Branch device, motor vehicle charging system and method for producing a motor vehicle charging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a branch device (10) for connecting an electric branch line (150) to an electric main line (110) for forming an electric branch to a motor vehicle charging apparatus (170), wherein: the main line (110) is formed with a plurality of wires; the branch device (10) comprises a housing (30); the branch device (10) comprises a clamping device (50); and the clamping device (50) is designed to create an electric contact to the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110). According to the invention, the clamping device (50) is arranged in the housing (30), wherein: the branch device (10) comprises at least one electric component (20); the electric component (20) is secured in the housing (30); and the electric component (20) is electrically connected to the clamping device (50).

Description

[0001] Title:

[0002] Branching device, motor vehicle charging system and method for producing a motor vehicle charging system

[0003] Description:

[0004] The invention relates to a branching device for connecting an electrical branch line to an electrical main line to form an electrical branch to a motor vehicle charging device. The main line is formed with multiple wires. The branching device comprises a housing. The branching device further comprises a clamping device. The clamping device is designed to establish electrical contact with wires of the main line.

[0005] Wieland markets a branching device under the brand name podis®. This branching device is used to connect an electrical branch line to a wallbox as a vehicle charging device. The main line is designed as a flat cable with multiple wires. An electrical branch line is pre-installed on the branching device, with individual wires of the branch line inserted into a housing of the branching device. By screwing in screws, the wires of the branch line can be electrically connected to the wires of the main line. This creates a vehicle charging system. To protect the vehicle charging device, a circuit breaker is provided in the vehicle charging device itself. Electronic communication between the vehicle charging device and an electronic control system for load management must be provided separately.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a branching device that, in addition to the function of forming an electrical branch, also includes a further, particularly electrotechnical, function. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a branching device that can be used in a prefabricated form with various motor vehicle charging devices. Likewise, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding motor vehicle charging system and a corresponding method for producing a motor vehicle charging system.

[0007] This object is achieved by patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the branching device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description and in the drawings. The object of the invention is also achieved by a motor vehicle charging system according to the invention according to one of claims 20 to 24. The motor vehicle charging system according to the invention is preferably designed with a branching device according to the invention, wherein the branching device can be designed as specified in claims 1 to 19, the description and / or in the drawings. The object is likewise achieved by a method for producing a motor vehicle charging system according to one of claims 25 to 27. A branching device according to the invention, in particular a branching device according to one of claims 1 to 19 or as described in the description or the drawings, is preferably used for the method.The method produces, in particular, a motor vehicle charging system according to one of claims 20 to 24 or as described in the description or the drawings.

[0008] According to the invention, the clamping device is arranged in the housing. Furthermore, the branching device comprises at least one electrical component. The electrical component is mounted in the housing of the branching device. The electrical component is electrically connected to the clamping device. The electrical connection between the electrical component and the clamping device can be direct or indirect.

[0009] Because the branching device comprises at least one electrical component, the branching device contains an additional electrotechnical functionality - apart from the function of forming a branch from a main line.

[0010] Because the electrical component is mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the clamping device, a prefabricated, functional branching device is provided according to the invention. This allows the installer on the construction site to connect the main line to the clamping device and simultaneously establishes an electrical connection to the electrical component. The installer no longer has to worry about providing the functionality of the electrical component themselves through additional installation or using a vehicle charging device with corresponding functionality. Furthermore, the installer no longer has to mechanically fasten the electrical component on the construction site. The branching device according to the invention can thus be designed as ready-to-connect.

[0011] It can be provided that the branching device is designed to electrically connect a plurality of branch lines within the housing to the main line. Thus, the branching device according to the invention is designed to connect at least one electrical branch line to a main electrical line to form at least one electrical branch to a motor vehicle charging device. In particular, the electrical component is secured in the housing in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The housing can, for example, comprise a top-hat rail to which the component is secured.

[0012] For example, the electrical component can be designed as a switch, in particular as a circuit breaker. The switch is preferably designed as a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) or as a residual current device (RCD). It is also conceivable for the electrical component to be designed as a combined miniature circuit breaker and residual current device (RCD / RCD). By using the branching device according to the invention, the technician on site does not have to ensure that the motor vehicle charging device has a corresponding switch, nor does the technician on site have to install a switch individually for each motor vehicle charging device.

[0013] It can be provided that the branch device comprises a connecting device. The connecting device is designed, in particular, to electrically contact wires of the branch line. For example, the connecting device can be designed as terminals, for example as terminal blocks, or as a plug-in connector. In particular, the connecting device is fastened to or in the housing. For example, the connecting device designed as terminals is fastened in the housing, or the connecting device designed as a plug-in connector is fastened to the housing. Particularly preferably, all wires of the branch line are contacted at the connecting device.

[0014] It is conceivable that the electrical component at least partially encompasses the connection device. At least, it can be provided that the wires of the branch line, designed as outer conductors (L1, L2, L3), can be electrically connected to the electrical component.

[0015] For example, the electrical component comprises a component housing, wherein the component housing at least partially encloses the connection device. For example, the component housing can comprise the terminals, in particular terminal blocks. Preferably, the component housing comprises at least terminals for the wires of the branch line, which are designed as outer conductors.

[0016] The electrical component can be designed as a communication device, in particular for data transmission. The communication device serves, in particular, to send electronic data to the motor vehicle charging device or to receive it from the motor vehicle charging device.

[0017] It can be provided that the communication device is designed to receive and / or transmit the electronic data to the motor vehicle charging device via a data line, i.e., via a cable. For example, the communication device can be designed to communicate with the motor vehicle charging device via an Ethernet connection.

[0018] Preferably, the branching device comprises a communication interface. The communication interface is particularly designed to transmit electronic data to and / or from the motor vehicle charging device, in particular via a cable.

[0019] It can be provided that the communication interface is formed on or in the housing. For example, the component housing of the component designed as a communication device can include the communication interface. In particular, the communication interface is designed as a connector.

[0020] In particular, the motor vehicle charging system comprises an electronic controller. The electronic controller serves, in particular, for load management. The communication device is provided, in particular, to receive electronic data from the motor vehicle charging device and send it to the electronic controller and / or to receive data from the electronic controller and send it to the motor vehicle charging device. Because the branching device comprises a communication device, the on-site technician is spared the need to install an independent communication system.

[0021] The motor vehicle charging system may include a backend system or be connectable to a backend system. The backend system may serve, for example, to store electronic data of the at least one motor vehicle charging device. The electronic data may be used, for example, by the backend system for billing or for managing charging processes. The backend system can monitor the motor vehicle charging device using the received electronic data. The communication device is provided, in particular, to send electronic data to the backend system or to receive electronic data from the backend system.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the communication device can communicate with at least one further communication device of a further branching device.

[0023] The communication device is electrically connected to the terminal device and can be connected to the main line via the terminal device. This allows the communication device to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0024] The branching device can be configured to transmit electronic data over the main line. For this purpose, the communication device can be configured to receive and / or transmit electronic data over the main line. Thus, the communication device can be configured as a powerline modem (PLC modem) or a powerline adapter (PLC adapter). Electronic communication over the main line can be implemented to transmit and / or receive electronic data to the electronic controller and / or to the backend system and / or to another communication device.

[0025] It can be provided that the branching device is designed such that the communication device is electrically connected to at least two conductors of the main line, preferably exactly two conductors, of the main line by the electrical contacting of the clamping device with the main line.

[0026] Of the conductors connected to the communication device, preferably one of the conductors is an outer conductor.

[0027] In one embodiment, both a phase conductor and the neutral conductor are connected to the communication device. In another alternative, a protective conductor and a phase conductor are connected to the communication device.

[0028] Alternatively, the branching device can be designed such that the communication device is electrically connected to the outer conductors of the main line by the electrical contacting of the clamping device with the main line. This can prevent or minimize interference with the communication device's communication via the main line. For example, the motor vehicle charging device can communicate with a connected motor vehicle via a power line connection. Such communication is provided, in particular, via a protective conductor and a control line of the electrical connection between the motor vehicle charging device and the motor vehicle.Because the protective conductor of the electrical connection is electrically connected to the protective conductor of the main line, and because the protective conductor of the main line and the neutral conductor of the main line are electrically connected at the grid connection point, interference levels can occur at the neutral conductor, which influences the communication of the communication device via the neutral conductor of the main line. This can also lead to interference levels at the protective conductor, which influences the communication between the vehicle charging device and the connected vehicle. If, however, communication takes place via two outer conductors of the main line, this interference is avoided. In another alternative, the protective conductor and the neutral conductor are connected to the communication device.

[0029] The component can be designed as an energy meter. The energy meter is preferably used to measure the electrical energy transferred to the vehicle charging device. This eliminates the need for the installer to install and wire an energy meter separately, or to ensure that the vehicle charging device used includes an energy meter.

[0030] The electrical component can be designed as a surge protector (SPD). This can protect the connected equipment, in particular the vehicle charging device and / or the connected vehicle, from overvoltage and thus from damage.

[0031] Preferably, the branching device comprises a plurality of electrical components. The plurality of electrical components are preferably mechanically secured in the housing. Preferably, the plurality of electrical components are each secured in the housing in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For example, the plurality of electrical components, or at least some of the plurality of components, are each secured to the top-hat rail.

[0032] The plurality of electrical components are preferably selected from the aforementioned electrical components, namely the switches, the communication device, the energy meter and the surge protector.

[0033] For example, the branch device can comprise one of the aforementioned circuit breakers and the communication device as a plurality of electrical components. In one example, the branch device comprises the circuit breaker and the communication device as the plurality of components. In a further example, the branch device comprises the residual current device and the communication device as a plurality of components. In another example, the branch device comprises a miniature circuit breaker and a residual current device as a plurality of components. In a further example, the branch device can comprise a circuit breaker, in particular a residual current device, and the energy meter as the plurality of components. Thus, a first electrical component is designed as a switch and a second electrical component is designed as a further switch, as a communication device or as an energy meter.

[0034] In yet another example, the branching device may include an energy meter and a communication device.

[0035] The branch device may comprise more than two electrical components. For example, the branch device may comprise a circuit breaker, a residual current device, and the communication device. In a further embodiment, the branch device may comprise the circuit breaker, the residual current device, and the energy meter. In yet another example, the branch device may comprise a circuit breaker, a residual current device, the communication device, and the energy meter. In the above examples, the residual current device and the circuit breaker may be replaced by a combined circuit breaker and residual current device. This allows space to be saved.

[0036] In the examples mentioned, the electrical components in the housing are mechanically fastened in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0037] The plurality of electrical components are in particular electrically connected to one another.

[0038] In particular, the electrical components listed in the above examples are electrically connected to one another. For example, the first and second electrical components are electrically connected to one another. The electrical connection and the mechanical fastening in the housing mean that the branching device is prefabricated. This significantly reduces the workload for the installer on site.

[0039] If multiple switches are present, the switches are connected in series. A switch and the energy meter, if present, are connected in series. In the case of a communication device and a switch, the communication device and the switch are connected in parallel. In the case of a communication device and an energy meter, the communication device and the energy meter are connected in parallel.

[0040] The multiple electrical components may each comprise their own component housing.

[0041] In particular, it can be provided that one or more of the electrical components at least partially encompass the connection device. Preferably, one of the electrical components comprises at least all terminals for the wires of the branch line, which are designed as outer conductors. The electrical component designed in this way is electrically connected to the at least one other component. This means that the installer on the construction site only needs to connect the branch line once.

[0042] If a first electrical component is designed as a switch, a second electrical component as a communication device and a third electrical component as an energy meter, the first, second and third electrical components are electrically connected to one another.

[0043] It can be provided that a component housing of an electrical component at least partially comprises the connection device and / or a component housing of a further electrical component comprises the communication interface, in particular the first component at least partially comprises the connection device and the second component designed as a communication device comprises the communication interface.

[0044] Preferably, the housing comprises a first cable feedthrough and a second cable feedthrough for the main cable. In other words, the branching device can be configured such that the main cable is guided into and out of the housing.

[0045] It can be provided that the housing comprises several housing parts. The housing parts comprise, in particular, a housing base body and a housing cover. The housing base body and the housing cover are preferably at least partially reversibly detachable from one another, i.e., can be fastened to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0046] Preferably, at least in a closed state of the housing, the first line feedthrough and / or the second line feedthrough are designed to be closed. This means that the main line is enclosed by the housing at the first line feedthrough and at the second line feedthrough.

[0047] It can be provided that the first cable feedthrough and / or the second cable feedthrough are adapted to the geometry of the main line. Preferably, the main line is designed as a round line. It can be provided that the first cable feedthrough and / or the second cable feedthrough are circular.

[0048] Preferably, the clamping device is designed to electrically contact the main line within the housing. The main line can be cut or uncut.

[0049] Preferably, the housing is designed to provide strain relief for the main line.

[0050] It can be provided that the housing is designed at the first cable feedthrough to provide strain relief for the main cable. For this purpose, the housing can include a fastening device at the first cable feedthrough. The fastening device at the first cable feedthrough is designed, in particular, to fasten, in particular clamp, the main cable.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the housing may be configured at the second cable entry point to provide strain relief for the main cable. For this purpose, the housing may include a fastening device at the second cable entry point. The fastening device at the second cable entry point is configured, in particular, to secure, in particular clamp, the main cable.

[0052] A housing part, in particular the housing base body, can be formed with at least one opening, preferably with a first and a second opening. The opening can be formed from an edge of the housing part. For example, a housing insertion element can be inserted into the opening. If a first and a second opening are present, a housing insertion element can be inserted into each opening.

[0053] Preferably, the main line can be radially inserted into the fastening device at the first line feedthrough and / or the second line feedthrough. Radial refers to the longitudinal direction of the first or second line feedthrough. The radial insertion makes it possible to use a main line that extends through the housing. Thus, the housing can be configured at the first and / or second line feedthrough to provide strain relief for the main line that extends through the housing.

[0054] Alternatively, the main line is cut within the housing. The cut main line can be inserted, in particular exclusively, axially into the first and / or the second line feedthrough. Axial here refers to the longitudinal direction of the first or second line feedthrough. It is preferably provided that the first and / or the second line feedthrough is each formed in the housing insertion element. As a result, the main line is inserted axially into the first or second line feedthrough. The branching device can be designed such that the housing insertion element can be inserted into the housing base body with the line feedthrough. As a result, the main line can be inserted into the housing base body together with the housing insertion element.

[0055] It can be provided that the housing is designed at the first line feedthrough to seal the first line feedthrough. Additionally or alternatively, the housing can be designed at the second line feedthrough to seal the second line feedthrough. This prevents water or foreign bodies from getting into the housing at the first or second line feedthrough. For sealing purposes, it can be provided that the first and / or the second line feedthrough are surrounded by flexible material. This allows the housing with the flexible material to rest against the main line at the first and / or the second line feedthrough. For example, the flexible material can be designed as a foam seal. The flexible material is preferably made of a closed-cell or semi-closed-cell foam. The flexible material is preferably designed for the radial insertion of the main line.Thus, a main line passing through the housing can be used. Thus, the housing can be designed at the first and / or second line feedthrough to seal the main line passing through the housing.

[0056] The housing can be designed to insert the main line from the edge of a housing part into the first and / or second line feedthrough. This is particularly possible when the housing is open. It can be provided that the first line feedthrough is connected to the edge of a housing part through an opening for inserting the main line. Additionally or alternatively, the second line feedthrough can be connected to the edge of a housing part through an opening for inserting the main line. Preferably, the first and the second line feedthrough are each connected to an edge of a housing part through an opening for inserting the main line. Preferably, the first and the second line feedthrough are each connected to an edge of the same housing part through an opening, for example of the housing base body.Thus, it can be provided that a housing part comprises at least one opening, wherein the opening extends from an edge of the housing part to one of the cable feedthroughs.

[0057] In the case of a continuous main line, the main line is introduced through the line penetration.

[0058] In the case of a cut main line, the opening preferably serves to accommodate the main line fastened in the housing insert element.

[0059] Preferably, another housing part, in particular the housing cover or a housing insert element, closes the at least one opening when the housing is closed. If an opening is present at the first cable feedthrough and an opening at the second cable feedthrough, the openings can be closed by the housing cover or by a housing insert element.

[0060] It can be provided that the housing comprises an inlet for the branch line. The housing is preferably designed to fasten the branch line with a cable gland. In this case, the cable gland can comprise a screw ring that encloses the branch line in one piece. A cable gland is understood to mean both a cable entry for a sheathed main line and for a main line in which the cores of the main line are located in a rigid pipe. The screw ring can, for example, be designed to form strain relief for the branch line when fastened to the housing. For this purpose, the screw ring comprises inwardly directed projections for clamping the branch line.

[0061] Preferably, the housing is designed at the first cable feedthrough and / or at the second cable feedthrough without a cable gland comprising a one-piece screw ring for enclosing a cable. The omission of such a cable gland at the first cable feedthrough and / or at the second cable feedthrough can be provided in order to guide the main cable continuously, i.e., uncut, through the housing. In the case of a cut main cable, the main cable can be attached to the housing by means of cable glands. In particular, one cable gland is provided for each end of the cut main cable.

[0062] In one embodiment, the main line comprises a sheath for sheathing all the wires. The wires of the main line each comprise insulation. Preferably, the branching device is designed such that the main line is at least partially stripped within the housing. This means that the sheath has been removed. In an alternative embodiment, the wires of the main line are located in a rigid conduit. This is common in France, for example. A cable gland in this alternative is known as a "presse-etoupe." In this alternative, the rigid conduit inside the housing is at least partially removed.

[0063] The branching device is preferably designed to allow the main line to run continuously through the housing.

[0064] The clamping device can be designed to penetrate or cut the insulation of the cores of the stripped or unpiped main line in order to electrically contact the continuous main line. For this purpose, the clamping device is designed to be pointed or sharp enough to penetrate or cut the insulation of the cores of the main line.

[0065] Preferably, the clamping device comprises a contact element for each of the wires of the main line.

[0066] Preferably, the contact elements are each designed to penetrate or cut the insulation of a core of the main line. Thus, the contact elements can be pointed or sharp.

[0067] Alternatively, the main line can be cut, i.e., interrupted, within the housing. In this case, the contact elements of the clamping device can be designed as terminals, e.g., as terminal blocks. The clamping device can also comprise an elongated electrical conductor for each core of the main line in order to overcome a distance between a first end of a core of the main line and a second end of the same core of the main line.

[0068] Particularly in the case of an already laid main line, it can happen that the length of the already laid main line prevents the individual uncut wires from spreading apart. In order to electrically connect the clamping device to the main line, particularly in this case, the clamping device can comprise terminals for the cut main line as contact elements. In this case, at least two contact elements are provided per wire of the main line. This means that a first terminal serves to electrically connect a wire at the first end of the main line, and a second terminal serves to electrically connect the wire with the same functionality at the second end of the main line. The first and second terminals are each connected to one of the elongated electrical conductors. The first and second terminals can be provided in one terminal housing or in separate terminal housings.

[0069] It can be provided that the clamping device comprises a marking in order to assign each contact element to a corresponding wire of the main line.

[0070] The marking may in particular be in colour.

[0071] For example, the insulation of the cores of the main cable is color-coded. For example, the main cable can comprise three or five different cores, each with insulation of a different color. In one example, the main cable is designed as an NYM cable, whose five cores have blue, brown, black, gray, and yellow-green insulation.

[0072] Preferably, the color coding is the same color as the insulation of the main line wires—in the example above, blue, brown, black, gray, and yellow-green. This makes it immediately clear to the installer which contact element should be connected to which main line wire. The contact element with the marking in one color should be connected to the main line wire of the same color.

[0073] Alternatively, the marking can be done by symbols. For example, the terminal device assigned to the contact elements can include symbols for the respective core of the main line that the respective contact element is intended to electrically contact. For example, the symbols "LI", "L2", and "L3" can be assigned to the contact elements intended to contact the outer conductors of the main line. The symbols "N" and "PE" can be assigned to the contact elements intended to contact a neutral conductor or a protective conductor of the main line.

[0074] As already explained, according to the invention, the clamping device is electrically connected to the electrical component(s). The electrical connection is designed such that the marking indicates the connection of the clamping device to the electrical component(s). This ensures the correct connection of the electrical component(s) to the main line.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the marking indicates the connection of the terminal block to the connection device. This ensures that the corresponding wires of the main line and the branch line are connected to each other. For example, a neutral conductor as the main line wire is connected to a neutral conductor as the branch line wire. The marking of the terminal block, here, for example, blue or "N," ensures that the neutral conductor of the main line is contacted with the contact element of the terminal block that is electrically connected to a neutral conductor input of the electrical component.

[0076] Preferably, two contact elements, which are intended for connection to wires, in particular to outer conductors, of the main line, and are in particular marked accordingly, are connected to the communication device. This allows the communication device to communicate via the wires of the main line, in particular via the outer conductors of the main line.

[0077] Preferably, the clamping device is designed to be flexible, at least in one section. This makes it particularly easy to electrically contact the main line. When using a round cable as the main line, the cores of the main line can be oriented differently. The partially flexible clamping device can adapt to the different orientation of the main line.

[0078] The flexible section of the clamping device preferably electrically connects the contact elements at least indirectly to the connecting device. In particular, the flexible section of the clamping device electrically connects at least some of the contact elements to an electrical component. The flexible section can be designed as electrical conductors. The electrical conductors can each be electrically connected to the contact elements by means of a terminal. The electrical conductors can have a smaller diameter than the wires of the main line. This allows the electrical conductors to be more flexible than the wires of the main line.

[0079] It is preferably provided that the branching device comprises a spreading device.

[0080] The spreading device can be arranged in the housing. Preferably, the spreading device is unsecured in the housing. The spreading device is particularly designed to space the wires of the stripped or de-contaminated main line apart from one another. In this case, the spreading device preferably leaves the insulation of the wires intact. For example, the spreading device comprises recesses into which wires of the main line can be inserted, in particular clamped. Spacing the wires of the main line makes it easier for the installer to attach the contact element of the clamping device.

[0081] The spreading device may comprise at least one clamping element for clamping a single wire in a recess. For example, the spreading device may comprise a notch through which the clamping element is formed. Preferably, at least one clamping element is provided for each of several wires, particularly preferably at least one clamping element is provided for each of several wires.

[0082] The expansion device may include a base to allow the expansion device to be arranged in the housing. Preferably, the expansion device is pressed against the housing when the main line is inserted.

[0083] The spreading device can, for example, comprise a plurality of recesses for at least one core of the main line, preferably for several cores of the main line, particularly preferably for all cores of the main line. As a result, a section of the core(s) is designed to be clampable for electrical connection by the clamping device.

[0084] The housing may include a housing opening. In particular, the housing opening is provided when the housing is closed. Thus, the housing opening is also present when the branching device is already fully installed, in particular, when it is attached to a wall. Preferably, the housing cover includes the housing opening. In particular, the housing opening is directed forward when the motor vehicle charging system is installed.

[0085] The housing opening can be provided, in particular, to detect the status of at least one electrical component by means of the housing opening. In this case, the electrical component can be arranged visibly behind the housing opening or can partially protrude through the housing opening. Thus, a user does not have to open the housing to determine the status of the circuit breaker or the energy consumption of the motor vehicle charging device. The communication device can comprise a visual display for displaying the status of the communication device. For example, the communication device can signal an error by means of the visual display. It is preferably provided that the communication device is arranged in the housing in such a way that the visual display is visible through the housing opening.

[0086] Preferably, the housing opening is closed, in particular sealed, by a transparent cover of the housing. Thus, the housing opening can resemble a window. This protects the contents of the branching device from environmental influences.

[0087] The cover may be attached to the rest of the housing, in particular to the housing cover, in a way that is at least partially reversibly detachable. In particular, the cover can be at least partially removed from the outside by a user. For example, the insert can be hinged open.

[0088] The electrical component can be operated through the opening. This allows a user to operate the electrical component without having to remove the housing cover. For example, the user can change the position of the switch, in particular the circuit breaker, and / or operate the communication device, e.g., restart it. In doing so, the user can reach through the housing opening, or the electrical component can protrude operable through the housing opening. This can be made possible, in particular, by the cover being reversibly removable from the outside.

[0089] The object of the invention is also achieved by a motor vehicle charging system with a main line and at least one branching device according to the invention. The branching device according to the invention can be designed as disclosed in the claims, the general description, the description of the figures, or the drawings.

[0090] The main cable of the motor vehicle charging system according to the invention is designed, in particular, as a round cable with multiple cores. For example, the main cable can be a NYM cable or a NYY cable.

[0091] The cores of the main cable preferably each include insulation. It may be provided that each core includes insulation of a different color.

[0092] Preferably, the main line comprises a sheath. In particular, the sheath encloses the wires together. In this embodiment, the main line is flexible. Alternatively, the main line may comprise a rigid tube in which the multiple wires of the main line are arranged.

[0093] The clamping device forms an electrical connection with the wires of the main line.

[0094] The main line can run from the first cable feedthrough to the second cable feedthrough. The main line can be continuous, meaning that the wires of the main line run uncut in the housing of the branching device. Alternatively, the main line can be cut in the housing to allow contact with the clamping device.

[0095] Preferably, the main line is partially stripped or pipe-free in the housing.

[0096] In the case of a continuous main line, it is preferably provided that the clamping device penetrates or cuts the insulation of the wires of the main line.

[0097] In the case of a cut main line, terminals can be provided as contact elements into which the wires of the main line are inserted.

[0098] Preferably, the contact elements, which are assigned a marking, in particular a color or symbol, within the clamping device, contact a wire associated with the marking. For example, the contact elements assigned a color penetrate the insulation of a wire of the main line of the same color.

[0099] In particular, the stripped or pipe-free wires of the main line are inserted into the spreading device.

[0100] Preferably, the main cable is laid in the housing with strain relief. For this purpose, the main cable is secured to the first cable entry and / or the second cable entry in a fastening device.

[0101] Preferably, the main line is routed into and / or out of the housing in a sealed manner. For this purpose, the main line can be surrounded by flexible material at the first line feedthrough and / or the second line feedthrough.

[0102] The main line is preferably electrically contacted in the housing by the clamping device. The main line runs through the housing. For this purpose, the main line is enclosed by the housing at the first line feedthrough and / or at the second line feedthrough when the housing is closed. The motor vehicle charging system according to the invention preferably comprises at least one charging unit with the branching device according to the invention, with a branch line, and with the motor vehicle charging device.

[0103] The charging unit may include a data line. Preferably, the data line is electronically connected to the communication interface. The data line is, in particular, connected to the motor vehicle charging device for data transmission.

[0104] Preferably, the branch line of the charging unit is designed as a round cable with multiple cores. For example, the branch line can have multiple cores enclosed by a sheath or a rigid conduit. In particular, the branch line can be designed as an NYM cable or an NYY cable.

[0105] The branch line is electrically connected to the connection device, in particular in or on the housing. For example, the branch line is routed into the housing. Within the housing, the branch line can be electrically connected to terminals as a connection device in the housing. In particular, the branch line is routed to the component housing.

[0106] Preferably, one end of the branch line is guided into the housing. The housing may include an inlet for the branch line. Preferably, the housing encloses the branch line at the inlet, at least when the housing is closed.

[0107] The branch line is preferably routed into the housing with a seal at the inlet. The branch line is preferably routed into the housing with strain relief.

[0108] Because one end of the branch cable is routed into the housing, a cable gland can be used to provide strain relief for the branch cable and / or to seal the inlet. The branch cable can be secured to the housing with a cable gland. The cable gland can comprise the previously described screw ring that encloses the branch cable in one piece.

[0109] The data cable can be routed into the housing. For this purpose, the housing can include a data cable inlet. The data cable inlet can include a cable gland. The data cable can be routed into the housing in a sealed, strain-relieved manner. For this purpose, the cable gland can be used with a screw ring enclosing the data cable.

[0110] The motor vehicle charging system preferably comprises a plurality of branching devices according to the invention. It can be provided that the motor vehicle charging system comprises a plurality of charging units. The plurality of charging units each comprise a branching device according to the invention, at least one branch line, and at least one motor vehicle charging device. In one exemplary embodiment, each charging unit comprises a branching device, a branch line, and a motor vehicle charging device. If a communication device is provided in the branching device, the charging unit preferably comprises a data line.

[0111] Several branch lines may be provided per branch device, and thus per charging unit. Each branch line leads to a vehicle charging device. A data line may also be provided per vehicle charging device.

[0112] Particularly when multiple branching devices or multiple charging units are present, the motor vehicle charging system preferably comprises an electronic controller or is connectable to an electronic controller. The electronic controller is particularly designed to control the charging current and / or charging power of the individual motor vehicle charging devices based on an available maximum electrical current and / or an available maximum electrical power. The electronic controller thus serves for load management of the motor vehicle charging system. The electronic controller preferably comprises at least one processor and an electronic memory. The electronic controller can be provided locally or in a cloud.

[0113] The main line may be used to transmit electronic data from the electronic controller to the communication device(s) and / or to transmit electronic data from the communication device(s) to the electronic controller. The electronic data is preferably used for load management.

[0114] As already mentioned, the vehicle charging system can include the backend system or be connectable to the backend system. The backend system can perform the functions listed above.

[0115] The backend system can be provided in a cloud. The backend system can include the electronic control system. Alternatively, the control system can be implemented locally.

[0116] The motor vehicle charging system may, in particular, comprise a communication unit, in particular a PLC adapter or a PLC modem, for transmitting the electronic data from the electronic controller and / or the backend system to the branching device. The communication unit may additionally or alternatively be configured to send electronic data from the communication device to the electronic controller and / or to the backend system.

[0117] An Ethernet connection can be established between the communication unit and the electronic control system. This can be provided if the electronic control system is located on-site. Alternatively, the communication unit can be connected to the Internet to transmit electronic data to the backend system.

[0118] The communication unit can be configured to send electronic data to the communication device via the main line and / or receive it from the communication device via the main line. The communication unit can receive the electronic data from the backend system and / or from the electronic controller and, modulated onto the main line, send it to the communication device. The communication unit can receive and demodulate electronic data from the communication device via the main line.

[0119] The communication device is configured to send electronic data to the vehicle charging device via the data line, e.g., an Ethernet connection. The electronic data is, in particular, the electronic data that the communication device has received from the electronic controller and / or the backend system.

[0120] The communication device is particularly designed to receive electronic data from the motor vehicle charging device via the data line. The communication device transmits the data thus received, particularly via the main line, to the communication unit.

[0121] If multiple charging units or branching devices are present, it is preferably provided that the electrical components of the multiple branching devices designed as communication devices are always connected to the same wires of the main line. This ensures that the electronic data, in particular of the electronic control, can be received by the communication devices. To ensure that the communication devices are each connected to the same wires of the main line, the marking of the connection device and / or the pre-installation in the branching device according to the invention, by which the connection device is pre-installed and electrically connected to the communication device, serves in particular.

[0122] Preferably, the communication devices of the plurality of branch devices are connected to two outer conductors of the main line for data transmission.

[0123] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for producing a motor vehicle charging system according to the invention at an installation site. The method comprises at least the following steps: a. Transporting the prefabricated branching device according to the invention to the installation site, b. Inserting the main line into the housing, c. Clamping the clamping device to the main line so that the wires of the main line are electrically connected to the clamping device, thereby electrically connecting the main line to the electrical component.

[0124] According to the invention, the prefabricated, ready-to-connect branching device is transported to the installation site. The branching device according to the invention is designed as disclosed in the claims, the description, and / or the figures. Thus, the branching device, which is transported to the installation site, already comprises a housing, an electrical component mechanically secured in the housing, and a terminal device arranged in the housing, which is already electrically connected to the electrical component.

[0125] On-site, the main line, cut or uncut, is inserted into the housing. To do this, the main line is stripped or pipe-free in one section.

[0126] Preferably, the housing is opened and the in particular continuous main line is inserted or introduced into the first line feedthrough and / or into the second line feedthrough, in particular in such a way that the stripped or pipe-free section of the main line runs in the housing.

[0127] Step b. can include inserting the main cable, in particular a continuous cable, into the first cable feedthrough and / or the second cable feedthrough in a first housing part, and closing the first or second cable feedthrough by means of a second housing part. In the case of a cut main cable, the ends of the cut main cable can each be passed through the cable feedthroughs, in particular subsequently inserted with the housing insertion elements. Step c. can include clamping the clamping device to the main cable, in particular a continuous, stripped or pipe-free main cable, in such a way that it makes electrical contact, in particular by the clamping device penetrating or cutting into the insulation of the wires of the main cable.

[0128] Additionally or alternatively, step c. may include connecting the contact elements of the clamping device to the corresponding wires of the main line by means of a marking of the clamping device, such that the electrical component or components are correctly connected to the wires of the main line.

[0129] The procedure may include the following further steps:

[0130] Electrically connect the branch cable to the connection device. This step can be performed at any point, for example, before step a. or after step c. For example, in this step, the branch cable is routed into the housing and electrically connected to the connection device.

[0131] During this step, the branch cable can be strain-relieved, particularly by means of a cable gland, or can be sealed to the housing.

[0132] Additionally or alternatively, the method may comprise the following step:

[0133] Electrically connect the data cable to the communication interface. This step can be performed at any point, for example, before step a or after step c. The data cable can be routed into the housing, particularly through a data cable inlet.

[0134] An alternative object of the invention is to provide a branching device in which an electrical branch is created that is designed to be particularly safe. This object of the invention is achieved by the following branching device:

[0135] The branching device is used to connect an electrical branch line to an electrical main line to form an electrical branch to a motor vehicle

[0136] Charging device, wherein the main line is formed with a plurality of wires, wherein the branching device comprises a housing, wherein the branching device comprises a clamping device, wherein the clamping device is designed to establish electrical contact with the wires of the main line, wherein the clamping device is arranged in the housing, wherein the housing is designed to provide strain relief for the main line passing through the housing.

[0137] By routing the main line with strain relief within the housing, a secure, fixed location of the main line can be ensured to a particularly high degree. For example, this prevents damage to other elements in the housing or the displacement of a stripped or freed section of the main line into a cable entry, which would negatively impact the tightness of the housing.

[0138] This inventive concept is independent of whether the housing contains an electrical component or not.

[0139] The strain relief can be implemented by a fastening device described within the scope of this disclosure. The further features, in particular the further configuration of the housing, in particular the cable feedthroughs, the sealing of the cable feedthrough, the spreading device, and / or the clamping device, can be designed as described within the scope of this disclosure.

[0140] A motor vehicle charging system with such a branching device also solves the second problem. The motor vehicle charging system can include a branching device designed to provide strain relief for the main line, but does not include an electrical component. Furthermore, the motor vehicle charging system can be configured as disclosed within the scope of this disclosure.

[0141] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to figures. The same reference numerals designate the same functional elements in the figures.

[0142] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle charging system according to the invention with several branching devices according to the invention,

[0143] Figure 2 shows a branching device according to the invention, as it can be used in the motor vehicle charging system according to the invention of Figure 1 in a closed state,

[0144] Figure 3 shows the branching device of Figure 2 without a cover,

[0145] Figure 4 shows the branching device of Figure 2 without a housing cover,

[0146] Figure 5a shows a circuit diagram for a branching device of Figure 2, a main line and a branch line, Figure 5b shows an alternative circuit diagram for a branching device of Figure 2, a main line and a branch line,

[0147] Figure 6 shows the branching device of Figure 4 from a different perspective,

[0148] Figure 7 shows a section of a housing of the branching device from Figure 2 from the outside,

[0149] Figure 8 shows the section from the inside shown in Figure 7,

[0150] Figure 9 Details of the housing of the branching device from Figure 2,

[0151] Figure 10 shows a spreading device of the branching device from Figure 2,

[0152] Figure 11 shows a circuit diagram for an alternative branching device, a main line and a branch line,

[0153] Figure 12 shows an alternative branching device according to a further embodiment of the invention,

[0154] Figure 13 details of the alternative branching device from Figure 12, and Figure 14 a method according to the invention.

[0155] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle charging system 100 according to the invention. The motor vehicle charging system 100 according to the invention comprises a main line 110 and a plurality of motor vehicle charging devices 170. The purely schematically illustrated motor vehicle charging devices 170 serve to charge electric motor vehicles. For this purpose, the motor vehicle charging devices 170 each comprise at least one electrical plug connection (not shown) for electrically connecting to a motor vehicle. Each motor vehicle charging device 170 can comprise a charging socket and / or a charging coupling.

[0156] The motor vehicle charging devices 170 are electrically connected to the same continuous main line 110. The main line 110 is designed as a multi-core round cable, in this case, for example, as a five-core NYM cable. Branching devices 10 according to the invention are provided to electrically connect the motor vehicle charging devices 170 to the uncut main line 110. The main line 110 is electrically contacted in each of the branching devices 10 according to the invention. An electrical branch line 150 leads from the branching device 10 to the motor vehicle charging device 170. A branching device 10, a branch line 150, and the motor vehicle charging device 170 together form a charging unit 140. The charging units 140 are shown in Figure 1 as logical units with dashed lines.The motor vehicle charging system 100 according to the invention can be used, for example, in an installation of multiple motor vehicle charging devices 170 in an underground garage or a parking lot of an apartment building. The main line 110 can be laid along a wall of the underground garage or predominantly in the ground beneath the parking lot. In the latter case, the main line 110 can be routed from the ground to the branch device 10, which is mounted above ground level.

[0157] Data lines 160 of the charging units 140 shown in Figure 1 as well as an electronic controller 120, a data connection 180 and associated communication unit 130 will be discussed in more detail.

[0158] Because the motor vehicle charging devices 170 are all connected to the same main line 110, the motor vehicle charging system 100 can operate with few electrical lines.

[0159] According to the invention, the branching device 10 comprises a housing and an electrical component 20 (see Figures 4 and 12). The branching device 10 according to the invention provides a prefabricated, ready-to-connect branching device 10, with which an on-site technician can reach the assembled motor vehicle charging system 100 in just a few assembly steps.

[0160] Figure 2 shows a branching device 10 according to the invention, as it can be used in a motor vehicle charging system 100 according to the invention, with a housing 30. Figure 2 shows a closed state of the housing 30. Additionally, a section of the main line 110 is shown.

[0161] The housing 30 comprises a housing base body 31 and a housing cover 32. The housing cover 32 can be opened from the housing base body 31. In Figure 2, the housing cover 32 can be reversibly and detachably opened from the housing base body 31.

[0162] The housing 30 further includes a cover 43. The cover 43 closes a housing opening 42 shown in Figure 3. The cover 43 is made of transparent or translucent material so that the user can see through the insert 43 into the interior of the housing 30. This makes it possible to determine the status of the electrical component 20 (not shown in Figure 2).

[0163] In Figure 2, the housing 30 is spatially aligned as in a ready-to-use, assembled motor vehicle charging system 100. In the ready-to-use state, the housing base body 31 is attached to a building wall, to a column, in a pillar, or on a pillar. The housing lid 32 and the cover 43 face forward toward the user. The cover 43 can be opened. This allows a user to operate the electrical component 20 without having to move the housing lid 32.

[0164] Figure 2 also shows a housing insert element 39, which will be discussed in more detail.

[0165] Figure 3 shows the branching device 10 according to the invention without the cover 43. In addition, a section of the main line 110 is shown. Due to the missing cover 43, a housing opening 42 can be seen, which is concealed by the cover 43 in Figure 1. The housing opening 42 is formed in the housing cover 32. Several electrical components 20, namely a residual current device 22 and a miniature circuit breaker 21, are visible through the housing opening 42. The residual current device 22 is also referred to as an earth leakage circuit breaker or RCD. The miniature circuit breaker 21 is also referred to as an MCB. Operating elements 24 of the miniature circuit breaker 21 and the residual current device 22 protrude through the housing opening 42. When the cover 43 is opened, the miniature circuit breaker 21 and the residual current device 22 can thus be operated.

[0166] Figure 4 shows the branching device 10 according to the invention without the housing cover 32 and without the cover 43. Furthermore, a section of the main line 110 is shown in Figure 4. It is shown that the main line 110 comprises a sheath 111 outside the housing 30. Inside the housing 30, the main line 110 is stripped of its sheath, so that the individual wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line are visible. The wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 are each surrounded by their own insulation. The insulation of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 is each colored differently. The wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 run continuously through the housing 30.

[0167] The branching device 10 comprises a top-hat rail (not shown). The at least one electrical component 20 is mechanically mounted on the top-hat rail. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, two of the three electrical components are mounted on the top-hat rail: the residual current device 22 and the circuit breaker 21. A communication device 23 is also mounted in the housing 30, but not on the top-hat rail.

[0168] Alternatively, other electrical components 20 or combinations with multiple components, as disclosed in this disclosure, may also be provided.

[0169] The communication device 23 is designed as a PLC adapter. The communication device 23 can send and receive electronic data via wires of the main line 110. In addition, the communication device 23 draws electrical power via the main line 110.

[0170] As shown in Figure 1, the motor vehicle charging system 100 can include the electronic controller 120. Using the electronic controller 120, the charging current and / or charging power of the individual motor vehicle charging devices 170 can be controlled based on an available maximum electrical current and / or an available maximum electrical power. For this purpose, electronic data is exchanged between the motor vehicle charging devices 170 and the electronic controller 120.

[0171] The communication unit 130, designed as an additional PLC adapter, is configured to receive electronic data from the electronic controller 120 and to transmit it via the main line 110 to the communication devices 23 of the branching devices 10. The electronic data is modulated by the communication unit 130 onto the main line 110 and demodulated again by the communication devices 23.

[0172] The communication devices 23 then send the electronic data to the motor vehicle charging devices 170 via the data line 160. The data line 160 can be an Ethernet connection.

[0173] Secondly, electronic data is sent from the motor vehicle charging devices 170 via the data line 160 to the communication devices 23 of the branching devices 10 of the respective charging units 140. The communication devices 23, in turn, send the electronic data to the communication unit 130 via the main line 110. The electronic data is modulated by the communication devices 23 onto the main line 110 and demodulated by the communication unit 130. This allows the electronic data to be sent from the communication unit 130 to the controller 120.

[0174] The data connection 180 is provided between the communication unit 130 and the electronic controller 120. The data connection 180 can be implemented, for example, as an Ethernet or Internet connection. The data connection 180 and the data lines 160 are shown in Figure 1 with a broad dashed line.

[0175] The electronic controller 120 can be implemented locally or provided in a cloud as part of a backend system. In particular, in the latter case, the motor vehicle charging system 100 can include the communication unit 130, but not the electronic controller 120. Rather, the motor vehicle charging system is configured to send and receive electronic data to and from the electronic controller via the communication unit 130.

[0176] The communication devices 23 are also designed to exchange electronic data between the motor vehicle charging devices 170.

[0177] According to the invention, the branching device 10 comprises a clamping device 50. The clamping device 50 is arranged in the housing 30. In the present exemplary embodiment, the clamping device 50 comprises a contact element 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 for each wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line 110. The contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are designed to cut. This allows the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 to penetrate or cut the insulation of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and thus electrically contact the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116.

[0178] Electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are located on the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, which together form the flexible section of the clamping device 50. For reasons of clarity, the electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are not shown in Figure 4.

[0179] However, the electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are shown schematically in the circuit diagrams of Figures 5a and 5b. The contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are connected to the electrical components 20 via the electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59.

[0180] Because the clamping device 50 comprises the flexible section 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, the clamping device 50 is capable of adapting to the position of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116. For example, in Fig. 4, wire 112 corresponds to the protective conductor PE, wire 113 to the neutral conductor N, and wires 114, 115, 116 to the outer conductors LI, L2, L3. However, it may be the case that the main line is rotated around its longitudinal axis in the housing 30 at other times. For example, wires 112, 113, 114 may correspond to the outer conductors LI, L2, L3, and wires 115, 116 to the neutral conductor N and the protective conductor PE, respectively. The electrical lines are flexible and of sufficient length so that each contact element 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 can also reach the top wire 112.

[0181] The electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are colored the same as the individual wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line. This makes it easy for the installer to identify which contact element 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is to be electrically connected to which wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line: namely, the contact element 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 with the connected electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, which have insulation in a first color, with the wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the same first color, etc. The installer on site does not need to worry about the rest of the wiring diagram.Because the terminal device 50 of the branching device 10 is already electrically connected according to the circuit diagram of Figure 5a or 5b and the electrical components 21, 22, 23 are already electrically connected to one another, the installer only has to contact the main line 110 with the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 by attaching the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 to the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 according to the color coding. The electrical contacting of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 is achieved by the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 penetrating or cutting the insulation of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 when the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 are attached.

[0182] Figures 5a and 5b show possible circuit diagrams of the branching device 10 of Figures 2 to 4. Additionally, the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line are shown, as well as the wires 152, 153, 154, 155, 156 of the branch line 150. The wires 152, 153, 154, 155, 156 of the branch line 150 are fastened and electrically contacted in a connection device 25, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as terminals (see also Figure 4). The terminal for the protective conductor PE is designed separately. The remaining terminals are integrated into a component housing of the residual current circuit breaker 22.

[0183] The electrical connections of the residual current device 22 to the circuit breaker 21, to the communication device 23 and to the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 shown in the circuit diagrams of Figures 5a, 5b are already prefabricated before the installation site is reached.

[0184] According to the circuit diagram of Figure 5a, the communication device 23 is connected to the remaining components 21, 22 or the terminal device 50 in such a way that the communication device 23 is connected to an outer conductor (L3) and to the neutral conductor (N) of the main line 110. According to the circuit diagram of Figure 5b, however, the communication device 23 is connected to the remaining components 21, 22 or the terminal device 50 in such a way that the communication device 23 is connected to two outer conductors (LI, L3) of the main line 110. This makes it possible to avoid interference caused by PLC communication between the motor vehicle charging device 170 and the motor vehicle via a protective conductor.

[0185] The structure and circuit diagram of each of the branching devices 10 of the motor vehicle charging system 100 are identical at least in that the communication device 23, if present, is always connected to the same wires 113, 116 or 114, 116 of the main line 110. This is prefabricated accordingly by the ready-to-connect branching devices 10. The branch line 150 can be prefabricated together with the branching device 10 or connected to the branching device 10 on site. The end of the branch line 150 is guided through an inlet 40 into the housing 30 and is connected to the connection device 25 in the housing 30.

[0186] Figure 6 shows the branching device 10 of Figure 4 from a different perspective. This shows a cable gland 48 for securing the branch line 150. The cable gland 48 covers the inlet 40 for the branch line 150. The branch line 150 is secured to the housing 30 at the inlet by means of the cable gland 48. The cable gland 48 provides strain relief for the branch line 150 as it enters the housing 30. Furthermore, the cable gland 48 serves to seal the housing 30 at the inlet 40.

[0187] Figure 6 shows another cable gland 49, which covers a data line inlet 41. The cable gland 49 serves to guide the data line 160 into the housing 30. The data line 160 is secured to the housing by means of the cable gland 49. This simultaneously relieves the data line 160 of tension as it enters the housing 30. Furthermore, the cable gland 49 seals the data line inlet 41.

[0188] The data line 160 is in electrical contact with the communication device at a communication interface (not shown) on the component housing of the communication device 23. The communication interface (not shown) is embodied as a socket in the component housing of the communication device 23.

[0189] The housing 30 comprises a first cable feedthrough 33 (see Fig. 4) and a second cable feedthrough 34 for the main line 110. The first cable feedthrough 33 and the second cable feedthrough 34 are adapted to the contour of the main line 110 and are designed as a circular through-opening (see also Figure 7).

[0190] Because the main line 110 runs continuously through the housing 30 of the assembled motor vehicle charging system 100, the use of a cable gland with a one-piece screw ring is not possible.

[0191] Rather, the branching device 10 is designed so that the main line 110 can be inserted radially from an edge 37 of the housing base body 31 into the first line feedthrough 33 and the second line feedthrough 34. For this purpose, the housing base body 31 has corresponding openings 38. In Figure 6, the openings 38 are closed by housing insertion elements 39. To install the main line 110 in the housing 30, the housing insertion elements 39 at the first line feedthrough 33 and at the second line feedthrough 34 are removed so that the main line 110 can be inserted through the openings 38. The term "radial" here refers to a longitudinal axis 117 of the main line 110 or of the first and second line feedthroughs 33, 34.

[0192] Figures 7 and 8 each show a housing section with the first cable feedthrough 33 and the second cable feedthrough 34, respectively, and a section of the main line 110. Figure 7 shows the housing section from the outside, and Figure 8 from the inside. The first cable feedthrough 33 and the second cable feedthrough 34 are essentially identical in design.

[0193] 7 and 8, the housing base body 31 is constructed in two parts. The housing base body 31 includes an additional element 44 which is fastened, e.g. screwed, to the remaining housing base body in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Alternatively, and not shown, a one-piece design of the additional element 44 and the remaining housing base body 31 is also conceivable. The lower contour of the first line feedthrough 33 and the second line feedthrough 34 is formed by the additional element 44. In addition, the additional element 44 provides a lower part of a fastening device 35. The fastening device 35 relieves strain on the main line at, i.e., near, the first line feedthrough 33 and the second line feedthrough 34. The fastening device 35 clamps the main line 110 at, i.e., near, the first line feedthrough 33 and the second line feedthrough 34.An upper part 47 of the fastening device 35 is designed in the form of a clamp. The upper part 47 of the fastening device 35 is screwed to the housing base body 31, here the additional element 44. The fastening device 35 enables radial insertion of the main line 110 into the fastening device 35.

[0194] Once the housing insert element 39 and the upper part 47 of the fastening device 35 are removed, the continuous main line 110 can be inserted from the edge 37 through the opening 38 into the first or second line feedthrough. The upper part 47 of the fastening device 35 is then secured.

[0195] Figure 8 shows that flexible material 36 is arranged around the circular first cable feedthrough 33 and second cable feedthrough 34 to seal the first cable feedthrough 33 and second cable feedthrough 34, respectively. The flexible material 36 is designed as a foam seal and is attached to both the housing base body 31 and the housing insertion element 39. If, after the main line 110 has been inserted, the housing insertion element 39 is inserted into the opening 38, the main line 110 is surrounded by the flexible material, thus sealing the housing 30. Instead of the separate housing insertion element 39, it is also conceivable for the housing insertion element 39 to be formed integrally with the housing cover 32.

[0196] Figure 9 shows the housing insert element 39 and the additional element 44 individually. The grooves 45 are shown, with which the housing insert element 39 slides along the housing base body 31. Also shown are the double walls 46, with which the additional element 44 is attached to the remaining housing base body 31.

[0197] Figure 10 illustrates a spreading device 61 of the branching device 10. As shown in Figure 4, the spreading device 61 serves to space the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line 110 apart, so that the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 can be individually electrically contacted by the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. For this purpose, the spreading device 61 has recesses 62, 67 into which the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 can be inserted. The recesses 62, 67 are partially formed by clamping elements 63. Incisions 65 of the spreading device 61 ensure that the clamping elements 63 are sufficiently flexible to ensure the insertion of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and to be able to hold the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 in a clamped manner after insertion.

[0198] The spreading device 61 is designed to provide a first trough 62 and a second trough 67 for each wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line 110. The first and second troughs 62, 67 for each of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 are arranged at a distance from one another. The first trough 62 and the second trough 67 each hold the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 in place at least in two places. As a result, the respective wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 is fixed locally between the first trough 62 and the second trough 67, so that the contact element 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 can electrically contact the respective wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 between the first trough 62 and the second trough 67.

[0199] The spreading device 61 comprises a first and a second holding element 66, 68. The first and second holding elements 66, 68 can be identical and / or parallel to one another. The first holding element 66 comprises the first recesses 62. The second holding element 68 comprises the second recesses 67.

[0200] A base 64 of the spreading device 61 is provided to space the holding elements 66, 68 from one another and / or to arrange the spreading device 61 in the housing 30. The spreading device 61 is arranged loosely in the housing 30. The spreading device 61 is pressed against the housing base body 31 by the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line 110. Figure 11 shows a circuit diagram of a further embodiment of a branching device 10 according to the invention. The mechanical structure corresponds to the mechanical structure of the first embodiment, with an energy meter 27 and a combined line protection and residual current circuit breaker 26 being fastened as electrical components in the housing 30 instead of the residual current circuit breaker 22 and the line protection circuit breaker 21. The combined miniature circuit breaker and residual current device 26 is also known as a FI / LS switch or RCBO.In addition, the communication device 23 is provided.

[0201] The energy meter 27 serves to measure an energy consumption of the charging unit 140, which is essentially caused by the motor vehicle charging device 170.

[0202] The differences from the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 10 are discussed below. Unless otherwise described below, the second embodiment corresponds to the first. The circuit diagram depicts the energy meter 27 and the combined miniature circuit breaker and residual current device 26.

[0203] A connection device 25 is also provided in the second exemplary embodiment. The connection device 25 is distributed across a terminal for the protective conductor 152, terminals on the energy meter 27 for the phase conductors 156, 155, 154, and a terminal on the combined miniature circuit breaker and residual current device 26 for the neutral conductor of the branch line 150. Otherwise, the components 20 are electrically connected to each other and to the terminal device 50. The communication device 23 is connected to the neutral conductor 113 and to an outer conductor 116 of the main line 110. An electrical connection to two outer conductors of the main line 110 is conceivable but not shown.

[0204] If the clamping device 50 is electrically connected to the main line 110 on the construction site, the components 20 are also electrically connected to the main line 110.

[0205] Figures 12 and 13 depict a third embodiment of a branching device 10 according to the invention. Unless otherwise described below, the third embodiment of Figures 12 and 13 corresponds to the first embodiment.

[0206] In addition to the electrical components 20: circuit breaker 21, residual current device 22, and communication device 23, a surge protector 28 is mounted in the housing 30 as a further electrical component 20. The circuit breaker 21 and the residual current device 22 are mounted on a common top-hat rail. The main line 110 is stripped and further cut in the housing 30. The first end 118 and the second end 119 of the main line 110, which are created by the cut configuration, are arranged in the housing 30.

[0207] The clamping device 50 comprises contact elements 51.1, 51.2, 52.1, 52.2, 53.1, 53.2, 54.1, 54.2,

[0208] 55.1, 55.2, which are designed as terminals. One terminal is provided for each wire 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and end 118, 119 of the main line 110. This means that for the first wire 112, a first contact element 51.1 is provided for the first end 118 and a second contact element 51.2 is provided for the second end 119. The first and second contact elements 51.1, 51.2 are spaced apart from one another and arranged in a terminal housing 71. The first and second contact elements 51.1, 51.2 are connected by an elongated electrical conductor in the terminal housing 71. The elongated electrical conductor can bridge the gap resulting from the spreading of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116 of the already installed main line 110. The terminal housing 71 includes a third terminal 72.The electrical line 57 is clamped to terminal 72 as part of the flexible section of the clamping device 50 and is thus electrically connected to the first and second contact elements 51.1, 51.2. The electrical line 57 comprises the corresponding color of the wire 112 of the main line 111, which is to be secured in the contact elements 51.1, 51.2 to ensure the correct wiring diagram—in this case, yellow-green for the protective conductor. For the remaining contact elements.

[0209] 52.1, 52.2, 53.1, 53.2, 54.1, 54.2, 55.1, 55.2 The same applies to the remaining wires 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main line 111.

[0210] For reasons of clarity, the electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are not shown in Figure 12, as already in Figure 4. At least if the overvoltage protection 28 is missing, a circuit diagram for the third embodiment results if the circuit diagram of Figures 5a, 5b is used and the points 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 of Figures 5a, 5b are each represented by two points 51.1, 51.2, 52.1,

[0211] 52.2, 53.1, 53.2, 54.1, 54.2, 55.1, 55.2 can be replaced with an electrical conductor in between.

[0212] The electrical lines 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are already electrically connected in the branching device 10 to the terminal housings and at least one component 20 and / or the connection device. This means that the installer on site only needs to connect the branch line 150, the main line 110, and the data line 160. If it is not possible to connect the wires 112, 113,

[0213] 114, 115, 116 of the ends 118, 119 of the main line 110 in the contact elements 51.1, 51.2, 52.1, 52.2, 53.1, 53.2, 54.1, 54.2, 55.1, 55.2 in such a way that the correct wires 112, 113, 114,

[0214] To connect 115, 116 to the color-matched electrical wires 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, wires 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 are regrouped accordingly in the third terminals 72. The fact that the clamping device 50 encompasses the flexible section 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 helps in this regard.

[0215] Because the main line 110 is cut, the main line 110 can be guided axially into the line bushings 33, 34. For this purpose, the line bushings 33, 34 are designed as a hole with a one-piece border in the housing 30. The line bushings 33, 34 are formed in the housing insertion elements 39, as shown in two different perspectives in Figure 13. A cable gland 73, 74 each relieves strain on the main line and seals the housing 30 at the line bushings 33, 34. The housing insertion elements 39 are inserted into openings 38 in the housing base body 31 from an edge 37.

[0216] Figure 14 illustrates a method 300 according to the invention. The method for the first two embodiments will be described first.

[0217] In a first method step a, the branching device 10 according to the invention is brought to an installation site. The electrical components 20 are already electrically interconnected. Furthermore, the clamping device 50 is connected to the electrical components 20 via lines 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60. The electrical connections are made as shown in the circuit diagrams in Figures 5a, 5b, and 11.

[0218] At the installation site, the installer will find the main line 110. The installer strips the main line 110 in a section that approximately corresponds to the width of the housing 30. If the housing insertion elements 39 are inserted into the housing base body 31, the housing insertion elements 39 are pulled out of the housing base body 31. The upper parts 47 of the fastening devices 35 on the first line feedthrough 33 and on the second line feedthrough 34 are removed. The main line 110 is then inserted into the housing base body 31 in a process step b. Either before inserting the main cable 110 into the housing base body 31 or after inserting the main cable 110 into the housing base body 31, the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 are clamped into the recesses 62, 67 of the spreading device 61. If the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 have been inserted into the spreading device 61 first, step b.the spreading device 61 is arranged together with the main line 110 in the housing base body 31.

[0219] The fastening devices 35 on the first cable feedthrough 33 and on the second cable feedthrough 34 are closed, thus relieving strain on the main cable 110. In a method step c., the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 of the clamping device 50 are fastened to the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the main cable. In doing so, the contact elements 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 cut through the insulation of the wires 112, 113, 114, 115, so that an electrical contact is established in each case. During fastening, the contact element 51 with the wire 56 in a first color is clamped to the first wire 112 of the same color, etc. This creates the circuit diagram according to Figures 5a, 5b and 11, respectively. Step c. the main line 110 is electrically connected to the components 20 according to one of the circuit diagrams of Figures 5a, 5b, 11.

[0220] At any time, e.g., before step a. or after step c., the branch line 150 is attached to the housing base body 31 by means of the cable gland 48 and electrically connected to the connection device 25. If a communication device 23 is provided, a data line 160 is attached to the housing base body 31 by means of the cable gland 49 and electrically connected to the communication interface.

[0221] If the branch line 150 is connected to the connection device 25 and, if applicable, the data line 160 is connected to the communication interface and the main line 110 is connected to the terminal device 50, the housing insertion elements 39 are inserted into the housing base body 31 and the housing cover 32 is closed.

[0222] If multiple charging units 140 are provided for the motor vehicle charging system 100, additional charging units 140 are mounted accordingly. The branching devices 10 used may be the same or different, depending on the motor vehicle charging device 170.

[0223] If multiple branching devices 10 with communication devices 23 are provided in the motor vehicle charging system 100, the same wires of the main line 110 are always connected to the communication devices 23. Accordingly, either only branching devices 10 whose electrical connection to the communication device 23 is via an outer conductor and the neutral conductor according to Figures 5a, 11, or via two outer conductors according to Figure 5b, can be used in a motor vehicle charging system 100.

[0224] With respect to the third exemplary embodiment, the method 300 varies in step b in that the main line 110 is cut and guided through cable glands 73, 74 into the housing insertion elements 39. The housing insertion elements 39 are inserted into the housing base body 31. In method step c, the respective wires 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 are fastened at the respective ends 118, 119 of the main line 110 into the respective terminals 51.1, 51.2, 52.1, 52.2, 53.1, 53.2, 54.1, 54.2, 55.1, 55.2 and are thereby electrically connected to the clamping device 50 and thus also to the electrical components 20.

[0225] The branch line 150 and the data line 160 can be installed as in the first two embodiments.

[0226] Further embodiments of the invention not shown may include, for example, using a backend system without a controller instead of the controller 120. A circuit breaker

[0227] 21, 22 are secured as a single electrical component 20 in the housing 30. In another exemplary embodiment relating to the second objective of the invention, the branching device 10 can be designed without the component 20 but with the fastening devices 35 according to the invention. The main line and the branch line can also be designed as a rigid tube in which the wires are arranged. In this case, a portion of the tube is removed, so that the wires run at least partially without a tube within the housing. The term "tube-free" is used for this purpose in the context of this disclosure.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Branching device (10) for connecting an electrical branch line (150) to an electrical main line (110) to form an electrical branch to a motor vehicle charging device (170), wherein the main line (110) is formed with a plurality of wires, wherein the branching device (10) comprises a housing (30), wherein the branching device (10) comprises a clamping device (50), wherein the clamping device (50) is designed to establish electrical contact with the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110), characterized in that the clamping device (50) is arranged in the housing (30), wherein the branching device (10) comprises at least one electrical component (20), wherein the electrical component (20) is fastened in the housing (30) and wherein the electrical component (20) is electrically connected to the clamping device (50). is connected.

2. Branching device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the branching device (10) comprises a connecting device (25), wherein the connecting device (25) is designed to electrically contact wires (152, 153, 154, 155, 156) of the branch line (150), wherein the connecting device (25) is fastened to or in the housing (30), in particular wherein the electrical component (20) at least partially comprises the connecting device (25).

3. Branching device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the branching device (10) comprises a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is designed to transmit electronic data to and / or from the motor vehicle charging device (170), in particular via a cable, wherein the communication interface is formed on or in the housing (30).

4. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component (20) is designed as a switch, preferably a circuit breaker (21, 22, 26), particularly preferably a line circuit breaker (21) or a residual current circuit breaker (22) or a combined line circuit breaker and residual current circuit breaker (26).

4. Branching device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical component is designed as a Communication device (23), in particular powerline modem or powerline adapter, is designed for electronic data transmission.

5. Branching device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical component is designed as a Energy meter (27) is designed to measure the electrical energy transmitted to the motor vehicle charging device (170).

6. Branching device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical component is designed as an overvoltage protection device (28).

7. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branching device (10) comprises a plurality of electrical components (20), wherein the plurality of electrical components (20) are fastened in the housing (30), wherein a first electrical component (20) is designed as a switch (21, 22, 26) and a second electrical component (20) is designed as a further switch (21, 22), as a communication device (23) or as an energy meter (27), and wherein the first and the second electrical component (20) are electrically connected to one another.

8. Branching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branching device (10) is designed to transmit electronic data via the main line (110).

9. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branching device (10) is designed such that the electrical component (20) designed as a communication device (23) is electrically connected to outer conductors (LI, L2, L3, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110) by the electrical contacting of the clamping device (50) with the main line (110).

10. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branching device is designed to allow the main line to run continuously through the housing, wherein the main line (110) comprises a sheath (111) for sheathing all wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) or a rigid tube for surrounding all wires and the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) each comprise insulation, in particular wherein the clamping device (50) is designed to penetrate or cut into the insulation of the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the stripped or de-tubed main line (110) in order to electrically contact the continuous main line (110).

11. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (50) has a contact element (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) for each of the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110), wherein the clamping device (50) comprises an identification in order to assign each contact element (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) to a corresponding wire (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110), in particular wherein the identification represents the connection of the clamping device (50) to the electrical component (20) or to the components (20) and / or optionally to the connecting device (25).

12. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping device (50) is designed to be flexible at least in one section (56, 57, 58, 59, 60) of the clamping device (50).

13. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branching device (10) comprises a spreading device (61), wherein the spreading device (61) is arranged in the housing (30), wherein the spreading device (61) is designed to spread the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the stripped main line (110) are arranged at a distance from one another.

14. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (30) comprises a first line feedthrough (33) and a second line feedthrough (34) for the main line (110), wherein in particular the housing (30) is designed on the first line feedthrough (33) and / or on the second line feedthrough (34) to seal the respective line feedthrough (33, 34) and / or wherein the housing (30) is designed to provide strain relief for the main line (110) and / or wherein the housing (30) encloses the first line feedthrough (33) and / or the second line feedthrough (34) in the closed state of the housing (30).

15. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of housing parts, wherein a housing part is formed with at least one opening, preferably with a first and a second opening, wherein a housing insertion element can be inserted into the opening.

16. Branching device (10) according to claim 14 and 15, wherein the first and / or the second cable feedthrough is each formed in a housing insert element.

17. Branching device (10) according to one of claims 14 and 15, wherein the opening extends from an edge (37) of the housing part (31) to one of the line feedthroughs (33, 34), in particular wherein another housing part (39) closes the at least one opening (38) when the housing (30) is in the closed state.

18. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (30) comprises at least one fastening device (35) for strain relief, with which the main line (110) can be fastened to the housing (30), in particular mechanically clamped, and into which the main line (110) can be radially inserted.

19. Branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (30) comprises a housing opening (42), wherein a status of the electrical component (20) can be recognized through the housing opening (42) and / or wherein the electrical component (20) can be operated through the housing opening (42), wherein the housing opening (42) is covered in particular by a transparent and / or openable cover (43) of the housing (30).

20. Motor vehicle charging system (100) with a main line (110) and with at least one branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular with at least one charging unit (140), wherein the charging unit (140) comprises a branching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one branch line (150) and at least one motor vehicle charging device (170).

21. Motor vehicle charging system (100) according to claim 20, wherein the main line (110) is designed as a particularly flexible round line with a plurality of wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116), wherein the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) each comprise an insulation and the main line (110) comprises a sheath (111) or a rigid tube, wherein the sheath (111) or the rigid tube jointly encloses the wires, in particular wherein the main line (110) runs from a first line feedthrough (33) of the housing (30) to a second line feedthrough (34) of the housing (30), wherein the main line (110) is at least partially stripped in the housing (30) and the clamping device (50) connects the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110) are electrically contacted.

22. Motor vehicle charging system (100) according to one of claims 20 or 21, wherein the branch line (150) is designed as a round line with a plurality of wires (152, 153, 154, 155, 156), wherein the branch line (150) is electrically connected to a connection device (25) in or on the housing (30) and / or wherein the charging unit (140) comprises a data line (160), wherein the data line (160) is electronically connected to a communication interface of the branch device (10) and / or wherein the branch line (150) and / or the data line (160) is fastened to the housing (30) by means of a cable gland.

23. Motor vehicle charging system (100) according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the motor vehicle charging system (100) comprises a plurality of branching devices (10) and wherein the component (20) designed as a communication device (23) is always connected to the same wires (113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110), in particular wherein the communication device (23) is electrically connected to outer conductors (114, 115, 116) of the main line (110) for data transmission.

24. Motor vehicle charging system (100) according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the motor vehicle charging system (100) comprises an electronic controller (120) or is connectable to an electronic controller (120), wherein the electronic controller (120) is designed to control the charging current and / or the charging power of the individual motor vehicle charging devices on the basis of an available maximum electrical current and / or an available maximum electrical power, wherein in particular the electronic data of the electronic controller (120) can be transmitted to the branching device (10) via the main line (110).

25. A method (300) for producing a motor vehicle charging system (100) according to one of claims 20 to 25 at an installation site, comprising the following steps: a. transporting the prefabricated branching device (10) to the installation site, b. inserting the main line (110) into the housing (30), c. clamping the clamping device (50) to the, in particular stripped, main line (110) such that the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110) are electrically connected to the clamping device (50), whereby the main line (110) is electrically connected to the electrical component (20).

26. The method (300) according to claim 25, wherein step b. includes that the in particular continuous main line (300) is inserted into a first line feedthrough (33) of the housing (30) and / or into a second line feedthrough (34) of the housing (30) in a first housing part (31) and the first (33) or second line feedthrough (34) is closed by means of at least one second housing part (39) and / or wherein step c. includes that the clamping device (50) electrically contacts the continuous, stripped or pipe-free main line (110) by the clamping device (50) penetrating the insulation of the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110).

27. The method (300) according to claim 25 or 27, wherein step c. includes connecting contact elements (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) of the clamping device (50) to the corresponding wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110) by means of a marking of the clamping device (50), such that the electrical component (20) or the electrical components (20) are correctly connected to the wires (112, 113, 114, 115, 116) of the main line (110).

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