Charging plugs for the transmission of electrical energy and electrical signals

Abstract

A charging plug for transmitting electrical energy and electrical signals is proposed. This plug includes a charging cable (1), with the charging plug located at one end of the charging cable (1). The charging cable (1) further includes at least one cable-side data line (2), the cable-side data line (2) being made of an electrically conductive material and extending from one end of the charging cable (2) to the other end. According to the invention, at least one optical transmitter (10) for converting electrical signals into optical signals and / or for converting optical signals into electrical signals is arranged in the charging plug (1) and is connected to the cable-side data line (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging connector for transmitting electrical energy and electrical signals. Such charging connectors are frequently required for electrically powered vehicles. For example, such charging connectors are found as connectors on a charging cable for establishing an electrical connection between the charging infrastructure and the vehicle.

[0002] There are various types of charging plugs available, which can vary regionally and / or functionally. A common type is standardized by IEC 62196.

[0003] Corresponding charging plugs contain various cable connections and can be inserted into suitable charging sockets or inlets to create an electrically conductive transition from the charging infrastructure or vehicle to the charging cable.

[0004] The cables of the charging plug include cables for transmitting electrical power (power cables) as well as cables for transmitting electrical signals (data cables), for example for communication and / or setting purposes.

[0005] Communication between charging infrastructure and electric vehicles is known to enable not only simple payment processing (plug and charge), but also the adaptation of the charging process to the current load of the supply grid. Currently, broadband communication between charging infrastructure and electric vehicles is carried out using Powerline Communication (PLC), as described in DIN 15118, on one of the data lines, namely the Control Pilot (CP). Implementing PLC involves considerable effort, both on the hardware and software side.

[0006] A corresponding charging plug with a known design is known, for example, from EP2487839A1. This discloses power lines and data lines in a charging cable with a charging plug.

[0007] However, PLC communication is subject to physical limitations. For example, data transmission can only reach a certain speed due to the mechanical coupling between the charging plug and charging socket. Furthermore, mechanical stress affects the quality of signal transmission.

[0008] For this purpose, CN105336417A discloses the use of optical cables for signal transmission in the charging cable. However, this requires special charging cables with fiber optic cables.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to disclose a charging plug that enables high data transmission speeds with respect to the connected data lines and is subject to as little mechanical stress as possible during plugging and unplugging of the charging plug. Furthermore, such a charging plug should be compatible with previously known charging plugs and sockets.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0011] For this purpose, the charging plug according to the invention includes a charging cable to which the charging plug is attached. In a particular embodiment, two charging plugs can also be arranged on the charging cable, one at each end of the charging cable.

[0012] The charging cable contains at least one data line, which runs continuously from one end of the charging cable to the other. This data line is made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper.

[0013] According to the invention, the charging plug contains an optical transformer that can convert electrical signals into optical signals or vice versa. If multiple cable-side data lines are used, the charging plug can also contain multiple optical transformers, preferably one transformer per data line.

[0014] The signal on the cable-side data line is then picked up by the optical transformer and converted into an optical signal, which can be forwarded from the charging plug to the corresponding charging socket or inlet. The corresponding charging socket or inlet can then be designed to process optical signals or also contain an optical transformer, which can then convert the optical signals back into electrical signals for further use, for example, in the vehicle's on-board electronics. This is then done via additional data lines in the vehicle.

[0015] Conversely, the signal on the vehicle's data line can then be picked up by the vehicle's optical transformer and converted into an optical signal, which can then be forwarded from the inlet or charging socket to the corresponding charging plug. Likewise, if the vehicle's on-board electronics are designed for optical signals, these can be routed to the inlet or charging socket without a transformer. The corresponding charging plug then receives the optical signals via the optical transformer in the vehicle's plug and converts them back into electrical signals for forwarding in the charging cable via the cable-side data line.

[0016] Accordingly, bidirectional communication with optical transmission between the charging plug and the charging socket or inlet can be ensured. The charging cable itself can be of conventional design.

[0017] By using optical transceivers, broadband communication between charging infrastructure and electric vehicles can be realized. This requires less effort than PLCs and does not require an additional connector. Bidirectional signal transmission occurs purely optically via a defined air gap at the interface between the charging plug and the charging inlet or charging socket.

[0018] The charging cable can contain multiple power lines. These power lines can conduct electrical energy from one end of the charging cable to the other and transfer it to the charging inlet or charging socket via corresponding contacts at the charging plug. This electrical energy is used to charge energy storage devices.

[0019] Furthermore, the charging cable can include conventional communication lines. These communication lines can also transmit electrical signals in the charging plug via corresponding contacts to the inlet or charging socket.

[0020] These contacts make it possible to use a conventional charging plug, which is then enhanced with optical data transmission via an optical transformer. The charging cable itself remains compatible with conventional charging cables, and the charging plug can also be used in conventional inlets or charging sockets.

[0021] When the charging plug is inserted into an inlet or charging socket, the aforementioned contacts can then engage with corresponding mating contacts. The mating contacts are preferably designed as sockets. The engagement of the contacts with the mating contacts enables an electrical connection between each contact and the corresponding mating contact.

[0022] Furthermore, the charging plug can be designed to mechanically engage with a corresponding inlet or charging socket. A mechanical connection can be established between the charging plug and the charging socket or inlet. This mechanical connection is intended to ensure that the contacts are released from contact with the mating contacts during a charging process.

[0023] A lock, screw connection or magnetic holder can be used as a mechanical connection.

[0024] The optical transmitter can be designed to have a transmitting / receiving unit. This transmitting / receiving unit is then configured to receive and / or transmit optical signals. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit can be designed as a lens that feeds the optical signals to the optical transmitter or is transmitted by it.

[0025] The transmitting / receiving unit can be part of the optical transmitter and even form a structural unit with it. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit can also be implemented as an external optical element. The transmitting / receiving unit can also include an amplifier to amplify the optical signals. An external optical element can ensure precise alignment of the optical signals between the charging plug and the inlet or charging socket.

[0026] After establishing the mechanical connection between the charging plug and the inlet or charging socket, the transmitting / receiving unit of the optical transmitter in the charging plug should be aligned with the optical transmitter or the transmitting / receiving unit in the inlet or charging socket. For this purpose, after establishing the mechanical connection between the charging plug and the inlet or charging socket, the transmitting / receiving unit of the optical transmitter can be in contact with the transmitting / receiving unit in the inlet or charging socket.

[0027] As an embodiment, the cable-side data line can establish an electrical connection with at least one of the communication lines. The data line can even be formed integrally with one of the communication lines. In other words, one of the communication lines can be used as the cable-side data line according to the invention.

[0028] Further features are shown in the attached drawings. They show: Fig. 1: Concept of optical data transmission using the example of a connection between a charging plug and an inlet of a vehicle. Fig. 2: Example position of the transmitter / receiver unit in the charging plug.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a charging plug with a connected charging cable 1. The charging cable contains a cable-side data line 2 and two cable-side power lines 3. The two power lines are each electrically connected to a contact 4 in the charging plug.

[0030] Opposite the charging plug 1 is a vehicle-side inlet 6, which can be considered a mating connector or charging socket. The inlet 6 contains mating contacts 9, which can establish an electrical connection with the contacts 4. The mating contacts 9 are electrically connected to additional power lines 8, which can conduct electrical energy, for example, into a vehicle.

[0031] An optical transceiver 10, preferably for broadband communication, is used in the charging connector 1 and inlet 6. Instead of using a complex PLC via a conventional data line, e.g., the CP (control pilot), the data is transmitted via at least one data line 2 within the charging cable. This data line 2 is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the optical transceiver 10.

[0032] The electrical insulation of the interface between charging plug 1 and inlet 6 is designed in such a way that downward compatibility with commercially available charging plugs 1 and inlets 6 is ensured and the plug face of charging plug 1 and inlet 6 remains unchanged.

[0033] The respective optical transmitter 10 then converts the electrical signals from the data lines 2, 7 into optical signals and / or vice versa, which can be transmitted and / or received via the respective optical transmitter 10 or a dedicated transmitting / receiving unit. The data required for the charging process is thus transmitted between the charging plug 1 and the inlet 6 as an optical data transmission 5.

[0034] Due to optical data transmission, no additional electrical insulation is required. Furthermore, the PE (protective earth as a potential power conductor) is not needed as a return conductor.

[0035] The embodiment of the Fig. Figure 1 shows the concept of optical broadband data transmission using the example of the connection point between the charging cable and inlet 6. In addition to the contacts 4, 9 for energy transmission, there is an optical transformer 10 for optical data transmission 5 in both the charging plug 1 and the inlet 6.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows the connector face of a charging connector 1. The charging connector 1 contains two communication lines (CP, PP) and five power lines (L1, L2, L3, N, PE). The power lines are each electrically connected to a contact 4 in the charging connector 1.

[0037] An optical transmitter (transceiver) 10, preferably for broadband communication, is used in the charging connector 1. Instead of using a complex PLC via a conventional data line, e.g., the CP (control pilot), the data is transmitted via at least one data line 2 within the charging cable. This data line 2 is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the optical transmitter 10.

[0038] The electrical insulation of the interface between charging plug 1 and inlet 6 is designed in such a way that downward compatibility with commercially available charging plugs and inlets 6 is ensured and the plug face of charging plug 1 and inlet 6 remains unchanged.

[0039] The respective optical transmitter 10 then converts the electrical signals from the data lines 2, 7 into optical signals and / or vice versa, which can be transmitted and / or received via the respective optical transmitter 10 or a dedicated transmitting / receiving unit. The data required for the charging process is thus transmitted between the charging plug 1 and the inlet 6 as an optical data transmission 5.

[0040] Due to optical data transmission, no additional electrical insulation is required. Furthermore, the PE (protective earth as a potential power conductor) is not needed as a return conductor.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned features. Further embodiments are conceivable. For example, one of the communication lines (CP, PP) can be coupled to the data line. Likewise, an air gap can be provided between the optical transmitters in the charging plug and inlet for optical data transmission. Furthermore, a test data transmission before the actual charging process can be used to perform the positioning and / or alignment of optical transmitters or transmit / receive units, and charging is only enabled upon successful data transmission. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 charging plug 2 data lines (cable side) 3 power lines (cable side) 4 contacts (cable side) 5 Optical data transmission 6 Inlet 7 Data line 8 power lines 9 counter contacts 10 Optical transformer QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2487839A1

[0006] CN 105336417A

[0008]

Claims

[1] Charging plug (1) for the transmission of electrical energy and electrical signals, with a charging cable, wherein the charging plug (1) is arranged at one end of the charging cable, with at least one cable-side data line (2) in the charging cable, wherein the cable-side data line (2) consists of an electrically conductive material and is led from one end of the charging cable to the other end, characterized by , that at least one optical transmitter (10) for converting electrical signals into optical signals and / or for converting optical signals into electrical signals is arranged in the charging plug (1), which is connected to the cable-side data line (2). [2] Charging plug (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat at least two cable-side power lines (3) are arranged in the charging cable and the cable-side power lines (3) consist of an electrically conductive material and are led from one end of the charging cable to the other end. [3] Charging plug (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the cable-side power lines (3) contain five lines (L1, L2, L3, N, PE). [4] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that communication lines (CP, PP) are arranged in the charging cable. [5] Charging plug (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the cable-side communication lines (CP, PP) in the charging plug (1) are electrically connected to cable-side contacts (4). [6] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the cable-side power lines (3) in the charging plug (1) are electrically connected to cable-side contacts (4). [7] Charging plug (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the cable-side contacts (4) are designed to engage with corresponding mating contacts (9) in order to establish an electrical connection. [8] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the charging plug (1) is designed to engage in a corresponding inlet (6) in order to establish a mechanical connection. [9] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the optical transmitter (10) has a transmitting / receiving unit which is designed to transmit and / or receive optical signals. [10] Charging plug (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat after the mechanical connection between inlet and charging plug (1) has been established, the transmitting / receiving unit of the optical transmitter (10) is arranged in the charging plug in such a way as to be positioned in line of sight with another transmitting / receiving unit of the inlet (6). [11] Charging plug (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that after the mechanical connection between inlet and charging plug (1) has been established, the transmitting / receiving unit of the optical transmitter (10) is in contact with the further transmitting / receiving unit of the inlet (6). [12] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized by that at least one of the communication lines (CP, PP) has an electrical connection with the cable-side data line (2). [13] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized by that the cable-side data line (2) and the cable-side communication line (CP) are designed as a single piece. [14] Charging plug (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by that the charging plug (1) comprises a locking option in order to be able to mechanically lock and position it with an inlet (6). [15] System with a charging plug (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and an inlet (6), with an electrically conductive cable, wherein the inlet (6) is arranged at one end of the cable, with at least one data line (7) in the cable, wherein the data line (7) consists of an electrically conductive material and is led from one end of the cable to the other end, characterized by , that at least one optical transmitter (10) for converting electrical signals into optical signals and / or for converting optical signals into electrical signals is arranged in the inlet (6), which is connected to the data line (7)

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