Electric vehicle power supply equipment connectors that resist arcing and other faults

Abstract

A connector for an electric vehicle power supply equipment or system includes a housing, a first electrical coupling member, a second electrical coupling member, and a conductive barrier. The first electrical coupling member is supported by the housing and configured to mate with an inlet of the electric vehicle, and the first electrical coupling member includes a first pin portion. The second electrical coupling member is supported by the housing and configured to mate with the inlet, and the second electrical coupling member includes a second pin portion. The conductive barrier is supported by the housing and extends between the first and second pin portions. The conductive barrier is configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for power, and the conductive path can be monitored to assess the electrical isolation of the first and second electrical coupling members and avoid arcing or shorting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to power supply equipment for electric vehicles, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to connectors for electric vehicle power supply equipment. Background Art

[0002] Due to the power output levels associated with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), various safety measures are employed to protect the equipment and its users. Some existing devices, systems, and / or methods have various disadvantages in certain applications. Therefore, there remains a need for further contributions in the art to which the devices, apparatus, methods, systems, and techniques disclosed herein are directed. Summary of the invention

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include devices, apparatus, methods, systems, and techniques for protecting an EVSE from arcing and / or other faults within one or more components of the EVSE (e.g., such as in a connector that mates with an inlet of an electric vehicle). Additional embodiments, forms, purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. According to a connector for electric vehicle power supply equipment of the present invention, the connector comprises: a housing; a first electrical coupling member supported by the housing and configured to mate with an inlet of an electric vehicle, the first electrical coupling member comprising a first pin portion; a second electrical coupling member supported by the housing and configured to mate with the inlet, the second electrical coupling member comprising a second pin portion; and a conductive barrier supported by the housing, the conductive barrier extending between the first and second pin portions, the conductive barrier being configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for power, the power being able to be monitored to assess the electrical isolation of the first and second electrical coupling members and to avoid arcing or short circuits, wherein the power includes leakage current that flows to ground between the first and second pin portions unintentionally and / or undesirably. Preferably, the first electrical coupling member includes a DC electrode and the second electrical coupling member includes a DC electrode. The connector further includes a protective grounding / functional grounding coupling member supported by the housing and arranged between the first and second electrical coupling members. The conductive barrier is configured to interact with the protective grounding / functional grounding coupling member to provide a low impedance path along which power can be conducted from the conductive barrier to the ground. The connector further includes a protective element arranged between the conductive barrier and the protective grounding / functional grounding coupling member. The protective element is a fuse or a resistor. The conductive barrier includes a metal component arranged between the first and second pin portions. The metal component at least partially covers the first and second pin portions. The metal component at least partially surrounds the first and second pin portions to minimize power conduction between the first and second pin portions along a path other than the conduction path. The present invention also provides a system comprising: an electric vehicle power supply equipment for providing power to an electric vehicle; and a connector coupled to the electric vehicle power supply equipment, the connector comprising: a shell; a first electrode supported by the shell and configured to cooperate with an inlet of the electric vehicle, the first electrode comprising a first pin portion; a second electrode supported by the shell and configured to cooperate with the inlet, the second electrode comprising a second pin portion; and a conductive barrier supported by the shell, the conductive barrier extending between the first and second pin portions, the conductive barrier being configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for power, the power being able to be monitored to evaluate electrical isolation of the first and second electrodes and to avoid arcing or short circuiting, wherein the power includes leakage current that unintentionally and / or undesirably flows between the first and second pin portions to ground.According to an improvement of the system, one of the first and second electrodes is a positive DC electrode, and the other of the first and second electrodes is a negative DC electrode. The connector includes a protective ground / functional ground coupling member supported by the housing, which is arranged between the first and second electrical coupling members and is configured to interact with the conductive barrier to provide a low impedance path along which power can be conducted from the conductive barrier to ground. The conductive barrier is a metal plate between the first and second pin portions. The conductive barrier is a metal shield that at least partially surrounds the first and second pin portions to minimize power conduction between the first and second pin portions along a path other than the conductive path. The system further includes a controller configured to control the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle, the controller having a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the memory having instructions stored therein, the instructions executable by the processor to enable the processor to evaluate the electrical isolation of the first and second electrodes, and based on the evaluation, interrupt or prohibit the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector. The instructions stored in the memory are executable by the processor so that the processor interrupts or prohibits the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector based on the evaluation, thereby resisting arc discharge or short circuit. The present invention also provides a method for supplying power to an electric vehicle, the method comprising: inserting a connector of the electric vehicle power supply equipment into an inlet of the electric vehicle, the connector having a first electrical coupling member, a second electrical coupling member and a conductive barrier extending between first and second pin portions of the corresponding first and second electrical coupling members; monitoring the connector to determine whether power is conducted along a conduction path provided by at least one of the first and second pin portions and the conductive barrier, wherein the power includes leakage current that flows to ground between the first and second pin portions unintentionally and / or undesirably; and in response to determining that power is not conducted along the conduction path, supplying power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector. Preferably, before supplying power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector, monitoring the connector to determine whether power is conducted along the conduction path is performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example electric vehicle charging system;

[0005] Figure 2 is used for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example controller arrangement for an electric vehicle charging system;

[0006] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of a connector of an electric vehicle charging system, wherein certain features of the connector are schematically depicted;

[0007] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a connection configuration between an electric vehicle charging system and an isolation monitor;

[0008] Figure 5 is used with Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example controller device for use with an electric vehicle charging system; and

[0009] Figure 6 is a flow chart of an example process for supplying power to an electric vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Although the concept of the present disclosure allows various modifications and alternative forms, its specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the concept of the present disclosure to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure.

[0011] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may or may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that an item included in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, an item listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" may mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

[0012] In the accompanying drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in a specific arrangement and / or order. However, it should be appreciated that such a specific arrangement and / or order may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a manner and / or order different from that shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of structural or method features in a particular figure is not intended to imply that such features are required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, such features may not be included or may be combined with other features.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to devices, apparatus, methods, systems and techniques for charging an electric vehicle using power from an electric grid or other source, the power being delivered by the electric vehicle power supply equipment through a connector. Figure 1 , the illustrative electric vehicle charging system 100 is configured to charge an electric vehicle 102 that includes a rechargeable energy storage device 104, such as, for example, a battery or other suitable energy storage device. In the illustrative embodiment, the electric vehicle 102 is embodied as or otherwise includes any vehicle that is partially or completely electrically powered, such as, for example, a vehicle that is powered by an electric motor, drive unit, or propulsion system. In another example, the illustrative electric vehicle 102 may be embodied as or otherwise include a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a non-electrically powered drive unit (e.g., an internal combustion engine) in addition to one or more electrically powered motors, drive units, or propulsion systems.

[0014] The illustrative system 100 includes an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 106 that receives power from a grid or other suitable power source. The EVSE 106 includes a charger 108 that is configured to convert alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power. It should be appreciated that the charger 108 can be located remotely from the vehicle 102, or disposed on the vehicle 102 (e.g., mounted to the vehicle 102). In any case, the vehicle 102 includes an inlet or receptacle 110 that is configured to mate with an illustrative connector 120 of the system 100 so that power from the power source can be used to charge the battery 104 through the EVSE 106. Although the connector 120 is configured to be inserted into the inlet 110, it should be appreciated that the connector 120 can mate with the inlet 110 in another suitable manner. The connector 120 is schematically coupled to the EVSE 106 via a wire 114 or other suitable connection arrangement.

[0015] As in Figure 3 As best seen in FIG. 1 and discussed further below, the illustrative connector 120 includes a housing 322 that supports an electrical coupling member 324, an electrical coupling member 334, and a conductive barrier 344. The electrical coupling members 324, 334 are configured to mate with (e.g., engageable with and disengageable from) the inlet 110 during use of the connector 120 (i.e., when the connector 120 is inserted into the inlet 110). The electrical coupling members 324, 334 include respective pins 328, 338, and the conductive barrier 344 extends between the pins 328, 338. In the illustrative embodiment, the conductive barrier 344 is configured to interact with at least one of the pins 328, 338 to provide a conductive path for electrical power that can be monitored to assess electrical isolation of the electrical coupling members 324, 334 and to avoid arcing, shorting, or other faults.

[0016] It will be appreciated from the following description that the aforementioned conduction path is embodied as or otherwise includes a leakage path LP (see Figure 4), power may be conducted along this leakage path LP between the pins 328, 338 to ground (e.g., protective ground). Thus, at least in some embodiments, power conducted along the leakage path LP may be characterized as leakage current that inadvertently and / or undesirably flows between the pins 328, 338 to ground. The leakage current may be caused by the accumulation of dust, moisture, contaminants, debris, etc. in a connector such as the illustrative connector 120. Because the conductive barrier 344 facilitates detection of the leakage current, the illustrative connector 120 facilitates or is otherwise associated with improved resistance to certain electrical faults (arcing, short circuits, etc.) that may be preceded by leakage current, at least as compared to other configurations of the connector.

[0017] It should be appreciated that the illustrative EVSE 106 may be characterized or referred to as power supply equipment, vehicle charger, charging equipment, charging station, charger, etc. Further, it should be appreciated that the EVSE 106 may be provided in any of a variety of configurations. For example, the EVSE 106 may be provided as a wall mounted charger in a garage or building where a vehicle is parked, on a base or kiosk at an outdoor and / or roadside location with one or more portable charging devices, or at other locations.

[0018] Reference now Figure 2 The illustrative communication system 200 is associated with the operation of the electric vehicle charging system 100 and can be established during the operation of the electric vehicle charging system 100. In the communication system 200, the controller 500 (hereinafter referred to as Figure 5 Detailed Description) is communicatively coupled to multiple components of the system 100, such as, for example, the EVSE 106 and the vehicle 102. Additionally, the controller 500 is communicatively coupled to the isolation monitor 210. Of course, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller 500 may be communicatively coupled to the connector 120.

[0019] It should be appreciated that the controller 500 may be incorporated into any of the EVSE 106, the charger 108, the connector 120, the vehicle 102, and the isolation monitor 210. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the controller 500 may be embodied as or otherwise include a collection of devices incorporated into the EVSE 106, the charger 108, the connector 120, the vehicle 102, and / or the isolation monitor 210. However, for ease of illustration, the controller 500 is not specifically described herein. Figure 2 , the controller 500 is depicted separately from the EVSE 106 , the charger 108 , the connector 120 , the vehicle 102 , and the isolation monitor 210 .

[0020] The illustrative isolation monitor 210 is embodied as or otherwise includes any device or collection of devices capable of monitoring and / or detecting leakage current between the pins 328, 338 and ground. To this end, the isolation monitor 210 is connected to the connector 120, such as Figure 4 As will be apparent from the following discussion, the isolation monitor 210 is configured to monitor leakage current both before and during the supply of power to the vehicle 102 through the EVSE 106 in use of the electric vehicle charging system 100. In some embodiments, the isolation monitor 210 may be provided separately from the system 100 such that the isolation monitor 210 is coupled to the system 100 and / or adapted for use with the system 100. However, in other embodiments, the isolation monitor 210 may be included in the system 100.

[0021] Reference now Figure 3 , the housing 322 of the connector 120 is depicted transparently for ease of description. The illustrative electrical coupling members 324, 334 of the connector 120 include respective electrodes 326, 336, which are embodied as or otherwise include DC electrodes. In the illustrative embodiment, the electrode 326 is embodied as a positive DC electrode, and the electrode 336 is embodied as a negative DC electrode. Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the electrode 326 can be embodied as a negative DC electrode, and the electrode 336 can be embodied as a positive DC electrode. Additionally, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the electrodes 326, 336 can each be embodied as another suitable electrode, such as, for example, an AC electrode included in an AC electrical coupling member.

[0022] The electrodes 326, 336 are illustratively configured to mate with the inlet 110 when the connector 120 is in use (i.e., when the connector 120 is inserted into the inlet 110). The electrodes 326, 336 are supported by the housing 322 and include respective copper pin portions 328, 338 and respective insulating portions 332, 342. The copper pin portions 328, 338 protrude through respective openings 330, 340 formed in the housing 322, while the insulating portions 332, 342 are contained within the housing 322 and may be embedded within the housing 322.

[0023] In an illustrative embodiment, the conductive barrier 344 includes or otherwise embodies a metal component 346 disposed between the copper pin portions 328, 338. In one example, the metal component 346 may be embodied or otherwise include a metal plate 348 interposed between the pin portions 328, 338, the metal plate 348 being configured to interface with and / or contact the pin portions 328, 338. In another example, the metal component 346 may be embodied or otherwise include a metal shield 350 that at least partially covers the pin portions 328, 338 and is configured to interface with and / or contact the pin portions 328, 338. The metal shield 350 at least partially surrounds the pin portions 328, 338 to minimize conduction of power between the pin portions 328, 338 along paths other than the leakage path LP. In other words, the metal shield 350 covers the leakage path LP between the pins 328 , 338 to minimize the possibility that the isolation monitor 210 does not detect current leakage along the path LP when the isolation monitor 210 is connected to the connector 120 .

[0024] The illustrative connector 120 includes a protective ground / functional ground (PE / GND) coupling member 354 supported by the housing 322 and disposed between the electrical coupling members 324, 334. The coupling member 354 has a PE / GND copper pin portion 356 and a PE / GND insulating portion 360. The PE / GND copper pin portion 356 and the PE / GND insulating portion 360 are contained in the housing 322 and may be embedded in the housing 322.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the PE / GND coupling member 354 couples to and / or provides a low impedance path LI (see Figure 4 ), power can be conducted along path LI to ground 410. Ground 410 is embodied as or otherwise includes a protective ground (e.g., a conductive element directly connected to ground). Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, ground 410 can be embodied as or otherwise include another suitable ground, such as, for example, a signal ground or chassis ground that can be coupled to the protective ground. Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, member 354 can be coupled to and / or provide a low impedance path to another suitable point (which may not be ground).

[0026] The illustrative conductive barrier 344 is configured to interact with the PE / GND coupling member 354 to provide a path LI along which power (e.g., power conducted along the leakage path LP) can be conducted from the barrier 344 to the ground 410. In some embodiments, the conductive barrier 344 can interact with the PE / GND coupling member 354 such that the conductive barrier 344 at least partially extends around and / or covers the PE / GND copper pin 356. Additionally, in some embodiments, the conductive barrier 344 can interact with the PE / GND coupling member 354 such that the conductive barrier 344 contacts and / or directly interfaces with the PE / GND copper pin 356.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connector 120 may include a protective element 364 (at Figure 3 344 and PE / GND coupling member 354. In such an embodiment, protective element 364 can be arranged between conductive barrier 344 and PE / GND coupling member 354. In one example, protective element 364 can be embodied as or otherwise include a fuse or another suitable overcurrent protection device. In another example, protective element 364 can be embodied as or otherwise include a resistor or another suitable device for implementing resistance.

[0028] Reference now Figure 4 , the electrical coupling members 324, 334 of the connector 120 are coupled to respective terminals 424, 434 of the power source 420. As noted above, the power source 420 may be an electrical grid or any other suitable power source capable of providing power that may be used to charge the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 through the EVSE 106 during use of the system 100. The isolation monitor 210 is coupled to the terminals 424, 434 to monitor the current along the leakage path LP between the coupling members 324, 334.

[0029] In the illustrative embodiment, terminal 424 is embodied as or otherwise includes a positive DC terminal, and terminal 434 is embodied as or otherwise includes a negative DC terminal. Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, terminal 424 may be embodied as a negative DC terminal, and terminal 434 may be embodied as a positive DC terminal. Additionally, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that terminals 424, 434 may each be embodied as another suitable terminal, such as, for example, an AC terminal of a power supply configured to supply AC power.

[0030] In the illustrative embodiment, the isolation monitor 210 is coupled to the ground 440 and the power supply 420 is coupled to the ground 450. The grounds 440, 450 may each be embodied as or otherwise include a protective ground (e.g., a conductive element directly connected to ground). Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the grounds 440, 450 may each be embodied as or otherwise include another suitable ground, such as a signal ground or chassis ground that may be coupled to the protective ground. Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the isolation monitor 210 and the power supply 420 may be coupled to and / or provide a low impedance path to another suitable point (which may not be ground).

[0031] Reference now Figure 5 , the illustrative controller 500 may be embodied as or otherwise include a device or collection of devices configured to control the supply of power to the vehicle 102 through the EVSE 106 and the connector 120 in use of the system 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the controller 500 includes a processing device or processor 502, a memory 508 communicatively coupled to the processor 502, and an input / output device 510 communicatively coupled to the processor 502. Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment, the controller 500 is communicatively coupled to one or more external devices 520. For example, the one or more external devices 520 may be embodied as or otherwise include a control device included in the EVSE 106 / charger 108, the vehicle 102, and / or the isolation monitor 210.

[0032] The processor 502 may be embodied as or otherwise include any type of processor, controller, or other computing circuit capable of performing various tasks (such as computing functions) and / or controlling the functions of the system 100. For example, the processor 502 may be embodied as (one or more) single-core or multi-core processors, microcontrollers, or other processors or processing / control circuits. In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be embodied as, include, or be coupled to an FPGA, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), reconfigurable hardware or hardware circuits, or other dedicated hardware to facilitate performing the functions described herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the processor 502 may be embodied as or otherwise include a high-power processor, an accelerator coprocessor, or a storage controller. Still in some embodiments, the processor 502 may include more than one processor, controller, or computing circuit.

[0033] In an illustrative embodiment, the processor 502 may include a memory 504. The memory 504 may be embodied as any type of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.) or non-volatile memory capable of storing data therein (e.g., by programming instructions such as software or firmware or by hardwired logic or other hardware defined operating logic 506). Volatile memory may be embodied as a storage medium that requires power to maintain the state of the data stored by the medium. Non-limiting examples of volatile memory may include various types of random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM). One specific type of DRAM that may be used in a memory module is a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). In a particular embodiment, the DRAM of the memory component may conform to a standard promulgated by JEDEC, such as JESD79F for DDR SDRAM, JESD79-2F for DDR2 SDRAM, JESD79-3F for DDR3 SDRAM, JESD79-4A for DDR4 SDRAM, JESD209 for low power DDR (LPDDR), JESD209-2 for LPDDR2, JESD209-3 for LPDDR3, and JESD209-4 for LPDDR4 (these standards are available at www.jedec.org). Such standards (and similar standards) may be referred to as DDR-based standards, and the communication interface of a storage device that implements such standards may be referred to as a DDR-based interface.

[0034] In some embodiments, memory 504 may be embodied as a block addressable memory, such as those based on NAND or NOR technology. Memory 504 may also include future generation non-volatile devices, such as three-dimensional cross-point memory devices, or other byte-addressable write-in-place non-volatile memory devices. In some embodiments, memory 504 may be embodied as or may otherwise include chalcogenide glass, multi-threshold level NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, single-level or multi-level phase change memory (PCM), resistive memory, nanowire memory, ferroelectric transistor random access memory (FeTRAM), antiferroelectric memory, magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) memory incorporating memristor technology, resistive memory including metal oxide substrate, oxygen vacancy substrate and conductive bridge random access memory (CB-RAM), or spin transfer torque (STT)-MRAM, devices based on spintronic magnetic junction memory, devices based on magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), devices based on DW (domain wall) and SOT (spin-orbit transfer), thyristor-based memory devices, or any combination of the above or other memories. A memory device may refer to the die itself and / or a packaged memory product. In some embodiments, a 3D crosspoint may include a transistor-free stackable crosspoint architecture where memory cells are located at the intersection of word lines and bit lines and are individually addressable and where bit storage is based on changes in bulk resistance.

[0035] Memory 508 may be substantially similar and / or identical to memory 504. However, in some embodiments, memory 504 may be internal to (e.g., incorporated into) processor 502, while memory 508 may be external to processor 502. Of course, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, one of memory 504 and memory 508 may be omitted from controller 500.

[0036] The illustrative input / output devices 510 are configured to enable the controller 500 to communicate with other local controllers (e.g., control devices included in the EVSE 106 / charger 108, the vehicle 102, and / or the isolation monitor 210) or a central controller. The input / output devices 510 may include a network adapter, network credentials, interface, or port (e.g., a USB port, a serial port, a parallel port, an analog port, a digital port, VGA, DVI, HDMI, FireWire, CAT 5, Ethernet, fiber optic, or any other type of port or interface), to name a few examples. For example, the input / output device 510 may include more than one of these adapters, credentials, or ports, such as a first port for receiving data and a second port for transmitting data.

[0037] As reference below Figure 6As described above, the memory 504 and / or the memory 508 may have stored thereon instructions that are executable by the processor 502 to cause the processor 502 to evaluate the electrical isolation of the electrodes 326, 336 of the connector 120 (i.e., based on the detection or non-detection of the current conducted along the leakage path LP by the isolation monitor 210). Based on this evaluation, the instructions stored in the memory 504 and / or the memory 508 may be executable by the processor 502 to cause the processor 502 to interrupt or disable the supply of power from the EVSE 106 to the vehicle 102 through the connector 120 to resist arc discharge or short circuit.

[0038] Reference now Figure 6 , the illustrative method 600 for supplying power to the vehicle 102 may be embodied as or otherwise include a set of instructions executable by the controller 500 (i.e., the processor 502 as indicated above). However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the illustrative method 600 may be performed in coordination by the controller 500 and one or more other devices (e.g., control devices included in the EVSE 106 / charger 108, the vehicle 102, and / or the isolation monitor 210). In such embodiments, execution of the illustrative method 600 may be associated with communication and / or coordination between the controller 500 and the one or more control devices. In any case, the method 600 corresponds to or is otherwise associated with the following Figure 6 However, it should be appreciated that the method 600 may be performed in one or more sequences different from the illustrative sequence.

[0039] In addition, it should be understood that Figure 6 The blocks described in the illustrative sequence of methods 600 may prompt, direct, or otherwise be associated with one or more actions performed by a user or operator in use of the system 100. For example, the blocks may correspond to or otherwise be associated with prompts that may be displayed (e.g., on a display, dashboard, or user interface) to prompt and / or direct user actions in use of the system 100. Thus, execution of the blocks of the illustrative method 600 may be associated with or otherwise include a control component (e.g., one or more actions performed / directed by the controller 500 and one or more control devices) and / or an operator component (e.g., one or more actions performed by an operator in response to a control component).

[0040] The illustrative method 600 begins at block 602. In block 602 of the illustrative method 600, the controller 500 directs the connector 120 to be inserted into the inlet 110 of the vehicle 102. Of course, it should be appreciated that operator actions may be associated with the performance of block 602. The method 600 then proceeds from block 602 to block 604.

[0041] In block 604 of the illustrative method 600, the controller 500 monitors the connector 120 via the isolation monitor 210. More specifically, in block 604, the controller 500 monitors the connector 120 via the isolation monitor 210 to assess the electrical isolation of the electrical coupling members 324, 334. In doing so, the controller 500 monitors the connector 120 to determine whether power is conducted along the leakage path LP between the coupling members 324, 334. The method 600 then proceeds from block 604 to block 606.

[0042] In block 606 of the illustrative method 600, the controller 500 determines whether power is conducted along a leakage path LP between the coupling members 324, 334 of the connector 120 based on input provided thereto by the isolation monitor 210. If the controller 500 determines in block 606 that power is not conducted along the leakage path LP, the method 600 then proceeds to block 608.

[0043] In block 608 of the illustrative method 600, the controller 500 makes a determination that the connector 120 is operable. The determination may include or otherwise be associated with a determination that the connector 120 may be used in conjunction with the EVSE 106 to charge the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 without presenting a substantial or perceived safety risk to an operator. Thus, for example, the determination may include or otherwise be associated with a determination that the connector 120 may be used without a substantial or perceived risk of an electrical fault, such as an arc discharge or a short circuit. In any event, the method 600 then proceeds from block 608 to block 610.

[0044] In block 610 of the illustrative method 600, the controller 500 supplies (or directs / enables the supply of) power to the battery 104 through the connector 120 and the EVSE 106 to charge the battery 104. In some embodiments, block 610 may include or otherwise be associated with the enabling and / or activation of the charger 108. Regardless, the method 600 then proceeds from block 610 to block 612.

[0045] In block 612 of the illustrative method 600, similar to block 604, the controller 500 checks the connector 120 to determine whether power is conducted along the leakage path LP between the electrical coupling members 324, 334. In doing so, the controller 500 receives input from the isolation monitor 210 indicating detection or non-detection of power conducted along the leakage path LP. The method 600 then proceeds from block 612 to block 614.

[0046] In block 614 of the illustrative method 600, similar to block 606, the controller 500 determines whether power is conducted along the leakage path LP between the coupling members 324, 334 of the connector 120 based on input provided thereto by the isolation monitor 210. If the controller 500 determines in block 614 that power is not conducted along the leakage path LP, the method 600 then proceeds to block 616.

[0047] In block 616 of the illustrative method 600, the controller 500 determines whether charging of the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 is complete. In doing so, the controller 500 may receive input provided to it by the vehicle 102 indicating the state of charge of the battery 104. The controller 500's determination of the completion of charging of the battery 104 in block 616 may correspond to or otherwise be associated with one iteration of the method 600.

[0048] Returning to block 606 of the illustrative method 600, if the controller 500 determines in block 606 that power is being conducted along the leakage path LP, the method 600 then proceeds to block 618. In block 618, the controller 500 disables and / or deactivates the charger 108 to prevent power from being supplied to the vehicle 102 through the connector 120 and the EVSE 106 and to avoid electrical faults (e.g., arcing, short circuits). In doing so, the controller 500 may place the charger 108 in a safe mode or operating state.

[0049] Returning to block 614 of the illustrative method 600, if the controller 500 determines in block 614 that power is being conducted along the leakage path LP, the method 600 then proceeds to block 620. In block 620, the controller 500 interrupts the supply of power to the battery 104 through the connector 120 and the EVSE 106. In doing so, the controller 500 may disable or deactivate the charger 108, placing the charger 108 in a safe operating state in a manner similar to block 618.

[0050] Returning to block 616 of the illustrative method 600 , if the controller 500 determines in block 616 that charging of the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 is not complete, the method 600 then returns to block 610 .

[0051] It is contemplated that various aspects, features, processes, and operations from various embodiments can be used in any other embodiment unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Certain operations illustrated in the various figures may be implemented by a computer executing a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer program product includes instructions that cause the computer to perform one or more operations or issue commands to other devices to perform one or more operations.

[0052] Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. According to one aspect, a connector for electric vehicle power supply equipment is provided. The connector includes a housing, a first electrical coupling member supported by the housing and configured to mate with an inlet of the electric vehicle, and a second electrical coupling member supported by the housing and configured to mate with the inlet. The first electrical coupling member includes a first pin portion, and the second electrical coupling member includes a second pin portion. A conductive barrier supported by the housing extends between the first and second pin portions. The conductive barrier is configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for electrical power that can be monitored to assess electrical isolation of the first and second electrical coupling members and avoid arcing or shorting.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first electrical coupling member includes a DC electrode and the second electrical coupling member includes a DC electrode. In another embodiment, the PE / GND coupling member is supported by the housing and is arranged between the first and second electrical coupling members. In a refinement of this embodiment, the conductive barrier is configured to interact with the PE / GND coupling member to provide a low impedance path along which power can be conducted from the conductive barrier to ground. In another refinement, the protective element is arranged between the conductive barrier and the PE / GND coupling member. In yet another refinement, the protective element is a fuse or a resistor.

[0054] In another embodiment, the conductive barrier includes a metal component disposed between the first and second pin portions. In one refinement, the metal component at least partially covers the first and second pin portions. In another refinement, the metal component at least partially surrounds the first and second pin portions to minimize conduction of electricity between the first and second pin portions along a path other than the conductive path.

[0055] According to another aspect, a system includes an electric vehicle power supply equipment for providing power to an electric vehicle and a connector coupled to the electric vehicle power supply equipment. The connector includes a housing, a first electrode supported by the housing and configured to mate with an inlet of the electric vehicle, and a second electrode supported by the housing and configured to mate with the inlet. The first electrode includes a first pin portion, and the second electrode includes a second pin portion. A conductive barrier supported by the housing extends between the first and second pin portions. The conductive barrier is configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for power that can be monitored to assess electrical isolation of the first and second electrodes and avoid arcing or shorting.

[0056] In one embodiment, one of the first and second electrodes is a positive DC electrode and the other of the first and second electrodes is a negative DC electrode. In another embodiment, the connector includes a PE / GND coupling member supported by the housing, the PE / GND coupling member being arranged between the first and second electrical coupling members and being configured to interact with the conductive barrier to provide a low impedance path along which power can be conducted from the conductive barrier to ground. In a further embodiment, the conductive barrier is a metal plate between the first and second pin portions. In yet another embodiment, the conductive barrier is a metal shield that at least partially surrounds the first and second pin portions to minimize conduction of power between the first and second pin portions along a path other than the conduction path.

[0057] In another embodiment, the system includes a controller configured to control the supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment to the electric vehicle. The controller has a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The memory has instructions stored therein, the instructions being executable by the processor so that the processor evaluates the electrical isolation of the first and second electrodes and interrupts or disables the supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector based on the evaluation. In a refinement of this embodiment, the instructions stored in the memory are executable by the processor so that the processor interrupts or disables the supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector based on the evaluation, thereby resisting arc discharge or short circuit.

[0058] According to another aspect, a method for supplying power to an electric vehicle includes: inserting a connector of an electric vehicle power supply equipment into an inlet of the electric vehicle, the connector having a first electrical coupling member, a second electrical coupling member, and a conductive barrier extending between first and second pin portions of the respective first and second electrical coupling members; monitoring the connector to determine whether power is conducted along a conduction path provided by at least one of the first and second pin portions and the conductive barrier; and in response to determining that power is not conducted along the conduction path, supplying power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle.

[0059] In one embodiment, monitoring the connector to determine whether power is conducted along the conduction path is performed before power is supplied from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle. In one refinement, the method includes checking the connector to determine whether power is conducted along the conduction path after power is supplied from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle. In yet another refinement, the method includes interrupting the supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle in response to determining that power is conducted along the conduction path, thereby avoiding arc discharge or short circuit.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, this is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature, and it should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and it is desired to protect all changes and modifications that fall within the spirit of the present disclosure. It should be understood that although the use of words such as "preferred", "preferably", "preferred" or "more preferably" utilized in the above description indicates that the feature described in this way may be more desirable, it may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking this feature can be conceived as being within the scope of the present disclosure, which is limited by the appended claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "one", "one", "at least one" or "at least a portion" are used, it is not intended to limit the claims to only one item, unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claims. The term "of" can mean an association with another item or a connection to another item, as well as belonging to another item or a connection with another item, as the context in which it is used tells. The terms "coupled to", "coupled with...", etc. include indirect connections and couplings, and further include but do not require direct coupling or connection, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used the item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A connector for electric vehicle power supply equipment, the connector comprising: case; a first electrical coupling member supported by the housing and configured to mate with an inlet of an electric vehicle, the first electrical coupling member comprising a first pin portion; a second electrical coupling member supported by the housing and configured to mate with the inlet, the second electrical coupling member comprising a second pin portion; and A conductive barrier supported by the housing, the conductive barrier extending between the first and second pin portions, the conductive barrier configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for electrical power that can be monitored to assess electrical isolation of the first and second electrical coupling members and avoid arcing or shorting, wherein the electrical power includes leakage current that inadvertently and / or undesirably flows between the first and second pin portions to ground.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first electrical coupling member comprises a DC electrode and the second electrical coupling member comprises a DC electrode.

3. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a protective ground / functional ground coupling member supported by the housing and disposed between the first and second electrical coupling members.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive barrier is configured to interact with the protective ground / functional ground coupling member to provide a low impedance path along which power can be conducted from the conductive barrier to ground.

5. The connector of claim 4, further comprising a protective element arranged between the conductive barrier and the protective ground / functional ground coupling member.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: The protective element is a fuse or a resistor.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive barrier includes a metal component disposed between first and second pin portions.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: The metal component at least partially covers the first and second pin portions.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein: The metal component at least partially surrounds the first and second pin portions to minimize conduction of electricity between the first and second pin portions along a path other than the conductive path.

10. An electric vehicle charging system, comprising: Electric vehicle power supply equipment for providing electric power to electric vehicles; and A connector coupled to electric vehicle power supply equipment, the connector comprising case; a first electrode supported by the housing and configured to mate with an inlet of an electric vehicle, the first electrode comprising a first pin portion; a second electrode supported by the housing and configured to cooperate with the inlet, the second electrode comprising a second pin portion; and A conductive barrier supported by the housing, the conductive barrier extending between the first and second pin portions, the conductive barrier configured to interact with at least one of the first and second pin portions to provide a conductive path for electrical power that can be monitored to assess electrical isolation of the first and second electrodes and avoid arcing or shorting, wherein the electrical power includes leakage current that inadvertently and / or undesirably flows between the first and second pin portions to ground. 11 . The electric vehicle charging system of claim 10 , wherein one of the first and second electrodes is a positive DC electrode, and the other of the first and second electrodes is a negative DC electrode.

12. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 10, wherein: The connector includes a protective ground / functional ground coupling member supported by the housing, disposed between the first and second electrical coupling members, and configured to interact with the conductive barrier to provide a low impedance path along which power can be conducted from the conductive barrier to ground.

13. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 10, wherein: The conductive barrier is a metal plate between the first and second pin portions.

14. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 10, wherein: The conductive barrier is a metal shield that at least partially surrounds the first and second pin portions to minimize conduction of electricity between the first and second pin portions along a path other than the conductive path.

15. The electric vehicle charging system according to claim 10 further includes a controller, the controller being configured to control the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle, the controller having a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the memory having instructions stored therein, the instructions being executable by the processor to cause the processor to evaluate the electrical isolation of the first and second electrodes, and based on the evaluation, interrupt or prohibit the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector.

16. The electric vehicle charging system of claim 15, wherein the instructions stored in the memory are executable by the processor to cause the processor to interrupt or disable the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector based on the evaluation to resist arc discharge or short circuit.

17. A method for supplying electric power to an electric vehicle, the method comprising: inserting a connector of an electric vehicle power supply equipment into an inlet of the electric vehicle, the connector having a first electrical coupling member, a second electrical coupling member, and a conductive barrier extending between first and second pin portions of the respective first and second electrical coupling members; monitoring the connector to determine whether electrical power is conducted along a conduction path provided by at least one of the first and second pin portions and the conductive barrier, wherein the electrical power includes leakage current that inadvertently and / or undesirably flows between the first and second pin portions to ground; and In response to determining that power is not being conducted along the conduction path, power is supplied from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Prior to supplying power from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle, monitoring the connector is performed to determine whether power is being conducted along the conduction path.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising inspecting the connector to determine whether power is conducted along the conduction path after power is supplied from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising interrupting the supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector to the electric vehicle in response to determining that power is being conducted along the conduction path, thereby avoiding arcing or shorting.

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