Electric charging cable

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric charging cable, for example for electric vehicles. One embodiment of an electric charging cable (100) comprises: at least three electrical conductors (10), at least one fixing element (20) with light-conducting properties, and an outer sheath (60) that surrounds the at least three electrical conductors (10) and the at least one fixing element (20). The at least one fixing element (20) is designed and arranged to direct coupled light at least partially towards the outer sheath (60) of the electric charging cable (100) and to keep the electrical conductors (10) at a distance from each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric charging label, in particular for electric vehicles.

[0002] Wires and cables are used for various applications. For example, cables are used to charge vehicles and other electrical and electronic devices. When cables are connected to vehicles, electrical, or electronic devices, they are sometimes located close to the ground. This creates a tripping hazard, especially in poorly lit or dark areas.

[0003] Therefore, prior art has proposed charging cables in which optical fibers are integrated into the outer surface of the cable. However, such externally mounted optical fibers have disadvantages. Firstly, due to their location, these fibers can be easily damaged or even break if forces act upon them, for example, when the cable is coiled. Similarly, if someone trips over the cable, forces can occur that may damage or even break the fibers.

[0004] CN 2 05 104 251 U relates to a decorative luminous cable with a light-emitting optical fiber and three electrically conductive conductors. Each electrically conductive conductor has a conductor and an insulating layer. The optical fiber is positioned centrally between the three electrically conductive conductors.

[0005] The CN 1 18 448 091 A refers to an LED light-emitting cable with a transparent insulating layer and two wires. The two wires are arranged within the insulating layer. A multitude of LED lamp beads are embedded in the surfaces of the two wires.

[0006] DE 20 2022 106 201 U1 relates to an electrical cable. The cable comprises: several insulated electrical conductors extending longitudinally along the cable; a light-emitting element extending longitudinally along the cable, wherein the several insulated electrical conductors and the light-emitting element are arranged radially around a central longitudinal axis defined along the cable; an inner sheath enclosing and covering the several insulated electrical conductors and the light-emitting element, wherein the inner sheath is made of a polymer material that is transparent to visible light; and an outer sheath enclosing and covering the inner sheath, wherein the outer sheath is made of a polymer material that is transparent or translucent to visible light, and wherein the outer sheath is made of substantially the same polymer material as the inner sheath.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved electric charging cable. In particular, there is a need for an illuminated charging cable that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the current technology and is therefore, for example, less susceptible to damage, such as breakage, of the integrated lighting elements.

[0008] According to a first aspect, an electric charging cable is proposed. This electric charging cable is designed, for example, as an electric charging cable for electric vehicles. The electric charging cable has at least three electrical conductors. The electric charging cable has at least one fixing element with light-conducting properties. The electric charging cable has an outer sheath. The outer sheath completely surrounds the at least three electrical conductors and the at least one fixing element. The at least one fixing element is designed and arranged such that coupled light is directed at least partially towards the outer sheath of the electric charging cable and that the electrical conductors are kept at a distance from each other.

[0009] The at least one fixing element can also be referred to as at least one holding element. Generally, fixing here can be understood as a mechanical fix. In particular, fixing can be understood as holding or keeping a physical object, in this case the electrical conductor, in a position or location. For example, fixing can be understood as holding or keeping a physical object, in this case the electrical conductor, in a position or location that is at least nearly unchanged, e.g., relative to each other.

[0010] The electrical conductors can each be designed as solid conductors or as flexible stranded wire. The electrical conductors can each be designed as copper conductors or aluminum conductors. Due to the high electrical conductivity of copper, the charging power of the charging cable can be high if at least one electrical conductor is designed as a copper conductor. Here, an electrical conductor can be understood as a conductor-shaped element. In particular, the electrical conductors can each be designed as insulated electrical conductors, i.e., each surrounded by insulation.

[0011] For the purposes of this text, an electric charging cable can be understood as a cable-shaped element with at least three electrical conductors and at least one fixing / retaining element. It can also be understood as a cable-shaped element with at least three electrical conductors and at least one fixing / retaining element, but without a light element that can be arranged within the charging cable for illumination. Furthermore, the term "electric charging cable" can be understood as the section that, in addition to the at least three electrical conductors and the at least one fixing element, has an outer sheath / sheath that surrounds the components and externally delimits and / or encompasses / surrounds the charging cable. The outer sheath protects the charging cable and can therefore also be referred to as a protective sheath. The common outer sheath holds the electrical conductors together and protects them, for example, from abrasion and environmental influences.A transparent or milky film may be provided in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer shell.

[0012] The at least three electrical conductors can extend along a longitudinal axis or in the longitudinal direction of the electric charging cable. The at least one fixing element can also extend along the longitudinal axis or in the longitudinal direction of the electric charging cable. Normally, the longitudinal axis is defined as the axis of a body, in this case the electric charging cable, that corresponds to the direction of its greatest extent. For example, the longitudinal axis here could correspond to an approximate axis of symmetry of the electric charging cable.

[0013] In particular, the at least one fixing element can be designed and arranged to hold the electrical conductors at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction of the outer sheath and / or the electrical charging cable. This distance prevents the electrical conductors from being in mechanical contact, particularly not in direct mechanical contact, and / or in a mechanical connection, particularly not in a direct mechanical connection, with each other. For example, the at least three electrical conductors can be arranged at approximately the same location / position in a radial direction of the electrical charging cable. Mechanical contact between the electrical conductors can be prevented by the at least one fixing element.

[0014] The at least one fixing element has light-guiding properties. Generally, a light guide can be understood as an element or component that can transport, guide, or direct light over a predetermined length or distance. For example, transparent or opaque elements or components can be considered light guides. Light guidance can be achieved by reflection at an interface of the light guide, for example, by total internal reflection due to a lower refractive index of a medium surrounding the light guide, by reflective coating of the light guide's interfaces, or by a suitable refractive gradient. The light-guiding properties can include the guidance of visible light, e.g., being designed or limited to guiding visible light.Light in a wavelength range outside the wavelength range of visible light may, but does not necessarily have to, be guided by the at least one fixing element.

[0015] For example, the at least one fixing element can be designed and arranged such that coupled light from an inner, for example central, area of ​​the electric charging cable is directed at least partially towards the outer sheath of the electric charging cable. For example, the at least one fixing element can be designed and arranged such that coupled light in a radial direction of the electric charging cable from an inner, e.g. central, area of ​​the charging cable is directed at least partially towards the outer sheath of the electric charging cable.

[0016] The at least one fixing element can have a central section. The at least three electrical conductors can be arranged around the central section. For example, the at least three electrical conductors can be twisted (arranged) around the central section. The central section can be located at least nearly in the center of the electrical charging cable in a cross-section.

[0017] The at least one fixing element has at least three fixing areas. These at least three fixing areas are designed to fix or hold the electrical conductors at least nearly at a distance from one another. For example, the electrical conductors can be fixed at least almost completely in at least one circumferential direction of the electrical charging cable by the fixing areas. For example, the number of the at least three fixing areas can be matched to the number of at least three electrical conductors. For example, the number of the at least three fixing areas can correspond to the number of at least three electrical conductors. The at least three fixing areas can extend at least partially along the length of the electrical charging cable. The at least three fixing areas can be spirally shaped at least partially along the length of the electrical charging cable.

[0018] The at least one fixing element can have at least three webs extending towards the outer sheath. These at least three webs can, for example, extend radially along the electrical charging cable. The at least three webs can, for example, extend from the central section of the fixing element towards the outer sheath. For example, the number of at least three webs can be matched / adapted to the number of at least three electrical conductors. The webs can form the fixing areas or parts thereof.

[0019] The at least one fixing element can be configured in a cross-section of the electric charging cable in a form that is at least approximately Y-shaped or star-shaped. For example, the shape of the at least one fixing element can be adapted to the number of electrical conductors (at least three). For example, with three electrical conductors, the at least one fixing element can have a Y-shape or a star shape in its cross-section. With four or more electrical conductors, the at least one fixing element can have a star shape in its cross-section.

[0020] The at least one fixing element can have a circular or elliptical shape in a cross-section of the electric charging cable. The ellipse can have a major axis and a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis. The length ratio of the major axis to the minor axis can be in the range of 1.05 to 1.4. The circular or elliptical shape can have at least three indentations. For example, the number of at least three indentations can be matched to the number of at least three electrical conductors. The indentations can form the fixing areas or parts thereof.

[0021] The at least one fixing element can have a receptacle, in particular for a light source and / or sensor element. A light source can be accommodated in the receptacle. The light source can emit light. The light emitted by the light source can be coupled, at least partially, into the at least one fixing element via the receptacle. The light source can, for example, be in the form of a strip. The light source can have an LED strip or be designed as an LED strip (LED: Light Emitting Diode). The LED strip can itself generate light. The light source can have at least one optical fiber or be designed as at least one optical fiber. In the case of an optical fiber, light can be coupled into the optical fiber via a laser or LED. The optical fiber can be a polymer optical fiber, i.e., free of glass or quartz glass.The optical fiber can additionally or alternatively be a side-emitting fiber and be designed to emit light laterally, i.e., towards the outer sheath. The light-emitting element can emit different colors depending on the application. The sensor element can, for example, be designed as a cable-shaped sensor element. The sensor element can include a temperature sensor or be designed as a temperature sensor.

[0022] The receptacle can be arranged centrally in the at least one fixing element, e.g., in the central section. The receptacle can be arranged as a bore, in particular a through bore, or an opening in the at least one fixing element. The receptacle can extend along a longitudinal axis of the electric charging cable or along the longitudinal axis of the electric charging cable. The central arrangement can reduce bending stress and / or tensile and / or compressive stress. This is particularly relevant if the lighting element is loosely assembled and / or not under tensile stress.

[0023] The at least one fixing element can be designed and arranged such that the light directed towards the outer sheath of the electrical charging cable is at least partially coupled into the outer sheath. The outer sheath can be designed to emit the light coupled into it at its surface, for example, by scattering it. The at least one fixing element can be made of or formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. Such a polymer material can be, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP).

[0024] The outer shell can be milky and / or transparent, at least in sections. A transparent material can be understood as a material that transmits light. The milky material can have a lower light transmittance than the transparent material. For example, the entire outer shell can be made of a transparent material. Alternatively, the entire outer shell can be made of a milky material.

[0025] The outer shell can be single-layered or multi-layered, for example, double-layered.

[0026] An inner layer of the outer shell can be made of, or consist of, a transparent material. An outer layer surrounding the inner layer can be made of, or consist of, a milky material. The outer layer can, for example, directly surround the inner layer. The milky material may have a lower light transmittance than the transparent material.

[0027] The at least three electrical conductors can be arranged parallel to each other, at least in sections, in a longitudinal direction or along a longitudinal axis of the electric charging cable. Additionally or alternatively, the at least three electrical conductors can be stranded together, at least in sections, in a longitudinal direction or along a longitudinal axis of the electric charging cable.

[0028] At least one of the three electrical conductors can form a direct current (DC) conductor. The DC conductor is used to transmit direct current. For example, the DC conductor can be one of the two DC conductors required for transmitting direct current in a charging cable. One of the three electrical conductors can form a positive DC conductor. Another of the three conductors can form a negative DC conductor. This allows for efficient DC charging of electric vehicles using the charging cable. For example, the charging cable can transmit currents of one hundred amperes (A), or several hundred amperes, such as up to approximately 500 A.

[0029] The charging cable can have at least one protective conductor. This protective conductor can also be referred to as a PE conductor (PE: Protective Earth). A protective conductor is an electrical conductor used for safety purposes, for example, to protect against electric shock. For instance, one of the at least three electrical conductors can be designed as a protective conductor.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the electric charging cable, which has at least three electrical conductors, can have three, for example, exactly three, electrical conductors: one as the positive DC conductor, one as the negative DC conductor, and one as the protective conductor. In this case, the fixing element can, for example, have three tabs for fixing the three electrical conductors.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the electric charging cable, which has at least three electrical conductors, can have five, e.g., exactly five, electrical conductors: two electrical conductors each as positive DC conductors, two electrical conductors each as negative DC conductors, and one electrical conductor as a protective conductor. In this case, the fixing element can, for example, have five ridges for fixing the electrical conductors.

[0032] The charging cable can have one or more conductors or wires for charging with alternating current (AC). Using the one or more AC conductors, the charging cable can be used to charge an electric vehicle using AC power. For example, the charging cable can be a combination cable that enables both DC and AC charging. Examples of possible configurations include three conductors (conductor, neutral, ground), five conductors (three conductors, neutral, ground), or seven conductors (three conductors, neutral, ground, plus two conductors for communication between a power source, such as a charging station, and a power sink, such as an electric vehicle battery or the vehicle itself). Additionally or alternatively, the charging cable can also include data lines.The data lines can be configured for data transmission between an energy source, such as a charging station, and an energy sink, such as a vehicle battery or vehicle. The energy source and the energy sink can communicate with each other via these data lines. Alternatively, the charging cable can also be free of data lines.

[0033] According to a second aspect, a charging system can be provided. The charging system can include the charging cable as described in the first aspect, an end connector, and a plug. The plug is designed to be connected to a vehicle. The plug can have electrical contacts for connecting the existing electrical conductors to the vehicle's wiring. In one variant, the end connector can be designed to be detachably connected to a power source.

[0034] Furthermore, according to a third aspect, a charging station can be provided with a charging cable according to the first aspect or with a charging system according to the second aspect.

[0035] Even though some of the aspects described above have been described in relation to the electric charging cable according to the first aspect, these aspects can also be implemented in a corresponding way in the charging system according to the second aspect and / or in the charging station according to the third aspect, and vice versa.

[0036] The present invention will be further explained with reference to figures. These figures schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 a cross-section of a known illuminated electric charging cable with multiple electrical conductors; Fig. 2a a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of an electric charging cable with multiple electrical conductors; Fig. 2b a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an illuminated electric charging cable with multiple electrical conductors; Fig. 2c a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an illuminated electric charging cable with multiple electrical conductors; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an illuminated electric charging cable with multiple electrical conductors; and Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an illuminated electric charging cable with multiple electrical conductors.

[0037] Specific details are set forth below, without limitation, to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the present invention can be used in other embodiments that may differ from the details set forth below. Furthermore, the figures serve only to illustrate embodiments. They are not to scale and are intended only to exemplify the general concept of the invention. For example, features included in the figures should by no means be considered necessary components.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1, from the applicant's operational practice, shows a cross-section of a known electrical charging cable 1 with several electrical conductors 2, more precisely with five electrical conductors 2. The electrical conductors 2 are arranged around a central element and each rests against an outer sheath 6 of the electrical charging cable 1. The conductors 2 are slightly pressed into the outer sheath 6, forming indentations in it.

[0039] An optical fiber 3 is also incorporated into the charging cable 1. The optical fiber 3 also rests against the outer sheath 6, is also slightly pressed into the outer sheath 6, and forms an indentation in it. The optical fiber 3 is located in Fig. 1 is also in contact with two electrical conductors 2. Since the optical fiber 3 is in contact with the outer sheath 6, it is clearly visible from the outside. However, it emits light primarily into a radiation zone A that does not completely surround the charging cable 1. Furthermore, the optical fiber 3 can be relatively easily damaged by external stresses such as pressure and / or tension on the outer sheath 6. Examples of such external stresses include tripping over the cable 1 or bending the cable 1, for example, when winding the cable 1.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a section of a 100 mm charging cable. Fig. 2b or a charging cable 100 from Fig. 2c. More precisely, it shows Fig. 2a an excerpt of the in Fig. 2b of the charging cable 100 shown in a cross-sectional view and / or a section of the in Fig. 2c shows a cross-sectional view of the charging cable 100. For the sake of simplicity, the Fig. 2a therefore also in relation to the Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c and also together with the Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c explained.

[0041] In Fig. 2a Some elements of the charging cable 100, such as the outer sheath 60, have been omitted for the sake of simplicity. In Fig. Figure 2a shows an exemplary star-shaped fixing element 20 and, by way of example, five electrical conductors 10 as an example of at least three electrical conductors 10 being arranged in the charging cable 100. The fixing element 20 has light-conducting properties, i.e., it is capable of conducting light / it can guide / direct / transport light. The star-shaped fixing element 20 is, by way of example, transparent, but can also be milky. A receptacle 24 is arranged in a central section 26, i.e., in the middle, of the fixing element 20. The central section 26 is, by way of example, formed in cross-section at least approximately circular. The receptacle 24 is, in the embodiment according to Fig. 2a (as well as the further embodiments) is designed as an opening 24 or bore 24, e.g., a through bore, and is hereinafter referred to as bore 24. The bore 24 can extend at least partially along the fixing element 20. The bore 24 can, for example, extend as a through bore along the entire length of the fixing element 20 within the fixing element 20.

[0042] Starting from the central section 26 of the fixing element 20, five webs 22 of the fixing element 20 extend radially outwards. An electrical conductor 10 is arranged between each pair of these five webs 22 and is held or fixed there by the corresponding webs 22. In particular, each of the electrical conductors 10 rests against two webs 22 and is thereby fixed in a circumferential direction of the charging cable 100. More precisely, in the circumferential direction of the charging cable 100, there is a positive fit between each of the electrical conductors 10 and the webs 22 between which the respective electrical conductor 10 is arranged. In the circumferential direction of the charging cable 100, the electrical conductors 10 are therefore fixed by the respective positive fit and kept at a distance from each other. The area between two webs 22 is accordingly referred to as the fixing area FB.In particular, the electrical conductors 10 are held at a distance from their neighboring conductors 10 by the webs 22 between which each conductor 10 is arranged. In the radial direction of the charging cable 100, there is a frictional connection between each of the electrical conductors 10 and the webs 22 between which each conductor 10 is arranged. Furthermore, the electrical conductors 10 can be held at a distance in the radial direction by filler elements and / or filler material (both not shown in the figure). Fig. 2a) are fixed in the charging cable 100. Ribs and / or thickenings are arranged or provided at each end of the webs 22. These ribs and / or thickenings can be designed to direct the light even more efficiently towards the outer sheath.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view of a charging cable 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, which is based on the Fig. 2a is based on the elements described in section 2a. Each element is based on the elements from Fig. 2a matching elements are considered in relation to Fig. 2b with the same reference symbols. In addition to those in Fig. The elements shown in 2a are in Fig. 2b an outer sheath 60 of the charging cable 100 is shown, which is in Fig. Section 2a has been omitted for the sake of simplicity. The electric charging cable 100 has an outer sheath 60 that completely surrounds the five electrical conductors 10 and the fixing element 20. That is, the outer sheath 60 surrounds the electrical conductors 10 and the star-shaped fixing element 20. The electrical conductors 10 each have, for example, at least one electrically conductive conductor element 12 and insulation 14 that completely surrounds the at least one electrically conductive element 12. The electrical conductor 10 can have a solid conductor or a flexible stranded wire as the electrically conductive element 12. In technical terms, the at least one electrically conductive element 12 is often referred to as the electrical conductor, while the electrical conductor 10 mentioned herein is often referred to as the core.In this case, it can be said that the wires 10 each have an electrical conductor 12 and insulation 14 surrounding the respective electrical conductor 12.

[0044] Both in Fig. 2a as well as in Fig. 2b shows that the electric charging cable 100 has five electrical conductors 10 as an example of the fact that at least three electrical conductors 10 are arranged in the electric charging cable 100. Fig. 2b Two of the five electrical conductors 10 are configured as a positive DC conductor. Two of the five electrical conductors 10 are configured as a negative DC conductor. Thus, efficient DC charging of electric vehicles can be achieved using the charging cable 100. Furthermore, one of the electrical conductors 10 in the charging cable 100 is configured as a protective conductor.

[0045] The fixing element 20 has, as in relation to Fig. The section 24, referred to as 2a, has a central section 24. The central section 24 is located at least nearly centrally in the charging cable 100. In other words, the central section 24 is arranged at least nearly in the middle of the electrical charging cable 100. The electrical conductors 10 are arranged around the central section 24.

[0046] Starting from the central section 24, five webs 22 extend, for example, in the radial direction of the electric charging cable 100 towards the outer sheath 60. The webs 22, as described in relation to Fig. Figure 2a shows that fixing areas FB are formed in which the electrical conductors 10 can be held or fixed. These fixing areas FB are each located between two webs 22. This creates Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b Five fixing areas FB are formed for the five electrical conductors 10. The fixing areas FB fix the electrical conductors 10 at least nearly at a distance relative to each other. Thus, the fixing element 20 is designed and arranged to hold or fix the electrical conductors 10 at a distance from each other.

[0047] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, adjacent webs 22 have an angular distance of at least approximately 72° from each other. This results in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, in a cross-sectional view from Fig. 2b, star-shaped fixing element 20 is formed. Furthermore, the webs 22 can be tapered towards the outer shell 60.

[0048] The fixing element 20 has the bore 24, as described in relation to Fig. 2a described. In the cable 100, the electrical conductors 10 and the bore 24 run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the bore 24 extends from Fig. 2b coaxial with the longitudinal axis of cable 100 as the common axis.

[0049] The borehole 24 in Fig. 2a is empty. However, in the embodiment shown, Fig. 2b In the bore 24 of the fixing element 20, a light element 30 is arranged as an example. The bore 24 thus serves as a receptacle for the light element 30. In Fig. Figure 2b shows an example where exactly one light element 30 is arranged in the bore 24. Alternatively, several light elements can be arranged in the bore, as shown in relation to Fig. 2c described.

[0050] In the example shown, the light element 30 and the bore 24 are located at least nearly centrally within the charging cable 100 and are coaxial with each other. The light element 30 can, for example, be configured as an LED strip with multiple LEDs extending longitudinally or along the longitudinal axis of the charging cable 100. Each of the LEDs generates light and emits it longitudinally or along the longitudinal axis of the charging cable 100. Alternatively, the light element 30 can be configured as an optical fiber that does not generate light itself but can conduct it. In this case, light can be coupled into the optical fiber, for example, into one end of the optical fiber, using a laser.

[0051] The light source 30 can emit light and couple it into the fixing element 20 via the bore 24. The fixing element 20 has light-conducting properties. In the example shown, the fixing element 20 is designed to be at least nearly transparent. However, it can also be milky. The bore 24 is centrally located in the fixing element 20. The fixing element 20 is designed and arranged such that coupled light is guided, at least partially, towards the outer sheath 60 of the electric charging cable 100 by means of the webs 22 in a radial direction. Thus, the coupled light is guided via the webs 22 towards the outer sheath 60. The fixing element 20 is designed and arranged such that the light guided towards the outer sheath 60 of the electric charging cable 100 is coupled, at least partially, into the outer sheath 60.

[0052] The outer sheath 60 is designed to emit, for example by scattering, the light coupled into it at its surface. The five ribs 22 couple light into the outer sheath 60 at different points. This, along with the scattering properties of the outer sheath 60, results in light being emitted uniformly along the circumference of the charging cable 100. This creates uniform illumination of the charging cable 100.

[0053] The outer shell 60 is made of in this example Fig. 2b is at least partially milky and / or transparent. In the example shown, the outer shell 60 is, for the sake of simplicity, a single layer.

[0054] Furthermore, in Fig. 2b Data lines (without reference numerals) are arranged in the charging cable. The data lines have in Fig. 2b For example, the electrical conductors 10 have smaller cross-sectional areas, and the data lines are located further out in the radial direction than the electrical conductors 10, i.e., they have a greater distance to the bore 24 than the electrical conductors 10. The data lines are located in Fig. 2b in empty spaces between the electrical conductors 10 and webs 22 and / or also in the fixing areas FB. The number of data lines is adjustable.

[0055] Fig. Figure 2c shows a variant of the embodiment from Fig. 2b. The basic design of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2c corresponds to the design from Fig. 2b and is also based on the in Fig. 2a shown elements. Only the star shape of the embodiment from Fig. 2c deviates slightly from the star shape of the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2b ab. The webs 22 or points of the star of the embodiment from Fig. 2c are therefore wider than the webs 22 or teeth of the embodiment from Fig. 2b. In addition, in Fig. 2c shows a different application of the charging cable than in Fig. 2b. In Fig. In 2b, a light element 30 is arranged in the bore 24, through which the charging cable 100 can emit light and thus become an illuminated charging cable 100. Fig. In bore 24, a sensor line 40 is arranged. Temperature values ​​can be measured and monitored, for example, in the longitudinal direction or along the longitudinal axis of the charging cable 100 using the temperature sensors.

[0056] Alternatively, a sensor line 40 and a light element 30 can be arranged in the bore 24. The sensor line 40 can have one or more temperature sensors, for example in the longitudinal direction or along the longitudinal axis of the charging cable 100.

[0057] Alternatively, several light elements 30 can be arranged in the bore 24, each of which can be formed like the light element 30 made of Fig. 2b. Thus, the three can be in Fig. The circular elements arranged in 2c could each be designed, for example, as a lighting element 30. In this case, the bore 24 would consist of Fig. 2c shows, for example, exactly three lighting elements 30 arranged.

[0058] Also in Fig. 2c are those relating to Fig. The data lines described in 2b are provided accordingly in the charging cable 100.

[0059] The charging cable 100, according to each of the embodiments described herein, can incorporate sensors, for example one or more temperature sensors. This increases the safety of the charging cable 100 through targeted monitoring, such as temperature monitoring.

[0060] In Fig. 3 is a variant of the embodiment from Fig. 2a to 2c shown. Fig. Figure 3 shows an electric charging cable 100 with exactly three electrical conductors 10. The electrical conductors 10 can each be a solid conductor or a flexible stranded wire, acting as electrically conductive elements 12. The electrical conductors 10 can be made of copper. One of the electrical conductors 10 can form a positive DC conductor. One of the electrical conductors 10 can form a negative DC conductor. Thus, efficient DC charging of electric vehicles can be achieved using the charging cable 100. The DC conductors serve to transmit direct current in the charging cable 100. One of the electrical conductors 10 can form a protective conductor.

[0061] According to the variant from Fig. Figure 3 shows that the charging cable 100, in addition to the three electrical conductors 10, has a star-shaped fixing element 20 with exactly three webs 22. Adjacent webs 22 each have the same angular distance (equal angular amplitude) of at least approximately 120° from each other in the illustrated case. The fixing element 20 also has in Fig. 3 a star shape in a cross-section of the electric charging cable 100. In the example shown, the cross-sectional shape of the fixing element 20 can also be described as an inverted Y-shape.

[0062] The fixing element also consists of Fig. Section 3 has a receptacle 24 designed as a bore 24. The bore 24 can be, as described in relation to Fig. The components described in 2a to 2c serve as a receptacle for a light element 30 and / or as a receptacle for a sensor line 40. If a light element 30 is arranged in the bore 24, the component described in Fig. Figure 3 shows an illuminated charging cable 100. The light element 30 emits light, which is coupled into the fixing element 20 via the bore 24. The bore 24 is centrally located in the fixing element 20. The light element 30 can be arranged to be radially movable within the receptacle 24. In this case, the light element 30 is not under tensile stress.

[0063] The coupled light is guided or directed radially towards the outer sheath 60 of the electrical charging cable 100 via the ribs 22 of the fixing element 20. The light is then at least partially coupled into the outer sheath 60. The light coupled into the outer sheath 60 is at least partially emitted from its surface, for example, by scattering.

[0064] In the example from Fig. Figure 3 shows that the outer shell 60 is designed as a two-layer structure. An inner layer 62 of the outer shell 60 has a transparent material or is made of a transparent material. An outer layer 64, directly surrounding the inner layer 62, has a milky material or is made of a milky material. Alternatively, a single-layer structure is possible.

[0065] Also in the Fig. 2a to 2c, a multilayered, e.g., two-layered, structure of the outer shell 60 is conceivable. In this case, an inner layer of the outer shell 60 can have a transparent material or be made of a transparent material. An outer layer immediately surrounding the inner layer can then have a milky material or be made of a milky material.

[0066] Fig. Figure 4 shows a variant of the embodiment of the charging cable made of Fig. 3. Also in the charging cable 100 according to Fig. Figure 4 shows three electrical conductors 10 arranged as an example. The fixing element 20 has, in the variant according to Fig. 4. A different shape. In this variant, the fixing element 20 has a circular shape in a cross-section of the electrical charging cable 100. Indentations 28 are provided in this circular shape. In the example shown, exactly one indentation 28 is provided in the fixing element 20 for each electrical conductor 10; that is, for example, the fixing element consists of Fig. 4 exactly three indentations 28 are provided. The indentations, like the webs 22, can serve to fix the electrical conductors 10. Accordingly, the indentations 28 can also form fixing areas FB. In addition, webs can extend towards the outer sheath, as in relation to the Fig. 2a to 3 described, also from the fixing element 20 Fig. 4 extend. The webs can support the indentations 28 in fixing the electrical conductors 20.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiments from Fig. 2a to 4, the electrical conductors 10 can be arranged parallel to each other at least partially in a longitudinal direction or along a longitudinal axis of the electrical charging cable 100, for example, running parallel to each other along the entire length of the charging cable 100. Alternatively, the electrical conductors 10 can be stranded together at least partially, for example, along the entire length of the charging cable 100.

[0068] The charging cable 100 in all embodiments can optionally include AC lines. However, the AC lines can also be omitted. If no AC line is provided, the charging cable 100 is designed as a DC charging cable. If, on the other hand, lines 10 and one or more AC lines are provided, the charging cable 100 is designed as a combination charging cable for selectable DC and AC charging. A signal line may also be provided.

Claims

[1] Electric charging cable (100), for example for electric vehicles, comprising: at least three electrical conductors (10); and at least one fixing element (20) with light-conducting properties; and an outer sheath (60) surrounding at least three electrical conductors (10) and at least one fixing element (20); wherein the at least one fixing element (20) is designed and arranged in such a way as to direct coupled light at least partially towards the outer sheath (60) of the electrical charging cable (100) and to keep the electrical conductors (10) at a distance from each other, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) has at least three fixing areas (FB) which are designed to fix the electrical conductors (10) at least nearly at a distance from each other. [2] Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) has a central section (26) and the at least three electrical conductors (10) are arranged around the central section (26), for example, stranded. [3] Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 2, wherein the central section (26) is arranged at least nearly centrally in the electric charging cable (100). [4] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) has at least three webs (22) extending, for example in the radial direction of the electric charging cable (100), towards the outer sheath (60). [5] Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 4, wherein adjacent webs (22) of the at least three webs (22) each have an equal angular distance from each other, for example an angular distance of 120°, 90° or 72°. [6] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) in a cross-section of the electric charging cable (100) is formed at least nearly Y-shaped or star-shaped. [7] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) in a cross-section of the electric charging cable (100) has a circular or elliptical shape in which at least three indentations (28) are provided. [8] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) has a receptacle (30), in particular a bore or opening. [9] Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 8, wherein the receptacle (30) is arranged centrally in the at least one fixing element (20), in particular in the central section (26). [10] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one fixing element (20) is designed and arranged in such a way as to couple the light directed towards the outer sheath (60) of the electric charging cable (100) at least partially into the outer sheath (60). [11] Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 10, wherein the outer sheath (60) is designed to emit the light coupled into the outer sheath (60) at its surface, for example to scatter it. [12] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outer sheath (60) is at least partially milky and / or transparent. [13] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the outer sheath (60) is single-layered or multi-layered, for example two-layered. [14] Electric charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein an inner layer (62) of the outer sheath (60) has a transparent material or is formed from a transparent material and an outer layer (64) surrounding the inner layer (62), in particular directly, has a milky material or is formed from a milky material.

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