Diagnostics for electric vehicle charging

Abstract

A diagnostic device for electric vehicle charging is provided. In some aspects, a diagnostic device includes an input connector unit including a plurality of inputs to receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and an output connector unit including a plurality of outputs to transmit electrical signals to the electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also includes a circuit network electrically connecting a corresponding one of the plurality of inputs to an output of the plurality of outputs, and a housing at least partially enclosing the circuit network. The diagnostic device further includes at least one circuit access exposing at least a portion of the circuit network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electric vehicles (EVs) and equipment. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to diagnostic devices for charging EVs and equipment. Background Art

[0002] Some electric vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses, can be charged using charging cables that include certain safety features to ensure normal operation. For example, some charging cables may include low-voltage communication circuits that allow the charging station and EV to "talk" before, during, and after the charging event. Despite safety and other equipment features, problems such as communication errors, hardware errors, charging errors, etc. sometimes occur during charging events between the charging station and the EV. In order to solve such problems, a maintenance technician may need to diagnose the communication circuit and other components or circuits involved in EV charging. For example, in some cases, a maintenance technician may need to locate and access the communication circuit inside the charging station, EV, or both, and then "access" or connect to the communication circuit to obtain diagnostic data. However, for certain charging events or problems, locating and accessing the communication circuit may be impossible, inefficient, or unsafe. For example, in some charging scenarios, the charging station may output a large current or voltage that poses a significant risk to the maintenance technician. In addition, the charging station may be locked and accessible only by certain personnel, who may not include maintenance technicians. In addition, the charging and communication circuits in the EV may also be difficult to access. Alternatively, the maintenance technician may rely on proprietary reports from various hardware to notify the vehicle charging status. However, proprietary reports may not always be available, accessible, valid, or provide sufficient information to diagnose the problem being investigated.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved techniques for diagnosing problems associated with charging EVs and other rechargeable equipment. Summary of the invention

[0004] A diagnostic device for charging an electric vehicle is provided.

[0005] In one embodiment, a diagnostic device includes an input connector unit and an output connector unit, the input connector unit including a plurality of inputs receiving electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and the output connector unit including a plurality of outputs sending electrical signals to the electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also includes a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and a housing at least partially enclosing the circuit network. The diagnostic device further includes at least one circuit access exposing at least a portion of the circuit network.

[0006] In another embodiment, a diagnostic device includes an input connector unit and an output connector unit, the input connector unit including a plurality of inputs receiving electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and the output connector unit including a plurality of outputs sending electrical signals to the electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also includes a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, at least one test port electrically connected to the circuit network, the at least one test port transmitting the electrical signal received from the charging station to a diagnostic device coupled to the at least one test port. The diagnostic device further includes a housing at least partially enclosing the circuit network and at least one circuit access exposing at least a portion of the circuit network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example electric vehicle (EV) connected to a charging station as described herein;

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a diagnostic device as described herein;

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a diagnostic device as described herein;

[0010] Figure 4A is a diagram of an example diagnostic apparatus as described herein;

[0011] Figure 4B is a diagram of an example connector as described herein;

[0012] Figure 4C is a diagram of another example diagnostic apparatus as described herein;

[0013] Figure 4D is a diagram of yet another example diagnostic device as described herein;

[0014] Figure 4E is a diagram of yet another example diagnostic device as described herein;

[0015] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an example electrical conduit and circuit access as described herein;

[0016] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A top view of the example in ;

[0017] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A side view of the example in;

[0018] Fig. 6A is a top view of another example electrical conduit and circuit access as described herein;

[0019] Figure 6B is a top view of yet another example electrical conduit and circuit access as described herein;

[0020] Figure 6C is a top view of yet another example electrical conduit and circuit access as described herein; and

[0021] Fig.6D is a top view of yet another example electrical conduit as described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 An example electric vehicle (EV) 10 is shown connected to a charging station 12 via a charging cable 14. When operating properly, the charging station 12 provides a charge to the EV 10 so that the EV 10 can reach its destination or extend its driving range. However, errors or charging inefficiencies may occur when charging the EV 10. Figure 1 In the configuration shown, it may be difficult or impossible to diagnose such errors or inefficiencies without disconnecting the charging cable 14 from the EV 10 and / or accessing the internal hardware of the EV 10, the charging station 12, or both. This diagnostic approach may not allow for the detection of certain problems or the measurement of certain parameters, such as the current and voltage in the charging cable 14 in real time while charging. In addition, accessing the hardware under charging conditions may pose a risk to the technician. Even if Figure 1 A certain type of EV 10 is shown, but the aforementioned shortcomings apply to charging various types of electrical hardware, equipment, and vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, tractor trailers, multi-purpose vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, road vehicles, etc., as well as various types of boats, airplanes, drones, trains, motorcycles, etc.

[0023] The present disclosure solves several problems of the conventional approach by providing a diagnostic device for charging an EV 10. In some embodiments, the diagnostic device may act as an "extension" that may be connected to the EV 10, the charging station 12, or both, which may provide direct access to specific charging cable 14 wiring (such as power or communication wiring in the charging cable 14). A technician may attach diagnostic equipment (e.g., an oscilloscope, an analyzer, other diagnostic tools) to the diagnostic device to diagnose any problems in charging. In addition, conventional charging cable designs make it difficult (if not impossible) to directly measure the amperage or distribution of the current because the power wiring and ground wiring in the charging cable 14 are typically wrapped together, which makes current measurement tools (such as inductive current clamps) useless. In contrast, in some embodiments, the diagnostic device provided herein allows for inductance measurements while current is flowing. In addition, although in various embodiments, the diagnostic device may be described herein with respect to EV charging, the diagnostic device may have broad applicability to any rechargeable equipment, including but not limited to marine equipment, construction equipment, robotic equipment, agricultural equipment, and the like.

[0024] Go to Figure 2 , shows a diagnostic device 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the diagnostic device 200 may include a housing 210 , an input connector unit 220 , an output connector unit 230 , a circuit network 240 , and at least one test port 250 .

[0025] The housing 210 protects the components of the diagnostic device 200 and ensures the safe operation of the diagnostic device 200. The housing 210 can have any shape and size, and can be formed of or include various materials (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing 210 can completely or partially enclose and fix the components therein. To this end, the housing 210 may include or have various features formed therein (such as openings, recesses, sockets, dividers, plates, slots, tabs, supports, etc., which can accommodate and control the movement of the components in the diagnostic device 200. In addition, the housing 210 may include various features or components (e.g., supports, fasteners, magnets, tripods, etc.) that can ensure the stability of the diagnostic device 200.

[0026] The input connector unit 220 may include a Figure 1 The charging station 12 described herein receives any number and type of inputs of electrical signals. The electrical signals received by the input connector unit 220 may include charging signals, communication signals, etc. The output connector unit 230 may also include, for example, a reference signal. Figure 1The described EV 10 sends any number and type of outputs of electrical signals. In some embodiments, the number and type of inputs on the input connector unit 220 matches the number and type of outputs on the output connector unit 230. Non-limiting examples of connectors on the input connector unit 220 and / or the output connector unit 230 include a combined charging system (CCS) connector, a J-type connector, a Mennekes connector, a GB / T connector, a CHAdeMO connector, etc. The connectors on the input connector unit 220 and the output connector unit 230 are not limited and may include connectors of any configuration and type, including connectors that may support current (e.g., direct current (DC), single-phase alternating current (AC), multi-phase AC, etc.), voltage (e.g., DC voltage, AC voltage, pulse voltage, etc.), communication (e.g., via control pilot (CP), proximity pilot (PP), etc.), etc. In some embodiments, the input connector unit 220 and / or the output connector unit 230 may be integrated into the housing 210, or removably coupled to an opening in the housing 210, for example, using fasteners. In some embodiments, the input connector unit 220 and / or the output connector unit 230 may include a cable integrated into and extending from the input connector unit 220 and / or the output connector unit 230 .

[0027] The circuit network 240 may include various electrical circuits that electrically connect various components of the diagnostic device. In some embodiments, the circuit network 240 may electrically connect various inputs (e.g., pins, sockets, terminals, etc.) on the input connector unit 220 with various outputs (e.g., pins, sockets, terminals, etc.) on the output connector unit 230. For example, the circuit network 240 may include a plurality of electrical conduits that directly connect the inputs to the corresponding outputs. In some embodiments, the circuit network 240 may also electrically connect the inputs on the input connector unit 220 with a plurality of test ports 250. For example, a plurality of electrical conduits may directly connect the inputs to the (plurality) test ports 250. The electrical conduits in the circuit network 240 may be of any type, including wires, cables, rods, bars, etc., which may be single conductors, multiple conductors, insulated, coated, armored, braided, coaxial, twisted, bundled, layered, clad, and the like.

[0028] In addition to electrical conduits, in some embodiments, circuit network 240 may optionally include various other active and passive components, circuits, and electronic devices, such as resistors, transistors, inductors, coils, capacitors, diodes, switches, rectifiers, relays, transformers, integrated circuits (ICs), microcontrollers, logic gates, sensors, potentiometers, panels, plates, buttons, etc. In some embodiments, circuit network 240 or components therein may be secured to housing 210 using various features formed in housing 210 and using various adhesives, fasteners, etc.

[0029] Test port(s) 250 may provide access to electrical signals flowing through circuit network 240 and, therefore, provide for analysis of such electrical signals to diagnose and, for example, reference Figure 1 The ability of the EV 10 described to charge associated with the charging event. That is, when the diagnostic equipment is coupled to at least one of the test ports 250 of the diagnostic device 200, the electrical signal traveling in the electrical conduit electrically connected to the (multiple) test ports 250 can be transmitted to the diagnostic equipment via the corresponding (multiple) test ports 250 and accessed by the diagnostic equipment. The (multiple) test ports 250 may include any type, number, and combination of connectors, recesses, ports, sockets, etc. suitable for receiving diagnostic equipment. In some non-limiting examples, the (multiple) test ports 250 may include banana connectors, bayonet Neill-Concelman (Neill-Concelman) (BNC) connectors, radio frequency (RF) connectors, coaxial connectors, etc. In some embodiments, the (multiple) test ports 250 may be integrated into the housing 210, or removably coupled to an opening in the housing 210.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the diagnostic device 200 may include at least one circuit access 260 that provides access to at least a portion of the circuit network 240. The configuration of the (multiple) circuit access 260 may depend on the application and may have any position, shape, and size in the diagnostic device 200. In some embodiments, the (multiple) circuit access 260 may be formed by the shape and size of the features of the housing 210. In one non-limiting example, the circuit access 260 may be formed by at least one permanent opening or a sealable opening in the housing 210. Specifically, the (multiple) sealable openings may be sealed or closed, for example, using any cover, cap, tab, cover, etc. that is removably coupled to the (multiple) sealable openings. In another non-limiting example, the circuit access 260 may be formed by a recess in the housing 210.

[0031] Reference now Figure 3, another embodiment of the diagnostic device 300 is shown. The diagnostic device 300 may include a housing 310, an input connector unit 320, an output connector unit 330, a circuit network 340 and at least one test port 350, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 as described.

[0032] In some embodiments, the circuit network 340 may include a first electrical conduit 342a extending from the input connector unit 320 to the output connector unit 330. The first electrical conduit 342a is electrically connected to an input (e.g., a pin, a socket, etc.) on the input connector unit 320 at a first end and is electrically connected to a corresponding output (e.g., a pin, a socket, etc.) on the output connector unit 320 at a second end so that the circuit network 340 from, for example, the reference Figure 1 The electrical signal of the charging station 12 described above can pass through the first electrical conduit 342a and be transmitted to, for example, the reference Figure 1 Description EV 10.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the circuit network 340 may include a second electrical conduit 342b, which extends from the input connector unit 320 to the output connector unit 330 and is electrically connected to the corresponding input connector and output connector of the input connector unit 320 and the output connector unit 330, respectively. In some embodiments, the third electrical conduit 342c can be electrically connected to the first electrical conduit 342a using a first T connection 344a at a first end. Therefore, the electrical signal flowing in the first electrical conduit 342a between the input connector unit 320 and the output connector unit 330 can be accessed and tested through the first test port 350 electrically connected to the second end of the third electrical conduit 342c. Similarly, the fourth electrical conduit 342d can be electrically connected to the second electrical conduit 342b using a second T connection 344b. The electrical signal flowing in the second electrical conduit 342b between the input connector unit 320 and the output connector unit 330 can be accessed and tested through the second test port 350 electrically connected to the fourth electrical conduit 342d. The (multiple) test ports 350 may include various connectors, such as reference Figure 2 as described.

[0034] In some embodiments, the electrical signal passing through the second electrical conduit 342b may additionally or alternatively be accessed using a circuit access 360 formed in the housing 310. Figure 3As shown, the circuit access 360 can expose a portion 346b of the second electrical conduit 342b for access and testing. In some applications, the circuit access 360 is shaped and sized to allow the exposed portion 346b to be measured using certain diagnostic equipment. For example, the circuit access 360 can be positioned, shaped and sized to allow, for example, inductive measurement of an electrical signal passing through the second electrical conduit 342b using a current clamp. Depending on the nature of the electrical signal in the second electrical conduit 342b, the second electrical conduit 342b or the exposed portion 346b of the second electrical conduit 342b can include various safety features, such as insulation (e.g., electrical, thermal, etc.), heat exchange, etc.

[0035] although Figure 3 A specific embodiment of the diagnostic device 300 is shown, but it can be easily understood that variations of the diagnostic device 300 are possible. For example, the diagnostic device 300 may include fewer or more components. Similarly, although Figure 3 A specific number and configuration of electrical conduits 342 are shown, but these are shown for illustrative purposes. In fact, any number of variations, including variations in the number and arrangement of electrical conduits 342, are possible. For example, instead of being directly connected using first T-connection 344a, first electrical conduit 342a and third electrical conduit 342c may be indirectly connected or coupled, for example, via capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, etc. In addition, circuit network 340 may include various other circuits, such as those described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 as described.

[0036] Now go to Figure 4A-4E , shows yet another embodiment of a diagnostic device 400. Figure 4A , the diagnostic device 400 may include a housing 410, an input connector unit 420, an output connector unit 430, a circuit network 440 (not shown), and a plurality of test ports 450 and (a plurality of) circuit accesses 460, as shown in reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the input connector unit 420 can receive a first charging cable that can be connected to a charging source (such as a reference Figure 1 For example, in one non-limiting example, the input connector unit 420 may include a CCS connector 422, such as Figure 4B In this example, CCS connector 422 may include a plurality of inputs 424 that may engage and electrically connect to corresponding outputs of the CCS connector on the first charging cable. Similarly, in some embodiments, output connector unit 430 may receive a second charging cable or adapter that may transmit electrical signals to an electric vehicle, such as a reference Figure 1EV 10 described. For example, in one non-limiting example, the second charging cable or adapter may also include a CCS connector. In some embodiments, the number and type of outputs on input connector unit 430 match the number and type of inputs on input connector unit 420.

[0037] exist Figure 4C As shown in Figure 4A In an alternative configuration of the input connector unit 420, the input connector unit 420 may include a cable 425 that is integrated with or attached to the housing 410 of the diagnostic device 400 at one end of the cable 425. The second end of the cable 425 may be connected to a charging source that may supply an electrical signal, such as a reference Figure 1 In yet another alternative, as described above, Figure 4D As shown, the output connector unit 430 may include a cable 435 that is integrated with or attached to the housing 410 of the diagnostic device 400 at one end of the cable 435. The second end of the cable 435 may be connected to the electric vehicle to receive an electrical signal, such as a reference signal. Figure 1 Description EV 10.

[0038] Circuit network 440 may include various circuits that electrically connect various components of diagnostic device 400. In some embodiments, circuit network 440 may include a plurality of electrical conduits 442 that directly connect inputs on input connector unit 420 to corresponding outputs on output connector unit 420. As described, the electrical conduits in circuit network 440 may be of any type, including wires, cables, rods, bars, etc., which may be single conductor, multi-conductor, insulated, coated, armored, braided, coaxial, twisted, bundled, layered, clad, etc.

[0039] Reference again Figure 4A , the test port 450 provides a means for directly measuring the electrical signals in the circuit network 440 and diagnosing, for example, the reference Figure 1 Specifically, diagnostic equipment coupled to at least one of the test ports 450 can receive an electrical signal traveling in an electrical conduit 442 electrically connected to the corresponding test port(s) 450. Figure 4AA specific number and configuration of test ports 450 on diagnostic device 400 is shown, but the number, location, and type of test ports 450 may vary. For example, test port(s) 450 may include any type, number, and combination of connectors, recesses, ports, sockets, etc. suitable for receiving diagnostic equipment. In some non-limiting examples, test ports 450 may include banana connectors, bayonet Neil-Conseman (BNC) connectors, radio frequency (RF) connectors, coaxial connectors, etc.

[0040] As described, electrical signals in circuit network 440 may be accessible via various exposed portions 446a, ..., 446e of electrical conduits 442. In some embodiments, electrical signals in circuit network 440 may be accessible via both test port 450 and exposed portions 446a, ..., 446e. Figure 4E As shown, the test ports 450a, ..., 450e can have corresponding exposed portions 446a, ..., 446e. This configuration allows, for example, direct electrical measurements and inductance measurements. In some embodiments, the diagnostic device 400 can include many other features. For example, Figure 4E As shown, diagnostic device 400 may include label 470 , which may provide information, warnings, or instructions to a user operating diagnostic device 400 .

[0041] Reference now Figure 5A-Figure 5C , shows an embodiment of the diagnostic device 500. Figure 5A , illustrating circuit access 560, wherein circuit access 560 provides access to an exposed portion 546 of a circuit network or electrical conduit, for example, as shown in reference Figure 3 As shown, the exposed portion 546 can be recessed in the space of the circuit access 560. The space can be defined by a length L, a width W, and a height H. Figure 5A-Figure 5C As shown, the length L of the space may extend between the front surface 582 and the rear surface 584, the width W of the space may extend between the left surface 586 and the right surface 588, and the height H of the space may extend from the top surface 590 of the housing 510 to the bottom surface 592. The exposed portion 546 may be 1.5 meters from the front surface 582 ( Figure 5B ) depth d1 and distance from top surface 590 ( Figure 5C ) is recessed in a space with a depth d2, and protrudes from the interior of the housing 510 through the left surface 586 and the right surface 588, respectively. In some embodiments, the shape and size of the space and the exposed portion 546 are sufficient to accommodate the measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion 546. For example, the shape and size of the space and the exposed portion 546 are sufficient to receive and accommodate a current clamp or a measurement component of the current clamp, and allow inductance measurement to be performed using such a current clamp or a component of the current clamp.

[0042] although Figure 5A-Figure 5C One embodiment of circuit access 560 is shown, but the circuit access(es) on diagnostic device 500 may have any location, shape, and size. Figure 6A-6B As shown, the circuit access 660 that provides access to the exposed portion 646 of the circuit network in the diagnostic device 600 can be positioned at the corner of the housing 610 of the diagnostic device 600. In addition, the space for the circuit access 660 does not need to be cubic, but can have any shape. For example, Figure 6C As shown, at least one curved surface in the housing 610 can generate, for example, a cylindrical space, a spherical space, etc. Similarly, the exposed portion 646 can have any shape, such as a ring or annular shape, such as Figure 6B-6D In some embodiments, the exposed portion 646 does not need to be recessed into the space of the housing 610. For example, Fig.6D As shown, the exposed portion 646 may protrude from the same front surface 682 of the housing 610 .

[0043] According to one embodiment, a diagnostic device includes an input connector unit and an output connector unit, the input connector unit including a plurality of inputs for receiving electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and the output connector unit including a plurality of outputs for sending electrical signals to the electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also includes a circuit network that electrically connects corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network. The diagnostic device further includes at least one circuit access that exposes at least a portion of the circuit network. In one embodiment, at least one of the input connector unit and the output connector unit is integrated into the housing. In another embodiment, the input connector unit and the output connector unit are combined charging system (CCS) connectors. In yet another embodiment, the input connector unit or the output connector unit or both include a cable. In yet another embodiment, the diagnostic device further includes a plurality of test ports electrically connected to the circuit network, wherein at least one of the plurality of test ports transmits an electrical signal received from the charging station to a diagnostic device coupled to at least one of the plurality of test ports. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the plurality of test ports is integrated into the housing. In yet another embodiment, at least one circuit access includes a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the circuit network includes at least one electrical conduit, at least a portion of which protrudes through an opening in the housing and extends into a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the space and at least a portion of the electrical conduit are shaped and sized to accommodate inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the diagnostic device includes an input connector unit and an output connector unit, the input connector unit including a plurality of inputs receiving electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and the output connector unit including a plurality of outputs sending electrical signals to the electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also includes a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to the outputs of the plurality of outputs, at least one test port electrically connected to the circuit network, the at least one test port transmitting the electrical signal received from the charging station to a diagnostic device coupled to the at least one test port. The diagnostic device further includes a housing at least partially enclosing the circuit network and at least one circuit access exposing at least a portion of the circuit network. In another embodiment, the circuit network includes an electrical conduit extending from the input connector unit to the output connector unit, and another electrical conduit connected to the electrical conduit at a first end and connected to the at least one test port at a second end. In yet another embodiment, the electrical conduit is connected to another electrical conduit using a T-connection. In yet another embodiment, at least one circuit access includes a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the circuit network includes at least one electrical conduit, at least a portion of which protrudes through an opening in the housing and extends into a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. In yet another embodiment, the space and at least a portion of the electrical conduit are shaped and sized sufficiently to accommodate inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion.

Claims

1. A diagnostic device for charging an electric vehicle, the device comprising: an input connector unit including a plurality of inputs for receiving electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle; an output connector unit including a plurality of outputs for sending electrical signals to the electric vehicle; a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding ones of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs; a housing at least partially enclosing the circuit network; as well as At least one circuit access exposes at least a portion of the circuit network.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the input connector unit and the output connector unit is integrated into the housing.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The input connector unit and the output connector unit are combined charging system (CCS) connectors.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input connector unit or the output connector unit or both comprise a cable.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of test ports electrically connected to the circuit network, wherein at least one of the plurality of test ports transmits the electrical signal received from the charging station to diagnostic equipment coupled to the at least one of the plurality of test ports.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that At least one test port of the plurality of test ports is integrated into the housing.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one circuit access includes a space formed by at least one surface of the housing.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The circuit network includes at least one electrical conduit, at least a portion of which protrudes through an opening in the housing and extends into the space formed by the at least one surface of the housing.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The space and at least a portion of the electrical conduit are shaped and sized to accommodate inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion.

10. A diagnostic device for charging an electric vehicle, the device comprising: an input connector unit including a plurality of inputs for receiving electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle; an output connector unit including a plurality of outputs for sending electrical signals to the electric vehicle; a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding ones of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs; at least one test port electrically connected to the circuit network, the at least one test port transmitting electrical signals received from the charging station to diagnostic equipment coupled to the at least one test port; a housing at least partially enclosing the circuit network; as well as At least one circuit access exposes at least a portion of the circuit network.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The circuit network includes an electrical conduit extending from the input connector unit to the output connector unit, and another electrical conduit connected to the electrical conduit at a first end and to the at least one test port at a second end.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The electrical conduit is connected to another electrical conduit using a T connection.

13. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The at least one circuit access includes a space formed by at least one surface of the housing.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that The circuit network includes at least one electrical conduit, at least a portion of which protrudes through an opening in the housing and extends into the space formed by the at least one surface of the housing.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The space and at least a portion of the electrical conduit are shaped and sized to accommodate inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion.

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