or aligned coaxially with them. The magnetic axes of the respective pairings of aligned bar magnets 119B, 10B; 119D, 10D are essentially aligned anti-parallel to one another (in contrast to the pairings resulting in the first position of the rotating body 110). In this anti-parallel alignment, poles of the same name of the aligned bar magnets 119B, 10B are located; 119D, 10D opposite, which results in repulsive magnetic forces. These repulsive magnetic forces tend to separate the cover cap 11 from the charging socket 3. If the repulsive forces are strong enough, they can cause the cover cap 11 to separate from the charging socket 3. Otherwise, the repulsive forces can make it easier to remove or remove the cover cap 11.

6 shows a second embodiment of a cover cap 12 in a perspective view. Some components of the cover cap 12, such as the cover part 112, the clips and the edge 117, have the same function as the corresponding components of the first embodiment of the cover cap 11. Such components are therefore provided with the same reference numerals, and the description of these components is referred to the corresponding statements referred to in connection with the previous figures.

In contrast to the cover cap 11 from the 3 to 5C includes the actuation mechanism of the cover cap 12 6 not a rotating body, but a button 120. The button 120 has a circular disk-shaped basic shape and is in 6 shown basic position aligned essentially parallel to the cover part 112. The side of the button 120 facing away from the cover part 112 is slightly convexly curved. A pin 1200 is connected to the button 120 on opposite sides of the edge of the button 120. The pins 1200 are received and rotatably held by bearings 123 connected to the cover part 112.

The button 120 of the cover cap 12 is operatively connected to an insert 122 which is guided on guide pins 124 and can be displaced along a displacement axis x essentially transversely to the main extension plane of the cover part 112. Pressing the button 120 results in a displacement of the insert 122 along the displacement axis x, as described further below in connection with 9B and 9C will be explained in more detail.

In the cover part 112 of the cover cap 12, a recess 121 is provided above the button 120, in which a projection 125 facing the button 120 is formed. This projection 125 serves to hold a return spring, not shown in the figures, for example an annular spring, which surrounds the projection 125 and is located on it on the one hand and on an in 6 covered by key 120, but in 7A visible projection 1201 of the button 120 is supported. Such a spring exerts a spring force on the key 120, which pushes the key 120 into the in 6 the rest position shown is pressing.

7A shows the cover cap 12 6 in a side view, in which the projection 1201 formed on the button 120 is also visible. The insert 122, which is mounted displaceably along the displacement axis x, is in the cutting plane DD 7A cut open in 7B shown.

As in 7B As can be seen, the insert 122 is designed with an outer contour that is adapted to the contour of the opening 32 in the frame 30 of the charging socket 3. In addition, the insert 122 has several recesses 1222, the number, shape, position and size of which are adapted to the number, shape, position and size of the plug contacts 20 of the connector 2 of the charging socket 3, so that the insert can be inserted into the opening 32 and thereby surrounds the plug contacts 20.

Furthermore, the insert 122 includes several (specifically five) magnetic elements designed as bar magnets 127A-127E, which together form a magnetic assembly 127. Each of the bar magnets 127A-127E is held in a receptacle 1221 and is firmly connected to the insert 122.

8th shows a side view of the charging socket 3 from the 1 to 2B attached cover cap 12 of 6 to 7B . It can be seen how the cover part 112 lies against the frame 30 of the charging socket 3 and how the edge 117 of the cover part 112 covers the oblique edge 300 of the frame 30.

9A shows a top view of the cover cap 12 and the charging socket 3 8th , whereby the charging socket 3 is completely covered by the cover cap 12. In this view, three bar magnets 127B, 127C, 127D recorded in the receptacles 1221 are visible; the remaining two bar magnets 127A, 127E are covered by the button 120.

In 9A It can also be seen that the insert 122 includes a flange section 1220, in which recesses 1222 are provided, with which the insert 122 is guided on the guide pins 124, and which prevents the insert 122 from being detached from the cover cap 12.

As in 9B To recognize, the insert 122 engages in the rest position of the button 120 and when the cover part 112 is in contact with the contact surface 301 in the opening 32 of the charging socket 3 and encompasses the plug contacts 20. In this position there is a bar magnet 127A-127E Cover cap 12 adjacent to a bar magnet 10A-10E of the charging socket 3. In the cutaway view 9B The bar magnet 127C located adjacent to the bar magnet 10C of the charging socket 3 is visible. From an interaction of the pairs of adjacent bar magnets 127A, 10A; 127B, 10B; 127C, 10C; 127D, 10D; 127E, 10E results in a force that pushes the insert 122 and thus the cover cap 12 connected to the insert 122 against the charging socket 3 and holds it there.

If the button 120 is now pressed against the force of the bar magnets 127A, 10A; 127B, 10B; 127C, 10C; 127D, 10D; 127E, 10E and actuated against the force of the spring held on the projections 125, 1201, not shown in the figures, it is (in a manner predetermined by the storage of the pins 1200 in the bearings 123) in a 9C shown position pivoted. Since the button 120 is pivotally connected to the insert 122 via a pivot connection 129, this is pulled out of the opening 32 along the displacement axis x by pressing the button 120. Here, the spatial position of the bar magnets 127A-127E arranged in the insert 122 is changed in such a way that through the interaction of the pairs of adjacent bar magnets 127A, 10A; 127B, 10B; 127C, 10C; 127D, 10D; 127E, 10E a repulsive force acts on the insert 122 and thus on the cover cap 12, which separates the cover cap 12 from the charging socket 3 or at least supports a separation from the charging socket 3.

The shape of the insert 122 is adapted to the shape of the opening 32 of the charging socket 3 and the plug contacts 20 (and possibly other components of the plug connector 2 and/or the charging socket 3, not shown in the figures) in such a way that the insert 122 can only be used in a specific one spatial orientation can be placed on the connector 2 and the charging socket 3. This means that the cover cap 12 cannot be twisted, for example be placed on the plug connector and the charging socket 3, which would result in the plug contacts 20 or other parts of the plug connector 2 or the charging socket 3 not being adequately covered or protected from environmental influences.

The 10A to 11B show a third, unclaimed exemplary embodiment of a cover cap 13 that can be connected to the charging socket 3. Components of the cover cap 13, which have the same function as corresponding components of the cover caps 11, 12 according to the first and second exemplary embodiments, are provided with the same reference numerals. Regarding their description, reference is made to the statements above.

In contrast to the first and second exemplary embodiments of a cover cap 11, 12, the bar magnets 131A-131E of the magnetic assembly 131 of the third exemplary embodiment of the cover cap 13 are not movable relative to the cover cap 13. Instead, the bar magnets 131A-131E are received in holders 130 on the cover part 112 and attached to them. When the cover cap 13 is connected to the charging socket 3 and covers the plug contacts 20 as intended, a bar magnet 131A-131E of the cover cap 13 is coaxially aligned with a bar magnet 10A-10E of the charging socket 3 and arranged adjacent thereto. The interaction of these pairs of bar magnets 131A-131E, 10A-10E results in magnetic attractive forces that hold the cover cap 13 on the charging socket 3.

In order to separate the cover cap 13 from the charging socket 3, a force that counteracts and overcomes the attractive forces must be used.

In the 12A to 12C Three different variants of an unclaimed fourth exemplary embodiment of the cover cap 14 are shown. This cover cap 14 corresponds to the cover cap 13 according to the third exemplary embodiment, with the difference that a first part 141' of the bar magnets 141A-141F of the first magnetic assembly 141 of the cover cap 14 is anti-parallel to a second part 141" of the bar magnets 141A- with respect to the magnetic polarity. 141F of the first magnetic assembly is arranged aligned on the cover cap 14. This prevents the cover cap 14 from being placed on the charging socket 3 in an incorrect orientation, in which, for example, the plug contacts 20 or other components of the plug connector 2 or the charging socket 3 to be protected cannot be protected by the cover cap 14.

For example, part of the bar magnets 141A-141F of the first magnetic assembly 141 can be assigned to the first part 141 'and second part 141" on both sides of a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line and arranged with corresponding polarity on the cover cap 14. This exemplary assignment is shown in the 12A , 12B and 12C shown and highlighted using a line drawn in the figures.

Thus, in the case of the example 12A the bar magnets 141D-141F of the first part 141 'of the first magnetic assembly 141 in the closed position of the cover cap 14 with their magnetic south poles facing the charging socket 3. The remaining bar magnets 141A-141C assigned to the second part 141" of the magnetic assembly 141 then face the charging socket 3 with their magnetic north poles. Of course, completely different combinations of the orientation of the magnetic poles of the individual bar magnets 141A-141F, 10A-10E are also possible possible.

Some or all of the bar magnets 141A-141F of the cover cap 14 are each assigned a bar magnet 10A-10E of the second magnetic assembly 10 that is assigned to the plug connector 2. These face their assigned bar magnets 141A-141F of the first magnetic assembly 14 with their respective other poles, i.e. aligned parallel to them with regard to their polarity. The second magnetic assembly 10 can also be arranged on the charging socket 3 in such a way that bar magnets 10A-10E, 141A-141F assigned to each other are aligned coaxially with one another.

In this way, the cover cap 14 is only held in the closed position on the charging socket 3 when it is placed in the correct orientation. In addition, due to magnetic forces, it automatically rotates into the correct orientation while it is placed on the charging socket 3.

The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in other embodiments. For example, an insert similar to the insert 122 can also be used on the cover caps 11, 13, 14 of the first, third and fourth embodiments in order to protect the plug contacts particularly well against environmental influences and/or to support the mounting of the cover cap 11, 12, 13 on the charging socket 3 by means of a force-fitting fit on the charging socket.

The antiparallel alignment of bar magnets according to the fourth exemplary embodiment can also be transferred to the remaining three exemplary embodiments.

Furthermore, the covering device with a cover cap 11, 12 or 13 is not only suitable for use with a charging socket, but also generally for other types of electrical or optical connectors, both for plugs and for sockets, built-in plugs and couplings.

Reference symbol list

10

magnetic assembly

10A-10E

Bar magnet

11

Cover cap

110

rotating body

1100

Wall section

1101

Recording

1102

Pen

111

Handle

112

Cover part

113

surrounding wall

114

recess

116

bracket

117

edge

118, 118`

attack

119

magnetic assembly

119A-119E

Bar magnet

12

Cover cap

120

button

1200

Pen

1201

head Start

121

deepening

122

Mission

1220

flange section

1221

Recording

1222

recess

123

camp

124

Guide pin

125

head Start

126

head Start

127

magnetic assembly

127A-127E

Bar magnet

129

Swivel connection

13

Cover cap

130

bracket

131

magnetic assembly

131A-131E

Bar magnet

14

Cover cap

141

magnetic assembly

141`, 141"

Part of the magnetic assembly

141A-141F

Bar magnet

2

Connectors

20

Plug contact

3

charging socket

30

Frame

300

slanted edge

301

investment area

31

Back part

32

opening

x

displacement axis

Claims (18)

Arrangement with a charging socket (3) and a covering device, the charging socket (3) having: - a plug connector (2) which can be connected to a mating plug connector, and - a second magnetic assembly (10), the covering device having: - a Cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) for covering plug contacts (20) of the plug connector (2) when it is not connected to a mating plug connector, and - a first magnetic assembly (119, 127, 131, 141), whereby the first and second magnetic modules (10; 119, 127, 131, 141) cooperate in a first position relative to one another in order to keep the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) in a position on the plug connector (2) that covers the plug contacts (20). to hold, the first and second magnetic modules (10; 119, 127, 131, 141) being movable relative to one another with the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) covering the plug contacts of the plug connector (2) and by actuating the cover cap ( 11, 12, 13, 14) can be brought into a position relative to one another in which repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127, 131, 141), which tend to detach the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) from the connector (2), wherein the cover cap (12) comprises an insert (122) which is in engagement with the plug connector (2) when the cover cap (12) is closed, the insert (122) only being in a predetermined spatial orientation with respect to the plug connector (2). can be brought into engagement, and wherein the insert (122) is slidably provided on the cover cap (12) and that the first magnetic assembly (127) is arranged on the insert (122). Arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first magnetic assembly (119, 127, 131, 141) is movable by actuating the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) in order to move it into a spatial position relative to the second magnetic assembly (10). bring, in which repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127, 131, 141) result. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first magnetic assembly (119, 127) can be brought into at least a first position by actuating the cover cap (11, 12), in which the cover cap (11, 12) is activated by magnetic forces in which the plug contacts (20 ) is held in a covering position and can be brought into a second position in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first magnetic assembly (131, 141) is firmly connected to the cover cap (13, 14) and by actuating the cover cap (13, 14) together with the cover cap (13, 14) is movable in order to bring it into a spatial position with respect to the second magnetic assembly (10), in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies (10; 131, 141). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the first magnetic assembly (119, 127) is movably arranged on the cover cap (11, 12) and can be moved relative to the cover cap (11, 12) by actuating the cover cap (11, 12) in order to move it in to bring a spatial position with respect to the second magnetic assembly (10), in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127). Arrangement according to Claim 5 , characterized in that an actuation mechanism is provided on the cover cap (11, 12), by actuating which the first magnetic assembly (119, 127) can be brought into a spatial position relative to the second magnetic assembly (10), in which repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119, 127) result. Arrangement according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises a rotation generating element (111) with which the first magnetic assembly (119) can be rotated in order to bring it into a spatial position in which repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119) result. Arrangement according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises a button (120), by actuating which the first magnetic assembly (127) can be brought into a spatial position in which repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies (10; 127). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first magnetic assembly (119) comprises at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (119A, 119C, 119E; 119B, 119D), wherein the at least one first magnetic element (119A, 119C, 119E) interacts with the second magnetic assembly (10) when the cover cap (11) is closed in order to hold the cover cap (11) in a position covering the plug contacts (20), and wherein the first magnetic assembly (119) can be brought into a spatial position by actuating the cover cap (11) in which the at least one second magnetic element (119B, 119D) interacts with the second magnetic assembly (10) in such a way that repulsive forces result between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) is closed, at least one magnetic pole of a magnetic element (119A-119E, 127A-127E, 131A-131E, 141A-141F) of the first magnetic assembly (119, 127, 131, 141) is aligned parallel to at least one magnetic axis defined by magnetic poles of a magnetic element (10A-10E) of the second magnetic assembly (10). Arrangement according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the first and second magnetic assemblies (141; 10) each comprise a plurality of magnetic elements (141A-141F; 10A-10E), a first part (141 ') of the magnetic elements (141A-141F) being the first magnetic assembly (141) with respect to its magnetic axis anti-parallel to a second part (141") of the magnetic elements (141A-141F) of the first magnetic assembly (141), and with the cover cap (11, 12, 13, 14) closed, at least one magnetic element (141A-141F) of both parts (141 ', 141") of the magnetic elements (141A-141F) a magnetic element (10A-10E) is assigned to the second magnetic assembly (10) and aligned parallel. Arrangement according to Claim 9 and 10 , characterized in that the cover cap (11) is held in the position covering the plug contacts (20) by the interaction of the magnetic assemblies (10; 119) when the magnetic axis of the at least one first magnetic element (119A, 119C, 119E) of the first magnetic assembly (119) is aligned coaxially with the magnetic axis of at least one magnetic element (10A, 10C, 10E) of the second magnetic assembly (10), and that repulsive forces between the magnetic assemblies (10; 119) result when the magnetic axis of at least one second magnetic Element (119B, 119D) of the first magnetic assembly (119) is aligned coaxially with the magnetic axis of at least one magnetic element (10B, 10D) of the second magnetic assembly (10). Arrangement according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the magnetic axes of the first and second magnetic elements (119A, 119C, 119E; 119B, 119D) of the first magnetic assembly (119) are aligned anti-parallel to one another. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first magnetic assembly (119, 127, 131) comprises a plurality of first and/or a plurality of second magnetic elements (119A-119E, 127A-127E, 131A-131E). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second magnetic assembly (10) comprises a plurality of magnetic elements (10A-10E). Arrangement according to one of the Claims 9 until 15 , characterized in that the magnetic elements (10A-10E; 119A-119E, 127A-127E, 131A-131E) of the first and / or the second magnetic assembly (10; 119, 127, 131) are designed as bar magnets. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connector (2) is designed and provided for charging an electric vehicle. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover cap (11, 12, 13) is held in the position covering the plug contacts (20) exclusively by magnetic forces.

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