Electrical connection unit for a charging cable, charging cable and connector adapter

Abstract

Electrical connection unit (100) for a charging cable (8), the electrical connection unit (100) comprising:-- a plug connector (1), the plug connector (1) comprising:---- a first end (2) with a first plug face (3), configured for connection to a first socket (4) with a corresponding first socket shape (5);---- a second end (6) for detachable or non-detachable coupling to a connecting line (7) of the charging cable (8);-- a plug connector adapter (9), the plug connector adapter (9) comprising:---- a coupling (10) for coupling to the first plug face (3);---- a second plug face (11) for connection to a second socket (12) with a second socket shape (13) that is different from the first socket shape (5);wherein the plug connector adapter (9) is coupled to the first plug face (3) of the plug connector (1) by means of the coupling (10). is, in particular, plugged directly onto the first connector face (3),wherein the first plug face (3) has a protective conductor contact (14) and at least two, in particular current-carrying, contacts (15, 16), wherein the second plug face (11) has a further protective conductor contact (17) or a neutral conductor contact and at least two further, in particular current-carrying, contacts (18, 19), and-- wherein the second plug face (11) is offset substantially perpendicular to a mounting direction (M) of the plug connector adapter (9) relative to the coupling (10) in the direction of the second end (6) of the plug connector (1), wherein in particular the coupling (10) and the second plug face (11) overlap by at most 25% of their respective area (FK, F2), and / or-- wherein the at least two further contacts (18, 19) are arranged closer to the second end (6) of the plug connector (1) relative to the at least two contacts (15, 16), and the protective conductor contact (14) is arranged between the at least two contacts (15,16) and the at least two further contacts (18, 19), in particular viewed along a line (L) extending from the first end (2) to the second end (6).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connection unit for a charging cable, a charging cable and a connector adapter. State of the art

[0002] Currently, there is predominantly only one charging cable technology on the market that enables the charging of electric vehicles such as battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, or similar vehicles using a charging cable via a household socket or a socket without control cable(s). The electronics that controls and monitors the entire charging process are located between a vehicle-side plug and a household plug or connector in the middle of a supply line or connecting line of the charging cable in a so-called "In-Cable Control Box" (ICCB).

[0003] US Patent No. 10,749,370 B2 discloses a charging cable in which the entire electronics are integrated into the household connector of the charging cable. However, the design is mechanically unstable because the connection between the cable itself and the housing is located relatively far from the wall. This results in a higher torque acting on the housing or on the plugged-in plug or connector.

[0004] DE 10 2021 203 363 A1 counteracts this disadvantage by, on the one hand, distributing the functions of the electronics controlling the charging process between both connectors (vehicle-side connector and household-side connector), so that the household-side connector is lighter and thus the torque acting on the connector is reduced. DE 10 2021 203 363 A1 and its technical teaching are incorporated in their entirety for the present application.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known that different countries or even the same country can have different types of sockets with different socket shapes. It may be necessary to have a connector with a corresponding plug face for each socket shape. This is particularly pronounced in the USA, for example. In the USA, there are different types of sockets that can be found in a household. For example, a distinction is made between the input voltage of 120 V and 240 V. With regard to charging, equivalent to the input voltage, one speaks of Level 1 charging (in the range of 100 V, e.g. with approx. 120 V) and Level 2 charging (in the range of 200 V, e.g. with approx. 240 V). Furthermore, different socket shapes and corresponding plug faces are provided for different maximum currents; these are known as different NEMA standards and can be found, for example, at https: / / de.wikipedia.org.org / wiki / NEMA-Stecker.

[0006] A charging cable with an in-cable control box is known from US 11 305 657 B2. The charging cable has a plug connector with a first plug face as NEMA 14-50, wherein the plug connector has no or only a few electrical or electronic components, in particular no voltage converter or no power supply and / or no switching unit or no relay. In order to enable connection of the plug connector to a socket with a lower voltage in the 100V range (e.g. 120V) and with a lower maximum current, e.g. to a NEMA 5-15 socket, a plug connector adapter with a coupling and a second plug face is provided, which is mounted on the first plug face by means of the coupling along a mounting direction. It is provided that the second plug face is substantially aligned with the first plug face.

[0007] DE 10 2013 007 330 A1 discloses an interchangeable plug and a parts kit for cross-border electric charging of a means of transport. The interchangeable plug comprises a cable-side receptacle, an infrastructure-side receptacle, a housing, and a control device located within the housing for checking and / or ensuring proper charging operation. The cable-side and infrastructure-side receptacles for contacting the interchangeable plug are located on the housing.

[0008] From DE 10 2022 202 826 A1, a connector is known for a supply cable having a connecting line for electrically connecting a vehicle to a power supply device providing electrical energy and / or to a consumer requiring electrical energy, wherein the connector is configured for connection to the power supply device and / or to the consumer. The connector comprises: a housing with a receptacle, which is configured in particular to receive an interchangeable adapter; an adapter, which is detachably coupled to the receptacle and electrically connected to the connector. The adapter has a first terminal, which is configured to be coupled, in particular electrically and mechanically connected, to a mating terminal of the power supply device or the consumer. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The invention is based on the recognition that the provision of a plurality of household plug connectors with different plug faces requires a lot of space in a user's vehicle, that the user incurs high costs for purchasing the various plug connector types for the various socket types and that, in addition, the quantities of the various connector variants or connector types to be produced are relatively low, which unnecessarily increases the costs and effort for the manufacturers of such connectors. Furthermore, the invention is based on the recognition that the integration of electronic components into the household plug connector leads to increased weight and, because of the necessary accommodation of the electrical and electronic components of the household plug connector, also results in a greater distance between the center of gravity of the (household) plug connector and the socket ora wall or supporting structure in, on, or against which the socket is mounted. This increases the torque acting on the connector or its electrical contacts inserted into the socket, which may lead to unwanted loosening or detachment of the connector from the socket, particularly since the household connector is generally not mechanically locked, compared to, for example, a Type 2 connector that can be plugged into a public charging station.

[0010] There may therefore be a need to provide an electrical connection device for a charging cable, in particular for a charging cable without an ICCB, which enables the mechanical and electrical connection to sockets with different socket shapes in a cost-effective and simple manner and which, when plugged in, is plugged into the socket in use as stably and permanently as possible (in particular without a locking mechanism) and in particular does not easily detach or loosen from the socket, e.g. solely due to the weight of the plug connector and the connecting cable of the charging cable connected to it or due to movements on the charging cable or on the connecting cable. Advantages of the invention

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, an electrical connection unit for a charging cable is proposed.

[0013] The electrical connection unit has a plug connector. The plug connector has a first end or a first section with a first plug face, wherein the first plug face is designed to connect to a first socket having a first socket shape corresponding to the first plug face. The plug connector further has a second end or a second section for detachable or non-detachable coupling to a connecting line of the charging cable. The electrical connection unit also has a plug connector adapter. The plug connector adapter has a coupling for coupling to the first plug face and a second plug face for connecting to a second socket having a second socket shape that is different from the first socket shape. The plug connector adapter is coupled to the first plug face of the plug connector by means of the coupling.can be coupled, wherein the first connector face has a protective conductor contact and at least two, in particular current-carrying, contacts (these are in particular different from the protective conductor contact). The second connector face has a further protective conductor contact or a neutral conductor contact and at least two further, in particular current-carrying, contacts (these are in particular different from the further protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor).

[0014] It is provided that the second connector face is offset substantially perpendicular to a mounting direction of the connector adapter relative to the coupling in the direction of the second end of the connector.

[0015] For example, the coupling of the connector adapter and / or the first connector face and the second connector face can overlap by a maximum of 25% of their respective areas. In other words, a maximum of 25% of the surface of the coupling (and / or the first connector face) overlaps with the surface of the second connector face. At the same time, a maximum of 25% of the surface of the second connector face overlaps with the surface of the coupling (and / or the first connector face).

[0016] This has the advantageous effect that one and the same connector can be connected to different socket types or to sockets with various, differing socket shapes. This saves costs and space in the vehicle, as otherwise a separate connector or even a separate charging cable would have to be provided for each socket type. Furthermore, the axial displacement of the second connector face of the connector adapter relative to the coupling and / or the first connector face of the connector has the advantageous effect that the torque acting on the electrical connection unit is reduced, compared to a state in which the second connector face is essentially aligned with the first connector face. This also reduces the torque of the connector or the electrical connection unit acting on the contacts (e.g. (current-carrying) contacts, protective conductor contact or neutral conductor contact, possibly blind contact(s)) (e.g.a. one lever arm is shortened) and the risk of the connector coming out of the socket or the connection becoming loose is reduced. In particular for connectors that have electrical and / or electronic components, such as a switching unit or at least one relay, sensors, electrical circuits, voltage converters and / or active and / or passive electrical components and are therefore heavier, such a displacement of the second connector face and thus of the pivot point is particularly advantageous compared to a connector adapter whose second connector face is essentially aligned with the first connector face.

[0017] An area of the second plug face can be defined by the shortest line that encircles the other contacts and the protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor contact, or by the shortest line that encircles the structures protruding outwards from a area of the second plug face (in addition to the aforementioned contacts and the protective conductor contact or neutral conductor contact, this can also include, for example, contacts that are intended for a socket type but have no electrical function in a specific design of the electrical connection unit; they can also be referred to as blind contacts, for example). Thus, all contacts lie within the area of the second plug face.

[0018] A surface of the coupling can be defined by the shortest line that encircles the coupling elements with which the contacts and the protective conductor contact of the first connector face are contacted. Thus, all coupling elements lie within the surface of the coupling. The coupling elements or the coupling element can preferably be designed as female contact(s) or male contact(s) if the corresponding contacts or the corresponding contact of the first connector face are designed as male contact(s) or female contact(s).

[0019] Alternatively or additionally (to the offset of the second plug face), it is provided that the at least two further, in particular current-carrying, contacts are arranged closer to the second end of the plug connector relative to the at least two, in particular current-carrying, contacts and the protective conductor contact is arranged between the at least two (in particular current-carrying) contacts and the at least two further (in particular current-carrying) contacts, in particular viewed along a line that extends from the first end to the second end.

[0020] This has the advantageous effect that one and the same connector can be connected to different socket types or to sockets with various, differing socket shapes. This saves costs and space in the vehicle, as otherwise a separate connector or even a separate charging cable would have to be provided for each socket type. Furthermore, the axial displacement of the second connector face of the connector adapter relative to the coupling and / or the first connector face of the connector has the advantageous effect that the torque acting on the electrical connection unit is reduced compared to a state in which the second connector face is essentially aligned with the first connector face. This also reduces the torque of the connector or the electrical connection unit acting on the contacts (e.g. (current-carrying) contacts, protective conductor contact or neutral conductor contact, possibly blind contact(s)) (e.g.a. the lever arm is shortened) and the risk of the connector coming out of the socket or the connection becoming loose is reduced. In particular for connectors that have electrical and / or electronic components, such as a switching unit or at least one relay, sensors, electrical circuits, voltage converters and / or active and / or passive electrical components and are therefore heavier, such a displacement of the second connector face and thus of the pivot point is particularly advantageous compared to a connector adapter whose second connector face is essentially aligned with the first connector face.

[0021] The connector adapter can, for example, be plugged directly onto the first connector face.

[0022] It is understood that the connector adapter can preferably be designed, for example, as a rigid part. The connector adapter can, for example, preferably be designed, for example, as a one-piece element. The connector adapter can, for example, preferably be designed, for example, as a compact element or part. The connector adapter can, for example, have a thickness or depth of at most 7 cm, preferably of at most 5 cm (excluding the second contacts). A (flexible) cable with two connections that have different plug faces or socket shapes, wherein the two connections are height-adjustable relative to one another by means of the (flexible) cable, is preferably not to be regarded as a connector adapter.

[0023] For example, it may preferably be provided that the connector adapter has exactly one single coupling.

[0024] For example, it may preferably be provided that the connector adapter has exactly one single connector face.

[0025] An axial direction can extend, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the connector housing. It can run parallel to a line between the first end and the second end, for example. A radial direction can run perpendicular to the axial direction. A circumferential direction can circumvent the axial direction.

[0026] The mounting direction can be considered, for example, the direction in, along, or parallel to which the connector adapter is mounted, e.g., plugged onto the connector. The mounting direction can, for example, run essentially parallel to the radial direction. In principle, it can also run in any other direction, e.g., parallel to the axial direction.

[0027] The first and second, particularly current-carrying, contacts of the first connector face can be considered, for example, line contacts (as opposed to signal contacts with a lower current-carrying capacity). They have, for example, at least one contact to which a current phase is applied (phase contact) and, for example, at least one contact that serves as a neutral conductor. More than one phase contact can also be provided. For example, a single phase contact or two or three phase contacts and a neutral conductor can be provided.

[0028] It can be provided that the second plug face has a dedicated additional protective conductor contact. In other cases (e.g. in the case of a NEMA 10-30 type) it can be provided that the associated socket, for example, has a neutral conductor and two phase contacts. In this case, for example, the protective conductor contact of the first plug face can be connected to the neutral conductor contact of the second plug face. The two additional contacts can therefore be two contacts which, when connected to the second socket, are connected to phase wires of the second socket. It can be provided that one of these two additional contacts is electrically connected to the neutral conductor via a high resistance (e.g. more than 10 kOhm or more than 100 kOhm or more than 1 MOhm).

[0029] The second connector face of the connector adapter can, for example, have more than three contacts.

[0030] In this case, it can be provided, for example, that at least one of the contacts is designed as a blind contact which does not fulfil any electrical function but is only intended for mechanical support. Such a blind contact does not have to be made of an electrically conductive material, unlike the other contacts and the protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor, but it can also be made of an electrically conductive material. One or more such blind contacts can serve to improve the mechanical plug-in connection and reduce the risk of unwanted detachment or loosening of the plug-in connection of the electrical connection unit from the second socket. Such a blind contact can, for example, be electrically connected to one of the other, in particular current-carrying contacts and / or to the other protective conductor contact.the neutral conductor contact of the second plug face, in particular with the interposition of a high electrical blind contact resistance, e.g. of more than 10 kOhm or more than 100 kOhm or more than 1 MOhm.

[0031] The connector may be a connector with a similar or identical design to the infrastructure-side connector of DE 10 2021 203 363 A1, which is referred to therein as the first connection. However, the connector may have additional electrical and / or electronic components than those mentioned in DE 10 2021 203 363 A1.

[0032] The connector and / or the charging cable can be configured to enable bidirectional power transmission. For example, if power is drawn from a vehicle's energy storage device and fed to a consumer or another vehicle, the energy storage device will ultimately be discharged. The charging cable is therefore essentially a supply cable. For ease of reading, the term "charging cable" is used in the application.

[0033] It can be provided, for example, that the plug connector contains electrical and / or electronic components which safely enable operation with a maximum permitted voltage (e.g. 230V or 250V) and / or a maximum permitted current (e.g. 30A or 50A). It can be provided that, depending on the type of the second socket, the plug connector uses these maximum possible voltage values or current values; however, it can also be the case that the second socket belongs to a type which is assigned a lower maximum voltage (e.g. 110V or 120V or 130V) and / or a lower maximum current (e.g. a maximum of 20A or a maximum of 15A) according to the standard. It can be provided, for example, that the electrical and / or electronic components of the plug connector are designed orare designed to enable safe and reliable operation of the connector (and thus also of the electrical connection unit and / or the charging cable) even for such lower maximum voltages and / or maximum currents. In other words: the components of the connector can, for example, be designed or constructed for a plurality of maximum possible voltages and / or currents. This advantageously makes it possible for a single connector to be operated with or on different plug standards with regard to the associated voltages and currents. An ICCB (“In Cable Control Box”) is not required for this. This means that a charging cable equipped with the connector can be designed to be particularly compact and lightweight.

[0034] For example, it can be provided that the connector adapter is connected to the connector by a fastening means (this does not mean the (current-carrying) contacts or the protective conductor contact), is fastened to the connector, or can be fastened thereto. The fastening means can be designed, for example, as a union nut, a clip connection, a bayonet lock or the like. The fastening means advantageously creates a functional separation between the electrical functions of the contacts and the mechanical connection between the connector adapter and connector. This advantageously ensures the electrical connection permanently. The fastening means can preferably be provided on the connector adapter. However, it can alternatively or additionally be provided on the connector.

[0035] The term “comprise” is used in this application synonymously with the term “comprise”, unless otherwise stated.

[0036] In a further development, it is provided that the connector has a connector housing which extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first connector face protrudes from the connector housing in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the connecting line is coupled or can be coupled to the connector housing along the longitudinal axis.

[0037] This has the advantage that the center of gravity of the connector is close to the socket or to a structure containing the socket, e.g. a wall, whereby the torque acting on the contact point (plug face to socket) is particularly low and the risk of the connector becoming detached from the socket is reduced.

[0038] The connector housing can, for example, be flat along the radial direction. This advantageously shifts the center of gravity close to the structure containing the socket. The flatness can be achieved, for example, by a length of the connector housing along the longitudinal axis being at least twice as large, preferably at least three times as large, and particularly preferably at least four times as large as a depth or width of the connector housing, wherein the depth or width of the connector housing can extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, preferably substantially parallel to the direction in which the connector is inserted into the socket.

[0039] It can, for example, advantageously be provided that a side or wall of the connector housing facing the socket is flat, wherein the first connector face is designed or arranged on the connector housing in such a way that, when plugged into the first socket, this side or wall rests against the structure or wall containing the socket or is only a small distance (e.g. less than 1 cm or less than 5 mm) from the structure or wall when the connector is coupled to the socket or plugged into the (first) socket. This advantageously reduces or avoids rotation or torque (or at least the distance until it comes into contact with the wall) of the connector towards the structure or wall containing the socket, since the connector housing rests against the structure or wall (or runs very close to it).This reduces the risk of the connector becoming loose or disconnected.

[0040] For example, it can be advantageously provided that the connecting line of the charging cable or supply cable protrudes from the connector at the second end of the connector along the longitudinal axis of the connector.

[0041] The first end or first portion and the second end or second portion of the connector may also be a first end or first portion and a second end or second portion of the connector housing.

[0042] In a further development, it is provided that the connector housing has a recessed section at the first end, wherein the recessed section is designed to receive the connector adapter, wherein the first connector face is formed on a base in the recessed section.

[0043] This advantageously ensures that a shifted center of gravity of the electrical connection unit is as close as possible to the structure or wall containing the second socket, thus minimizing the torque acting on the contact point. Another advantageous feature is that the connector or connector housing does not protrude as far from the structure or wall containing the second socket, particularly compared to a connector that does not have a recessed portion. The connector adapter is essentially recessed into the recessed portion, and the second connector face therefore does not protrude as far from the surface of the connector housing. This reduces any potential tilt or angle of rotation of the connector or electrical connection unit towards the wall. The shifted center of gravity is the center of gravity of the electrical connection unit.It is shifted relative to the center of gravity of the connector without the connector adapter mounted.

[0044] For example, it can be provided that a base surface of the base facing the socket is substantially flush with a wall of the connector housing facing the socket and bordering the recessed section.

[0045] This advantageously ensures that the connector, without the attached or mounted connector adapter, rests as flat as possible against the structure or wall containing the (first) socket. This advantageously prevents or at least reduces any wobbling or twisting of the connector toward the structure or wall. This reduces the risk of the connector becoming loose or disconnected. At the same time, the connector adapter can be easily recessed.

[0046] In a further development, it is provided that the base is spaced from the wall adjacent to the recess section.

[0047] For example, viewed in the longitudinal direction, a spacing, e.g., in the form of a recess, such as a type of depression or groove, may be formed between the base and the wall adjacent to the recessed section toward the second end. The base may—by way of example only—protrude from the connector housing in the manner of an island in the recessed section.

[0048] This advantageously ensures that the connector adapter can be mounted or fastened to the connector particularly securely. Furthermore, this advantageously creates a particularly tight connection between the connector housing and the connector adapter. This advantageously prevents the penetration of moisture, dirt, grime, or the like between the connector adapter and the connector housing particularly reliably. This advantageously increases safety, e.g., when the electrical connection unit is used outdoors. The connector adapter can, e.g., enclose the base all the way around with a first side having the coupling.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide, for example, a sealing element between the connector adapter and the connector, which further improves the sealing against fluid media, dirt and grime.

[0050] In a further development, it is provided that the protective conductor contact of the first plug face is aligned with the further protective conductor contact of the second plug face.

[0051] This advantageously enables a particularly simple design and production of the connector adapter. This advantageously requires only a few and short rewiring sections in the connector adapter, particularly with regard to the protective conductor contacts. Furthermore, the safety of the electrical connection unit is improved, as the functionality of the protective conductor contacts is particularly reliably and permanently ensured by this geometric design and the short or even non-required rewiring. Another advantage is that a well-defined displacement of the second connector face relative to the first connector face can be achieved.

[0052] In a further development, it is provided that the further protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor is hollow at its end facing the protective conductor contact and the protective conductor contact is plugged into the further protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor.

[0053] This enables a particularly compact design with a very small depth and width of the connector adapter. The overall depth of the connector adapter is advantageously reduced. This also advantageously reduces or keeps the overall depth and width of the electrical connection unit small.

[0054] The additional protective conductor contact can, for example, be hollow along at least 25% of the length of the additional protective conductor contact, or along at least 50% of the length of the additional protective conductor contact, or along at least 75% of the length of the additional protective conductor contact. This allows the protective conductor contact to be inserted particularly far into the additional protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor of the connector adapter. This advantageously allows the depth or thickness of the connector adapter to be reduced particularly well. This also advantageously enables a particularly large contact surface and thus low contact resistance. It is also advantageous that the additional protective conductor contact can be manufactured particularly easily if it is hollow along at least 25% of its length.

[0055] For example, it can be provided that the protective conductor contact, particularly viewed along its longitudinal extension, only partially fills the hollow interior of the additional protective conductor contact or neutral conductor. In other words, an empty cavity can remain in front of the tip of the inserted protective conductor contact. This can, for example, amount to at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the length of the additional protective conductor contact.

[0056] For example, it can be provided that the additional protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor is formed in one piece.

[0057] For example, the additional protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor can be cup-shaped. In other words, the walls surrounding the hollow interior of the additional protective conductor or neutral conductor are preferably closed. This enables particularly simple production and high, lasting stability.

[0058] For example, it can be provided that at least one inwardly projecting projection and / or at least one lamella or contact lamella is provided in the hollow interior of the additional protective conductor or neutral conductor. This advantageously ensures particularly secure contact and facilitates the plugging process. Furthermore, tolerances (e.g., manufacturing tolerances and / or temperature-related tolerances, etc.) can be compensated for particularly easily, and the contact between the protective conductor contact and the additional protective conductor contact or the neutral conductor is particularly reliable and durable.

[0059] The protective conductor contacts are often designed as so-called leading contacts relative to the (current-carrying) contacts. As a result, the protective conductor contacts are usually longer than the (current-carrying) contacts, i.e. they protrude further from the connector housing or the connector adapter. By at least partially accommodating the first protective conductor contact inside the second protective conductor contact (e.g. along a length of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm), the extent to which the second plug face protrudes from the connector can be reduced, which also reduces the maximum possible tilting path or angle of rotation of the electrical connection unit until it strikes a structure or wall containing the second socket. This also reduces the torque and reduces the risk of the plug connection of the electrical connection unit becoming loose or disconnected with respect to the second socket.

[0060] Another advantage is that this creates a particularly direct and particularly current-carrying electrical connection between the two protective conductor contacts. Only a single contact resistance is present (at the contact point between the two protective conductor contacts), which increases the safety of the electrical connection unit. Another advantage is that it eliminates the possibility of a defective rewiring for the protective conductor contacts in the connector adapter – no rewiring is necessary at all.

[0061] The additional protective conductor contact can be designed, for example, as a female contact element, e.g., a socket contact, in the area of the coupling. It can be designed, for example, as a male contact element, e.g., as a pin or contact blade, on the side of the second connector face.

[0062] In a further development, it is provided that the first plug face corresponds to a NEMA 5-15 plug face, whereby the second plug face corresponds to a plug face selected from the type group: NEMA 6-15, NEMA 6-20, NEMA 10-30, NEMA 14-30, NEMA 14-50, NEMA 6-50.

[0063] This advantageously results in a particularly compact connector design, as the NEMA 5-15 connector face is one of the smallest of the NEMA types listed above. The current-carrying capacity of the (live) contacts and the protective conductor contact of the NEMA 5-15 connector face is sufficient for the higher voltages and maximum currents of the other NEMA connector types, even though the dimensions of the NEMA 5-15 contacts (live and protective conductor) are at most as large as the dimensions of the other NEMA connector types. This also allows the connector adapter to be designed to be particularly compact in terms of depth (along the plug-in direction), and the distance between the second connector face and the first connector face along the plug-in direction can be kept particularly small.This is because it only needs to be ensured that the relatively short contacts of the NEMA 5-15 plug face, which are plugged into the coupling on a first side of the plug connector adapter, do not protrude from the second side of the plug connector adapter, which is opposite the first side. The shorter the contacts of the first plug face are, the more compact the electrical connection unit can be when viewed in the plugging direction. This advantageously reduces the maximum tilt path or angle of rotation and reduces the torque acting on the electrical connection unit in the direction of the structure or wall having the second socket, in particular compared to an embodiment in which, for example, the first plug face is designed as NEMA 10-30 or NEMA 14-30 or NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50.

[0064] In the case of the NEMA 10-30 plug face, for example, the neutral wire of the second plug face can be connected to the protective earth contact of the first plug face. In this case, the two additional contacts are the two contacts that plug into the live receptacles of the NEMA 10-30 outlet.

[0065] The proposed embodiment of the first connector face is surprising, since in adapter solutions for charging cables for electric vehicles, the connector as the first connector face has a nominally higher load-bearing connector face and the connector adapter as the second connector face has a connector face that is nominally designed for lower maximum currents and / or a lower maximum voltage.

[0066] In a further development, it is provided that the connector adapter has at least one coding means which encodes the type of the second connector face, wherein the coding means is in particular selected from the group: a passive electronic component, in particular a resistor, a coil, a capacitor; a coding pin; a coding rib; a coding recess; a coding groove; a magnet; an electronic signature, in particular transmittable contact-based or contactless by means of RFID, NFC, Bluetooth®, WLAN, optical; a QR code.

[0067] This advantageously ensures that the connector or the electrical and / or electronic components of the connector can be automatically adjusted in a simple manner to the parameters associated with the respective connector adapter, e.g. to a maximum possible voltage and / or a maximum possible current.

[0068] Mechanical coding devices are advantageous in that they are particularly less susceptible to failure. Passive electrical and electronic components can be installed particularly easily and inexpensively and do not require a power supply for active operation (unlike, for example, an ASIC or the like). Electronic signatures advantageously enable the transmission of a wide variety of information, so that, for example, serial numbers, operating times and the like can be transmitted with little effort. At the same time, wired or cabled transmission is not necessarily required for electronic signatures; wireless transmission can also be enabled, which can, for example, improve the tightness of the connector adapter and / or the connector (no feedthroughs, sockets or plug contacts are necessary). A magnet also allows information to be transmitted (magnet present or not, ordefined magnetic strength and / or magnetic field orientation), which can be done wirelessly and thereby improves the tightness of the connector adapter and / or the connector.

[0069] Coding by means of an electronic signature can, for example, be stored in a memory chip or result from a characteristic (natural) frequency upon excitation. It is possible, for example, for the electronic signature to be transmitted optically, e.g., via infrared radiation or the like.

[0070] For example, it can be provided that the coding means is arranged on or in the region of a first side of the connector adapter that has the coupling. It can be arranged, for example, in the overlap area of the base, which has the first connector face, or opposite the base surface of the base. This creates a particularly compact design for the connector adapter.

[0071] In a further development, it is provided that the connector is designed to detect or determine or ascertain the type of the second connector face by means of the coding means of the connector adapter, wherein the connector has a first electronic circuit which is designed to control or regulate or adjust the power or voltage that can be transmitted via the connector, in particular the maximum transmittable power or voltage, depending on the detected type of the second connector face.

[0072] This has the advantage that the connector enables a particularly safe and reliable charging and discharging process.

[0073] It is understood that a detection means may be provided in the connector for detection. This may be, for example only, an electrical and / or electronic and / or magnetic and / or mechanical component configured to detect the socket type encoded by the coding means or the type of the second plug face.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the electronic circuit is configured to transmit or send or transfer the detected or determined or ascertained type of the second plug face to a second electronic circuit of the plug connector or the charging cable.

[0075] This advantageously enables a particularly safe and reliable charging and discharging process.

[0076] The second electronic circuit may be, for example, a control unit, e.g. a control unit as described below.

[0077] According to a second aspect of the invention, a charging cable is proposed for supplying a vehicle with electrical energy or for withdrawing electrical energy from the vehicle.

[0078] The charging cable has a connector or an electrical connection unit as described above, it also has a further connector which is designed to be electrically coupled to the vehicle and it has a connecting line which is detachably or permanently coupled to the connector and the further connector.

[0079] This provides a charging cable which advantageously does not require an ICCB when it is connected to a socket, in particular a household socket, using the plug connector. This means that the charging cable can be designed to be particularly cost-effective, lightweight and particularly space-saving, and the risk of tripping on the floor is reduced. Another advantage is that the charging cable can be connected to different socket types using a single plug connector and the plug connector adapter, without the need to use multiple plug connectors. This saves the user the costly purchase of multiple plug connectors for different socket types, and the user saves space, for example in the trunk of their vehicle. Another advantage is that the proposed charging cable is designed to be particularly robust and protected against the plug connector becoming loose or coming off.of the electrical connection unit from the socket, especially when using a variety of socket types. This advantageously enables particularly safe operation and increases the service life of the proposed charging cable.

[0080] In a further development, it is provided that the further plug connector has a control unit for controlling the electrical current flow through the charging cable, in particular when the plug connector is connected to a household socket or is connected (in particular electrically connected) to a household socket or a socket without control lines, wherein the further plug connector has a bypass switch which is designed to optionally bridge the control unit or to connect it to a control line of the connecting line, wherein the bypass switch connects the control unit to the control line in particular when a voltage from a voltage supply of the plug connector is applied.

[0081] This advantageously enables safe operation of the charging cable when connected to a household socket. An ICCB can be omitted, making the charging cable particularly lightweight and compact, reducing the risk of tripping. Another advantage is that the weight of the connector is reduced by distributing the electrical and / or electronic components between the additional (vehicle-side) connector and the connector (infrastructure-side or household-side). This makes the connector particularly secure against loosening or disconnection, as less torque is exerted on it.

[0082] Another advantage of the charging cable is that it can be used modularly by replacing the plug connector for connection to a household socket with another plug connector that can be connected to a wallbox, for example. If the other plug connector is connected to the connecting line or supply line of the charging cable, the bypass switch is not activated and the control unit is therefore bridged. In this way, the vehicle connected to the charging cable can negotiate the charging process directly with the power source (e.g. the wallbox); the control unit in the additional plug connector on the vehicle is not required. If the plug connector for connection to a household socket is coupled to the connecting line, then when the plug connector is connected to a socket (in particular a household socket orIf a socket is connected without signal line(s) and / or without control line(s), the bypass switch can be activated, thereby activating, for example, the control unit. Since the vehicle connected to the charging cable cannot negotiate the charging process with the (household) socket as such, this process is now handled by the control unit in the additional (vehicle-side) connector.

[0083] It is understood that in other embodiments, all electrical and / or electronic components can also be arranged in the (infrastructure-side) connector (in particular for connection to a household socket).

[0084] In yet another embodiment, it can be provided that all electrical and / or electronic components are arranged in the (vehicle-side) additional connector.

[0085] The location of the electrical and / or electronic components is not important for the design of the electrical connection unit of the charging cable.

[0086] According to a third aspect of the invention, a connector adapter for a connector of a charging cable or a connector adapter for coupling with a connector of a charging cable is proposed.

[0087] The connector adapter has a coupling for coupling to a first plug face of the connector. The first plug face is configured for coupling to a first socket shape of a first receptacle. The connector adapter has a second plug face for connecting to a second receptacle having a second socket shape that differs from the first socket shape, wherein the second plug face is offset relative to the coupling substantially perpendicular to a mounting direction of the connector adapter.

[0088] This advantageously provides a connector adapter with a particularly compact design and, when mounted on a corresponding connector, achieves a particularly low torque when connected to the second socket. This provides particularly good protection against loosening and / or disengagement of the connector.

[0089] For example, it may be provided that the coupling and the second connector face overlap by a maximum of 25% of their respective area.

[0090] For example, it may be provided that the connector adapter can be plugged directly onto the first connector face.

[0091] Alternatively or in addition to the offset of the second plug face and the coupling, it is provided that the at least two further contacts (of the plug connector adapter) are arranged closer to the second end of the plug connector relative to the at least two contacts (of the plug connector) and the protective conductor contact (of the plug connector) is arranged between the at least two contacts and the at least two further contacts, in particular viewed along a line extending from the first end to the second end (of the plug connector).

[0092] In a further development, it is provided that the coupling and the second plug face point in opposite directions.

[0093] This advantageously enables a particularly compact design of the connector adapter. Furthermore, the extent of necessary rewiring within the connector adapter can be kept to a minimum. This increases the service life of the connector adapter, simplifies heat dissipation during operation, and increases safety.

[0094] In a further development, it is provided that the connector adapter has an adapter housing with a first side and a second side facing away from it, wherein the coupling is formed on or at the first side of the adapter housing, wherein the second plug face is formed on or at the second side of the adapter housing.

[0095] The adapter housing advantageously gives the connector adapter a defined shape and high stability. This also enables a particularly compact design for the connector adapter. Furthermore, the extent of necessary rewiring within the connector adapter can be kept to a minimum. This increases the service life of the connector adapter, simplifies heat dissipation during operation, and increases safety.

[0096] For example, it may preferably be provided that the connector adapter has exactly one single coupling.

[0097] For example, it may preferably be provided that the connector adapter has exactly one single connector face. Drawings

[0098] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0099] It shows Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a charging cable; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b: schematic representations of a charging cable and the electrical and / or electronic elements in the associated connectors; Fig. 3: a schematic view of a connector of a charging cable plugged into a household socket; Fig. 4a to 4g: schematic representations of various NEMA socket shapes and NEMA plug faces; Fig. 5: a schematic perspective view of a charging cable and two different infrastructure-side connectors for connection to two different socket types; Fig. 6: a schematic representation of a connector for a charging cable with a connector adapter from the prior art; Fig. 7: a schematic representation of an electrical connection unit; Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b: schematic side views of an electrical connection unit in two different assembly states of the connector adapter; Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b: schematic top views of an electrical connection unit in two different assembly states of the connector adapter; Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b: schematic perspective views of an electrical connection unit in two different assembly states of the connector adapter; Fig. 11: a schematic perspective view of a connector with a first connector face without a connector adapter; Fig. 12a to 12c: various perspective views of a connector adapter for coupling with a connector of a charging cable; Fig. 13: a schematic perspective view of a charging cable with an infrastructure-side connector for connecting to a household socket without a connector adapter and with an additional vehicle-side connector.

[0100] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a charging cable 8 for supplying a vehicle 200 with electrical energy or for withdrawing electrical energy from the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 has an energy storage device 201, in particular an electrical energy storage device 201, in particular a battery, in particular a high-voltage battery with a voltage of more than 40V, preferably more than 100V.

[0101] The charging cable 8 has an (infrastructure-side) plug connector 1. The plug connector 1 has a first end 2 or generally a first section with a first plug face 3, configured for connection to a first socket 4 with a corresponding first socket shape 5. The first socket 4 is arranged here, for example, in or on a structure, here for example in a wall 56. The first socket 4 can be, for example, a household socket. The plug connector 1 also has a second end 6 for detachable or non-detachable coupling to a connecting line 7 of the charging cable 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector 1 is detachably attached to the connecting line 7. For this purpose, the connecting line 7 has a connecting line coupling 50 and the plug connector 1 has a plug connector coupling 53 at its second end 6, which can be coupled to the connecting line coupling 50.It can be removed from the connecting line 7 without causing any damage by uncoupling it, and another connector, e.g. for connecting to a wall box, with a different connector face (e.g. Type 1 connector face or Type 2 connector face or the like) can be connected to the connecting line 7.

[0102] It is understood that the connector 1 can in principle also be designed to be permanently connected (not detachable without destruction) to the connecting line 7.

[0103] At the other end of the connecting line 7, the charging cable 8 has a further connector 29, which is designed to be electrically coupled to the vehicle 200. In Fig. 1, the additional connector 29 is electrically coupled or connected to the vehicle 200. Like the first connector 1, the additional connector 29 can be detachably or permanently coupled to the connecting line 7.

[0104] In principle, a power socket can also be attached to the connecting cable 7 instead of the plug connector 1. In this case, current can flow from the energy storage device 201 of the vehicle 200 toward the power socket, thus drawing current or energy from the energy storage device 201 of the vehicle 200. This is possible with so-called bidirectional charging. The charging cable 8 is therefore, in principle, a supply cable. However, for ease of reading, the term "charging cable" is used in the context of this application.

[0105] For the energy storage device 201 to charge, it is necessary for electronics (not shown in detail here) of the vehicle 200 to exchange signals with further electronics, for example in order to exchange information about the maximum available current and / or voltage. When connected to a wall box or a public charging station, the further electronics are often arranged in the wall box or the charging station. The vehicle 200 then communicates with the wall box or the charging station, for example via one or more signal lines of the charging cable. However, if the charging cable 8 with its plug connector 1 is connected to a household socket, a three-phase connection or the like, then as a rule no further electronics are provided there for communication with the vehicle. In the prior art, this task is achieved by means of further electronics ora control unit located in the supply line 7 (there in a so-called ICCB, "In Cable Control Box"). In the . Fig. However, in the charging cable shown in Figure 1, the additional electronics are distributed between connector 1 and the additional connector 29, so that the ICCB can be dispensed with.

[0106] Fig. 2a schematically shows a charging cable 8 with electrical and / or electronic elements in the associated connectors 1, 29, 60. For the design of the electrical connection unit 100, Fig. 2a is described below with reference to further figures.

[0107] The charging cable 8 has as shown Fig. 1 a connecting line 7. On the right side of the Fig. Figure 2a shows a connector 1 for connecting to a socket, which may be, for example, a household socket. Also shown is an infrastructure connector 60, which may be configured, for example, as a Type 1 connector or a Type 2 connector or the like, and which may be configured, for example, to be connected to a wallbox or a public charging station or charging point.

[0108] Both the connector 1 (particularly for sockets without signal contacts) and the infrastructure connector 60 (particularly for sockets with signal contacts) have a connector coupling 53, with which they can be non-destructively coupled to a connecting line coupling 50 of the connecting line 7. A further vehicle-side connector 29 is provided at the other end of the connecting line 7.

[0109] The infrastructure connector 60 here, for example, has few or no electronic and / or electrical components.

[0110] The further connector 29 has a control unit 30 for controlling the flow of electrical current through the charging cable 8, in particular when the connector 1 is plugged into or connected to a household socket. The further connector 29 further has a bypass switch 31, which is configured to selectively bridge the control unit 30 or to connect it to a control line 32 of the connecting line 7. The bypass switch 31 connects the control unit 30 to the control line 32, in particular when a voltage is applied from a voltage supply 33 of the connector 1.

[0111] The power supply 33 can be designed, for example, as a voltage converter. For example, after connecting the connector 1 to the socket, it can convert a phase voltage of the socket into a direct current (or an alternating current) (e.g., in the range between 5V and 30V), which is then fed via a (signal) line or a (further) control line 37 (see, for example, Fig. 2b) the connecting line 7 is routed to the further connector 29 and can actuate the bypass switch 31 there directly or indirectly in such a way that the control unit 30 can communicate with the vehicle 200, e.g. by removing a bridging of the control unit 30 by the bypass switch 31.

[0112] The (infrastructure-side) connector 1 also has at least one switching unit 51 (e.g. a relay) with which the current flow through the connector 1 can be interrupted.

[0113] In this respect, the charging cable 8 and the connectors 1, 29, 60 are designed similarly to that described in detail in the referenced DE 10 2021 203 363 A1.

[0114] The connector 1 also has, for example, a temperature monitoring module 52. This can be configured, for example, to reduce or shut off the current flow through the connector 1 when a detected temperature exceeds a setpoint. Such a current reduction or shutdown can be effected, for example, by the temperature module 52 itself or by another element (e.g., the control unit 30) connected to the temperature module 52.

[0115] Furthermore, Fig. 2a, a connector adapter 9 is shown, which has a coupling 10 for coupling to the first plug face 3 of the connector 1. The first plug face 3 is (without the connector adapter 9) configured for connection to a first socket 5 of a first outlet 4. The connector adapter 9 further has a second plug face 11 for connection to a second outlet 12 with a second socket 13, which is different from the first socket 5. The connector adapter 9 can be coupled to the first plug face 3 of the connector 1 by means of the coupling 10 (in Fig. 2a, it is still shown separately from the connector 1), in particular pluggable directly onto the first connector face 3. This coupling of the connector adapter 9 to the connector 1 takes place, for example, along a mounting direction M. The second connector face 11 is offset relative to the coupling 10, essentially perpendicular to the mounting direction M of the connector adapter 9. To effect this offset, rewiring can be provided in the connector adapter 9 (see the lines drawn from the exemplary socket contacts of the coupling 10 to the exemplary pin contacts of the second connector face 11, which are intended to symbolize electrical lines).

[0116] The coupling 10 is understood here in particular to be that part or section of the connector adapter 9 which directly couples mechanically and electrically with the contacts of the first connector face 3. The mechanical fastening of the connector adapter 9 to the connector 1 can be different; for example, a coupling latch or a coupling screw connection can also be provided. The offset between the coupling 10 and the second connector face 11 thus refers to the relative geometric arrangement of the electrical components (e.g., the offset between the sockets (openings)) on the coupling 10 and the pins on the second connector face 11).

[0117] The coupling 10 and the second connector face 11 point here, for example, in opposite directions (in Fig. 2a, the coupling 10 points to the left, the second connector face 11 to the right).

[0118] The connector adapter 9 here has, for example, an adapter housing 34 with a first side 35 and a second side 36 facing away from it, wherein the coupling 10 is formed on or in the first side 35 of the adapter housing 34, wherein the second plug face 11 is formed on or in the second side 36 of the adapter housing 34.

[0119] The first plug face 3 has a protective conductor contact 14 and at least two, in particular current-carrying, contacts 15, 16 (see in detail e.g. Fig. 9a, Fig. 10a, Fig. 11), wherein the second plug face 11 here has, for example, a further protective conductor contact 17 and at least two further, in particular current-carrying, contacts 18, 19 (see e.g. Fig. 10, Fig. 10b, Fig. 12b). The second connector face 11 is - in a state in which the connector adapter 9 is mounted on the connector 1 - offset substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction M of the connector adapter 9 relative to the first connector face 3. This offset can be implemented, for example, in the direction of the second end 6 or the second section of the connector 1 (see, for example, Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b). The coupling 10 and the second connector face 11 overlap, for example, by a maximum of 25% of their respective areas FK, F2 (see Fig. 11, Fig. 12b).

[0120] By way of example, alternatively or simultaneously, the at least two further contacts 18, 19 of the connector adapter 9 can be arranged closer to the second end 6 or closer to the second section of the connector 1 or the connector housing 20 relative to the at least two contacts 15, 16 of the connector 1 and the protective conductor contact 14 can be arranged between the at least two contacts 15, 16 and the at least two further contacts 18, 19, in particular viewed along a line L which extends from the first end 2 or first section to the second end 6 or second section (see e.g. Fig. 7, Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b).

[0121] Connector 1 and connector adapter 9 together form an electrical connection unit 100.

[0122] The connector adapter 9 here has, for example, at least one coding means 26 that encodes the type of the second connector face 11. The coding means 26 can, for example, be selected from the group: a passive electronic component, in particular a resistor, a coil, a capacitor; a coding pin; a coding rib; a coding recess; a coding groove; a magnet; an electronic signature, in particular transmittable or transmittable contact-based or contactless using RFID, NFC, Bluetooth®, WLAN, or optically; a QR code.

[0123] The plug connector 1 is configured here, for example, to detect the type of the second plug face 11 by means of the coding means 26 of the plug connector adapter 9. For this purpose, the plug connector 1 has a first electronic circuit 27 which is configured to control and / or regulate and / or set the power or voltage that can be transmitted via the plug connector 1, in particular the maximum transmittable power or voltage, depending on the detected type of the second plug face 11. The first electronic circuit 27 is also configured here, for example, to transmit the detected type of the second plug face 11 to a second electronic circuit 28 of the plug connector 1. The second electronic circuit 28 can, for example, form a redundancy for setting the maximum power to be transmitted.However, in other exemplary embodiments, it can also be provided that the first electronic circuit 27 only transmits the data relating to the second connector face 11, and the control of the maximum power to be transmitted is then carried out only by the second electronic circuit 28. It can further be provided (not shown here) that the second electronic circuit corresponds to the control unit 30 in the further connector 29, so that the first electronic circuit 27 transmits the determined or detected type of the second connector face 11 to the control unit 30. The setting or regulation or control of the maximum possible power or the maximum possible current or the intended voltage can then be carried out by the control unit 30 depending on the transmitted or received data relating to the type of the second connector face 11.

[0124] The second electronic circuit 28 can in principle be arranged on or in any element of the charging cable 8, for example in the connecting line 7 or in the further connector 29.

[0125] Fig. Figure 2b shows a further schematic representation of the charging cable 8, showing the individual electrical lines.

[0126] The electrical functions and the cable routing are similarly described in the referenced DE 10 2021 203 363 A1.

[0127] For example, four (current-carrying) lines 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d (three of which are phase lines, one is a neutral conductor) and a protective conductor line 38e are provided, which are designed, for example, to transmit power of more than 1 kW. Furthermore, a control line 32 and another control line 37 are provided, both of which are primarily intended for signal transmission.

[0128] In connector 1, the first electronic circuit 27 and the second electronic circuit 28 are assigned to an element, which may be, for example, an integrated component. The power supply 33 is shown here as an AC / DC converter.

[0129] The rewiring that enables the offset of coupling 10 and second connector face 11 can be clearly seen in the connector adapter 9.

[0130] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a connector 1 of a charging cable 7 plugged into a household socket, wherein this household socket is designed here as a first socket 4 with a first socket shape 5. The first socket 4 is arranged here, for example, in a wall 56 and has the first socket shape 5 in an outer wall surface 57 of the wall 56. The connector 1 is designed similarly to the connectors 1 described above.

[0131] The connector 1 is inserted into the first socket 4 in such a way that its first end 2 or a first section in Fig. 3 points upwards and its second end 6 or its second section and the connecting line 7 point downwards. A longitudinal axis A of the connector 1 or the connector housing 20 runs in Fig. 3 from bottom to top, it defines an axial direction. A line L, which runs from the first end 2 or first section to the second end 6 or second section, extends here, for example, essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. A radial direction R runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The first connector face 3 is formed parallel to the radial direction R and points in Fig. 3 to the right, towards the wall 56. A plug-in direction S, along which the connector 1 is plugged into the first socket 4, runs here, for example, from left to right, thus here, for example, parallel to the radial direction R. It can be provided in particular that the force of gravity in Fig. 3 points downwards.

[0132] The connector 1 has a connector housing 20, which has a wall 24 facing the outer wall surface 57. When the connector 1 is plugged in, this wall 24 rests flat against the wall 56 or the outer wall surface, as shown here. The connector 1 has a center of gravity SP.

[0133] The connector housing 20 is flat, its extension along the longitudinal axis A is, for example, at least twice as large as its depth or width in the radial direction R. The electrical and electronic components inside the connector housing (e.g. the power supply 33, the switching unit 51, the temperature monitoring module 52, the first and second electronic circuits 27, 28 (not visible in this section), etc.) are therefore arranged close to the wall 56, whereby the center of gravity SP is close to the wall 56.

[0134] An undesired loosening or detaching of the plug connection between the connector 1 and the first socket 4 can occur, for example, due to the weight of the connector 1 and the additional weight of the connected connecting cable 7, since this can cause a torque to be exerted on the connector 1 - for example, acting on the center of gravity SP - which twists the first plug face 3 out of the first socket 5. Further causes for a loosening or detaching of the plug connection can be a wobbling of the connecting cable 7 in Fig. 3 to the left or right, indicated by the two arrows in the area of the connecting line 7.

[0135] All of these influences (dead weight, mechanical influences such as wobbling of the connecting cable 7, etc.), which lead to a torque on the connector 1, for example, can cause the connector 1 or the connector housing 20 to rotate about a first pivot point DP1 (here, for example, at the contact point of the connector housing 20, e.g., at the first end 2 with the wall 56) and / or about a second pivot point DP2 (here, for example, at the contact point of the connector housing 20, e.g., at the second end 6 with the wall 56). The rotation about the two pivot points DP1, DP2 is illustrated by the arrows near the respective pivot point DP1, DP2. It should be noted that the dead weight of the connector 1 without further influences ultimately only causes a rotation about the second pivot point DP2 (gravity acts downwards here, for example).

[0136] Due to the long, flat connector housing 20, which lies flat against the wall 56, and the clever arrangement of the electrical and electronic components inside the connector housing 20, the center of gravity SP is located close to the wall 56 and, viewed along the longitudinal axis A, between the first pivot point DP1 and the second pivot point DP2. This greatly reduces the torque acting on the connector connection and minimizes the risk of the connector 1 becoming detached from the first socket 4 despite its weight.

[0137] Fig. The upper part of Figure 4a shows a schematic representation of a NEMA 5-15 socket type (household) outlet, such as those found in households in the USA. The lower part shows the plug face of a complementary connector (NEMA 5-15, reference numeral 80). The NEMA 5-15 plug or NEMA 5-15 outlet is a type that typically carries a voltage of approximately 120V (two current-carrying contacts 15, 16: a phase conductor and a neutral conductor, both designed as flat contacts) and is typically intended to provide a maximum current of 15A. A protective earth contact 14 is also provided, which here is designed as a round contact.

[0138] The Fig. 4b to 4g show other NEMA socket shapes commonly used in the USA in the upper section and the corresponding plug faces in the lower section. All types shown here are designed for a voltage of 240V and can provide currents between 15A and 50A. The following types are shown here as examples only: NEMA 6-15 ( Fig. 4b, Fig. 81), NEMA 6-20 ( Fig. 4c, Fig. 82), NEMA 10-30 ( Fig. 4d, Fig. 83), NEMA 14-30 ( Fig. 4e, Fig. 84), NEMA 14-50 ( Fig. 4f, Fig. 85), NEMA 6-50 ( Fig. 4g, Fig. 86). Some of these types have two phase conductors. The individual performance and geometric data are publicly available and therefore are not described in detail here.

[0139] In the case of the NEMA 10-30 type, only a neutral conductor is provided and no protective conductor per se. In addition, there are two phase conductors in the outlet.

[0140] The illustration of the various NEMA types is merely intended to illustrate that a single country (the USA) alone can have a multitude of mechanically incompatible plug types. The invention is not limited to the plug types shown, and in particular, not to NEMA plugs.

[0141] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a charging cable 8 with a further (vehicle-side) connector 29, a connecting cable 7, and two different (infrastructure-side) connectors 1 for connection to two different (household) socket types on the one hand, and for coupling to the connecting cable 7 on the other. Due to the above-described arrangement of electrical and electronic components in the (infrastructure-side) connector 1, an ICCB in the charging cable 8 can be omitted. However, the connector 1 is somewhat larger than a conventional household connector. If, for example, in the USA, the charging cable 8 is to be connected to two different socket types (e.g., NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 14-50), either two charging cables 8 are required or one charging cable 8 to which two different connectors 1 can be connected (as in Fig. 5). However, this is expensive and space-consuming for the user, who now has to purchase and store two connectors.

[0142] Another alternative is to provide an adapter that is mounted on the first plug face 3 of the connector 1.

[0143] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a plug connector 1 for a charging cable 8 with a plug connector adapter 9 from the prior art. The plug connector adapter 9 has a coupling 10 and a second plug face 11, wherein the plug connector adapter 9 with the coupling 10 is mounted on the first plug face 3. The first plug face 3 and the second plug face 11 are aligned. Furthermore, the plug connector 1 has no or only a few electrical and / or electronic components (for example, a temperature sensor can be provided, but not a relay or voltage converter), since it is intended for a charging cable with an ICCB, which has the heavy electrical and / or electronic components.

[0144] The first connector face 3 is designed here as a NEMA 14-50 connector. The connector adapter 9 is designed to enable connection to a lower-voltage outlet (e.g., 100V to 130V). It can, for example, have a second connector face 11 of the NEMA 5-15 type.

[0145] In Fig. Figure 6 shows both the state without the connector adapter 9 (dashed wall 56 and the first socket 4 indicated by dashed lines, which is only shown schematically here without sockets) and the state with the connector adapter 9 installed (solid wall 56 and second socket 12). This illustration is primarily intended to illustrate the mechanical effects when using the connector adapter 9.

[0146] It is clearly visible that the center of gravity SP of the connector 1 without the connector adapter 9 lies between the first pivot point DP1 and the second pivot point DP2 (viewed along the axial direction or the longitudinal axis A). Furthermore, the connector 1 rests with a wall 24 of its connector housing 20 against the wall 56. The position of the center of gravity SP in the plugged-in state can, for example, be shifted in the direction of the connecting cable 7 by, among other things, the weight of the connecting cable 7 and / or a possibly present connector coupling. The torque acting on the plug connection is thus relatively low, and the risk of loosening or detachment is also low. In addition, the NEMA 14-50 standard has three current-carrying contacts (two of which are visible) and one protective conductor contact (in Fig. 6 the top contact), so that any tension on the plug is distributed over four contacts that are quite far apart and have a large dimension.

[0147] If the connector adapter 9 is now mounted, the connector housing 20 moves away from the wall 56, since the connector adapter 9 has a certain depth along the mounting direction M. Due to the large or long pins of the NEMA 14-50 connector face of the connector 1, the depth of the connector adapter 9 cannot be reduced. The connector adapter results in a new first pivot point DP1' and a new second pivot point DP2'. In addition, a shifted center of gravity SPV results, which in Fig. 6 (gravity points downwards) is shifted slightly upwards and towards the wall 56 due to the attached connector adapter 9 compared to the center of gravity SP of the connector 1 without the connector adapter 9.

[0148] However, the shifted center of gravity SPV is now below the new second pivot point DP2' and thus no longer between the two new pivot points DP1', DP2'. Furthermore, the second connector face 11 now has only two current-carrying contacts (one of which is visible below) and one protective conductor contact (in Fig. 6 the top contact).

[0149] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a first distance d1 of the center of gravity SP to the second pivot point DP2, as well as a second distance d2 from the displaced center of gravity SPV to the new second pivot point DP2'. The second distance d2 is negative relative to the second new pivot point DP2', i.e., the displaced center of gravity SPV lies below the new second pivot point DP2' and thus outside the rotational surface spanned by the two new pivot points DP1', DP2'.

[0150] This makes the entire electrical connection unit 100 comprising connector 1 and connector adapter 9 more unstable, and without additional support measures, the plug connection can become loose or even disconnect much more quickly. This is because the electrical connection unit 100 is now heavier than the connector 1. The shifted center of gravity SPV lies below the new second pivot point DP2. The tilting distance until the connector housing 20 hits the wall 56 and thus stops the disconnection is very large due to the great depth of the connector adapter 9 and hardly prevents the plug connection from disconnecting. In addition, the second connector face 11 is less spread (i.e., has a smaller surface area) than the first connector face 3 and also has only three contacts instead of four. In addition, the three contacts are also shorter in length and have smaller widths and thicknesses than the four contacts of the NEMA 14-50 standard.Thus, the risk of the plug connection becoming loose increases considerably when using the connector adapter 9 from the prior art.

[0151] Fig. 7 shows, in comparison, a schematic representation of an electrical connection unit 100 which overcomes these disadvantages.

[0152] The electrical connection unit 100 is designed with respect to its connector 1 and the connector adapter 9 similar to the above Fig. 1, Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. In particular, the connector 1 comprises electrical and / or electronic components as described above. In particular, it is designed such that an ICCB can be omitted in the charging cable 8. It can therefore have a higher weight and larger dimensions than the previously described in connection with Fig. 6 described connector 1 from the prior art.

[0153] In Fig. 7 is like in Fig. 6, the dashed wall 56 represents a state in which the connector 1 is plugged into a first socket 4 (shown only schematically in dashed lines) without the connector adapter 9, and the solid line for the wall 56 represents a state in which the connector adapter 9 is mounted on the connector 1. The first socket 4 can be, for example, a NEMA 5-15 socket. The first connector face 3 can be designed as a NEMA 5-15 connector face. As shown in Fig. 6 is in Fig. 7 also focuses particularly on the mechanical effects.

[0154] Surprisingly, it has been shown that the current-carrying capacity of contacts 15, 16, and the protective conductor contact 14 of a NEMA 5-15 plug face is sufficient to safely conduct the power of another NEMA standard, such as the NEMA 14-50 standard (240V, maximum 50A), when used in single-phase operation. Or, surprisingly, it has been shown that, using the geometric dimensions of the NEMA 5-15 standard, contacts 15, 16, and the protective conductor contact 14 can be designed such that they also have sufficient current-carrying capacity for single-phase power of another NEMA standard, such as the NEMA 14-50.

[0155] A solid line depicts a wall 56 in which a second socket 12 is located. The connector 1 is mounted into this wall using the connector adapter 9 mounted thereon. The second socket can be, for example, a socket type according to NEMA 6-15, NEMA 6-20, NEMA 10-30, NEMA 14-30, NEMA 14-50, or NEMA 6-50. The second connector face 11 of the connector adapter 9 is designed accordingly.

[0156] The connector 1 here has, for example, a connector housing 20 which extends along the longitudinal axis A, wherein the first connector face 3 protrudes from the connector housing 20 in the radial direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, wherein the connecting line 7 is coupled to the connector housing 20 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0157] The connector housing 20 has a recessed section 21 at the first end 2 or in the first section, the recessed section 21 being designed to receive the connector adapter 9, the first connector face 3 being designed on or in a base 22 in the recessed section 21, in particular a base surface 23 of the base 22 facing the socket 4 being substantially flush with a wall 24 of the connector housing 20 facing the socket 4 and bordering the recessed section 21.

[0158] The base 22 is spaced from the wall 24 bordering the recessed section 21, particularly when viewed in the axial direction A.

[0159] The protective conductor contact 14 of the first connector face 3 is only aligned with the further protective conductor contact 17 of the second connector face 11 as an example. In principle, it is also possible that the two protective conductor contacts 14, 17 are not aligned.

[0160] By way of example only, it is also provided here that the further protective conductor contact 17 is hollow at its end 25 facing the protective conductor contact 14 and that the protective conductor contact 14 is plugged into the further protective conductor contact 17. The protective conductor contact 14 here, for example, contacts an inner wall of the hollow further protective conductor contact 17 with its outer wall. The further protective conductor contact 17 is here - by way of example only - cup-shaped (with a circumferentially closed wall), although a partially open wall or a wall that is slotted at least in sections is also possible. The further protective conductor contact 17 here - by way of example only - is hollow along almost its entire length. The protective conductor contact 14 protrudes here, for example (within the further protective conductor contact 17) into the second socket 12 orinto the socket associated with the additional protective conductor contact 17. In principle, it is possible for at least one (contact) lamella and / or at least one inwardly projecting projection to be provided in the hollow interior of the additional protective conductor contact 17, whereby contacting can be further improved.

[0161] Such a hollow design advantageously allows for a direct, immediate contact between the two protective conductor contacts 14, 17 with a low contact resistance. Furthermore, the width or depth of the connector adapter 9 (here: in the radial direction R, in Fig. 7 pointing from left to right) so that the electrical connection unit 100 is closer to the wall 56 when connected to the second socket 12. This reduces the risk of the plug connection becoming loose or disconnected.

[0162] The electrical connection unit 100 made of Fig. 7, compared to connector 1 without the mounted connector adapter 9, there are new pivot points DP1', DP2' and a shifted center of gravity SPV.

[0163] The connector housing 20 also protrudes further from the wall 56 than without the connector adapter 9.

[0164] However, in contrast to the connector 1 with connector adapter 9 made of Fig. 6, by offsetting the second connector face 11 toward the first connector face 3, the displaced center of gravity SPV continues to lie between the new first pivot point DP1' and the new second pivot point DP2' (although the second distance d2 is reduced compared to the first distance d1, it is still positive). This is because the connector adapter 9, with the second connector face 11 and the surface facing the wall 56, on which the two new pivot points DP1', DP2' are located, has been offset in the direction of the center of gravity SP and also of the displaced center of gravity SPV, viewed in axial direction A. As a result, the dead weight of the electrical connection unit 100 does not act as strongly and / or does not act without movement on the connecting line 7 to loosen or release the plug connection.

[0165] Furthermore, the surface of the connector adapter 9 can be formed with a large area by the recessed section 21, so that the electrical connection unit 100 rests against the wall 56 over a large area.

[0166] Finally, the contacts 17, 18, 19, 55 of the second plug face 11 can be larger than those of the first plug face 3, and they can also be spaced wider apart. This also prevents the plug connection from becoming loose or disconnected, because the clamping force in the second socket 12 is greater than the clamping force of the first plug face 3 in the first socket 4. Finally, depending on the type of the second plug face 11, there can even be an additional contact in the second plug face 11 (e.g., NEMA 14-50 provides three live contacts, two phase contacts, and one neutral contact, of which only one of the two phase contacts and the neutral contact are used with the connector 1 proposed here as an example).This additional contact, as a blind contact 55, may have no further electrical function with regard to power transmission, but it mechanically stabilizes the plug connection and also exerts a clamping force. The blind contact 55 can be configured, for example, as shown in . Fig. 7 shown in dashed lines, for example, with one of the further contacts 18, 19 (preferably the neutral conductor), for example via a high electrical blind contact resistance 70. This can be, for example, at least 10 kOhm or at least 100 kOhm or at least 1 MOhm. Such a connection can be as in Fig. 7 shown directly in the connector adapter 9. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the blind contact 55 protrudes through the connector adapter 9 (possibly with a different shape on the first side 35 of the connector adapter 9) and is only connected in the connector 1, for example, to the protective conductor contact 14 or the neutral conductor.

[0167] If a recessed section 21 is also provided on the connector 1—as provided here by way of example—the connector adapter 9, when assembled, does not protrude as far beyond the wall 24 of the connector housing 20 (here by way of example in the radial direction R). The electrical connection unit 100 therefore has a particularly small depth or width. This also reduces a possible tilting path or angle of rotation until the connector housing 20, when rotated about the new second pivot point DP2', strikes the wall 56 and blocks further rotation or tilting. The displaced center of gravity SPV is also arranged particularly close to the wall 56. This also results in a lower torque, e.g., when the connecting line 7 is pulled.

[0168] The connector 1 without connector adapter 9 is in the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 7 close and over a large area on the wall 56, whereby a loosening or detaching of the plug connection is prevented or is despite the comparatively small dimensioned first plug face 3, which also has a not so great clamping force due to the only small spreading and dimensioning of the contacts 14, 15, 16.

[0169] In the adapter case, i.e. with the plug-in connector adapter 9 attached, the connector 1 moves further away from the wall 56, but in return larger (longer and / or wider and / or deeper) contacts 17, 18, 19, 55 and more contacts with a larger spread over the surface (larger lateral distance between the contacts) are now available, which reduces the risk of the plug connection coming loose and / or becoming unplugged.

[0170] The Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b show schematic side views of an electrical connection unit 100 in two different mounting states of the connector adapter 9 on the connector 1. In Fig. 8a, the connector adapter 9 is not yet mounted on the connector 1, but assembly along the mounting direction M is prepared. In Fig. 8b the connector adapter 9 is mounted on the connector 1.

[0171] For example, the first connector face 3 is again designed as a NEMA 5-15 type and the second connector face as a NEMA 14-50 type. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this combination of connector faces.

[0172] It is clearly visible that the second connector face 11 is significantly offset from the first connector face 3 or the coupling 10 (here: downwards in the direction of the second end 6 or the second section). An overlap between the coupling 10 or the first connector face 3 and the second connector face 11 ultimately only exists at the position of the protective conductor contact 14 and the second protective conductor contact 17. The first connector face 3 and the second connector face 11 are no longer aligned. The offset amounts to approximately 15% to 25% of an extension length between the first end 2 or first section and the second end 6 of the second section of the connector housing 20 or the connector 1. The offset is preferably in the range between 10% and 50%, and particularly preferably between 15% and 40% of this extension length between the first end 2 and the second end 6.

[0173] Clearly visible is the recess 58 in the recess section 21, which here has a depth (here in the radial direction R) relative to the wall 24 that, for example, amounts to approximately 20% to 40% of the length of the protective conductor contact 14. It is understood that the recess 58 can also have other dimensions. Advantageously, the recess 58 is 10% to 90% of the length of the protective conductor contact 14, particularly advantageously between 15% and 70%, and very particularly advantageously between 20% and 50%, e.g., 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45%. In this way, the adapter housing 34 can be attached or fastened to the connector housing 20 in a partially countersunk manner.

[0174] It is also clearly visible that the further protective conductor contact 17 is aligned with the protective conductor contact 14. Furthermore, the second plug face 11 has a blind contact 55 at the lower end, which has no electrical function for the electrical connection unit 100, but mechanically improves the plug connection with the second socket 12 (not shown here). It can be used as an example in Fig. 7, for example, it can be electrically connected to one of the further contacts 18, 19, e.g. the neutral conductor, via the blind contact resistor 70 or to the protective conductor contact 14 in the assembled state. In particular, its position at the lower end (facing the connecting line 7) of the second plug face 11 counteracts loosening or detaching of the plug connection. The blind contact 55 can be made from a non-electrically conductive material. It can, for example, be manufactured in one piece with the plug connector adapter 9 in an injection molding process. It can, for example, consist of a plastic or comprise plastic, in particular predominantly. However, it can also be made from an electrically conductive material.

[0175] The connector adapter 9 has, here by way of example (and not essential), a fastening means 39 on the adapter housing 34, with which the connector adapter 9 can be fastened to the connector 1 or the connector housing 20 or the socket 22. This allows the interface between the coupling 10 and the first connector face 3 to be mechanically relieved. Furthermore, this can improve the tightness against the ingress of moisture, dirt and grime into the interface area. The fastening means 39 can be designed, for example, as a type of union nut or as a type of bayonet ring. It can be provided that a seal or a sealing element, e.g. a sealing cord or an O-ring or the like (not shown here), is provided between the connector adapter 9 and the connector 1. This can improve the tightness of the interface between the coupling 10 and the first connector face 3.

[0176] In Fig. 8a it can be clearly seen that the first plug face 3 is formed on or in or on a base 22 which is spaced from the wall 24.

[0177] A base surface 23 of the base 22 is designed such that it is substantially flush with the wall 24. This provides a large, preferably flat, contact surface on the wall 56 (not shown here) for the connector 1 without the connector adapter 9 mounted. Furthermore, this shifts the first pivot point DP1 further away from the second pivot point DP2, increasing the stability of the plug connection.

[0178] The Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b show schematic views of an electrical connection unit 100 in two different assembly states of the connector adapter 9. This can be, for example, the electrical connection unit 100 from the Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b act.

[0179] In Fig. Figure 9a clearly shows that the additional contacts 18, 19 are wider apart and longer than the contacts 15, 16 of the first plug face. The additional protective conductor contact 17 is also longer and has a larger diameter than the protective conductor contact 14 of the first plug face 3. This improves the plug connection in the second socket 12 (not shown here).

[0180] The Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b show two schematic perspective views of an electrical connection unit 100 in two different assembly states of the connector adapter 9. This can be, for example, the electrical connection unit 100 from the Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b act.

[0181] In Fig. 10a, a detection unit 54 or a connecting element for a detection unit 54 can be seen on the base surface 23. The detection unit 54 can, for example, be connected to a Fig. 12a. In this way, the type of the second connector face 11 of the connector adapter 9 can be transmitted to the connector 1. It is understood that other transmission options, e.g., wireless transmission options, can also be provided.

[0182] Fig. Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector 1 with its first connector face 3 without connector adapter 9. The detection unit 54 is clearly visible, as is the recessed section 21 and the base 22 with its base surface 23. It can be, for example, the connector 1 from Fig. 8a to 10b.

[0183] In addition, Fig. 11 shows a first surface F1 of the first connector face 3. The first surface F1 lies, for example, within the closed line, which is the shortest line that encircles all contacts 14, 15, 16 of the first connector face 3.

[0184] The Fig. 12a to 12c show different perspective views of a connector adapter 9 for coupling with a connector 1 of a charging cable 8. This can be, for example, the connector adapter 9 from the Fig. 8a to 10b.

[0185] In Fig. 12a shows a view of the first side 35 of the adapter housing 34. As already described above, a coding means transmission element 59 can be seen. For example only, the coding means 26 can be a passive electrical component, e.g., an electrical resistor. The coding means transmission element 59 can then, for example, consist of or comprise two contact elements that are connected to the detection unit 54 (e.g., two mating contact elements) of the connector 1. A first and / or second electronic circuit 27, 28 (see, for example, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b) can then determine the type of the second connector face 11 from the detected resistance.

[0186] In Fig. 12a also shows the coupling surface FK. It is located within the closed line, which, as the shortest line, encircles the coupling elements—here, for example, the coupling bushings—of coupling 10.

[0187] Fig. Figure 12b shows a view of the second side 36 of the adapter housing 34. Also shown is a second surface F2 of the second connector face 11. This second surface F2 lies within the shortest line encircling the contacts 17, 18, 19, and 55 of the second connector face. The blind contact 55 lies within the second surface F2.

[0188] Fig. 12c shows an oblique side view of the connector adapter 9.

[0189] Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a charging cable 8 with an infrastructure-side connector 1 for connecting to a first socket 4 (in particular a household socket) without a connector adapter 9 and with a further vehicle-side connector 29. The charging cable 7 here, for example, does not have an ICCB.

[0190] It is understood that the electrical connection unit 100, the connector adapter 9 and the connector 1 can also be provided for charging cables 8 with ICCB.

Claims

[1] Electrical connection unit (100) for a charging cable (8), the electrical connection unit (100) comprising: -- a connector (1), the connector (1) comprising: ---- a first end (2) with a first plug face (3) arranged to be connected to a first socket (4) with a corresponding first socket shape (5); ---- a second end (6) for detachable or non-detachable coupling to a connecting line (7) of the charging cable (8); -- a connector adapter (9), the connector adapter (9) comprising: ---- a coupling (10) for coupling to the first connector face (3); ---- a second plug face (11) for connecting to a second socket (12) having a second socket shape (13) which is different from the first socket shape (5); wherein the connector adapter (9) is coupled to the first connector face (3) of the connector (1) by means of the coupling (10), in particular is plugged directly onto the first connector face (3), wherein the first plug face (3) has a protective conductor contact (14) and at least two, in particular current-carrying, contacts (15, 16), wherein the second plug face (11) has a further protective conductor contact (17) or a neutral conductor contact and at least two further, in particular current-carrying, contacts (18, 19), and -- wherein the second plug face (11) is offset substantially perpendicular to a mounting direction (M) of the plug connector adapter (9) relative to the coupling (10) in the direction of the second end (6) of the plug connector (1), wherein in particular the coupling (10) and the second connector face (11) overlap by a maximum of 25% of their respective area (FK, F2), and / or -- wherein the at least two further contacts (18, 19) are arranged closer to the second end (6) of the plug connector (1) relative to the at least two contacts (15, 16) and the protective conductor contact (14) is arranged between the at least two contacts (15, 16) and the at least two further contacts (18, 19), in particular viewed along a line (L) extending from the first end (2) to the second end (6). [2] Electrical connection unit (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connector (1) has a connector housing (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the first connector face (3) protrudes from the connector housing (20) in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), wherein the connecting line (7) is coupled or can be coupled to the connector housing (20) along the longitudinal axis (A). [3] Electrical connection unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing (20) has a recessed portion (21) at the first end (2), wherein the recessed portion (21) is designed to receive the connector adapter (9), wherein the first plug face (3) is formed on a base (22) in the recessed section (21), wherein in particular a base surface (23) of the base (22) facing the first socket (4) is substantially aligned with a wall (24) of the connector housing (20) facing the first socket (4) and bordering the recessed section (21). [4] Electrical connection unit (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (22) is spaced from the wall (24) bordering the recessed portion (21). [5] Electrical connection unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective conductor contact (14) of the first plug face (3) is aligned with the further protective conductor contact (17) of the second plug face (11). [6] Electrical connection unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the further protective conductor contact (17) or the neutral conductor is hollow at its end (25) facing the protective conductor contact (14), in particular along at least 25% of a length of the further protective conductor contact (17) or along at least 50% of the length of the further protective conductor contact (17) or along at least 75% of the length of the further protective conductor contact (17), and the protective conductor contact (14) is plugged into the further protective conductor contact (17) or the neutral conductor. [7] Electrical connection unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector face (3) corresponds to a NEMA 5-15 connector face (80), wherein the second connector face (11) corresponds to a connector face selected from the type group: NEMA 6-15 (81), NEMA 6-20 (82), NEMA 10-30 (83), NEMA 14-30 (84), NEMA 14-50 (85), NEMA 6-50 (86). [8] Electrical connection unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector adapter (9) has at least one coding means (26) which encodes the type of the second connector face (11), wherein the coding means (26) is in particular selected from the group: a passive electronic component, in particular a resistor, a coil, a capacitor; a coding pin; a coding rib; a coding recess; a coding groove; a magnet; an electronic signature, in particular transmittable contact-based or contactless by means of RFID, NFC, Bluetooth®, WLAN, optical; a QR code. [9] Electrical connection unit (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connector (1) is designed to detect the type of the second connector face (11) by means of the coding means (26) of the connector adapter (9), wherein the plug connector (1) has a first electronic circuit (27) which is designed to control the power or voltage that can be transmitted via the plug connector (1), in particular the maximum power or voltage that can be transmitted, depending on the detected type of the second plug face (11) and / or which is designed to transmit the detected type of the second plug face (11) to a second electronic circuit (28) of the plug connector (1) or the charging cable (8). [10] Charging cable (8) for supplying a vehicle (200) with electrical energy or for withdrawing electrical energy from the vehicle (200), the charging cable (8) comprising: -- an electrical connection unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, -- a further connector (29) adapted to be electrically coupled to the vehicle (200), -- a connecting line (7) which is detachably or permanently coupled to the plug connector (1) and the further plug connector (29). [11] Charging cable (8) according to the preceding claim, wherein the further connector (29) has a control unit (30) for controlling the electrical current flow through the charging cable (8), in particular when the connector (1) is connected to a household socket, wherein the further connector (29) has a bypass switch (31) which is designed to selectively bridge the control unit (30) or to connect it to a control line (32) of the connecting line (7), wherein the bypass switch (31) connects the control unit (30) to the control line (32), in particular when a voltage is applied from a voltage supply (33) of the plug connector (1).

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