Connector for a supply cable and supply cable for a vehicle

Abstract

Connector (14, 15) for a supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to a power supply device (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a consumer (19) requiring electrical energy, the connector (14, 15) comprising: -- a terminal (1, 14A) for electrical connection to a counter-terminal (33), wherein the counter-terminal (33) is provided in particular on the vehicle (12) and / or the energy supply device (16) and / or the consumer (19), -- a coupling (2, 9) for separable electrical connection to a connecting line (13), -- an actuating unit (20) which is designed to be actuated by the counter-connector (33) when the connection (1, 14A) is coupled to the counter-connector (33), in particular to be actuated purely mechanically, -- a locking unit (21) by means of which a connection of the coupling (2, 9) to the connecting line (13) can be locked when the actuating unit (20) is actuated, wherein the locking is effected in particular by a mechanical, preferably purely mechanical, coupling between the actuating unit (20) and the locking unit (21), wherein the coupling (2, 9) can be plugged together and / or unplugged with a counter-coupling (5, 6) of the connecting line (13) along a connection direction (100), wherein the locking unit (21) has at least one blocking element (26) which can be displaced transversely to the connecting direction (100) for locking, wherein the locking unit (21) has a deflection element (27), wherein the deflection element (27) is designed to convert a movement of the deflection element (27) along the connecting direction (100) into a displacement of the blocking element (26) transversely to the connecting direction (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for a power cable. The invention further relates to a power cable for electrically connecting a vehicle, in particular an energy storage device of a vehicle, wherein the connection can be established in particular with a power supply device and / or with a consumer. State of the art

[0002] Various approaches are known from the state of the art for electrically charging 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. The vehicle can be connected to the charging infrastructure, for example, using a supply cable (often referred to as a charging cable). The supply cable usually has a connecting line or supply line as well as a vehicle-side connector and an infrastructure-side connector. The connectors are also commonly referred to as charging plugs. For example, such charging stations are implemented as charging posts 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 could be a (e.g. 230V) Schuko socket or a socket designed according to other regional standards or customs, whereby a three-phase connection may also be provided. In this case, the connecting line of the charging cable's supply cable usually has an integrated control unit, which has so far often been implemented as an in-cable control box (ICCB), and which is arranged between the two connectors within the connecting line. This integrated control unit is used to communicate with the vehicle and to enable and adjust the charging current, since a Schuko socket, unlike a charging station or wall box, does not usually have a communication line via which the vehicle can communicate with the energy supply device. In another, more modern embodiment, this control unit is relocated to one or more of the connectors.

[0003] For flexible use, e.g., for optional connection to a wall box or a household socket, the supply cable can be designed such that different types of connectors can be connected to at least one end of the connecting cable. For this purpose, the interchangeable connectors can have a coupling at one end, and the connecting cable can have a complementary mating coupling, allowing for rapid replacement of the connectors.

[0004] Such a supply cable with various connectors is known from DE 10 2021 203 363 A1.

[0005] DE 10 2012 020 641 A1 discloses an adapter for electrical connection to a plug and a socket. The adapter has a movably mounted securing element which can be moved from a first position to a second position by plugging the adapter into the socket. The plug connection between the plug and the adapter can only be established when the securing element is arranged in the first position. The securing element arranged in the second position is designed, on the one hand, to prevent the plug connection between the plug and the adapter from being established and, on the other hand, is designed to engage, in particular in a form-fitting manner, in a recess in the plug in such a way that it is not possible to separate the plug connection between the plug and the adapter which was already established before the securing element was moved.The invention also relates to a plug for electrical connection to the adapter.

[0006] From DE 10 2018 100 827 A1, a charging cable for an electric car is known with the following features: The charging cable comprises an insulating body, a plug connector with contact pins and contact openings, and a connecting cable; and the plug connector detachably connects the insulating body to the connecting cable via the contact pins and contact openings.

[0007] DE 10 2009 058 614 A1 discloses a method for connecting an electric-drive vehicle to a power supply network. The vehicle is connected to a first end of an electrical line, and a second end of the line is connectable to the power supply network via a detachable connection. In the method, an operating state of the vehicle, for example, a locking state of a vehicle's central locking system, is automatically detected. Depending on the detected operating state, the connection between the second end of the line and the power supply network is automatically mechanically locked to prevent the second end of the line from becoming disconnected from the power supply network.

[0008] From DE 20 2010 013 055 U1 a charging cable-side plug part of an electrical plug connection of a vehicle is known.

[0009] A system for electrically charging electrically powered vehicles is known from US 2021 / 0 354 575 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The invention is based on the recognition that detaching a connector coupled to the connecting line while current is flowing through the supply line can be undesirable, as this could result in an abrupt power interruption. Furthermore, replaceable connectors are valuable and expensive. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that an unauthorized person could detach the coupling and steal the connector and / or the connecting line, for example, while charging a vehicle—or discharging the vehicle, for example, to operate an electrical device—in a public space.

[0011] There may therefore be a need to provide a connector that can be coupled to a connecting line by means of a coupling and in which detachment of the coupling is prevented unless the owner or user expressly requests it. Furthermore, there may be a need to prevent the coupling of the connector from detaching from the connecting line when the connector is connected to the mating connector (e.g., a charging socket of a vehicle, a charging socket of a power supply device, a junction box of an electrical consumer, etc.), thereby reducing the risk of an abruptly disconnected power line.Similarly, there may be a need to provide a supply cable with interchangeable connectors, in which decoupling of one of the interchangeable connectors from the connecting line is only possible if this is authorized by the user and / or in which decoupling of one of the interchangeable connectors from the connecting line is not possible when the connector is coupled to the corresponding mating connection (e.g. vehicle charging socket, etc.). Advantages of the invention

[0012] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector for a supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle to a power supply device providing electrical energy and / or to a consumer requiring electrical energy is proposed. Such a supply cable can, for example, have a connecting line.

[0014] The connector has a terminal for electrical connection to a mating terminal. The mating terminal is provided in particular on the vehicle and / or the power supply device and / or the consumer. Furthermore, the connector has a coupling for detachable electrical connection to a connecting line, e.g., the power cable.

[0015] The connector also has an actuating unit designed to be actuated by the mating connection when the connection is coupled to the mating connection. The actuating unit is preferably designed to be actuated purely mechanically. Furthermore, the connector has a locking unit by which a connection of the coupling to the connecting line can be locked or is locked or is locked when the actuating unit is actuated or is actuated. The locking is effected in particular by a mechanical, preferably purely mechanical, coupling between the actuating unit and the locking unit.

[0016] The connector is thus designed to be electrically coupled to the vehicle and / or the energy supply device and / or the consumer. For this purpose, a connection must be established between the terminal of the connector and the mating terminal. Once such a connection has been established, in particular by mechanically connecting the terminal and mating terminal, for example by means of a plug-in connection, the actuating unit is or will be actuated. This results in the connection between the coupling and the connecting line being locked by the locking unit. This prevents the connector from being separated from the connecting line. The coupling is blocked or the release of the coupling is blocked.

[0017] Preferably, a mechanical connection between the coupling and the connecting line can be independent of the locking by the locking unit. For example, a bayonet lock can be provided to connect the coupling and the connecting line. The locking unit can block the bayonet lock itself, so that actuation of the bayonet lock is no longer possible. Likewise, a locking between the coupling and the connecting line can be independent of the bayonet lock, so that even when the bayonet lock is open, separation of the coupling and the connecting line is not possible. In any case, the coupling and the connecting line are prevented from being separated when the connection is connected to the mating connection.

[0018] The locking is preferably implemented purely mechanically. For example, it can be provided that the actuation of the actuating unit provides the necessary movement to perform the locking. This allows the locking to occur entirely without electronic components, which simplifies the design of the connector on the one hand and enables reliable locking on the other. Alternatively, electrical actuators and electrical sensors can also be provided to enable and / or support the locking.

[0019] The connector according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to prevent an unintentional or intentional (but e.g. inappropriate and / or not desired by the owner of the connector) interruption of a supply cable or an intentional (but e.g. inappropriate and / or not desired by the owner of the connector) or unintentional decoupling of the connector from the connecting line. To this end, it is particularly provided that the connector cannot be separated from a connecting line of the supply cable when the connector is or was connected to a vehicle and / or an energy supply device and / or a consumer. The connector makes it possible to construct a supply cable in a variable yet secure manner and with only a low risk of theft. The supply cable can therefore have various applications, such as charging a vehicle with a single-phase connection via a household socket or with a three-phase connection via a charging station.The vehicle itself can also be used as an energy source for a consumer. This variability requires that a connector can be separated from the supply line and replaced by another connector. The connector according to the invention prevents such separation when the connector is already connected to the vehicle and / or the energy supply device and / or the consumer and thus an electric current is flowing through the supply cable or could flow at any time. This prevents separation under current load, which could lead to arcing and / or damage to the supply cable. Furthermore, the risk of theft of parts of the supply cable is advantageously prevented. Such separation of the connector and connecting line can be prevented as soon as the actuating element has been actuated, even if, for example, the connector is subsequently no longer connected to the mating connection.the element that triggers the actuation no longer contacts or actuates the actuation unit. In the latter case, it can be provided that unlocking the lock is only possible using a special or individual unlocking device, such as a key, a code, etc.

[0020] The term “comprise” is used in the context of this application as a synonym for the term “comprise”, unless otherwise stated.

[0021] The subclaims contain preferred developments of the invention.

[0022] In a further development, it is provided that the connection is arranged or provided at a connection end of the connector and that the coupling is arranged or provided at a coupling end of the connector. The coupling end can preferably be arranged or located at an end of the connector facing away from the connection end. The actuating unit is arranged at the connection end. It is also preferably provided that the locking unit is arranged at the coupling end. The actuating unit can thus be actuated directly upon connection to the mating connection. The locking unit can act directly on the coupling and / or the connecting line. The structure of the connector is thus optimized or simplified.

[0023] In a further development, the actuating unit has a pin that can be moved from a first position to a second position. The pin can be moved into the second position to actuate the actuating unit, i.e., the actuating unit is or will be actuated when the pin is or will be moved into the second position.

[0024] The pin can be reset to the first position, for example, by means of a spring force. For this purpose, a spring can be provided on or in the connector, which is directly or indirectly coupled to the pin.

[0025] Moving the pin to the second position can, for example, correspond to moving the pin into a housing of the connector.

[0026] In this way, a simple and reliable indicator is advantageously created as to whether a connection exists between the connection end and the mating connection, or whether the connector is electrically and / or mechanically coupled to the mating connection. This also advantageously enables automatic locking of the coupling during a connection process between the connector and the mating connection. In this way, a purely mechanical locking mechanism can be provided in a particularly advantageous, cost-effective and robust manner. If the pin is in the first position, where it is preferably guided or held by the spring without external forces - in the purely exemplary case of spring loading - the locking unit does not lock the connection between the coupling and the connecting line. The connector can be separated from the connecting line.If, on the other hand, the pin is moved from the first position to its second position, it can be assumed that there is a connection between the connection end and the mating connection, which is why the coupling and connecting line are locked or will be locked by the locking unit when the actuating unit is actuated. Separating the connector and connecting line is not possible. This system can also be advantageously designed to be tamper-proof, for example by attaching the pin in such a way that actuation always occurs when the connection end and the mating connection or the connector with the mating connection is connected. This means that separating the connector and connecting line is only possible when there is no connection between the connection end and the mating connection and therefore no current can flow through the supply cable and in particular from the coupling in the connecting line or vice versa.

[0027] It is understood that once a locking mechanism has been established, it is not necessarily released simply by the pin being moved back from its second position to the first position, e.g., after the connector has been detached from the mating connection. While such an automatic mechanism can be provided, as explained above, it is also possible that an unlocking means and / or an unlocking procedure must be used for unlocking. This advantageously provides a simple and cost-effective way of preventing, for example, theft or unintentional detachment of the connector (and dropping it), e.g., after the charging process has ended and the connector has been detached from the power supply device.

[0028] In a further development, it is provided that the connection, in particular at the connection end, advantageously has at least one contact pin or a contact blade or generally a contact element, in particular a male contact element. The contact pin or the contact element serves for the electrical connection to the mating connection. The actuating unit has at least one displacement body which at least partially surrounds the at least one contact pin or the contact element in its circumferential direction and which can be displaced from a first (displacement body) position to a second (displacement body) position along a longitudinal direction of the contact pin or the contact element for actuating the actuating unit.

[0029] For example, it can advantageously be provided that the mating connection engages around the contact pin in its circumferential direction. The contact pin can preferably only be engaged, preferably over at least a predefined length in the longitudinal direction of the contact pin, if the displacement body is displaced (e.g., in the direction of the second (displacement body) position).

[0030] In other words, this ensures that the displacement body is displaced and the actuating unit is actuated as the connection or connector is or will be connected to the mating connection. The electrical connection between the connection and the mating connection is therefore accompanied by an actuation of the actuating element, which also locks the connection between the coupling and the connecting line. The electrical connection between the connector and the mating connection (e.g. on the energy supply device and / or the vehicle and / or the consumer) is thus made concurrently or simultaneously with the locking of the coupling. This advantageously prevents any unintentional or intentional (but undesired or inappropriate) loosening or separation of the connector from the connecting line in a state in which electrical current can flow through the coupling point.

[0031] According to the invention, the coupling can be plugged together and / or unplugged from a mating coupling of the connecting line along a connecting direction. The locking unit preferably has at least one blocking element which, for locking purposes, can be displaced essentially transversely or perpendicularly to the connecting direction (by "essentially transversely" it can be understood, for example, as a range of + / -30° or + / -45° relative to the perpendicular direction with respect to the connecting direction), in particular in order to establish a positive and / or frictional and / or force-locking connection between the coupling and the mating coupling for locking purposes.

[0032] The coupling can thus be plugged together with the mating coupling to create a mechanical connection on the one hand, and an electrical connection on the other. In addition, the described positive and / or frictional and / or force-locking connection is provided by the at least one blocking element, which creates a locking effect. Thus, this locking effect must be released by the blocking element in order to separate the mechanical and electrical connection between the coupling and the mating coupling.

[0033] This advantageously allows the coupling and mating coupling to be particularly compact along the longitudinal direction or the connecting direction. This is because the locking essentially occurs transversely to the connecting direction. In other words, essentially orthogonal spatial directions are advantageously used for the electrical coupling and the (mechanical) locking of the coupling and mating coupling. This can also ensure that, when tensile stress is applied between the connector and the connecting cable at the coupling point along the connecting direction, there is little or no movement between the electrical contact elements of the connector and the corresponding contact elements of the connecting cable. This reduces wear on the contact points.

[0034] According to the invention, it is provided that the locking unit has a deflecting element, wherein the deflecting element is designed to convert a movement of the deflecting element along the connecting direction into a displacement of the at least one blocking element (essentially) transversely to the connecting direction.

[0035] The deflection element can, for example, have a bevelled or conical surface.

[0036] This advantageously allows movement of the actuating unit to be used directly to displace at least one blocking element. This also allows multiple blocking elements to be displaced easily and with minimal effort. The design of the locking unit is thus simple and cost-effective. Furthermore, this advantageously allows a robust, in particular purely mechanical (e.g., without electrical actuation) design and / or coupling of the actuating unit, deflection element, and blocking element or locking unit to be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0037] In a further development, it is provided that the at least one blocking element has at least one ball guided in a channel. For example, multiple balls may also be provided, with multiple balls in each channel and / or multiple channels each containing at least one ball.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the at least one blocking element has at least one bolt guided in a channel. For example, multiple bolts may also be provided, with multiple bolts in the channel and / or multiple channels each having at least one bolt.

[0039] By displacing the at least one ball and / or the at least one bolt, the connection between the coupling and the counter-coupling can be locked easily, with low friction and reliably.

[0040] It can merely be provided, for example, that the at least one ball and / or the at least one bolt engages in a corresponding undercut or in a corresponding recess (e.g. arranged in the counter-coupling) and in this way prevents a release of the connection between the coupling and the counter-coupling along the connection direction or already prevents an actuation of the coupling or the counter-coupling (e.g. pressing an unlocking element, turning an unlocking sleeve, etc.).

[0041] In a further development, it is provided that the actuating unit and the locking unit are mechanically coupled via a coupling element.

[0042] The actuating unit and locking unit are mechanically coupled in such a way that actuation of the actuating unit causes locking of the coupling and connecting line.

[0043] The coupling can be done via a push rod and / or a cable guided in a hose (e.g. like a Bowden cable) but also pneumatically or hydraulically or similar.

[0044] It can be provided, for example, that actuation of the actuating unit directly or indirectly causes locking of the coupling and connecting line (or of the coupling and counter-coupling).

[0045] Thus, through the mechanical coupling of the actuating unit and the locking unit, an actuation of the actuating unit can be converted into a locking by the locking unit.

[0046] This advantageously provides a locking mechanism that is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture - in particular, it is purely mechanical and thus independent of an electrical supply. Furthermore, the locations of actuation (e.g. at the connection end) and the location of locking (e.g. at the coupling end) can be spatially separated from one another. It is particularly advantageous to enable such spatial separation and purely mechanical actuation of the locking unit even with a non-linear, straight shape of the connector (e.g., a housing), but also to adapt the mechanical force transmission, for example, to a curved shape of the connector.

[0047] As a purely exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that a pin and / or displacement body, as described above, rests on a stop on the mating connection, while the connector is connected to the mating connection. The pin and / or the displacement body is displaced from the first position (first (pin) position or first (displacement body) position) to the second position (second (pin) position or second (displacement body) position), while the connection is fully connected to the mating connection, for example by being inserted into one another or plugged together. This relative displacement of the pin and / or the displacement element is converted into a displacement of the locking element or of an element, e.g. the previously described deflection element, in the locking element via a push rod and / or a Bowden cable and / or a hydraulic line or the like. The displacement of the element in the locking element can then, for example,B. directly effect a locking, e.g. in that one end of the push rod and / or the Bowden cable itself engages behind an undercut or engages in a recess or in that the push rod and / or the Bowden cable and / or the hydraulic line actuates a further element which, for example, engages behind the undercut or the like or engages in a recess. Alternatively or additionally, a locking is effected at least indirectly in that, for example, the deflection element displaces a further element such as the previously described blocking elements, ie the at least one ball and / or the at least one bolt, outwards and in this way an undercut is engaged or these elements engage in a recess or the like.

[0048] In a further development, the locking unit is designed to establish electrical contact between the connecting line and the connector when the actuating unit is actuated. In particular, the electrical contact between the connecting line and the connector is interrupted when the actuation of the actuating unit is canceled.

[0049] This advantageously provides an additional safety function in addition to the locking function, as electrical contact between the coupling and the connecting cable is only established when it is actually needed or when use is expected. Connecting the coupling and the connecting cable, however, initially only results in a mechanical connection between the connector and the connecting cable; an electrical connection is only established when the mechanical connection between the connector and the connecting cable is also locked or is being locked.

[0050] In a further development, the connector comprises a biometric sensor. The locking unit is configured to release the locking of the coupling with the connecting line (only) when the actuating element is not actuated and (simultaneously) authentication has been performed via the biometric sensor.

[0051] The biometric sensor can simply be designed as a fingerprint sensor, for example.

[0052] In addition to protecting the connector from being disconnected under current load, this also advantageously provides a theft prevention function when the connector is no longer connected to the vehicle, the power supply device, and / or the consumer. Only authorized persons can disconnect the connector from the connecting cable once the lock is present or established. In other words, to release the lock, the biometric sensor must first be released, and the actuating unit must not be actuated. The actuating unit and the release via the biometric sensor can be operatively linked. In one advantageous embodiment, the actuating unit remains actuated until release via the biometric sensor occurs, regardless of the loss of any other actuation.The release can, for example, also occur before any other actuation is no longer carried out and, in particular, remain valid for a predefined period of time (for example, a few seconds (e.g., less than 30 seconds) or a few minutes (e.g., less than 3 minutes)), whereby it can be provided that the predefined period of time is freely configurable by a user. If any other actuation is no longer carried out within this period, the actuating unit goes into the non-actuated state - and the locking is released. For example, the previously described pin and / or the previously described displacement element and / or the blocking element and / or the deflection element are held in the displaced (locking) position until release is carried out by the biometric sensor. Thus, disconnecting the connection from the mating connection alone cannot cancel the locking.In an alternative embodiment, the release by the biometric sensor can act on the locking unit independently of the actuation of the actuating unit. In this case, for example, a displacement of the actuating unit itself or as such is not influenced by the release by the biometric sensor, but the locking by the locking unit can only be released if both a release by the biometric sensor is present and, in addition, the actuating unit is not actuated. Following the previously mentioned example of the pin and / or displacement element, in this embodiment a re-displacement of the pin and / or the displacement element takes place, whereby the locking by the locking unit remains in place until the release occurs by the biometric sensor.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the invention, a supply cable is proposed.

[0054] 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 to 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 first connector and / or a second connector. The first connector is in particular a connector as described above and is preferably used to connect the supply cable to a mating connection of a vehicle.The second connector is also in particular a connector as described above and is preferably used to connect the supply cable to a mating connection of a power supply device and / or a mating connection of a consumer. In addition, the supply cable has a connecting line which is or can be electrically connected to the first connector and / or the second connector. The first connector and / or the second connector can be electrically coupled to the connecting line, for example in the manner of an exchangeable adapter, or is coupled, for example, in a way that cannot be removed without destruction. The first connector can also be referred to, for example, as a charging plug if the supply cable is used in the function of a charging cable. The first connector preferably has a vehicle connection for the detachable electrical connection to the mating connection of the vehicle, in particular the energy storage device.The second connector can be electrically coupled to the connecting cable, e.g. in the manner of an exchangeable adapter, or is coupled, e.g. in a manner that cannot be removed without destruction, and is intended for detachable electrical connection to the energy supply device (which has, e.g. a TYPE 2 connection or a household socket or other types of counter-connections) or to the electrical consumer.

[0055] This advantageously ensures that a flexibly deployable supply cable can be provided for various infrastructure (counter) connections and / or consumer (counter) connections and / or vehicle (counter) connections (such as Type 1, Type 2, Combo, CHAdeMO, Tesla Supercharger, household plug, CCE connection or the like), without the user having to carry a separate supply cable for each connection type. At the same time, this advantageously ensures that the connection between the first and / or second connector on the one hand and the connecting line cannot be released, at least in a state in which the connector is coupled or electrically connected to the counter connection, so that abrupt separation under load is avoided. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents theft protection for the connector or the connecting line as such by releasing or disconnecting the coupling.is opened and the connector or the connecting cable initially connected to it is stolen without authorization. Short description of the drawing

[0056] 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 diagram of a connector of a supply cable, Fig. 3 a schematic illustration of a locking unit of a connector, Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of an actuating unit of a connector of a supply cable, Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a connector of a supply cable, and Fig. 6 a schematic diagram of the locking unit of a connector of a supply cable. Embodiments of the invention

[0057] All figures are merely schematic representations. In particular, distances and size relationships are not shown to scale. Corresponding elements in the different figures are provided with the same reference numbers.

[0058] 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 an energy supply device 16. The energy 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.

[0059] The supply cable 10 has a (primary) connector 14 and a (secondary) connector 15, wherein Fig. 1 different variants of the (secondary) connector 15 are shown.

[0060] In the following, the description of Fig. 1, the connectors 14 and 15 are preceded by the prefix "(Primary)" and "(Secondary)" respectively to clarify their function and for greater clarity. Otherwise, the application always refers only to "connectors," which includes primary connectors and secondary connectors.

[0061] A supply line or connecting line 13 is provided between the (primary) connector 14 and the (secondary) connector 15. The (primary) connector 14 serves for the electrical connection to the vehicle 12 and specifically to the energy storage device 11. The (secondary) connector 15 serves, depending on its design, 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 configured 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 example,A 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, the (primary) connector 14 also has a first coupling 9, via which a wireless and / or wired electrical connection with a first mating coupling 5 of the connecting line 13 can be established directly or indirectly in a detachable manner. Preferably, the first coupling 9 and the first mating coupling 5 are arranged along a connection direction 100 (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) can be plugged into one another or coupled or plugged together. In an alternative embodiment, the first coupling 9 and the first counter-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.

[0064] 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 second coupling 2, wherein the infrastructure connection 1 is designed for electrical connection to the energy supply device 16 or the consumer 19. The second coupling 2 serves for connection to the connecting line 13. For this purpose, the connecting line 13 has, for example, a second mating coupling 6, wherein the second mating coupling 6 and the second coupling 2 are detachably electrically connectable, in particular along a connection direction 100 (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) can be plugged into one another or coupled or plugged together. Thus, the (secondary) connectors 15 can be replaced easily and with little effort by simply breaking the connection between the second mating coupling 6 and the second coupling 2. Supply cables 10 are also conceivable in which the (secondary) connector 14 is permanently connected (i.e., cannot be removed without causing damage) to the connecting line 13.

[0065] 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). In Fig. 1 bottom right shows, by way of example, that 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 from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or from the vehicle 12 to the infrastructure connection 1 is possible). A (secondary) connector 15 for connecting to another vehicle is also possible in principle, but is not shown here.

[0066] In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting line 13 has only electrical conductors between the first mating coupling 5 and the second mating coupling 6, which establish an electrical connection between the first mating coupling 5 and the second mating coupling 6. 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 on the one hand as electrical insulation and on the other hand 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, as described by way of example in DE 10 2021 203 363 A1. As a result, 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. As a result, the supply cable 10, despite its adaptability shown here (various (secondary) connectors 15 can be optionally coupled), can be provided in a cost-effective, compact, simple, space-saving and lightweight manner. Omitting an ICCB not only reduces weight, costs and handling, but also complex quality checks and load tests, since it is not necessary to secure the sensitive electronics of the ICCB, for example, against being driven 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.

[0067] Fig. 2 schematically shows a connector 14, 15 according to an embodiment of the invention. The connector 14, 15 can be either a (primary) connector 14 or a (secondary) connector 15 as previously described. The connector 14, 15 has a connection end 31 and a coupling end 32, wherein the coupling end 32 here, for example, faces away from the connection end 31. At the connection end 31, the connector 14, 15 can be connected to a mating connection 33. The mating connection 33 is provided on the vehicle 12 and / or on the energy supply device 16 and / or on the consumer 19. If the mating connection 33 is provided on the vehicle 12, the connector 14, 15 is a (primary) connector 14, so that the vehicle connection 14A is provided at the connection end 31. In this case, the first coupling 9 is provided at the coupling end 32.If the counter-connection 33 is provided on the energy supply device 16 and / or on the consumer 19, the connector 14, 15 is a (secondary) connector 15, and the infrastructure connection 1 is provided on the connection end 31. In this case, the second coupling 2 is provided on the coupling end 32.

[0068] If the infrastructure connection 1 or vehicle connection 14A of the connector 14, 15 is connected to the mating connection 33, electrical contact pins 24 or contact elements (in the case of a wired connection) come into electrical contact with the mating connection or its contact elements in order to transmit electrical energy. The contact elements can generally be male or female contact elements. This connection can be locked via a locking device 34 to prevent the connector 14, 15 and the mating connection 33 from being separated. This is particularly advantageous during charging processes of the energy storage device 11 of the vehicle 12 with high currents, since separation under current load can lead to arcing and damage to the connector 14, 15 and / or the mating connection 33. In addition, the supply line 10 or at least the connector 14, 15 is protected from theft.To prevent a separation between the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6, which would lead to the same problems, the connector 14, 15 is designed to lock this connection as well. For this purpose, an actuating unit 20 is provided at the connection end 31, which is designed to be actuated by the mating connection 33 when the connection 1, 14A is coupled to the mating connection 33, in particular to be actuated purely mechanically. Furthermore, a locking unit 21 is provided at the coupling end 32, by means of which a connection of the coupling 2, 9 to the connecting line 13 can be locked when the actuating unit 20 is actuated. The locking is effected here, for example, by a mechanical, here for example purely mechanical, coupling between the actuating unit 20 and the locking unit 21.

[0069] The actuating unit 20 has a pin 22 that can be moved between a first position and a second position. The pin 22 can be automatically returned or reset to the first position via a spring element 22A, provided here as an example. In order to be moved from the first position to the second position, the pin 22 must be moved, here: pressed, into a housing 23 of the connector 14, 15 against an elastic restoring force, i.e. spring force, of the spring element 22A. If the pin 22 is in the second position, the actuating unit 20 is actuated. If the pin 22 is in the first position, the actuating unit 20 is not actuated.

[0070] The pin 22 is particularly attached to the infrastructure connection 1 and / or vehicle connection 14A of the connector 14, 15 and is thus located in the immediate vicinity of the contact pins 24 or the contact elements. Connecting the infrastructure connection 1 and / or the vehicle connection 14 to the mating connection 33 activates the actuating unit 20, i.e., moves the pin 22 into the second position within the housing 23. When this connection is broken, the pin 22 is (automatically) moved back to the first position by the spring element 22A.

[0071] However, it can also be provided that the pin 22 does not automatically return to the first position upon separation (although the spring element 22A tends to push it back there). This can be achieved, for example, by a locking element or a mechanical and / or electrical lock that prevents the pin 22 from returning to the first position until this lock is released by an unlocking element (e.g., a key, etc.). In this case, the locking is triggered by actuating the actuating element, but is not automatically released again when the activation is terminated.

[0072] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the locking unit 21, where Fig. 3 a sectional view through the locking unit 21 along the Fig. 2. The locking unit 21 has at least one blocking element 26, wherein in the embodiment shown, several blocking elements 26 are present. The blocking elements 26 are, for example, several balls guided in different channels 28. Alternatively, one or more bolts can be provided in each channel 28 instead of the balls.

[0073] The locking unit 21 also has a deflection element 27 with a preferably conical surface 27A. The deflection element 27 is designed to convert a movement of the deflection element 27 along the connecting direction 100 into a displacement of the blocking elements 26 in a transverse direction 200 transverse to the connecting direction 100. This occurs via the conical surface 27A, which leads to a movement of the blocking elements in the transverse direction 200 when the deflection element 27 is moved along the connecting direction 100. The transverse direction 200 is in particular a radial direction with respect to the connecting direction 100. The blocking elements 26 are held on the deflection element 27, for example, by magnetic force or pressed against the deflection element 27 by an external force, for example via a spring (not shown). If the coupling 2, 9 is connected to the counter-coupling 5, 6, the displacement of the blocking elements 26 leads radially outwards, iealong the transverse direction 200, at least some of the blocking elements 26 protrude from the coupling 2, 9 in the transverse direction 200 and cause the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 to be locked. This can be achieved, for example, by frictional forces of the blocking elements 26 on the connecting line 13 and / or by a positive connection of at least some of the blocking elements 26 with the mating coupling 5, 6, although other locking mechanisms are also conceivable. In the case of the positive connection, it is provided, for example, that at least some of the blocking elements 26 engage in recesses in the mating coupling 5, 6, whereby an undercut is formed which prevents a relative movement of the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 along the connecting direction 100.

[0074] It is understood that the blocking elements 26 can also be displaced in a direction other than the transverse direction 200 to effect locking. For example, a deviation from the transverse direction 200 of up to + / -30° or even up to + / -45° can be provided.

[0075] The actuating unit 20 and the locking unit 21 are mechanically coupled via a coupling element 29. The coupling element 29 extends in particular between the pin 22 of the actuating unit 20 and the deflection element 27 of the locking unit 21. The coupling element 29 is in particular a push rod and / or a cable guided in a hose, for example a Bowden cable, although a hydraulic line or the like is also conceivable. This ensures that a displacement of the pin 22 of the actuating unit 20 (or an actuation of the actuating unit 20) causes a movement of the deflection element 27 and thus a locking of the coupling 2, 9 and counter-coupling 5, 6 or of the coupling 2, 9 and connecting line 13. The coupling element 29 enables a transmission of the forces with as little friction as possible in a simple manner.the displacement path of the pin 22 also along the curved shape of the connector 14, 15 up to the locking unit 21 or the deflection element 27.

[0076] It should be noted that the deflection element 27 does not represent an essential element of the invention and is shown here only as an example of a possible embodiment.

[0077] This interaction of actuating unit 20 and locking unit 21 results in the connection of coupling 2, 9 and mating coupling 5, 6 being locked, and disconnection of connector 14, 15 and connecting line 13 is not possible when infrastructure connection 1 and / or vehicle connection 14A is connected to mating connection 33. This prevents the supply cable 10 from being disconnected, particularly under current load, and the connecting line 13 from being stolen as long as the connector 14, 15 is connected to the mating connection 33.

[0078] Preferably, the mechanical connection between coupling 2, 9 and mating coupling 5, 6 can be independent of the locking by the locking unit 21. For example, it can be provided that a bayonet lock is provided for connecting coupling 2, 9 and connecting line 5, 6. The locking unit 21 can block the bayonet lock itself, so that actuation of the bayonet lock is no longer possible, or a locking independent of the bayonet lock can take place between coupling 2, 9 and mating coupling 5, 6, so that even when the bayonet lock is open, separation of coupling 2, 9 and mating coupling 5, 6 is not possible as long as the locking is activated. In any case, this prevents coupling 2, 9 and mating coupling 5, 6 from being separated when infrastructure connection 1 and / or vehicle connection 14A is connected to mating connection 33.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which a displacement element 25 is provided instead of the pin 22. The displacement element 25 surrounds a contact pin 24 or a contact element at least partially or in sections in its circumferential direction 300 and is displaceable along a longitudinal direction 400 of the contact pin 24. Analogous to the pin 22, the displacement element 25 is provided to be displaceable between a first (displacement element) position and a second (displacement element) position, wherein the actuating unit 20 is actuated when the displacement element 25 is displaced into the second (displacement element) position. By means of a spring device (not shown), the displacement element 25 can be returned to the first (displacement element) position analogous to the pin 22.

[0080] If the contact pin 24 or the contact element is connected to a mating contact element 24A (here a female mating contact element), which is the case when establishing the connection between infrastructure connection 1 and / or vehicle connection 14A and the mating connection 33, the contact pin 24 is, for example, inserted into the mating contact element 24A. However, this can only occur if the mating contact element 24A simultaneously displaces the displacement element 25 along the longitudinal direction 400 and thus transfers it into the second (displacement element) position. This actuates the actuating element 20, and locking by the locking unit 21 can occur analogously to that described above. A coupling element 29 can also be provided here. In this case, the coupling element 29 couples, for example, the displacement element 25 and the deflection element 27.

[0081] The advantage of this design is, on the one hand, that the displacement element 25 does not protrude beyond the housing 23 like the pin 22 and is thus protected. Furthermore, it is tamper-proof because the displacement element 25 must allow access to the periphery of the contact pin 24 in order to establish an electrical connection with the mating contact element 24A. An electrical connection is therefore inevitably accompanied by actuation of the actuating unit 20 and thus by locking of the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6. Also, compared to the pin 22, the locking mechanism cannot be triggered as easily, for example, by actuating the actuating element or the actuating unit 20 with a finger, even though the connector has not yet been connected to the mating terminal 33.

[0082] Fig. 5 also shows an embodiment that can be combined with all other embodiments as described in this document. Here, a biometric sensor 30 in the form of a fingerprint sensor is provided. The locking unit 21 is designed to release the locking of the coupling 2, 9 with the mating coupling 5, 6 or the connecting line 13 (only) when, on the one hand, the actuating element 20 is not actuated and, on the other hand, authentication has taken place via the biometric sensor 30. Thus, in addition to protecting against separation of the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 under power load, a theft prevention function is also realized. Only authorized persons can separate the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 as soon as the locking is present. In principle, such authorization can also be carried out in other embodiments using a key that is inserted into a corresponding lock (orof a release element into a complementary receptacle for the release element) or by entering a code or a face scan, if an optical sensor (such as a camera) is provided on the connector 14, 15, or the like.

[0083] The actuating unit 20 and the release via the biometric sensor 30 (or the other authentication means listed above as examples) can be operatively connected or alternatively act separately on the locking unit 21.

[0084] Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, the actuating unit 20 remains actuated, regardless of the absence of any other actuation, until release occurs via the biometric sensor 30 (or another authentication means). For example, the pin 22 and / or the displacement element 25 are held in the second position until release occurs via the biometric sensor 30 (or another authentication means). For this purpose, an additional actuator can be provided that acts on the coupling element 29 and / or the deflection element 27 and / or on the displacement element 25 and / or on the pin 22 (in the case of a mechanical key-lock means, the pin 22 can, for example, also mechanically latch onto an undercut by having, for example, a type of latching lance or a snap hook or the like, which is then unlocked by the key and enables the pin 22 to be moved back to the first position).Thus, disconnecting the infrastructure connection 1 and / or vehicle connection 14A from the mating connection 33 alone cannot cancel the locking by the locking unit 21.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the release by the biometric sensor 30 can act on the locking unit 21 independently of the actuation of the actuating unit 20. In this case, the actuating unit 20 itself is not influenced by the release by the biometric sensor 30 (or another authentication means), ie: for example, the pin 22 can automatically return to the second position at any time after the connection between connector 14, 15 and mating connection 33 is released, and thus also the deflection unit or the deflection element 27. However, the locking by the locking unit 21 can only be canceled if both a release by the biometric sensor 30 (or the authentication means) is present and the actuating unit 20 is not actuated.For example, in this embodiment, the pin 22 and / or the displacement element 25 are moved back to the first position when the infrastructure connection 1 and / or the vehicle connection 14A is disconnected from the mating connection 33. However, the locking by the locking unit 21 remains in place until release occurs by the biometric sensor 30 (or by another authentication means). This can be achieved, for example, by not rigidly connecting the pin 22 and / or the displacement element 25 to the coupling element 29, but rather only allowing the transmission of compressive forces. Thus, the pin 22 and / or the displacement element 25 can be moved to the first position without moving the deflection element 27.For this purpose, for example, an actuator can act on the coupling element 29 and / or the deflecting element 27 and prevent the locking from being released until it is released by the biometric sensor 30. Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least one blocking element 26 remains in its blocking position regardless of the position of the deflecting element 27 until it is released from this position by the authentication means (here, too, locking at an undercut, which is then released, or a lock by an actuator or a magnetic force or the like is possible).

[0086] In Fig. Finally, another alternative is shown in Figure 6. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows that when coupling 2, 9 and counter-coupling 5, 6 are connected along the connection direction 100, electrical contact elements 13A (see Fig. 3) the coupling 2, 9 with electrical counter contact elements 13B (see Fig. 2) of the counter-coupling 5, 6 come into electrical contact. In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, this is not the case. Here, the electrical contact elements 13A and the electrical mating contact elements 13B remain separate, even when the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 are connected to one another. Electrical contact is only established when the locking unit 21 locks; in particular, electrical contact is only established when the actuating unit 20 is actuated. When the actuation of the actuating unit 20 is canceled, the electrical contact between the connecting line 13 and the connectors 14, 15 is interrupted, for example.

[0087] For example, it is provided here that the deflecting element 27 not only displaces the blocking elements 26 in the transverse direction 200 but also displaces or elastically deforms the electrical contact elements 13A in the transverse direction 200. The electrical contact elements 13A are preferably electrically insulated from the deflecting element 27 and / or the deflecting element 27 has an electrically insulating coating and / or is made of electrically insulating material. Due to the elastic deformation, the electrical contact elements 13A are pressed against the electrical mating contact elements 13B when the deflecting element 27 is displaced in the connecting direction 100. This establishes electrical contact between the electrical contact elements 13A and the electrical mating contact elements 13B.

[0088] This ensures that in order to separate the coupling 2, 9 from the mating coupling 5, 6, an electrical contact is always made first before a mechanical contact can be made. Electrical contact between the connector 14, 15 and the connecting cable 13 only occurs when the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 are locked. If such a lock is not present, there is no electrical contact. This further increases safety to prevent arcing when the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 are separated. Mating of the coupling 2, 9 and the mating coupling 5, 6 can be prevented if, for example, the connector 14, 15 is already connected to the mating connection 33 without the connecting cable 13 being connected to it (e.g. due to the blocking elements 26 projecting radially outwards).

Claims

[1] Connector (14, 15) for a supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to a power supply device (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a consumer (19) requiring electrical energy, the connector (14, 15) comprising: -- a terminal (1, 14A) for electrical connection to a counter-terminal (33), wherein the counter-terminal (33) is provided in particular on the vehicle (12) and / or the energy supply device (16) and / or the consumer (19), -- a coupling (2, 9) for separable electrical connection to a connecting line (13), -- an actuating unit (20) which is designed to be actuated by the counter-connector (33) when the connection (1, 14A) is coupled to the counter-connector (33), in particular to be actuated purely mechanically, -- a locking unit (21) by means of which a connection of the coupling (2, 9) to the connecting line (13) can be locked when the actuating unit (20) is actuated, wherein the locking is effected in particular by a mechanical, preferably purely mechanical, coupling between the actuating unit (20) and the locking unit (21), wherein the coupling (2, 9) can be plugged together and / or unplugged with a counter-coupling (5, 6) of the connecting line (13) along a connection direction (100), wherein the locking unit (21) has at least one blocking element (26) which can be displaced transversely to the connecting direction (100) for locking, wherein the locking unit (21) has a deflection element (27), wherein the deflection element (27) is designed to convert a movement of the deflection element (27) along the connecting direction (100) into a displacement of the blocking element (26) transverse to the connecting direction (100). [2] Connector (14, 15) according to claim 1, wherein the terminal (14, 15) is arranged at a terminal end (31) of the connector (14, 15), wherein the actuating unit (20) is arranged at the connection end (31), wherein the coupling (2, 9) is arranged on a coupling end (32) of the connector (14, 15) facing away from the connection end (31), wherein the locking unit (21) is arranged on the coupling end (32). [3] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating unit (20) has a pin (22) which can be displaced from a first position to a second position, in particular reset to the first position via a spring force, wherein the pin (22) for actuating the actuating unit (20) is displaceable into the second position, in particular into a housing (23) of the connector (14, 15). [4] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal (1, 14A) has at least one contact pin (24), wherein the actuating unit (20) has at least one displacement body (25) which at least partially surrounds the at least one contact pin (24) in its circumferential direction (300) and which can be displaced from a first position to a second position along a longitudinal direction (400) of the contact pin (24) for actuating the actuating unit (20). [5] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (26) is displaceable for locking transversely to the connection direction (100) in order to establish a positive and / or frictional and / or non-positive connection between the coupling (2, 9) and the counter-coupling (5, 6). [6] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflecting element (27) has a bevelled or conical surface (27A). [7] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one blocking element (26) has at least one, in particular several, balls guided in a channel (28) and / or wherein the at least one blocking element (26) has at least one, in particular several, bolts guided in a channel (28). [8] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating unit (20) and the locking unit (21) are mechanically coupled via a coupling element (29), in particular via a push rod and / or a cable guided in a hose and / or a hydraulic line, in such a way that actuation of the actuating unit (20) causes locking of the coupling (2, 9) and the connecting line (13). [9] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking unit (21) is designed to establish an electrical contact between the connecting line (13) and the connector (14, 15) when the actuating unit (20) is actuated, wherein, in particular, when the actuation of the actuating unit (20) is cancelled, the electrical contact between the connecting line (13) and the connector (14, 15) is interrupted. [10] Connector (14, 15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (14, 15) comprises a biometric sensor (30), in particular a fingerprint sensor, wherein the locking unit (21) is designed to release the locking of the coupling (2, 9) with the connecting line (13) when the actuating element (20) is not actuated and authentication has taken place via the biometric sensor (30). [11] Supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to a power supply device (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a consumer (19) requiring electrical energy, comprising: -- a first connector (14) according to one of the preceding claims for connecting the supply cable (10) to a mating terminal (33) of a vehicle (12); and / or -- a second connector (15) according to one of the preceding claims for connecting the supply cable (10) to a mating terminal (33) of a power supply device (16) and / or a mating terminal (33) of a consumer (19); wherein the supply cable further comprises: -- a connecting line (13) which is electrically connected or electrically connectable to the first connector (14) and / or the second connector (15).

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