Connectors for electric vehicle power supply equipment

Abstract

A connector for electric vehicle supply equipment includes a housing for one or more electrical coupling members connectable between the electric vehicle supply equipment and a mating inlet of an electric vehicle to supply power to the vehicle. The housing includes a sensor operable to detect light within the housing and output a signal in response to the detection of light within the housing to interrupt or inhibit the supply of power to the vehicle through the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power supply equipment for electric vehicles, and in particular to connectors for electric vehicle power supply equipment. Background Art

[0002] Energy transfer between electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) requires various safety measures to protect the equipment and the users of the equipment. Therefore, there is a great need for the devices, apparatuses, methods, systems and techniques disclosed herein. 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 defects within one or more components of the EVSE, such as a connector that mates with an electric vehicle's inlet. Additional embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. 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 Schematic diagram of an example controller arrangement for an electric vehicle charging system.

[0006] Figure 3 Is used with Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example controller device for use with an electric vehicle charging system.

[0007] Figure 4 is used for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example connector for an electric vehicle charging system.

[0008] Figure 5 is used for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of another example connector for an electric vehicle charging system.

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

[0010] For the purpose of clearly, concisely, and accurately describing the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner and process of making and using the present disclosure, and to enable the practice, making, and use of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present invention is thereby intended, and that the present invention includes and protects such changes, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as will occur to those skilled in the art.

[0011] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that every embodiment may or may not include that 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 understood that implementing such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is within the purview of those skilled in the art, whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be understood that items listed in the format "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, items listed in the format "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 particular arrangement and / or order. However, it should be appreciated that such a particular 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 a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not intended to imply that such feature is 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 electricity from the grid or other source, which is delivered by the electric vehicle power supply equipment through a connector. Figure 1, a system 100 is shown including an electric vehicle 102 that includes a rechargeable energy storage device, such as, for example, a battery 104 or other suitable energy storage device. In the illustrative embodiment, electric vehicle 102 embodies or otherwise includes any vehicle that is partially or completely electrically powered, such as, for example, a vehicle powered by an electric motor, drive unit, or propulsion system. In another example, illustrative electric vehicle 102 may embody 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] System 100 includes an EVSE 106 that receives power from the grid or other power source. EVSE 106 includes a charger 108 for converting AC power to DC power, or for charging using AC power. In other embodiments, charger 108 is located on vehicle 102. Vehicle 102 includes an inlet 110 that mates with a connector 120 that plugs into inlet 110 to provide power from EVSE 106 for charging battery 104. Connector 120 can be coupled to EVSE 106 using a wire 114 or other suitable connection arrangement. As discussed further below, connector 120 includes a sensor 122 operable to sense light within connector 120 to interrupt or disable power supply in response to detection of light.

[0015] The EVSE 106 may also be referred to as power supply equipment, vehicle charger, charging equipment, charging station, charger, etc. and may be present in any of a variety of configurations. The EVSE 106 may be a wall mounted charger in a garage or building where the vehicle is parked, on a dock or kiosk at an outdoor location or roadside location with a portable charging device, or other location.

[0016] exist Figure 2 , a communication system 101 is shown in which a controller 112 communicates with components of the system 100 including a connector 120, a vehicle 102, and / or an EVSE 106 / charger 108. The controller 112 may be part of the EVSE 106, the charger 108, the connector 120, and / or the vehicle 102. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the controller 112 may be embodied as or otherwise comprise a collection of devices incorporated into the EVSE 106, the charger 108, the connector 120, and / or the vehicle 102. However, for ease of illustration, the controller 112 is not shown in FIG. Figure 2 , the controller 112 is depicted separately from the EVSE 106 , the charger 108 , the connector 120 , and the vehicle 102 .

[0017] The connector 120 includes a sensor 122 positioned within a housing 124 of the connector 120. In one embodiment, the material of the housing 124 completely surrounds and encloses the sensor 122. The housing 124 includes one or more electrical coupling members 126 that are removably engageable to the inlet 110 to electrically couple the EVSE 106 to the battery 104, thereby providing power to recharge the battery 104.

[0018] In one embodiment, sensor 122 is a light sensor positioned within housing 124 and operable to detect light within housing 124. Under normal conditions, there is no light within housing 124 for sensor 122 to detect, or less than a threshold amount of light is present within housing 124 for sensor 122 to detect. However, an arc within connector 120 or a crack or defect in housing 124 may cause light within housing 124 or a path for light to travel within housing 124, where it can be detected by sensor 122. In response to the detection of light, sensor 122 may output a signal to controller 112, and if battery 104 is being charged, controller 112 may interrupt the power supply to prevent destructive energy dissipation within housing 124. After interrupting the power supply while battery 104 is charging, or upon detecting light during a non-charging condition of battery 104, controller 112 may also disable the power supply to connector 120, rendering it unusable for charging until connector 120 is repaired or replaced. In one embodiment, the sensor 122 is a photodiode type sensor that can detect the difference between an open circuit and a dark environment in the event that the sensor is inoperable due to a short circuit. In another embodiment, the sensor 122 can include a miniature camera capable of arc detection with a high frame rate.

[0019] exist Figure 3 In the example controller device 200 (such as can be used as Figure 2 1 . A schematic block diagram of controller 112 of system 100 is provided in FIG. Controller 200 may include a processor 202, input / output devices 204, memory 206, and operational logic 208. Furthermore, controller 200 communicates with one or more other controllers 200 of external devices 210, such as charger 108, vehicle 102, and / or sensor 122. Controller 200 may be a standalone device, an embedded system, or multiple devices configured to perform the functions described with respect to system 100.

[0020] The processor 202 may be embodied as or otherwise include any type of processor, controller, or other computing circuitry capable of performing various tasks (such as computer functions) and / or controlling the functionality of the system 100. For example, the processor 202 may be embodied as (one or more) single-core or multi-core processors, microcontrollers, or other processors or processing / control circuitry. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may be embodied as, include, or be coupled to an FPGA, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), reconfigurable hardware or hardware circuitry, or other specialized hardware to facilitate performing the functionality described herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the processor 202 may be embodied as or otherwise include a high-power processor, an accelerator coprocessor, or a memory controller. Still in some embodiments, the processor 202 may include more than one processor, controller, or computing circuitry.

[0021] In the illustrative embodiment, processor 202 may include memory 206. Memory 206 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 208). Volatile memory may be embodied as a storage medium that requires power to maintain the state of the data stored therein. 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 synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). In certain embodiments, the DRAM of the memory component may conform to standards 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 interfaces of memory devices that implement such standards may be referred to as DDR-based interfaces.

[0022] In some embodiments, memory 206 may be implemented as a block-addressable memory, such as those based on NAND or NOR technology. Memory 206 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 206 may be implemented 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 substrates, oxygen vacancy substrates, 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 junctions (MTJs), devices based on DW (domain walls) and SOT (spin-orbit transfer), thyristor-based memory devices, or any combination of the above or other memories. A memory device can refer to the die itself and / or a packaged memory product. In some embodiments, a 3D crosspoint can 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. In some embodiments, memory 206 can be internal to processor 202 (e.g., incorporated into processor 202), and / or memory 206 can be external to processor 202.

[0023] The illustrative input / output devices 204 are configured to enable the controller 200 to communicate with other local controllers (e.g., control devices included in the EVSE 106 / charger 108 and / or the vehicle 102) or a central controller. The input / output devices 204 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 devices 204 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.

[0024] As referenced below Figure 6As described, the memory 206 may have instructions stored therein that are executable by the processor 202 to cause the processor 202 to evaluate the detection of light within the connector 120. Based on this evaluation, the instructions stored in the memory 206 may be executable by the processor 202 to cause the processor 202 to interrupt or disable the supply of power from the EVSE 106 to the vehicle 102 through the connector 120 to combat arcing or short circuiting.

[0025] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the connector 120' shown in FIG, a side view of the housing 124' is depicted transparently for ease of description. The housing 124' includes a coupling portion 130 for coupling with the wire 114. The housing 124' also includes a body portion 132 that is spherical or otherwise suitably sized and shaped and encloses the electrical coupling member 126 and the sensor 122 therein. The connector 120' also includes a test light 134 positioned within the housing 124' at a position in which light from the test light 134 can be detected by the sensor 122.

[0026] The electrical coupling member 126 may include a protective ground coupling member 136, a first DC electrode 138, and a second DC electrode 140 ( Figure 5 ). One of the DC electrodes may be a positive electrode, and the other DC electrode may be a negative electrode. The protective ground / functional ground (PE / GND) coupling member 136 includes an insulating portion 142 embedded in the housing 124' and a PE / GND copper pin portion 144 protruding into a first shrouded opening 146 of the connector 120'. The first DC electrode 138 includes an insulating portion 148 embedded in the housing 124' and a first copper pin portion 150 protruding into a second shrouded opening 152 adjacent to the first shrouded opening 146. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, first DC electrode 140 includes an insulating portion 154 embedded in housing 124' and a first copper pin portion 156 protruding into second shrouded opening 152. Other embodiments contemplate other types and / or arrangements for electrical coupling members, including AC coupling members.

[0027] exist Figure 4 In FIG, the sensor 122 and the test light 134 are positioned between the PE / GND coupling member 136 and the DC electrodes 138, 140, at or adjacent the central axis 160 of the housing 124'. Figure 5, another embodiment of a connector 120 ″ includes a sensor 122 and a test light 134 positioned adjacent a perimeter of the housing 124 ′ on opposite sides of a central axis 160 . Other embodiments contemplate other locations for the sensor 122 and / or the test light 134 , so long as the sensor 122 can detect light within the housing 124 ′. Additionally, the connectors 120 ′, 120 ″ can include one or more connections or pins 162 that protrude into the first shrouded opening 146 for transmitting signals between the EVSE 106 and the electric vehicle 102 and for connecting with the mating inlet 110 .

[0028] The sensor 122 is integrated into the EVSE connector 120, 120', 120" connected to the electric vehicle 102 to monitor the presence of light inside the housing 124, 124', such as light from an electrical arc or external light. The sensor 122 can be configured to detect ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, infrared (IR) light, and combinations of these. The sensor 122 can be mounted inside the connector 120, 120', 120" with a direct line of sight to the electrical coupling member 126. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, a reflective material 164 may also be included, such as aluminum (a good reflector of UV, visible and IR light), or Figure 4 One or more light transmission fibers 166 are shown in the drawings to redirect or transmit any light to or toward the sensor 122. If a reflective material 164 such as aluminum is used, it should not block incident light and should be disconnected from the connection housing 124, 124' to allow light to enter the housing in the event of a crack or breakage of the housing. In addition, the reflective material 164 should not compromise the insulation between the internal conductors of the connections 120, 120', 120".

[0029] If there is an arc between the electrical coupling members 126 or any other connection, or if light intrusion occurs due to a crack or defect in the housing, the sensor 122 can send a signal to the controller 112. The signal can be sent via independent lines and / or using essential signal lines (such as control or proximity pilots). In response to the signal, the controller 112 or other emergency system can interrupt the power supply to the connectors 120, 120', 120" to prevent damaging energy dissipation within the connectors 120, 120', 120". In one embodiment, the sensor 122 can disconnect one of the pilots, which is then detected by the EVSE 106 to perform an emergency shutdown. The system 100 can also provide periodic checks on the operability of the sensor 122 through the operation of the test light 134. The sensor 122 can send a signal to the controller 112 when the test light is detected, indicating that the sensor is operational, or if no light is detected when the test light 34 is operated due to a potential defect in the sensor 122, the charging system can be disabled.

[0030] The sensor 122 may also detect cracks or other faults in the housing 124, 124' by detecting light from within the housing 124, 124' during non-charging periods. This would indicate a failure in the internal integrity of the connector 120, 120', 120", such that it may not be protected from water, dust, animals, insects, or other external conditions. Potting may also be used in all or a portion of the body portion 132 of the housing 124, 124' to eliminate moisture, add insulation, and protect from direct contact with the electrical coupling members 126. In one embodiment, the potting is transparent and the housing 124, 124' surrounding the potting is opaque. If the housing 124, 124' is filled with transparent potting, the sensor 122 can still detect light from arc flashes or cracks / fissures in the housing 124, 124'. In addition, light from an arc discharge event or test lamp flash can be dispersed by the potting, thereby allowing the sensor 122 to better cover the entire interior of the housing 124, 124'. This will reduce or eliminate the possibility that the sensor 122 will not detect an arc / crack if the direct line of sight is blocked by one of the electrical coupling members 126.

[0031] Figure 6 , a method 300 for supplying power to an electric vehicle is shown in FIG. , which may be embodied as or otherwise include a set of instructions executable by the controller 112 (i.e., the processor 202 as indicated above). However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the illustrative method 300 may be performed in cooperation by the controller 112 and one or more other devices (e.g., control devices included in the EVSE 106 / charger 108 and / or the vehicle 102). In such embodiments, execution of the illustrative method 300 may be associated with communication and / or coordination between the controller 112 and the one or more control devices. In any case, the method 300 corresponds to or is otherwise associated with the following method described below in Figure 6 However, it should be appreciated that the method 300 may be executed in one or more sequences other than the illustrative sequence.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be understood that Figure 6The blocks described in the illustrative sequence of the method 300 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 300 may be associated with or otherwise include a control component (e.g., one or more actions performed / directed by the controller 112 and one or more control devices) and / or an operator component (e.g., one or more actions performed by an operator in response to the control component).

[0033] The method 300 includes a block 302 for monitoring, by the sensor 122 of the connector 120, 120', 120", for light detection in the housing 124, 124'. In one embodiment, monitoring for light detection in the housing 124, 124' includes flashing the test light 134. If, in response to the flashing of the test light, the test light is detected and the condition 304 is yes, the sensor 122 and its associated connector are checked as being operational at block 308 and the process 300 continues at block 310. If, in response to the flashing of the test light, no light is detected and the condition 304 is no, the process 300 continues at block 306 to disable charging of the battery 104 using the connector 120, 120', 120" until the connector is serviced.

[0034] In one embodiment, a condition may also be provided that includes determining whether light is detected due to a crack or defect in the housing 124, 124'. For example, if there is no associated activation or flashing of the test light 134, but light is detected in the housing 124, 124', the process 300 continues at box 306 to disable charging, thereby preventing use of the connector 120, 120', 120" until it is repaired and the connector integrity is checked. In one embodiment, this may also be used for short circuit detection to disable charging operations in response to a short circuit condition that may occur in the connector 120, 120', 120" between charging operations. It is contemplated that a threshold amount of light may need to be detected before charging is disabled.

[0035] Block 310 includes inserting the connector 120 , 120 ′, 120 ″ of the EVSE 106 into the mating inlet 110 of the electric vehicle 102 . The process 300 continues at block 312 to provide power through the connector 120 , 120 ′, 120 ″ to charge the battery 104 . The process 300 continues at condition 314 to continue checking for other lights (not test lights) at the sensor 122 due to, for example, arcing between the conductive members 126 in the housing 124 , 124 ′ during charging of the battery 104 . If such light is detected and condition 314 is true, then the power supply is interrupted at block 316 to prevent damage to the connectors 120, 120', 120". If no light is detected and condition 314 is false, then process 300 continues at condition 318 to check whether charging of battery 104 is complete. If condition 318 is false, then process 300 returns to block 308. If condition 318 is true, then charging is stopped and process 300 ends, or returns to block 302.

[0036] In one embodiment, a condition may also be provided that includes determining whether light is detected during charging block 312 due to flashing of test light 134. For example, if there is an associated activation of test light 134, but no light is detected in housing 124, 124' during charging block 312, then sensor 122 is defective and process 300 includes providing an emergency stop for charging and disabling charging to prevent use of connector 120, 120', 120" until it is repaired and / or replaced. In one embodiment, the test light pulse duration may be approximately 20 milliseconds and occur every 3 seconds during charging operation. Other durations and frequencies of test pulses are also contemplated.

[0037] 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 may be implemented by a computer executing a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, where 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.

[0038] Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. For example, in one aspect, a connector for an EVSE is provided. The connector includes a housing including one or more electrical coupling members connectable between the EVSE and a mating inlet of an electric vehicle to supply power to the vehicle. The housing includes a sensor operable to detect light within the housing and, in response to the detection of light within the housing, output a signal to interrupt or disable the supply of power to the vehicle through the connector.

[0039] In one embodiment, the housing includes a test light operable to generate light within the housing detectable by the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor is operable to detect one or more of ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light within the housing. In yet another embodiment, the sensor is enclosed within the housing. In yet another embodiment, the one or more electrical coupling members include first and second DC coupling members and a protective ground coupling member.

[0040] In another embodiment, the housing is opaque and includes a transparent potting to disperse light within the housing. In yet another embodiment, the housing includes a reflective material to direct light within the housing toward the sensor. In yet another embodiment, the housing includes one or more optical fibers to transmit light from within the housing toward the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor is a photodiode.

[0041] In another aspect, a system includes an EVSE for providing power to an electric vehicle, a controller operable to control the supply of power from the EVSE to the electric vehicle, and a connector connected to the EVSE and in communication with the controller. The connector includes a housing having one or more electrical coupling members for engaging with a mating inlet of the electric vehicle, and a sensor within the housing, the sensor being operable to detect light within the housing. In response to the sensor detecting light within the housing, the sensor outputs a signal to the controller, and the controller interrupts or disables the supply of power from the EVSE through the connector to the vehicle.

[0042] In one embodiment, the connector includes a test light within the housing, and the test light is operable to generate light within the housing detectable by the sensor. In a refinement of this embodiment, the controller is configured to interrupt or disable the supply of power from the EVSE through the connector in response to the sensor not detecting light when the test light is operating.

[0043] In another embodiment, the controller is configured to interrupt or disable the power supply in response to the signal detecting light above a threshold light amount. In yet another embodiment, the controller is located within a charger of the electric vehicle power supply equipment. In another embodiment, the controller is located within a connector.

[0044] In another aspect, a method for supplying power to an electric vehicle includes inserting a connector of electric vehicle supply equipment into a mating inlet of the electric vehicle; supplying power from the electric vehicle supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector; and interrupting the power supply in response to detecting light within a housing of the connector.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method includes flashing a test light within the housing and, in response to failing to detect the flashing of the test light within the housing, disabling power supply through the connector. In a refinement of the method, detecting light within the housing includes detecting light with a sensor embedded in the housing. In a further refinement, the sensor is embedded in the housing adjacent to one or more electrical coupling members of the connector supported within the housing. In another refinement, the test light is embedded in the housing.

[0046] In another embodiment, the method includes flashing a test light before inserting the connector into the mating inlet and disabling power supply through the connector in response to failure to detect flashing of the test light within the housing. In yet another embodiment, the method includes disabling power supply in response to detecting light within the housing of the connector when the connector is removed from the mating inlet.

[0047] 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 protection is intended for all changes and modifications that fall within the spirit of the present disclosure. It should be understood that although the use of terms such as "preferred," "preferably," "preferred," or "more preferably" in the above description indicates that the feature described may be more desirable, it may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking such features may be contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that when terms such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least a portion" are used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one item, unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. The term "of" can mean an association with or connection to another item, as well as belonging to or connection with another item, as indicated by the context in which it is used. Terms such as "coupled to," "coupled with," and the like include indirect connections and couplings, and further include, but do not require, direct couplings or connections unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A connector for electric vehicle power supply equipment, comprising: A housing including one or more electrical coupling members connectable between electric vehicle power supply equipment and a mating inlet of an electric vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, the housing including a sensor operable to detect light within the housing caused by a defect in the housing and output a signal in response to the detection of light within the housing to interrupt or inhibit the supply of power to the vehicle through the connector.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a test light operable to generate light within the housing detectable by the sensor.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the sensor is operable to detect one or more of ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light within the housing. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is enclosed within the housing.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical coupling members include first and second DC coupling members and a protective ground coupling member.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing is opaque and includes a transparent potting to disperse light within the housing.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a reflective material to direct light within the housing toward the sensor.

8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing includes one or more optical fibers to transmit light from within the housing toward the sensor.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a photodiode.

10. An electric vehicle charging system, comprising: Electric vehicle power supply equipment for providing electric power to electric vehicles; a controller operable to control the supply of electric power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle; and A connector connected to electric vehicle power supply equipment and communicating with a controller, wherein the connector includes a housing and a sensor within the housing, the housing having one or more electrical coupling members for engaging with a mating inlet of an electric vehicle, the sensor being operable to detect light within the housing caused by a defect in the housing, wherein in response to the sensor detecting the light within the housing, the sensor outputs a signal to the controller, and the controller interrupts or disables the supply of power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the vehicle through the connector.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the connector includes a test light within the housing, and the test light is operable to generate light within the housing detectable by the sensor.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The controller is configured to interrupt or disable the supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment through the connector in response to the sensor detecting an absence of light when the test lamp is operating.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to interrupt or disable the supply of power in response to the signal indicating that light above a threshold amount of light is detected.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller is located within a charger of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller is positioned within the connector.

16. A method for supplying electric power to an electric vehicle, comprising: Inserting a connector of the electric vehicle power supply equipment into a mating inlet of the electric vehicle; supplying electric power from the electric vehicle power supply equipment to the electric vehicle through the connector; and The power supply is interrupted in response to detecting light within the housing of the connector caused by a defect in the housing.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising flashing a test light within the housing, and in response to failing to detect the flashing of the test light within the housing, disabling the supply of power through the connector.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein detecting light within the housing comprises detecting the light using a sensor embedded in the housing.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The sensor is embedded in the housing adjacent one or more electrical coupling members of a connector supported within the housing.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the test light is embedded in the housing.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising flashing a test light prior to inserting the connector into the mating inlet, and disabling the supply of power through the connector in response to failure to detect flashing of the test light within the housing.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising disabling the supply of power in response to detecting light within a housing of the connector if the connector is unplugged from the mating inlet.

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