Cable sheathing

Abstract

Enclosure with a tubular or tubular-shaped wall as theft protection for a cable, in particular for theft-prone fast charging cables at charging stations for electric cars, having two enclosure ends, an inner and an outer side, characterized by a flexible electrical conductor extending over the entire length of the wall and whose two poles are arranged at the same enclosure end for an electrical connection with an alarm device.

Description

[0001] Copper is a highly sought-after raw material. For this reason, operators of facilities that use copper cables as power cables face theft, which can cause lengthy downtimes and thus, in addition to the material loss of installed copper, necessitate replacement and repair. Likewise, the temporary unusability of the affected facility and its associated infrastructure often represents significant consequential damage. This paper presents a sheathing for theft-prone cables, particularly fast-charging cables at electric vehicle charging stations, designed to prevent or at least hinder the theft of such cables.

[0002] Fast charging cables for electric cars, in particular, have larger cross-sections and / or a higher number of current-carrying conductors, and therefore a higher copper content, due to the increased power output they must be able to handle over the years. These cables are found at fixed charging stations and cannot be disconnected by the user. This makes them vulnerable to theft, and since their functionality after theft is irrelevant—only the copper content matters—they are often simply cut off with the intent to steal.Since charging stations typically have a charging protection circuit between the mains power supply point and the charging cable, this circuit is designed so that cutting the charging cable during the charging process—when the cable is live and current is flowing into the battery of a connected electric vehicle—immediately interrupts the current flow, preventing anyone from being harmed by electric shock in the event of accidental, faulty, or even theft-related overvoltages or short circuits. When no electric vehicle is connected to the charging station, the charging cable is de-energized, and cutting it is safe, even in the case of theft.

[0003] Patent DE 10 2019 119 221 A1 already addresses the issue of theft protection for charging cables and discloses a charging station with a charging protection circuit in which a safety wire is installed in the charging cable, independent of the charging protection circuit, and permanently supplied with an electrical potential. In the event of an attempted theft, cutting the safety wire is intended to cause an electric shock and thus serve as an effective deterrent.

[0004] A disadvantage of this form of deterrence is the risk to life and limb if the charging cable is cut. Furthermore, a person intending to steal can protect themselves from the potential electric shock by wearing appropriate protective clothing.

[0005] Against this background, the challenge arises to provide an alternative anti-theft device for charging cables that not only acts as a deterrent but also makes theft mechanically more difficult. Furthermore, at least one version of the anti-theft device should be retrofittable so that existing charging stations can also be equipped with it.

[0006] The problem is solved by means of an enclosure according to claim 1 and an arrangement according to claim 8, wherein advantageous embodiments result from the respective dependent claims.

[0007] A sheath with a tubular or tubular-shaped wall is proposed as theft protection for a cable preferably fixed at least at one end, particularly for theft-prone fast-charging cables at charging stations for electric cars. The sheath has two ends, an inner and an outer side, wherein a flexible electrical conductor extends over the entire length of the wall and its two poles are arranged at the same end of the sheath for electrical connection to an alarm device. In the simplest case, the electrical conductor consists of a metal strand or wire laid in a U-shaped loop, extending from one end of the sheath to the other, where it makes a 180° change of direction before returning to the original end of the sheath, where the metal strand or wire originates.The two poles, i.e., the free ends of the electrical conductor, can be electrically connected to an alarm device. This device includes an alarm transmitter and a control unit that sends an activating signal to the alarm transmitter when the current flow through the electrical conductor is interrupted. The type of alarm can vary and may be visual, audible, and / or silent, for example, as a notification to emergency services. The alarm can also, preferably additionally, consist of releasing dye particles, similar to those already found in ATMs, which mark people in the immediate vicinity. A combination of these examples increases the likelihood that a theft attempt involving the severing of the electrical conductor will be detected in time and may even lead to the theft attempt being abandoned.The power for the electrical conductor and the alarm device can be supplied independently of the charging current via the mains power supply or, at least for the electrical conductor, via a battery. The electrical conductor need not be a metal strand or wire; it can also be integrated into the wall, for example, as a braid, from the end of which a conductor, preferably insulated from the braid, runs along the inside of the casing wall back to its origin. Preferably, the electrical conductor should run along the inside and / or be integrated into the wall. If the electrical conductor is a metal strand or wire, it can also be laid in a corrugated pattern to cover the inside surface as effectively as possible.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the wall of the casing has a longitudinal slit with a closure element that preferably extends from one end of the casing to the other. When the closure element is open, the casing can be placed around an existing charging cable attached to a charging station, and then the closure element can be closed again so that the charging cable is enclosed by the casing. A robust zipper with metal teeth has proven to be a suitable closure element.

[0009] To make it significantly more difficult to cut a charging cable that is vulnerable to theft, it is preferred if the wall of the covering has a fabric made of polymeric plastic that is at least cut-resistant or cut-proof, in particular polyester and / or high-strength polyethylene.

[0010] The proposed sheath allows for an arrangement with a cable or cable section, wherein the cable or cable section is, for example, arranged at one end at an outlet of the charging station and has a charging plug at the other end. The sheath encloses the cable or cable section and is detachably fixed at both ends of the cable or cable section by means of a clamping device that includes a fixing element. When providing such an arrangement, the sheath should preferably extend over the entire length of the cable or cable section that can be positioned outside the charging station, even if the cable or cable section can, for example, be coiled inside the charging station. In this case, the cable or cable section would first be pulled out of the charging station as far as possible and fitted with the sheath.The sheathing can then be rolled up together with the cable or cable section.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, a locking element is provided on each of the fixing means for the clamping devices, or the fixing means itself is designed as a locking element by means of which loosening of the respective fixing means can be prevented or made more difficult. For example, special screws can be used as fixing means whose screw heads have unusually shaped recesses, from the center of which a spike or pin can additionally protrude, so that the screw connections can only be loosened by means of correspondingly complementary shaped tools. However, it is also possible, for example, to cover two adjacent fixing means designed as ordinary screws at the screw heads with a locking element that is engaged with the adjacent screw heads.

[0012] Preferably, the securing element on the outlet-side clamping device can be designed as a lock, in particular as a padlock or shackle lock, wherein the fixing means to be secured has an eyelet for the clamping device through which the shackle lock can be passed, as well as through an eyelet attached to the clamping device, for example to a clamping bracket, so that loosening of the fixing means is prevented.

[0013] It is advantageous if the locking element of the outlet-side clamping device is not assigned to each individual fixing element of the clamping device, but rather if a single locking element covers all fixing elements, preferably in the form of a cover box attached to the clamping device with fasteners. In the locked position, this cover box conceals the fixing element(s) and preferably also the clamping device itself, rendering them inaccessible from the outside. The fastening element(s) of the cover box are designed as a security screw with a special screw head, preferably featuring a prong protruding from a ridge, or for locking by means of a padlock, thus ensuring that the cover box remains in the locked position. This ensures that the clamping device cannot be easily opened and that the cover cannot be removed from the cable or cable section.

[0014] If a padlock is used to secure the mounting hardware of the fairing box, it is advantageous for it to be located inside the fairing box and for its cylinder to be positioned horizontally to make drilling attempts more difficult. When using a zipper as a closure for a longitudinal slit in the fairing wall, which allows for retrofitting with the cover, it is advantageous for the zipper, comprising the slider and housing, to be oriented so that, when the zipper is closed, the slider is positioned at the outlet end of the cover inside the fairing box and the housing is at the plug end. This ensures that the zipper slider can only be moved along the entire length of the zipper if the outlet-side clamping device has been removed beforehand.It is particularly preferred that the slider be positioned inside the cladding box when the zipper is closed.

[0015] Securing the connector-side clamping device, as well as the terminal-side clamping device, can advantageously be achieved by providing a form-fitting housing at both the connector-side clamping device and the connector-side end of the sheathing. This housing can, for example, comprise two half-shells made of nylon, another suitable plastic, or metal, preferably stainless steel. These half-shells can act as additional clamping for the sheathing on the cable or cable section, while simultaneously completely enclosing the clamping device and being firmly connected to each other by means of safety screws, which act as locking elements. Such housings can also be used at both ends of the sheathing if, for example, a cladding box would be too complex.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the electrical conductor of the enclosure is energized by mains current or battery current and electrically connected to an alarm device supplied with mains or battery current, wherein the alarm device comprises an alarm transmitter and a control device which, in the event of an interruption of the current flow through the electrical conductor, outputs a signal activating the alarm transmitter.

[0017] If the arrangement includes a casing box according to claim 11, the alarm device is advantageously arranged within such a casing box. Naturally, the arrangement is not limited to cables or cable sections that are attached to a charging station at one end and have a charging plug at the other. Similarly, arrangements with other fixed cables or cable sections can also be created using the casing, provided they are designed analogously and offer comparable protection against theft.

[0018] The following section explains in more detail the covering and the arrangement of the covering and a cable or cable section using an example of a preferred embodiment.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the casing, a copper wire is laid in loops and waves along its entire length on the inside of the casing. The poles of this wire are positioned at the same end of the casing and are designed to be connected to an alarm device. The casing has a longitudinal slit along its entire length, which can be closed by means of a robust metal zipper. The casing wall is made of a cut-resistant polymer.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of an arrangement consisting of the sheath and a cable or cable section, the sheath completely encloses the cable or cable section and is fixed at both ends by a clamping device. The fixing means are designed as security screws that can only be loosened with special tools, as their screw heads have star-shaped recesses from the center of which a pin protrudes. The clamping device has two clamping fittings that can be pressed together by means of the security screws and perform their clamping function when the cable enclosed by the sheath has first been positioned with its ends between the two clamping fittings. The sheath is secured against displacement on the cable by hose clamps.The locking element for the clamping fittings, designed to prevent theft, is positioned at a fixed end of the cable to be protected, as is common at fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. It is designed as a cover box that conceals all fixing and fastening elements. This is achieved by mounting a suspension rail for the cover box on the clamping device. The cover box rests on this rail by its upper edge, and its position is secured by safety screws whose heads are concealed by the cover box. Sufficient space is provided at the bottom of the cover box to allow the enclosed cable(s) to exit. The cover box is particularly suitable for installation at the cable outlet of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.The other end of the cable, enclosed by the sheathing, is secured with a hose clamp and surrounded by a housing consisting of two shells. The two shells are connected by safety screws and feature inserts precisely fitted to the circumference of the cable. The zipper is closed, with its housing section located inside the enclosure and the slider positioned within the cover box. The poles of the sheath's electrical conductor are connected to the control unit of an alarm device. The alarm device is also located within the cover box. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2019 119 221 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Enclosure with a tubular or tubular-shaped wall as theft protection for a cable, in particular for fast charging cables at charging stations for electric cars that are susceptible to theft, having two enclosure ends, an inner and an outer side, characterized by a flexible electrical conductor extending over the entire length of the wall, with both poles arranged at the same end of the casing, intended for electrical connection with an alarm device. [2] Enclosure according to claim 1, characterized by that the electrical conductor is located on the inside and / or integrated into the wall [3] Enclosure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wall has a longitudinal slot with a sealing means. [4] Enclosure according to claim 3, characterized by that the longitudinal slit extends from one end of the casing to the other. [5] Enclosure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening device is designed as a zipper. [6] Enclosure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wall has at least a cut-resistant or cut-proof fabric made of polymeric plastic. [7] Enclosure according to claim 6, characterized by that the fabric contains polyester and / or high-strength polyethylene. [8] Arrangement comprising a covering according to one of the preceding claims and a cable or cable section, characterized by that the covering encloses the cable or cable section and is detachably fixed at both ends of the covering by means of a clamping device which has a fixing means, to the respective ends of the cable or cable section. [9] Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by, that a locking element is arranged on each of the fixing means of the clamping devices, or that the fixing means is designed as a locking element by means of which a loosening of the fixing means in question can be prevented or made more difficult. [10] Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the cable or cable section is arranged at one end in a fixed position at an outlet of a charging station and has a charging plug at the other end, characterized by that the locking element on the outlet-side clamping device is designed as a lock or can be fixed in a locking position by means of a lock. [11] Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized by, that the fixing means of the outlet-side clamping device is covered from the outside by the securing element designed as a cladding box, which is attached to the clamping device by means of a fastening means, in the secured position of the cladding box, wherein the fastening means of the cladding box is designed as a security screw with a special screw head, which preferably has a spike or pin protruding from a recess, or for fixing by means of a lock according to claim 10 and is thus suitable for maintaining the secured position of the cladding box. [12] Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by that the lock is designed as a cylinder lock, the cylinder of which is arranged horizontally in the casing box, making drilling attempts spatially difficult. [13] Arrangement according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by, that at least one of the clamping devices and the relevant end of the enclosure is fitted with a form-fitting housing, which surrounds the respective clamping device. [14] Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by that the locking element is designed as a safety screw, by means of which the enclosure can be closed. [15] Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized by that the security screw has a screw head which has a pin or spike protruding from a recess. [16] Arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by that the wall of the enclosure has a longitudinal slit which can be closed by a zipper having a slider and box part, wherein the slider is arranged in the enclosure or in the cladding box when the zipper is closed. [17] Arrangement according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized by, that the electrical conductor of the enclosure is energized by mains or battery current and is electrically connected to an alarm device supplied with mains or battery current, which has an alarm transmitter and a control unit, wherein the control unit outputs a signal activating the alarm transmitter in the event of an interruption of the current flow through the electrical conductor. [18] Arrangement according to claim 17, characterized by , that the alarm device is arranged within the cladding box according to claim 11.