Power cable for a vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102021209528
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-08-31
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle, in particular an energy storage device of a vehicle, wherein the connection can be established in particular with an energy supply device and / or with a consumer. State of the art
[0002] Various approaches are known from the state of the art for the electrical charging of electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, boats, aircraft, two-wheelers, etc.). In an initial charging situation, the vehicle can be charged via a dedicated charging infrastructure, which in particular involves permanently installed charging stations. For example, such charging stations are implemented as charging columns or wall boxes. In an alternative charging situation, a permanent power socket is provided, such as those used in normal households for energy supply. For example, this is a (220V) Schuko socket or a socket designed according to other regional standards or customs; a three-phase connection may also be provided.In this case, a connecting cable of the charging cable typically features an integrated control unit, also called an in-cable control box (ICCB), located between the two connectors within the connecting cable. This integrated control unit is used to communicate with the vehicle and to enable and adjust the charging current. Unlike a charging station or wallbox, a Schuko socket generally does not have a communication line through which the vehicle can communicate with the power supply device.
[0003] A charging cable cleaner is known from the ahw shop: Original Volkswagen & Audi Parts. https: / / shop.ahw-shop.de / skoda-teile / enyaq, published on April 15, 2021, via http: / / www.archive.org [online, accessed on June 29, 2022]. Task and solution
[0004] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved by a supply cable according to claim 1 and a cleaning sleeve according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention
[0005] The supply cable according to the invention has at least one cleaning sleeve, which enables simple and quick cleaning of a connecting line of the supply cable. If the supply cable is located outside a vehicle, for example to electrically connect the vehicle to a charging station or to supply an electrical consumer or another vehicle with power from the vehicle, there is a risk that the supply cable, in particular a connecting line of the supply cable, will become dirty and / or wet. Such contamination can occur due to weather influences or because the connecting line comes into at least partial contact with a dirty and / or wet surface. The cleaning sleeve enables easy cleaning, so that a user neither soils themselves nor their vehicle and / or ingests moisture when stowing the supply cable in the vehicle.
[0006] The supply cable is used to electrically connect a vehicle, or an energy storage device of a vehicle, to an energy supply device providing electrical energy (thus the vehicle can be charged and the supply cable acts as a charging cable) and / or to a consumer requiring electrical energy or another vehicle (thus the vehicle serves as an energy source for the consumer or the other vehicle and the supply cable acts as a power cable for the consumer or the other vehicle, e.g., when its battery is exhausted, etc.). The supply cable has a connecting line and a primary connector. The primary connector can be electrically coupled to the connecting line (e.g., like an interchangeable adapter) or coupled, e.g., in a way that cannot be removed without damage (the primary connector can also be referred to as a charging plug, for example, if the supply cable is used as a charging cable).The primary connector also has a vehicle connector for a detachable electrical connection to the vehicle, in particular the energy storage device. Furthermore, the supply cable has a secondary connector. The secondary connector can be electrically coupled to the connecting cable (e.g., in the manner of a replaceable adapter) or, e.g., is coupled in a manner that cannot be removed without damage, and is intended for a detachable electrical connection to the energy supply device or to the electrical consumer.
[0007] The supply cable further comprises a cleaning sleeve with a housing and at least one cleaning element arranged inside the housing. The housing is provided with at least a first housing part, at least a second housing part, and at least one retaining element. The housing encloses the supply line at least partially in its circumferential direction. Furthermore, the second housing part and / or the first housing part are lockable when the housing is closed, e.g., to prevent accidental opening of the housing.
[0008] Advantageously, the retaining element surrounds the connecting line captively along the circumferential direction. The retaining element is firmly connected to the first housing part or the second housing part. This advantageously prevents the housing from becoming detached from the connecting line. In particular, the retaining element is thus arranged captively on the connecting line. For example, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connecting line can be guided through a through-opening in the retaining element to achieve said captivity.
[0009] In particular, the retaining element prevents unintentional detachment of the cleaning sleeve from the connecting line. However, the retaining element is preferably designed to release the connecting line in order to detach the cleaning sleeve from the supply line if this is explicitly desired. For example, the retaining element can be spiral-shaped or formed from separate elements that are arranged in a ring shape and overlap in the circumferential direction of the ring, but are spaced apart in the axial direction or are elastically removable from one another. Another possibility is to remove the connecting line by separating the connecting line and the primary connector or secondary connector and then passing the primary connector-side or secondary connector-side end of the connecting line through the retaining element.In this case, the holding element can, for example, be rigid and have an opening, for example a bore, through which the connecting line is or can be guided.
[0010] The at least one cleaning element is arranged inside the housing and can thus be received by the housing or is accommodated within the housing. Preferably, the cleaning element is thereby at least partially in direct contact with the connecting line and enables cleaning of the connecting line. Cleaning may include, for example, removing dirt, grime, mud, snow, etc., as well as removing moisture, humidity, etc.
[0011] The second housing part is preferably designed to be movable relative to the first housing part to allow access to the cleaning element. The cleaning element can thus be removed and cleaned, for example, by displacing the first housing part relative to the second housing part, e.g., by opening the housing by folding it open or sliding it, or the like. Replacing the cleaning element is also simple and requires little effort.
[0012] In the operating state, e.g. in a closed state, the housing can be locked or lockable. This allows the cleaning process to be carried out easily and safely. Such a locking can be achieved, for example, by locking the first housing part and / or the second housing part. For this purpose, the first housing part can be locked to or with the second housing part, e.g. by a clip connection, a locking element, a screw connection or the like. It is also conceivable that at least one of the two housing parts is locked or lockable with the holding element. Finally, it is also conceivable that the lockability of the first and / or second housing part is achieved by pushing a sleeve, initially separate from the housing, over the housing and thus enclosing the two housing parts and thus locking them against opening.
[0013] The cleaning sleeve advantageously enables quick and easy cleaning of the connecting line. The cleaning option is always available and does not require a long search or complex installation. All that is required is to guide the cleaning sleeve along the connecting line. Because the cleaning sleeve has a housing, the user does not come into contact with the cleaning element or the connecting line when guiding the cleaning sleeve, thus preventing the user from becoming dirty or wet during cleaning. This also prevents the vehicle interior from becoming dirty or wet. In addition to cleaning the connecting line, the connecting line can also be at least partially dried, preferably by wiping off water, snow, mud or moisture.
[0014] It is understood that for a supply line in which the complete control electronics are arranged in the primary connector and / or in the secondary connector and / or in the connecting line (without their diameter changing significantly along their length), a single cleaning sleeve may be sufficient to clean the entire connecting line.
[0015] However, it can also be provided that an ICCB is provided within the connecting line, the dimensions of which significantly exceed the diameter of the connecting line. In such a case, the connecting line is divided into a primary connector-side section and a secondary connector-side section. It can then be provided that a cleaning sleeve is provided in each of the two sections of the connecting line. In principle, however, in this case (supply cable with ICCB), it can also be provided that a cleaning sleeve is provided in only one of the two sections, with which only the section between the ICCB and the respective connector can be cleaned without having to remove the cleaning sleeve and reattach it to the other section.
[0016] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.
[0017] The cleaning sleeve is preferably designed to be guided along an extension direction of the connecting line. In this way, foreign bodies such as dirt and / or dust and / or snow and / or moisture can be picked up via the at least one cleaning element. A user who guides the cleaning sleeve along the extension direction of the connecting line advantageously comes into contact neither with the foreign bodies nor with the cleaning element. The risk of contamination of the user with the foreign bodies is thus reduced or avoided. In addition, simple and convenient handling of the cleaning sleeve and simple and quick cleaning of the connecting line are possible. It is particularly advantageous that an operator does not have to search for the cleaning sleeve for long periods of time, as it is securely attached to the supply cable or the connecting cable.At the same time, it is not possible for the cleaning sleeve to slip off the connecting line during the cleaning process because it is held captively.
[0018] The at least one cleaning element and / or the housing advantageously has a depot. Foreign bodies picked up by the connecting line can be collected in the depot. In particular, the depot is an area of the cleaning sleeve or its housing that is not filled with the cleaning element. Foreign bodies and / or moisture can thus be collected in the depot and disposed of easily and with little effort, for example after the cleaning process has been completed. The cleaning element therefore advantageously offers an increased cleaning capacity. Furthermore, the depot can advantageously prevent particles or the like from becoming trapped in the cleaning agent (because these get into the depot), which in turn reduces the cleaning performance or roughens a surface of the connecting line.For example, the depot is an empty space in the housing of the cleaning sleeve in which no part, or at least only a part of the cleaning element not intended for cleaning the connecting line, is located. For example, only the roots of brushes can be located in the depot, i.e. those areas of the brushes that are attached to the housing or a holding element if the cleaning element comprises brushes, for example. A depot volume of the depot is preferably at least 20% of the internal volume of the housing of the cleaning sleeve. In a further advantageous embodiment, the depot has an additional receiving element for receiving foreign bodies, for example a sponge element. This sponge element allows, in particular, liquid to be stored and to evaporate when not in use. Thus, a (further) cleaning agent can preferably also be installed in the depot.
[0019] Advantageously, it is also provided that the at least one cleaning element has a sponge or a sponge element and / or a brush or a brush element and / or a cloth or a cloth element. The sponge or the sponge element and / or the brush or the brush element and / or the cloth or the cloth element serve to remove and / or absorb foreign bodies and / or moisture or humidity from the connecting line. The cleaning element can preferably have several different sub-areas that enable different cleaning processes. Thus, the described elements such as sponge and / or brush and / or cloth can advantageously be used in combination. This maximizes the cleaning performance of the cleaning element.
[0020] The cleaning element preferably has a recess. The connecting line is guided in the recess. The recess can extend, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the housing or the cleaning element or the connecting line. This advantageously still allows direct contact between the connecting line and the cleaning element. In addition, dirt is not wiped off directly at the inlet of the connecting line into the cleaning element, thereby achieving a higher absorption capacity for foreign bodies and preventing contamination of an operator. Furthermore, the recess in the cleaning element reduces friction between the cleaning element and the connecting line, thereby simplifying operation of the cleaning sleeve and, in particular, saving energy. The recess is preferably continuous or discontinuous.Particularly advantageously, the recess extends over at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, of the length of the cleaning element. The length of the cleaning element is determined in particular along the direction of extension of the connecting line.
[0021] The recess is particularly advantageously funnel-shaped at least towards one housing wall or a distal end of the housing of the cleaning sleeve. In particular, the recess is funnel-shaped towards opposite housing walls. In other words, only one funnel can be provided or one funnel in each direction. The funnel shape ensures that the connecting line is guided through said funnel when the cleaning sleeve is guided along the connecting line. For example, the funnel is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the housing and has its larger diameter at a distal end of the housing, e.g. at the inlet or outlet of the connecting line into or out of the housing. This enables rough cleaning to be carried out first, followed by fine cleaning, in particular of each area of the connecting line.This can advantageously enable the captured foreign bodies such as dirt or water to be distributed more evenly across the cleaning element, in particular along an axial extent (longitudinal direction), resulting in an optimal cleaning effect along the entire length of the cleaning element and / or the cleaning sleeve. The cleaning performance of the cleaning sleeve is thus maximized. In addition, friction between the connecting line and the cleaning element is reduced, which leads to simple and, in particular, energy-saving handling of the cleaning sleeve. The diameter of the recess is preferably between 60% and 80% of the diameter of the connecting line. The largest diameter of the funnel shape (thus the inlet diameter or outlet diameter for the connecting line) can preferably be between 70% and 140%, particularly preferably between 80% and 120%, of the diameter of the connecting line.The smallest diameter of the funnel shape can, for example, correspond to the diameter of the recess, so that the funnel tapers from its largest diameter towards the diameter of the recess.
[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cleaning element has, along the recess from the housing wall or a distal end of the housing towards the interior (viewed along the axial direction or the longitudinal direction), initially at least one brush element and subsequently at least one sponge element or a flap element. The cleaning element is thus a combination of at least one brush element and at least one flap element or sponge element. This arrangement is preferably present on both sides, so that, starting from each housing wall or each distal end of the housing, at which the connecting line enters or exits the housing, towards the interior, initially at least one brush element and subsequently at least one sponge element or a flap element is present. This initially results in a rough cleaning by means of the brush elements.These preferentially remove larger foreign bodies such as coarse dirt and / or pieces of ice. This prevents damage to the sponge element and / or the rag element caused by said larger foreign bodies. Furthermore, if such larger foreign bodies come into direct contact with the sponge element and / or rag element, they can block the movement of the cleaning sleeve and / or scratch the outside of the connecting line. After a section of the connecting line has been roughly cleaned using the brush elements, a fine cleaning is carried out by the rag element and / or the sponge element. This is preferably used to absorb smaller foreign bodies and / or moisture. By dividing the cleaning process into coarse cleaning and fine cleaning using different parts of the cleaning element, cleaning can be achieved that is advantageously more efficient than without such a division.In addition, a longer service life of the cleaning elements is achieved. Finally, this design protects the connecting line from external scratches.
[0023] The holding element advantageously encloses the connecting line in its circumferential direction in a captive manner. For this purpose, the holding element can be ring-shaped, for example. This particularly advantageously prevents the cleaning sleeve and connecting line from being accidentally separated. If the holding element is designed in the manner of a closed ring, it can even be designed in certain embodiments in such a way that the cleaning sleeve and connecting line cannot be separated without damage, or alternatively can only be separated by passing one end of the connecting line through the ring-shaped holding element. In this way, the cleaning sleeve is held securely and reliably on the connecting line and cannot be accidentally lost. An operator therefore advantageously does not have to search for the cleaning sleeve, as it is always arranged on the supply cable.
[0024] Particularly advantageously, a holding element is arranged at each end, e.g., the distal end, of the first housing part or at each end, e.g., the distal end of the second housing part in the extension direction of the connecting line. Thus, the first housing part and / or the second housing part is preferably located between the holding elements, e.g., viewed in the axial direction. This advantageously enables improved, e.g., jam-proof, guidance of the cleaning sleeve on the connecting line. The security against loss is also advantageously increased by the multiple number of holding elements. In particular, the security against loss is also ensured if one of the holding elements is damaged.
[0025] The second housing part is preferably hinged to the first housing part via a hinge. The hinge can be, for example, a film hinge. The use of a hinge simplifies handling of the cleaning sleeve when opening the housing, for example, for cleaning and / or replacing the cleaning element. It is also advantageously completely secured against loss, even when the housing is open. The use of a film hinge enables simple and cost-effective production of the housing, for example, at least partially as a plastic part using an injection molding process.
[0026] According to the invention, the cleaning sleeve can be coupled to the primary connector and / or the secondary connector in a parked position. If the cleaning sleeve is not required for cleaning, it can remain in the parked position and thus has no influence on the handling of the supply cable as a whole. The supply cable can therefore be used easily and in particular without regard to the cleaning sleeve, for example to connect a vehicle to a charging station. In particular, uncontrolled movement of the cleaning sleeve along the connecting cable is prevented. Furthermore, the risk of damage to the cleaning sleeve during use of the supply cable is advantageously reduced in the parked position, since usually neither the primary connector nor the secondary connector are in contact with the ground during use of the supply cable.Another advantage is that the cleaning sleeve can always be quickly and reliably located by an operator, even in poor visibility conditions (e.g., at night or in a dark garage). Furthermore, it should be understood that this attachment is also considered part of the primary connector or secondary connector if it is connected to the connecting line via a coupling and the cleaning sleeve is connected to the coupling of the connecting line directly adjacent to the primary connector or secondary connector.
[0027] Particularly advantageous is the ability to attach the cleaning sleeve to the primary connector and / or the secondary connector with a positive, force, or friction fit. This positive, force, or friction fit attachment advantageously prevents accidental detachment of the cleaning sleeve from the primary or secondary connector. If the cleaning sleeve is not required, it merely appears to the user of the supply cable as part of the primary or secondary connector.
[0028] The cleaning sleeve can be held on the primary connector and / or secondary connector or coupled to the respective connector, for example by a magnetic force. For example, the holding element can be made of a magnetic material such as steel or iron or can comprise such a material. An electromagnet or a permanent magnet can be arranged on the primary connector and / or the secondary connector, for example, which magnetically holds the holding element as soon as it has reached the parked position. It is understood that the magnet can also be arranged on the holding element and the magnetic material on the primary connector or secondary connector. It is understood that a bayonet connection, a screw connection, a clip connection, a plug-in connection or the like can also be provided for attaching the cleaning sleeve to the primary connector or secondary connector.Furthermore, it is understood that this fastening is also counted as the primary connector or secondary connector if it is connected to the connecting line by means of a coupling and the cleaning sleeve is attached to the coupling of the connecting line immediately adjacent to the primary connector or secondary connector.
[0029] Preferably, a connector housing of the primary connector and / or the secondary connector also has a housing recess at an end facing the connecting line. This recess is designed to at least partially accommodate the cleaning sleeve in the parked position. Particularly preferably, the recess is designed to hold the cleaning sleeve in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. This can be achieved, for example, by a bayonet closure and / or screw closure and / or by an oversize housing. Furthermore, it is understood that this fastening is also counted as part of the primary connector or secondary connector if it is connected to the connecting line by means of a coupling and the cleaning sleeve is fastened to the coupling of the connecting line immediately adjacent to the primary connector or secondary connector.In such a case, the end of the coupling on the connecting line facing the cleaning sleeve features the aforementioned housing recess. This can then, for example, be a type of coupling housing recess.
[0030] The housing (of the cleaning sleeve) preferably has dimensions of between 8 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 20 cm, along the direction of extension of the connecting line. On the one hand, such dimensions ensure easy handling of the cleaning sleeve, as it can be comfortably gripped and guided with one hand. In particular, this prevents the hand gripping the cleaning sleeve from slipping. On the other hand, such dimensions keep the hand gripping the cleaning sleeve far enough away from the connecting line to avoid accidentally coming into contact with the contaminated connecting line. This prevents unintentional contamination of the hand with foreign bodies on the connecting line. A user can therefore clean the connecting line easily and with little effort, without running the risk of soiling themselves.Another advantage of these length dimensions is that a spirally pre-formed supply cable can also be easily cleaned without great effort and without jamming.
[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a cleaning sleeve is provided for a supply cable having a connecting line. In other words, the cleaning sleeve is designed for mounting on a supply cable having a connecting line. The cleaning sleeve has a housing and at least one cleaning element arranged inside the housing. It is provided that the housing has at least a first housing part, at least one second housing part, and at least one holding element. The housing is designed to enclose the supply line at least partially in its circumferential direction. Furthermore, it is provided that the second housing part and / or the first housing part can be locked when the housing is closed. This makes it possible to prevent unintentional opening of the housing.Advantageously, the holding element is designed to captively surround the connecting line along the circumferential direction. The holding element is firmly connected to the first housing part or the second housing part. This prevents the housing from becoming detached from the connecting line. In particular, the holding element can thus be arranged captively on the connecting line. For this purpose, the connecting line can be guided through a through-opening in the holding element in particular in order to achieve said captivity. In particular, the holding element prevents the cleaning sleeve from becoming unintentionally detached from the connecting line when the cleaning sleeve is mounted on the connecting line. The holding element is preferably designed to enclose the connecting line and then release it in order to detach the cleaning sleeve from the supply line when this is explicitly desired.For example, the retaining element can be spiral-shaped or formed from separate elements that are arranged in a ring shape and overlap in the circumferential direction of the ring, but are spaced apart in the axial direction or can be elastically removed from one another. Another possibility for disassembling the cleaning sleeve from the state mounted on a connecting supply line is to remove the connecting line by separating the connecting line and the primary connector or secondary connector and then passing the primary connector-side or secondary connector-side end of the connecting line through the retaining element. In this case, the retaining element can, for example, be rigid and have an opening, for example a bore, through which the connecting line is or can be guided.
[0032] The at least one cleaning element is arranged inside the housing and can therefore be received by the housing or accommodated in its interior. The cleaning element can preferably come into direct contact with the connecting line at least in sections and thus enables cleaning of the connecting line when mounted on the connecting line. The second housing part is preferably designed to be movable relative to the first housing part in order to allow access to the cleaning element. The cleaning element can therefore be removed by opening the housing and, for example, cleaned itself. Replacing the cleaning element is also simple and inexpensive. The cleaning sleeve enables simple and quick cleaning of the connecting line as soon as it is mounted on the connecting line. To do this, the cleaning sleeve only needs to be guided along the connecting line.Because the cleaning sleeve has a housing, the user does not come into contact with the cleaning element or the connecting line when guiding the cleaning sleeve, thus preventing the user from becoming dirty during cleaning. In addition to cleaning the connecting line, the connecting line can also be at least partially dried by wiping off any water, snow, mud, or moisture.
[0033] Particularly advantageously, the first housing part and / or the second housing part, preferably the entire housing of the cleaning sleeve, is made of plastic or comprises plastic for the most part. This simplifies the manufacture of the cleaning sleeve and reduces its manufacturing costs. A plastic with low thermal conductivity is preferred in order to enable easy operation of the cleaning sleeve even in colder seasons, without a user's hand that is holding the cleaning sleeve cooling down due to the cleaning sleeve. It can be provided that a part of the housing, e.g. the holding element, at least partially comprises a magnetic material (such as steel or iron or the like) or comprises a (permanent) magnet. Short description of the drawing
[0034] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a supply cable, Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a cleaning sleeve of the supply cable according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a cross section through a cleaning sleeve in a closed state according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a cleaning sleeve of the supply cable according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 a schematic view of a first alternative of a cleaning element of the cleaning sleeve of the supply cable according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 6 a schematic view of a second alternative of a cleaning element of the cleaning sleeve of the supply cable according to an embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of the invention
[0035] All figures are merely schematic representations of the device according to the invention or its components according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, distances and size relationships are not shown to scale in the figures. Corresponding elements in the various figures are provided with the same reference numbers.
[0036] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 12, which is, for example, a hybrid or electric vehicle and which has an energy storage device 11. The energy storage device 11 is to be charged here, for example, via a power supply device 16. The power supply device 16 in the Fig. In the case shown in Figure 1, this can be, for example, a wallbox that enables charging with three-phase alternating current, or a continuous voltage source, such as a household socket such as a Schuko socket, which enables single-phase charging, for example. A supply cable 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is provided to connect the energy supply device 16 and the energy storage device 11 or vehicle 12.
[0037] The supply cable 10 has a primary connector 14 and a secondary connector 15, wherein Fig. 1 various variants of the secondary connector 15 are shown. Between the primary connector 14 and the secondary connector 15 there is a supply line or connecting line 13. The primary connector 14 serves for the electrical connection to the vehicle 12 and specifically to the energy storage device 11. Depending on its design, the secondary connector 15 serves for the connection to the various types of energy supply device 16 or a consumer 19. In the case that the secondary connector 15 is designed for connection to a consumer 19 (shown here as an example in the form of a hairdryer), the secondary connector 15 can be, for example, a Schuko socket. In this case, electrical energy is taken from the vehicle 12 or its energy storage device 11. It is understood that the electrical consumer can also be a power grid, so that electrical energy from the vehicle 12 can be fed back into the power grid. In this case, for exampleA Schuko plug or a Type 2 charging plug for plugging into a wallbox serves as the secondary connector 15. It is further understood that the electrical consumer can also be another vehicle that is supplied with electricity or electrical energy from the vehicle 12. In this case, the secondary connector 15 can be designed, for example, analogously to the primary connector 14.
[0038] The primary connector 14 has a vehicle connection 14A, which is provided for the indirectly or directly detachable wireless or wired electrical connection to the vehicle 12 or the energy storage device 11.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary connector 14 also has an additional connection 9, via which a wireless and / or wired electrical connection can be established directly or indirectly in a detachable manner with an additional coupling 5 of the connecting line 13. In an alternative embodiment, the additional connection 9 and the additional coupling 5 can be omitted, so that the connecting line 13 is attached directly to the primary connector 14 and cannot be separated from it without causing damage.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the supply cable 10 can be coupled to various types of secondary connectors 15. Each secondary connector 15 has an infrastructure connection 1 and a cable connection 2, wherein the infrastructure connection 1 is designed for electrical connection to the energy supply device 16 or the consumer 19. The cable connection 2 serves for connection to the connecting line 13. For this purpose, the connecting line 13 has, for example, a coupling 6, wherein the coupling 6 and the cable connection 2 are detachably electrically connectable. The secondary connectors 15 can thus be replaced easily and with little effort by merely breaking the connection between the coupling 6 and the cable connection 2. In principle, supply cables 10 are of course also conceivable in which the secondary connector 14 is non-detachably connected (i.e.: cannot be removed without causing damage) to the connecting line 13.
[0041] In Fig. 1 top right shows that the infrastructure connection 1 can also be designed for connection to a consumer 19, e.g. by the infrastructure connection 1 or the secondary connector 15 being designed as a Schuko socket or as a three-phase socket. Fig. 1 center right shows that the infrastructure connection 1 of the secondary connector 15 in an alternative embodiment can be, for example, a Type 2 connection for connection to a charging station or wall box (here, for example, a current flow from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or from the vehicle 12 to the infrastructure connection 1 is possible). Fig. 1 bottom right shows an example of how the infrastructure connection 1 of the secondary connector 15, in an alternative embodiment, can be a Schuko plug for connection to a household socket (here, too, for example, a current flow is possible from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or from the vehicle 12 to the infrastructure connection 1). A secondary connector 15 for connecting to another vehicle is also possible in principle, but is not shown here.
[0042] In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting line 13 has only electrical conductors between the coupling 6 and the additional coupling 5, which establish an electrical connection between the coupling 6 and the additional coupling 5. These electrical conductors are, for example, copper conductors or aluminum conductors, or they are made of another material with high electrical conductivity and have electrical insulation. All electrical conductors are, for example, combined in one strand and preferably have a common sheath, which serves both as electrical insulation and as mechanical protection. Preferably, in this exemplary embodiment, no active or passive electrical components are provided in the connecting line 13. All logical components or logic modules (e.g., microprocessors, ASICs, etc.)) and in particular active or passive electrical components are either part of the primary connector 14 and / or part of the secondary connector 15. This means that the connecting line 13 can advantageously be manufactured cost-effectively. An ICCB (an in-cable control box) can therefore expressly be dispensed with in this exemplary embodiment. This means that the supply cable 10, despite its adaptability shown here (various secondary connectors 15 can be optionally connected), can be provided in a cost-effective, compact, simple, space-saving and lightweight manner. Omitting an ICCB not only reduces the weight, costs and handling, but also complex quality inspections and load tests, since it is not necessary to secure the sensitive electronics of the ICCB, for example, against being run over by other vehicles, e.g. trucks. This also advantageously reduces the risk of people tripping.It is understood that in other embodiments an ICCB may be provided, which is then arranged, for example, within the connecting line 13.
[0043] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a cleaning sleeve 17 of the supply cable 10, which is provided for cleaning the connecting line 13. In particular, the cleaning sleeve 17 enables the removal of foreign bodies 30 on the connecting line 13, wherein these foreign bodies can be, for example, dust and / or dirt and / or mud and / or snow and / or water and / or ice or the like. To remove these foreign bodies 30, the cleaning sleeve 17 simply needs to be guided along an extension direction 200 of the connecting line 13.
[0044] The cleaning sleeve 17 has a housing 18, wherein the housing 18 has at least a first housing part 21, at least a second housing part 22 and at least one holding element 23. In Fig. 2, for example, a holding element 23 is provided at each distal end of the housing 18.
[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section through the cleaning sleeve 17 in the closed state. For reasons of clarity, the connecting line 13 is not shown here.
[0046] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the cleaning sleeve 17 with the housing 18 open, again without the connecting line 13 for reasons of clarity. The details of the embodiments of the cleaning sleeve shown are explained below with reference to the Fig. 2 to 4.
[0047] At least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is arranged inside the housing 18, wherein Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, two cleaning elements 20A, 20B are shown. By way of example, it is provided here that a first cleaning element 20A is assigned to the first housing part 21 and a second cleaning element 20B is assigned to the second housing part 22. The respective cleaning elements 20A, 20B are preferably attached to the respectively assigned housing part 21, 22.
[0048] The housing 18 is designed such that it at least partially encloses the supply line 13 in its circumferential direction 100. The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B comes into direct contact with the connecting line 13, at least partially. If the cleaning sleeve 17 is guided along the connecting line 13, the connecting line 13 is cleaned by the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B. The housing 18 separates the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B from a user's hand, preventing contamination of the user by foreign bodies.
[0049] When the housing 18 is closed, the second housing part 22 and / or the first housing part 21 can be locked, so that in the locked state, unintentional opening of the housing 18 is not possible. In this case, for example, the first housing part 21 can be locked to the second housing part 22 or to the holding element 23. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the second housing part 22 can be locked to the first housing part 21 or to the holding element 23. In principle, it is also conceivable for locking to be effected by, for example, slipping a locking ring or a locking sleeve over the first and second housing parts 21, 22. Thus, the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is also held in the housing 18. Removal or unintentional slipping out of the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is thus prevented. If at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is to be removed, the housing 18 must be opened.For this purpose, the second housing part 22 is preferably hinged to the first housing part 21 via a hinge 25, in particular a film hinge. This prevents the first and second housing parts 21, 22 from becoming separated from each other.
[0050] The cleaning sleeve 17 is preferably attached to the connecting line 13 in a captive manner. The previously described holding element 23 is provided for this purpose. In this exemplary embodiment, the holding element 23 captively surrounds the connecting line 13 along the circumferential direction 100. This is achieved, for example, by the holding element 23 being annular and the connecting line 13 being guided through the opening of the annular shape of the holding element 23. The holding element 23 is also firmly connected to the first housing part 21 or the second housing part 22. As a result, the entire housing 18 is attached to the connecting line 13 in a captive manner. Separating the cleaning sleeve 17 from the connecting line 13 is still possible. For this purpose, only one end of the connecting line 13 needs to be guided through the opening of the annular shape of the holding element 23. Fig. 2, two holding elements 23 are shown as examples at the distal ends of the housing 18. In Fig. 4, only a single retaining element 23 is shown by way of example. Alternatively, a retaining element 23 is arranged at each end of the first housing part 21 or at each end of the second housing part 22 in the extension direction 200 of the connecting line 13.
[0051] If the cleaning sleeve 17 is not required, it can be coupled in a parked position to the primary connector 14 and / or the secondary connector 15 or to the coupling 6 or the additional coupling 5. In these cases, the parked position is assigned to the secondary connector 15 or the primary connector 14. It is particularly advantageous if the cleaning sleeve 17 can be fastened to the primary connector 14 and / or the secondary connector 15 (or to the coupling 6 or the additional coupling 5) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, in particular via a magnetic force. In this way, the cleaning sleeve 17 is fixed when not in use and does not hinder a user when handling the supply cable 10 as such, for example when electrically connecting the vehicle 12 and the power supply device 16. For example, a connector housing 31 of the primary connector 14 and / or the secondary connector 15 (orThe additional coupling 5 and / or coupling 6 can have a housing recess 32 at an end facing the connecting line 13, which is designed to at least partially accommodate the cleaning sleeve 17 in the parked position and, in particular, to hold it in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For example, this can be achieved via an oversize between the housing 18 and the housing recess 32 or via a bayonet lock or screw lock. A magnetic mount is also possible.
[0052] The housing 18 of the cleaning sleeve can be made of plastic, for example, or comprise predominantly plastic. Along the extension direction 200 of the connecting line 13, the dimensions of the housing 18 are, for example, between 8 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 20 cm. Thus, the cleaning sleeve 17 is easy to handle and prevents contact between a user and the foreign bodies 30 when guiding the cleaning sleeve 17 along the connecting line 13.
[0053] The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is preferably a sponge element 26 (cf. Fig. 5) and / or a brush element 27 and / or a rag or a rag element, wherein in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a brush element 27 is shown as a cleaning element 20A, 20B. The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B has, for example, a recess 28 in which the connecting line 13 is guided or can be guided. In the variant according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, each of the cleaning elements 20A, 20B has its own recess 28 in the shape of half a cylinder, here circular, whereby these recesses 28 complement each other to form a complete cylinder when the housing 18 is closed. This provides direct contact between the two cleaning elements 20A, 20B. In the closed state and with the connecting line 13 passed through, the cleaning elements 20A, 20B can directly contact an outer side of the connecting line 13 and thereby clean it.
[0054] Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the cleaning element 20A, 20B. In Fig. 5, in addition to the cleaning element 20A, 20B shown, the first housing part 21 and the second housing part 22 as well as the connecting line 13 are schematically indicated. Here, the recess 28 of the cleaning element 20A, 20B is funnel-shaped at least toward a housing wall 29 at a distal end of the housing 18, with the enlargement of the funnel diameter occurring toward the distal ends of the housing 18. Fig. 5, a funnel shape of the recess 28 is shown towards both opposite housing walls 29 at the distal ends of the housing 18. The housing walls 29 are those walls of the housing 18 at which the connecting line 13 can enter or exit the cleaning sleeve 17. In this variant, the cleaning element 20A, 20B can also be divided into two parts (viewed along the circumferential direction), as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. A one-piece design is also possible.
[0055] In addition, the cleaning element 20A, 20B has different elements along the recess 28, i.e., along an axial direction 300 of the housing 18, which is preferably parallel to the extension direction 200. Starting from the housing walls 29 at the distal ends of the housing 18, viewed toward the interior, at least one brush element 27 is provided first, followed by at least one sponge element 26 or a cloth element. Thus, rough cleaning is initially performed by the brush element 27, followed by fine cleaning by the sponge element 26. This enables complete and comprehensive cleaning. It also prevents coarse dirt from damaging the sponge element 26, which would lead to rapid wear of the cleaning element 20A, 20B.
[0056] Preferably, depots 24 are also provided in the cleaning element 20A, 20B, which serve to collect captured foreign bodies 30. Alternatively or additionally, at least one depot 24 can also be formed in the housing 18. In the illustrated embodiment, one annular depot 24 is provided in each of the two brush elements 27 and two annular depots 24 are provided in the sponge element 26.
[0057] Foreign bodies 30 collected by the connecting line 13 can be collected in the depot 24. The foreign bodies can thus be removed from the cleaning sleeve 17 easily and with minimal effort. Furthermore, clogging of the cleaning element 20A, 20B is avoided, so that the cleaning element 20A, 20B has an extended service life. Necessary cleaning to remove foreign bodies from the cleaning sleeve 17 is thus only required at longer intervals.
[0058] The depots 24 are in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the depots 24 are provided on a side of the sponge element 26 or the brush elements 27 opposite the connecting line 13, so that the foreign bodies 30 can reach the depots 24 through a porosity of the sponge element 26 or through the brushes of the brush elements 27. Alternatively to the ring shape of the depots 24, a ring segment shape can also be provided.
[0059] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further alternative embodiment of the cleaning element 20A, 20B. Here, the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B has two depots 24 which are in direct contact with the connecting line 13. The connecting line is in Fig. 6 schematically indicated. Alternatively, only a single depot 24 or a larger number of depots 24 can be provided. The cleaning element 20A, 20B in this embodiment is, for example, a sponge element or a brush element, which is inserted into the housing 18 as in the Fig. 2 to 4 shown can be used.
[0060] Should the connecting cable 13 become dirty during use of the supply cable 10, for example, because it is located on muddy ground during a charging process of a vehicle 12, the cleaning sleeve 17 can be used for quick and easy cleaning of the supply cable 10. This prevents contamination of the interior of the vehicle 12, especially if the supply cable 10 is to be stowed in the trunk of the vehicle 12 for continued travel.
Claims
[1] Supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12), in particular an energy storage device (11) of a vehicle (12), to a power supply device (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a consumer (19) requiring electrical energy, the supply cable (10) comprising -- a connecting line (13), -- a primary connector (14) which can be electrically coupled or is coupled to the connecting line (13) and has a vehicle connection (14A) for detachable electrical connection to the vehicle (12), in particular the energy storage device (11), -- a secondary connector (15) which can be electrically coupled or is coupled to the connecting line (13) and has a secondary connection (1) which is provided for detachable electrical connection to the power supply device (16) or to the electrical consumer (19), -- a cleaning sleeve (17) with a housing (18) and at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) arranged inside the housing (18), -- wherein the housing (18) has at least a first housing part (21), at least a second housing part (22) and at least one holding element (23), -- wherein the housing (18) encloses the connecting line (13) at least in sections in its circumferential direction (100), -- wherein the second housing part (22) and / or the first housing part (21) can be locked in a closed state of the housing, -- wherein the holding element (23) surrounds the connecting line (13) along the circumferential direction (100) in a captive manner, -- wherein the holding element (23) is fixedly connected to the first housing part (21) or the second housing part (22), wherein the cleaning sleeve (17) can be coupled to the primary connector (14) and / or the secondary connector (15) in a parking position. [2] Supply cable (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning sleeve (17) is designed to be guided along an extension direction (200) of the connecting line (13) in order to receive foreign bodies (30), in particular dirt and / or dust and / or snow and / or moisture, via the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B). [3] Supply cable (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) and / or the housing (18) has a depot (24) in which foreign bodies (30) picked up by the connecting line (13) can be collected. [4] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) comprises a sponge element (26) and / or a brush element (27) and / or a rag element. [5] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) has a recess (28) in which the connecting line (13) is guided. [6] Supply cable (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the recess (28) is funnel-shaped at least towards a housing wall (29). [7] Supply cable (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the cleaning element (20A, 20B) along the recess (28) viewed from the housing wall (29) towards the interior initially comprises at least one brush element (27) and subsequently at least one sponge element (26) or a rag element. [8] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (23) captively encloses the connecting line (13) in its circumferential direction (100) and is in particular annular. [9] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a holding element (23) is arranged at one end of the first housing part (21) or at one end of the second housing part (22) in the direction of extension (200) of the connecting line (13). [10] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing part (22) is hingedly mounted on the first housing part (21) via a hinge (25), in particular a film hinge. [11] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning sleeve (17) can be fastened to the primary connector (14) and / or the secondary connector (15) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, in particular via a magnetic force. [12] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a connector housing (31) of the primary connector (14) and / or the secondary connector (15) has a housing recess (32) at an end facing the connecting line (13), which is designed to receive the cleaning sleeve (17) at least in sections and in particular to hold it in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [13] Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (18) has a dimension between 8 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 20 cm, along the extension direction (200) of the connecting line (13). [14] Cleaning sleeve (17) for a supply cable (10) having a connecting line (13), the cleaning sleeve (17) having -- a housing (18) and at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) arranged inside the housing (18), -- wherein the housing (18) has at least a first housing part (21), at least a second housing part (22) and at least one holding element (23), -- wherein the housing (18) is designed to enclose the connecting line (13) at least in sections in its circumferential direction (100), -- wherein the second housing part (22) and / or the first housing part (21) can be locked in a closed state of the housing, -- wherein the holding element (23) is designed to surround the connecting line (13) along the circumferential direction (100) in a captive manner, and -- wherein the holding element (23) is fixedly connected to the first housing part (21) or the second housing part (22), wherein the cleaning sleeve (17) can be coupled in a parking position to a primary connector (14) and / or a secondary connector (15) of the supply cable (10).