DIAGNOSTICS FOR CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Abstract

A diagnostic device for charging electric vehicles is provided. In some aspects, the diagnostic device comprises an input connection unit, which includes a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and an output connection unit, which includes a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also includes a circuit network that electrically connects corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network. The diagnostic device further includes at least one circuit access point that exposes at least a portion of the circuit network.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electric vehicles (EVs) and devices. In particular, the embodiments described herein relate to a diagnostic device for charging electric vehicles and devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some electric vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses, can be charged using charging cables that incorporate certain safety features to ensure proper operation. For example, some charging cables may include low-voltage communication circuitry that allows a charging station and an electric vehicle to communicate with each other before, during, and after a charging session. Despite these safety and other features, problems sometimes occur between the charging station and the electric vehicle during a charging session, such as communication errors, hardware failures, charging errors, and so on. To resolve such issues, a repair technician may need to diagnose the communication circuitry, as well as other components or circuits involved in charging the electric vehicle.In some situations, for example, a repair technician needs to locate and access the communication circuits in the charging station, the electric vehicle, or both, and then tap into or connect to them to obtain diagnostic data. However, locating and accessing the communication circuits may not be possible, efficient, or safe in certain charging scenarios or when problems arise. For instance, a charging station may deliver high currents or voltages that pose a significant risk to the repair technician. Furthermore, charging stations may be locked and accessible only to specific individuals, which the repair technician may not be. Additionally, the charging and communication circuits within an electric vehicle may be difficult to access.Alternatively, the repair technician can rely on proprietary reports from various devices to determine the vehicle's charging status. However, these reports are not always available, accessible, functional, or provide sufficient information to diagnose a problem under investigation.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved technologies to diagnose problems related to the charging of electric vehicles and other rechargeable devices. SUMMARY

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

[0005] In one embodiment, the diagnostic device comprises an input connection unit comprising a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and an output connection unit comprising a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also comprises a circuit network that electrically connects corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network. The diagnostic device further comprises at least one circuit access point that exposes at least a portion of the circuit network.

[0006] In another embodiment, the diagnostic device comprises an input connection unit with a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and an output connection unit with a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also comprises a circuit network that electrically connects corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and at least one test terminal that is electrically connected to the circuit network and transmits electrical signals received from the charging station to diagnostic equipment connected to the at least one test terminal. The diagnostic device further comprises a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network and at least one circuit access point that exposes at least a portion of the circuit network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electric vehicle (EV) connected to a charging station as described here; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a diagnostic device as described here; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a diagnostic device as described here; Fig. 4A is an illustration of an example of a diagnostic device as described here; Fig. 4B is an illustration of an example connector as described here; Fig. 4C is an illustration of another example of a diagnostic device as described here; Fig. 4D is an illustration of another example of a diagnostic device, as described here; Fig. 4E is an illustration of another example of a diagnostic device as described here; Fig. 5A is a perspective view of an example of an electrical line and circuit access, as described here; Fig. 5B is a top view of the example in Fig. 5A; Fig. 5C is a side view of the example in Fig. 5A; Fig. Figure 6A is a top view of another example of an electrical conduit and circuit access as described here; Fig. Figure 6B is a top view of another example of an electrical conduit and circuit access as described here; Fig. Figure 6C is a top view of another example of an electrical conduit and circuit access as described here; and Fig. 6D is a top view of another example of an electrical line, as described here. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of an electric vehicle (EV) 10 connected to a charging station 12 via a charging cable 14. When operating correctly, the charging station 12 supplies the electric vehicle 10 with power, enabling it to reach its destination or extend its range. However, errors or inefficient charging processes can occur when charging the EV 10. In the Fig. In the configuration shown, it may be difficult or impossible to diagnose such errors or inefficiencies without disconnecting the charging cable 14 from the EV 10 and / or accessing the internal hardware of the EV 10, the charging station 12, or both. Such diagnostic procedures may not allow for the detection of certain problems or the measurement of certain parameters, such as real-time measurement of the current flow and voltage in the charging cable 14 during the charging process. Furthermore, accessing the hardware during the charging process may pose risks to the technician. Fig. 1. As a specific type of EV 10 is shown, the above-mentioned disadvantages also apply to charging various types of electrical hardware, equipment and vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, semi-trucks, commercial vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), motorhomes, construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, road vehicles and the like, as well as various types of boats, aircraft, drones, trains, motorcycles, etc.

[0008] The present disclosure solves several problems of conventional approaches by providing a diagnostic device for use during EV 10 charging. In some embodiments, the diagnostic device can act as an "extension" that can be connected to an EV 10, a charging station 12, or both, providing direct access to certain lines of the charging cable 14, such as power or communication lines within the charging cable 14. A technician can connect diagnostic equipment (e.g., an oscilloscope, a test instrument, or other diagnostic tools) to the diagnostic device to diagnose problems with electric charging. Furthermore, with conventional charging cables, it is difficult, if not impossible, to directly measure the current or current flow profile because the live and grounded lines in the charging cables 14 are typically sheathed together, rendering current measuring devices such as inductive current clamps unusable.In contrast, the diagnostic device presented here, in some embodiments, enables inductive measurement while current is flowing. Although the diagnostic device in its various embodiments is described here in relation to the charging of electric vehicles, it can be used for all rechargeable devices, including but not limited to marine equipment, construction machinery, robotic equipment, agricultural equipment, and so on.

[0009] In Fig. Figure 2 is a diagnostic device 200 as described in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the diagnostic device 200 may comprise a housing 210, an input connection unit 220, an output connection unit 230, a circuit network 240, and at least one test terminal 250.

[0010] The housing 210 protects the components of the diagnostic device 200 and ensures the safe operation of the diagnostic device 200. The housing 210 can have any shape and size and be made of various materials (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing 210 can fully or partially enclose and secure the components located therein. For this purpose, the housing 210 can include or be formed with a variety of features such as openings, recesses, receptacles, partitions, plates, slots, tabs, supports, etc., which can accommodate and control the movement of components within the diagnostic device 200. Furthermore, the housing 210 can include various features or components that ensure the stability of the diagnostic device 200 (e.g., supports, fasteners, magnets, a stand, etc.).

[0011] The input connection unit 220 can include any number and type of inputs, which can receive electrical signals, for example, from the in Fig. The charging station 12 described in section 1 can receive the electrical signals received by the input connection unit 220. These signals can include charging signals, communication signals, and so on. The output connection unit 230 can also contain any number and type of outputs that can send electrical signals, for example, to the device described in section 12. Fig. 1. EV 10 as described. In some embodiments, the number and type of inputs on the input connection unit 220 correspond to the number and type of outputs on the output connection unit 230. Non-limiting examples of connectors on the input connection unit 220 and / or the output connection unit 230 include combined charging system (CCS) connectors, J-type connectors, Mennekes connectors, GB / T connectors, CHAdeMO connectors, and so on. The connectors on the input connection unit 220 and the output connection unit 230 are not limited and can include connectors of any configuration and type, including connectors that support current (e.g., direct current (DC), single-phase alternating current (AC), multi-phase alternating current, etc.), voltage (e.g., DC voltage, AC voltage, pulsed voltage, etc.), and communication (e.g., via control pilot (CP), proximity pilot (PP), etc.).In some embodiments, the input connection unit 220 and / or the output connection unit 230 can be integrated into the housing 210 or detachably coupled to openings in the housing 210, e.g., using fasteners. In some embodiments, the input connection unit 220 and / or the output connection unit 230 can include a cable that is integrated into and extends from the input connection unit 220 and / or the output connection unit 230.

[0012] The circuit network 240 can contain a variety of electrical circuits that electrically connect different components of the diagnostic device. In some embodiments, the circuit network 240 can electrically connect various inputs (e.g., pins, sockets, terminals, etc.) on the input connection unit 220 to various outputs (e.g., pins, sockets, terminals, etc.) on the output connection unit 230. For example, the circuit network 240 can include a series of electrical leads that directly connect the inputs to the corresponding outputs. In some embodiments, the circuit network 240 can also electrically connect inputs on the input connection unit 220 to a series of test terminals 250. For example, a series of electrical leads can directly connect the inputs to the test terminal(s) 250.The electrical conductors in the circuit network 240 can be of any type, including wires, cables, rods, bars and the like, which can be single- or multi-core, insulated, sheathed, armored, braided, coaxial, twisted, bundled, layered, coated and so on.

[0013] In addition to the electrical conductors, the circuit network 240 may, in some embodiments, optionally include a variety of other active and passive components, circuits, and electronics, such as resistors, transistors, inductors, coils, capacitors, diodes, switches, rectifiers, relays, transformers, integrated circuits (ICs), microcontrollers, logic gates, sensors, potentiometers, consoles, circuit boards, buttons, etc. In some embodiments, the circuit network 240 or the components contained therein may be attached to the housing 210 using various features molded into the housing 210, as well as various adhesives, fasteners, etc.

[0014] The test terminal(s) 250 can provide access to electrical signals flowing through the circuit network 240, and therefore offer the possibility of analyzing such electrical signals to diagnose a charging event, for example, associated with charging an EV 10, as described with reference to Fig. 1 is described. That is, if a diagnostic device is connected to at least one of the test terminals 250 of the diagnostic device 200, electrical signals flowing through electrical lines electrically connected to the test terminal(s) 250 can be transmitted via the respective test terminal(s) 250 and retrieved by a diagnostic device. The test terminal(s) 250 can comprise any variety, number, and combination of plugs, sockets, ports, receptacles, etc., suitable for receiving diagnostic devices. In some non-limiting examples, the test terminals 250 can include banana plugs, BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors, RF connectors, coaxial connectors, etc. In some embodiments, the test terminal(s) 250 can be integrated into the housing 210 or detachably connected to openings in the housing 210.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the diagnostic device 200 can, in some embodiments, include at least one circuit access 260 that provides access to at least a part of the circuit network 240. The configuration of the circuit access(s) 260 can depend on the application and can have any position, shape, and dimension in the diagnostic device 200. In some embodiments, the circuit accesses 260 can be formed by the shape and dimensions of features of the housing 210. In a non-limiting example, a circuit access 260 can be formed by at least one permanent or closable opening in the housing 210. In particular, the closable opening(s) can be sealed or closed, for example, with a lid, cap, tab, cover, and the like, which can be detachably connected to the closable opening(s).In another non-restrictive example, a circuit access 260 can be formed by a recess in the housing 210.

[0016] In Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a diagnostic device 300. The diagnostic device 300 can comprise a housing 310, an input connection unit 320, an output connection unit 330, a circuit network 340, and at least one test terminal 350, as described in Figure 3. Fig. 2 described.

[0017] In some embodiments, the circuit network 340 can include a first electrical line 342a extending from the input connection unit 320 to the output connection unit 330. The first electrical line 342a is electrically connected at a first end to an input (e.g., a pin, a socket, etc.) on the input connection unit 320 and at a second end to a corresponding output (e.g., a pin, a socket, etc.) on the output connection unit 330, so that electrical signals, e.g., from a charging station 12, as described in [reference to] Fig. 1 described, cross the first electrical line 342a and e.g. connect to a vehicle 10, as described with reference to Fig. 1 described, can be transferred.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments the circuit network 340 can include a second electrical line 342b extending from the input connection unit 320 to the output connection unit 330 and electrically connected to corresponding input and output terminals of the input connection unit 320 and the output connection unit 330, respectively. In some embodiments, a third electrical line 342c can be electrically connected at a first end to the first electrical line 342a via a first T-terminal 344a. This allows electrical signals flowing in the first electrical line 342a between the input connection unit 320 and the output connection unit 330 to be accessed and tested via a first test terminal 350, which is electrically connected to a second end of the third electrical line 342c.Similarly, a fourth electrical line 342d can be electrically connected to the second electrical line 342b via a second T-terminal 344b. Electrical signals flowing in the second electrical line 342b between the input connection unit 320 and the output connection unit 330 can be accessed and tested via a second test terminal 350, which is electrically connected to the fourth electrical line 342d. The test terminal(s) 350 can comprise a variety of terminals, as described in [reference to be added]. Fig. 2 described.

[0019] In some embodiments, electrical signals passing through the second electrical line 342b can be additionally or alternatively accessible via a circuit access 360 formed in the housing 310. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the circuit access 360 can expose a section 346b of the second electrical conductor 342b for access and testing. In some applications, the circuit access 360 can be shaped and dimensioned to allow the exposed section 346b to be measured with specific diagnostic devices. For example, the circuit access 360 can be positioned, shaped, and dimensioned to allow the inductive measurement of electrical signals traversing the second electrical conductor 342b, e.g., with a current clamp. Depending on the nature of the electrical signals in the second electrical conductor 342b, the second electrical conductor 342b or the exposed section 346b of the second electrical conductor 342b can have various safety features, such as insulation (e.g., electrical, thermal, etc.), heat exchange, and so on.

[0020] Although Fig. Figure 3 shows a specific implementation of the diagnostic device 300, making it easy to imagine that variations of the diagnostic device 300 are possible. For example, the diagnostic device 300 can contain fewer or more components. Even if in Fig. Figure 3 shows a specific number and configuration of electrical conductors 342; these serve only for illustration. In fact, any number of variations are possible, including variations in the number and arrangement of the electrical conductors 342. For example, the first electrical conductor 342a and the third electrical conductor 342c may be indirectly connected or coupled, for example via capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, etc., instead of being directly connected via the first T-terminal 344a. Furthermore, the circuit network 340 may contain a variety of other electrical circuits, as shown with reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0021] In the Fig. 4A-4E shows another embodiment of a diagnostic device 400. With particular reference to Fig. 4A The diagnostic device 400 can comprise a housing 410, an input connection unit 420, an output connection unit 430, a circuit network 440 (not shown) and a number of test terminals 450 and circuit access points 460, as described in reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described. In some embodiments, the input connection unit 420 can accommodate a first charging cable that receives electrical signals from a charging source, such as the one described in reference to Fig. The charging station 12 described in section 1 can supply the input connection unit 420. In a non-restrictive example, the input connection unit 420 can, for instance, include a CCS connector 422, as shown in section 1. Fig. Figure 4B shows that in this example, the CCS connector 422 can include a series of inputs 424 that engage with and are electrically connected to corresponding outputs of a CCS connector on the first charging cable. Similarly, in some embodiments, the output connection unit 430 can accommodate a second charging cable or a second adapter that transmits electrical signals to an electric vehicle, such as the one shown in Fig. 1 described EV 10, can transmit. In a non-restrictive example, the second charging cable or charging adapter can also include a CCS connector. In some embodiments, the number and type of outputs on the output connection unit 430 correspond to the number and type of inputs on the input connection unit 420.

[0022] In an alternative to the configuration of Fig. 4A, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4C, the input connection unit 420 can include a cable 425, one end of which is integrated into or attached to the housing 410 of the diagnostic device 400. A second end of the cable 425 can be connected to a charging source capable of supplying electrical signals, such as the charging station 12, which is described in Figure 4C. Fig. 1 was described. In another alternative, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 4D, the output connection unit 430 can include a cable 435, one end of which is integrated into or attached to the housing 410 of the diagnostic device 400. A second end of the cable 435 can be connected to an electric vehicle to receive electrical signals, such as those referred to in Figure 4D. Fig. 1 described EV 10.

[0023] The circuit network 440 can contain a variety of electrical circuits that electrically connect various components of the diagnostic device 400. In some embodiments, the circuit network 440 can include a series of electrical lines 442 that directly connect inputs on the input connection unit 420 to corresponding outputs on the output connection unit 430. As described, the electrical lines in the circuit network 440 can be of any type, including wires, cables, rods, poles, and the like, which may be single- or multi-core, insulated, sheathed, armored, braided, coaxial, twisted, bundled, layered, coated, and so on.

[0024] Again referring to Fig. 4A The test terminals 450 offer the possibility to directly measure electrical signals in the circuit network 440 and to diagnose the charging of, for example, an EV 10, as in Fig. 1 described. In particular, diagnostic devices coupled to at least one of the test terminals 450 can receive electrical signals flowing in electrical lines 442 that are electrically connected to the respective test terminal(s) 450. Although Fig. While Figure 4A specifies a particular number and configuration of test ports 450 on the diagnostic device 400, the number, location, and type of test ports 450 may vary. For example, the test port(s) 450 may include any variety, number, and combination of plugs, sockets, ports, receptacles, etc., suitable for receiving diagnostic devices. In some non-restrictive examples, the test ports 450 may include banana plugs, BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors, RF connectors, coaxial connectors, etc.

[0025] As described, electrical signals in the circuit network 440 can be accessed via various exposed sections 446a, ..., 446e of the electrical lines 442. In some embodiments, electrical signals in the circuit network 440 can be accessed both via the test terminals 450 and via exposed sections 446a, ..., 446e. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 4E, the test terminals 450a, ..., 450e can have corresponding exposed sections 446a, ..., 446e. Such a configuration enables, for example, direct electrical measurement as well as inductive measurement. In some embodiments, the diagnostic device 400 can have a number of further features. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4E, the diagnostic device 400 may, for example, contain a label 470 which can provide information, warnings or instructions to a user operating the diagnostic device 400.

[0026] In the Fig. Figures 5A-5C show an embodiment of a diagnostic device 500. In particular, the perspective view of Fig. 5A is a circuit access 560 shown, which provides access to an exposed section 546 of a circuit network or electrical line, as for example in Fig. 3 described. As shown, the exposed section 546 can be recessed in a space of the circuit access 560. The space can be defined by a length L, a width W, and a height H. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 5A-5C, the length L of the space can extend between a front surface 582 and a rear surface 584, the width W of the space can extend between a left surface 586 and a right surface 588, and the height H of the space can extend from an upper surface 590 to a lower surface 592 of the housing 510. The exposed section 546 can extend within the space by a depth d1 from the front surface 582 ( Fig. 5B) and to a depth d2 from the upper surface 590 ( Fig. 5C) be recessed and protrude from the interior of the housing 510 through the left surface 586 or the right surface 588. In some embodiments, the shape and dimensions of the space and the exposed section 546 are sufficient to allow the measurement of electrical signals in the exposed section 546. For example, the shape and dimensions of the space and the exposed section 546 are sufficient to accommodate a current clamp or a measuring component of a current clamp and to allow inductive measurement using such a current clamp or component of the current clamp.

[0027] Although Fig. Figures 5A-5C show an embodiment of a circuit access 560; the circuit access(s) on the diagnostic device 500 can have any position, shape, and dimensions. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 6A-6B, for example, a circuit access 660, which provides access to an exposed section 646 of a circuit network in a diagnostic device 600, can be positioned at a corner of a housing 610 of the diagnostic device 600. Furthermore, the space of the circuit access 660 need not be cuboid, but can have any shape. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6C, at least one curved surface in the housing 610 can, for example, form a cylindrical space, a spherical space, etc. Similarly, the exposed section 646 can have any shape, such as a ring shape or a wreath shape, as shown in the Fig. Figures 6B-6D show that in some embodiments the exposed section 646 need not be recessed into a space of the housing 610. For example, the exposed section 646 can be, as shown in Fig. 60 shown, protruding from the same front surface 682 of the housing 610.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the diagnostic device comprises an input connection unit comprising a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and an output connection unit comprising a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also comprises a circuit network that electrically connects corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network. The diagnostic device further comprises at least one circuit access point that exposes at least a portion of the circuit network. In one embodiment, at least one of the input connection units and output connection units is integrated into the housing.In another embodiment, the input and output connection unit is a combined charging system connector (CCS). In a further embodiment, the input connection unit or the output connection unit, or both, consist of a cable. In a further embodiment, the diagnostic device further comprises a plurality of test terminals electrically connected to the circuit network, wherein at least one of the plurality of test terminals transmits electrical signals received from the charging station to diagnostic equipment connected to the at least one of the plurality of test terminals. In a further embodiment, at least one of the multiple test terminals is integrated into the housing. In a further embodiment, the at least one circuit access comprises a space formed by at least one surface of the housing.In a further embodiment, the circuit network comprises at least one electrical conductor, at least a portion of which projects through an opening in the housing and extends into the space formed by the at least one surface of the housing. In a further embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the space and of at least a portion of the electrical conductor are sufficient to enable inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the diagnostic device comprises an input connection unit comprising a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging an electric vehicle, and an output connection unit comprising a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle. The diagnostic device also comprises a circuit network that electrically connects corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs, and at least one test terminal that is electrically connected to the circuit network and transmits electrical signals received from the charging station to diagnostic equipment connected to the at least one test terminal. The diagnostic device further comprises a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network and at least one circuit access point that exposes at least a portion of the circuit network.In a further embodiment, the circuit network comprises an electrical conductor extending from the input connection unit to the output connection unit, and another electrical conductor connected at a first end to the electrical conductor and at a second end to the at least one test terminal. In a further embodiment, the electrical conductor is connected to another electrical conductor via a T-connection. In a further embodiment, the at least one circuit access comprises a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. In a further embodiment, the circuit network comprises at least one electrical conductor, at least a portion of which projects through an opening in the housing and extends into the space formed by the at least one surface of the housing.In another embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the space and at least one part of the electrical conductor are sufficient to enable inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed part.

Claims

[1] Diagnostic device for charging electric vehicles, comprising: an input connection unit comprising a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging electric vehicles; an output connection unit having a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle; a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs; a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network; and at least one line access that exposes at least part of the line network. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the input connection units and output connection units is integrated into the housing. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein the input connection unit and the output connection unit are a combined charging system connector (CCS). [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input connection unit or the output connection unit or both comprise a cable. [5] The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of test ports electrically connected to the circuit network, wherein at least one of the plurality of test ports transmits electrical signals received from the charging station to diagnostic equipment connected to the at least one of the plurality of test ports. [6] The device of claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of test terminals is integrated into the housing. [7] The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit access comprises a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. [8] The device of claim 7, wherein the circuit network comprises at least one electrical line, at least a portion of which projects through an opening in the housing and extends into the space defined by the at least one surface of the housing. [9] Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the shape and dimensions of the space and at least a portion of the electrical line are sufficient to enable inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion. [10] Diagnostic device for charging electric vehicles, comprising: an input connection unit comprising a plurality of inputs that receive electrical signals from a charging station for charging electric vehicles; an output connection unit having a plurality of outputs that send electrical signals to an electric vehicle; a circuit network electrically connecting corresponding inputs of the plurality of inputs to outputs of the plurality of outputs; at least one test port electrically connected to the circuit network that transmits electrical signals received from the charging station to a diagnostic device connected to the at least one test port; a housing that at least partially encloses the circuit network; and at least one line access that exposes at least part of the line network. [11] The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the circuit network comprises an electrical line extending from the input connection unit to the output connection unit and a further electrical line connected at a first end to the electrical line and at a second end to the at least one test terminal. [12] The device of claim 11, wherein the electrical line is connected to another electrical line using a T-connection. [13] The device of claim 10, wherein the at least one circuit access comprises a space formed by at least one surface of the housing. [14] The device of claim 13, wherein the circuit network comprises at least one electrical line, at least a portion of which projects through an opening in the housing and extends into the space defined by the at least one surface of the housing. [15] The device of claim 14, wherein the shape and dimensions of the space and at least a portion of the electrical line are sufficient to enable inductive measurement of electrical signals in the exposed portion.

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