Current line layout structure and motor vehicle

Abstract

To provide an improved current line arrangement structure suitable for improving the prior art. A current line arrangement (10) for conducting current from a motor vehicle charging outlet (160) to an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, comprising: a DC line 20 having two separate DC lines for carrying DC from the DC interface 120 of the charging outlet 160 to the energy storage device; an AC line 30 having a plurality of individual AC lines passing AC from the AC interface 130 of the charging outlet 160 to the energy storage device; In a current line arrangement structure including The current line arrangement structure 10 comprises an AC plug connection 33 connectable to an AC line 30, the AC plug connection 33 being configured to electrically connect the current line arrangement structure 10 to an AC interface 160 and / or an energy storage device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a current line arrangement for conducting electrical current from a charging outlet of a motor vehicle to an energy storage device of the motor vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The evolving mobility transformation is an important aspect of the increasingly necessary sustainability for the environment. For this and other reasons, the production and use of electric vehicles is a central component for achieving sustainable mobility. One central component of an electric vehicle is the charging chain (charging process) or charging unit, which runs from an energy storage device via a current line arrangement to a charging outlet. To charge the energy storage device, a charging station external to the vehicle can be connected to the charging outlet.

[0003] The charging unit includes a current line arrangement, a charging connection or interface connecting the current line arrangement to a charging outlet, and an interface to an energy storage device. The current line arrangement or cable runs between the energy storage device and the charging outlet. The charging unit is typically a single unit.

[0004] Motor vehicles can typically be charged with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) via AC and DC cable harnesses, respectively.

[0005] According to the prior art, DC cable harnesses typically consist of two copper circular conductors. When carrying current, one of the circular conductors is positively charged and the other is negatively charged. Copper is suitable for circular conductors because, in addition to the basic requirement of conductor current carrying capacity, copper is mechanically flexible and therefore can compensate for tolerances in the arrangement of the charging unit or charging outlet and the energy storage device.

[0006] However, copper has a relatively high heat input at direct current, is relatively expensive, and has a relatively large mass.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle having a storage device for electric energy that can be recharged using a charging cable and an external current supply, and a vehicle body having at least one vehicle body opening that can be closed by a vehicle body flap, and in which a charging cable is provided that is conductively connected or connectable to the storage device and extends at least partially inside the vehicle body, the vehicle body opening is a trunk opening or a door opening, the vehicle body flap is the trunk flap or door of the vehicle, the charging cable is formed as a flexible flat ribbon cable or has at least one flexible flat ribbon cable portion, the flexible flat ribbon cable or the at least one flexible flat ribbon cable portion is capable of conducting through a vehicle body gap that exists between the edge of the vehicle body opening and the vehicle body flap, and the flat ribbon cable or the at least one flexible flat ribbon cable portion has conductors that are arranged side by side and that conduct current, the conductors are formed as flat, band-shaped conductors and are surrounded by a common, electrically insulating outer sheath.

[0008] Typically, prior art current line arrangements include one or more intermediate members that electrically connect the DC and / or AC lines to the charging outlet and the energy storage device, each of which can cause contact resistance and lead to poor contact and / or corrosion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 020512 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In the background of the prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved current line arrangement structure suitable for improving the prior art. The specific configuration of the present disclosure can solve the object of providing a cost-effective, lightweight, and easy-to-maintain current line arrangement structure that does not require intermediate elements for electrical contact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims are intended as preferred developments of the disclosure.

[0012] The problem is solved by a current line arrangement for conducting current from a charging outlet of a motor vehicle to an energy storage device of the motor vehicle. The current line arrangement includes a DC line having two DC individual lines for conducting DC from a DC interface of the charging outlet to the energy storage device, and an AC line having a plurality of AC individual lines for conducting AC from an AC interface of the charging outlet to the energy storage device. Each DC individual line includes an aluminum molding as a conductor for conducting DC.

[0013] Therefore, a current line arrangement is arranged in the motor vehicle between the charging outlet and the energy storage device. The current line arrangement includes a DC line and an AC line to enable combined charging, thereby enabling both a DC charging method and an AC charging method to charge the energy storage device.

[0014] The DC line includes two DC individual lines, one of which corresponds to a positive electrode and the other of which corresponds to a negative electrode.

[0015] The AC line includes a plurality of individual AC lines, which allows charging with polyphase AC and / or three-phase current.

[0016] The DC and AC lines are configured to be connected to an energy storage device via corresponding interfaces, which may include power electronics for converting DC and / or AC to charge battery cells of the energy storage device.

[0017] The current line arrangement includes an AC plug connection connectable to an AC line, the AC plug connection configured to electrically connect the current line arrangement to an AC interface and / or an energy storage device. This effectively allows for installation and / or removal of the AC line, since the AC line and the charging outlet are not fixedly connected to each other. This allows for replacement of individual components, which achieves more effective variant management, for example, by taking into account vehicle-specific length differences of the AC line. This reduces the complexity and cost of the current line arrangement and facilitates installation and maintenance of the current line arrangement. The AC plug connection makes it possible to avoid a separate intermediate component between the AC line and the charging outlet and / or energy storage device, because the AC plug connection can be directly connected to the charging outlet and / or energy storage device.

[0018] Each DC individual line may include an aluminum molding as a conductor for passing DC. This provides an aluminum molding for passing DC. Aluminum is lighter than copper and is cost-effectively available due to its effective recyclability. Aluminum also has relatively high thermal conductivity. The shape of the DC individual line as a molding can improve heat radiation and / or heat conduction of the heated DC line, thereby providing effective cooling of the DC line. This can shorten the charging time for the energy storage device. Here, the molding may be, for example, a member formed from a flat member. The DC line may be configured to be conductively fixed at the DC interface and / or the energy storage device by a bolt connection including a plurality of bolts. The bolts thus serve as fixing parts between the DC line and the charging outlet and / or the energy storage device, and simultaneously as transmission elements for the current. The bolt connection can avoid the placement of an intermediate part at the DC interface. No welding is required for the connection. Therefore, the line arrangement structure can be more easily installed and more cost-effective.

[0019] To achieve an effective and reliable bolted joint, each bolt, when installed, can be positioned perpendicular to one of the aluminum moldings.

[0020] Each bolt can be in conductive contact with exactly one of the aluminium mouldings, which makes it possible to achieve a clearly defined allocation of bolts to poles or individual DC lines.

[0021] Each aluminium moulding may have a first through opening and a second through opening, each through which one of the bolts passes, so that the aluminium mouldings can be strategically positioned together with the bolts.

[0022] The through openings of each aluminium moulding can have different diameters, which makes it possible to thread a bolt into one of the aluminium mouldings while avoiding contact between the bolt and another of the aluminium mouldings.

[0023] In other words, the above points can be summarized as follows with respect to a specific configuration that is not described in a restrictive manner for the present disclosure: according to the prior art, an OEM charging unit is installed that is not a single component. In this case, a circular cable line is fixed to the charging outlet and the high-voltage battery by means of a current-carrying bolt. However, in principle, the fewer separations between the individual components, the better. Therefore, it is proposed to guide the bolts vertically through the flat moldings so that each bolt is connected to only one flat molding. Each bolt is in contact with a different flat molding. Although both bolts extend through both flat moldings, they only contact one flat molding each. The connection between the bolt and the flat molding for electrical connection or separation is achieved by a small or large gap between the bolt and the flat molding.

[0024] Also provided is a motor vehicle including a charging outlet, an energy storage device, and the current line arrangement described above.

[0025] The motor vehicle may be a passenger vehicle, in particular a car. The motor vehicle may be an electrically driveable motor vehicle. For this purpose, the motor vehicle may be equipped with an electric drive that can be powered by electrical energy from an energy storage device in order to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. Optionally, the automated motor vehicle may be configured to at least partially and / or at least temporarily take over longitudinal steering (guiding) and / or lateral steering (guiding) during automated driving of the motor vehicle. The automated driving may be performed such that the movement of the motor vehicle is (almost) autonomous. The automated driving may be at least partially and / or temporarily controlled by a data processing device. The motor vehicle may be a motor vehicle with an autonomy level of 0 to 5.

[0026] The above discussion of current line layouts applies equally to motor vehicles and vice versa.

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a current line arrangement according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of respective DC lines of a current line arrangement structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bolted connection of a current line arrangement according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Motor vehicle 100 includes charging outlet 160, energy storage device 150, and current line arrangement 10. Charging outlet 160 is configured to form an electrical connection between motor vehicle 100 and a charging station 200 external to the vehicle. Furthermore, motor vehicle 100 or its energy storage device 150 can be energized with an electrical current and charged.

[0031] To this end, the charging outlet 160 is connected to the energy storage device 150 via the current line arrangement 10 for conducting current therethrough. The current line arrangement 10 is configured to conduct current from the charging outlet 160 to the energy storage device 150.

[0032] The current line arrangement 10 includes a DC line 20 and an AC line 30 .

[0033] DC line 20 is configured to pass direct current (DC) from DC interface 120 of charging outlet 160 to energy storage device 150. AC line 30 is configured to pass alternating current (AC) from AC interface 130 of charging outlet 160 to energy storage device 150.

[0034] The AC line 30 comprises a plurality of AC individual lines 31 (only one AC individual line 31 is shown for better illustration).

[0035] The current line arrangement structure 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] 2 shows a perspective view of a current line arrangement 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The current line arrangement 10 is for a motor vehicle 10. Such a motor vehicle 10 is described in relation to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and its description.

[0037] 2 includes a plurality of individual AC lines 31 that are electrically insulated from one another and are arranged within a covering 38. The individual AC lines 31 are made of, for example, copper and each have a circular cross section. The covering 38 is electrically insulating and is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0038] The current line arrangement 10 includes an AC plug connection 33 connected to the AC line 30. The AC plug connection 33 is configured to connect the current line arrangement 10 to an AC interface 160. The AC plug connection 33 includes a plug and a bushing included therein (not shown). The current line arrangement 10 includes another AC plug connection 33 at one end (not shown) of the AC line 30, which is configured to connect the current line arrangement 10 to an energy storage device 150. Thus, the energy storage device 150 can be electrically connected to a charging outlet 160 for transmitting alternating current (AC) via the AC plug connection 33 and the AC line 30.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, the DC line 20 is configured to be conductively fixed at the DC interface 120 by a bolted connection 24 having a plurality of bolts 23. Such a bolted connection 24 is described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. At one end of the DC line 20, which is not shown in Fig. 2, the DC line 20 is configured to be conductively fixed at the energy storage device 150 by a bolted connection 24 having a plurality of other bolts 23. This allows the energy storage device 150 to be electrically connected to a charging outlet 160 for transmitting direct current (DC) via the bolted connection 24 and the DC line 20. The DC line 20 is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the current line arrangement 10 includes a ground 40 for connection to the motor vehicle 100 .

[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of each DC line 20 of a current line arrangement structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows the current line arrangement structure 10 described in relation to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and their descriptions.

[0042] In FIG. 3, four different embodiments of the DC line 20 are shown (FIG. 3(A), FIG. 3(B), FIG. 3(C) and FIG. 3(D)).

[0043] According to Fig. 3, the DC line 20 comprises two DC individual lines 21, 22 through which a direct current (DC) is passed. Each of the DC individual lines 21, 22 comprises an aluminum molding 25 as a conductor through which the direct current (DC) is passed. The aluminum moldings 25 are flat moldings 26. That is, each aluminum molding 25 has two main extension directions, namely, here, a direction horizontal and facing the paper surface, and here, another extension direction that is vertical. The extension of the aluminum molding 25 is greater in the main extension direction than in the other extension direction. The aluminum moldings 25 can be manufactured, for example, by rolling and forming.

[0044] The aluminum moldings 25 of the DC individual lines 21, 22 are arranged parallel to each other. The main extension directions of the aluminum moldings 25 define planes in which the aluminum moldings 25 have their respective maximum extension surfaces. At this time, the aluminum moldings 25 of the DC individual lines 21, 22 are arranged so that their maximum surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0045] The DC line 20 includes an insulating portion 28. The insulating portion 28 is arranged around the DC individual lines 21, 22 and between the DC individual lines 21, 22. The covering portion 28 is electrically insulating and is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0046] Fig. 3(B) will be described with respect to the differences from Fig. 3(A). According to Fig. 3(B), the DC line 20 is provided with insulating portions 28. The insulating portions 28 are arranged around the DC individual lines 21, 22, respectively. Air gaps are arranged between the insulating portions 28 of the DC individual lines 21, 22. The air gaps can achieve improved heat dissipation from the DC individual lines 21, 22 to the surroundings.

[0047] Figure 3(C) will be explained with respect to the differences with respect to Figure 3(A): According to Figure 3(C), the DC line 20 comprises a heat storage paste 27 arranged between the DC individual lines 21, 22.

[0048] The thermal storage paste 27 has a higher heat capacity than aluminum and is configured to absorb the heat generated in the DC line 20 during the charging process, which results in a smaller temperature rise in the DC line 20, which may be beneficial for charging.

[0049] The thermal storage paste 27 has a paste-like consistency, which allows it to be effectively positioned to fit the possibly curved contours of the DC line 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0050] The thermal storage paste 27 contacts the DC individual lines 21, 22 over its largest surface to allow efficient transfer of heat from each DC individual line 21, 22 to the thermal storage paste 27. The thermal storage paste 27 is electrically insulating and therefore forms an electrical insulation between the DC individual lines 21, 22.

[0051] Fig. 3(D) will be described with respect to the differences from Fig. 3(C). According to Fig. 3(D), a covering portion 28 is arranged so as to surround the thermal storage paste 27. The thermal storage paste 27 has a direct electrical contact portion with the DC individual lines 21, 22. This allows a conductive thermal storage paste 27 to be used.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a bolted joint 24 of a current line arrangement structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows the current line arrangement structure 10 described in relation to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 4 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and their descriptions.

[0053] The DC line 20 is conductively fixed at the DC interface 120 by a bolt connection 24 comprising two bolts 23, each of which, in the installed state, is arranged perpendicular to one of the aluminum moldings 25. Each bolt 24 is in conductive contact with exactly one of the aluminum moldings 25.

[0054] Each aluminum molding 25 has a first through opening 29a and a second through opening 29b, through which one of the bolts 24 passes. The through openings 29a, 29b of each aluminum molding 25 have different diameters D. In other words, each aluminum molding 25 has a through opening 29a with a certain diameter D that is larger than the diameters D of the other through openings 29b. A tolerance range is set for the through openings 29b with smaller diameters D, i.e., the diameter D of each smaller through opening 29b is slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt 24. Here, the diameter D of each smaller through opening 29b is selected so as to achieve reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the DC individual lines 21, 22 and the charging outlet 160. The diameter D of each larger through opening 29a is selected so as to avoid contact of the bolt 24 with each DC individual line 21, 22 at the larger through opening 29a. For example, the larger through opening 29 a has a diameter D equal to a multiple of the diameter of the bolt 24 .

[0055] The bolts 24 extend vertically through the DC individual lines 21, 22 such that the bolts 24 are connected to only one DC individual line 21, 22 each. Each of the bolts 24 contacts a different DC individual line 21, 22. Although each of the bolts 24 extends through both DC individual lines 21, 22, it contacts only one of the DC individual lines 21, 22 each. The connection between the bolts 24 and the DC individual lines 21, 22 for electrical connection or disconnection can be achieved by a small or large spacing between the bolts 24 and the DC individual lines 21, 22, i.e., by different diameters D of the through openings 29a, 29b.

[0056] The current line arrangement 10 is provided with a cover flap 41 or contact flap. The cover flap 41 is electrically insulating. The cover flap 41 makes it possible to protect the bolted connection 24 from mechanical influences. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 Current line layout structure 20 DC line 21 DC individual line 22 DC individual lines 23 Bolt joint 24 volts 25 Aluminum moldings 26 Flat moldings 27 Heat storage paste 28 Insulation 29a First through opening 29b Second through opening 30 AC line 31 Individual exchange line 33 AC plug connection 38 Covering part 40 Earth 41 Cover flap 100 Motor Vehicles 120 DC Interface 130 AC Interface 150 Energy storage device 160 charging outlets 200 charging stations AC alternating current DC direct current D diameter

Claims

1. A current line arrangement (10) for conducting current from a charging outlet (160) of a motor vehicle (100) to an energy storage device (150) of the motor vehicle (100), comprising: a DC line (20) with two DC individual lines (21, 22) carrying direct current (DC) from the DC interface (120) of said charging outlet (160) to said energy storage device (150); an AC line (30) having a plurality of AC individual lines (31) for carrying AC from the AC interface (130) of the charging outlet (160) to the energy storage device (150); In the current line arrangement structure including - A current line arrangement (10) characterized in that the current line arrangement (10) comprises an AC plug connection (33) connectable to the AC line (30), the AC plug connection (33) being configured to electrically connect the current line arrangement (10) to the AC interface (160) and / or the energy storage device (150).

2. 2. The current line arrangement structure (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the DC individual lines (21, 22) comprises an aluminum molding (25) as a conductor for passing direct current (DC), and the DC line (20) is configured to be conductively fixed to the DC interface (120) and / or the energy storage device (150) by a bolt connection (24) having a plurality of bolts (23).

3. 3. The current line arrangement structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the bolts (24) is arranged perpendicular to one of the aluminum moldings (25) when installed.

4. 4. A current line arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each of said bolts (24) is in conductive contact with exactly one of said aluminium mouldings (25).

5. 5. The current line arrangement structure according to claim 2, wherein each aluminum molding (25) has a first through-opening (29a) and a second through-opening (29b) for passing one of the bolts (24) therethrough.

6. 6. A current line arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the through openings (29a, 29b) of each of the aluminium mouldings (25) have different diameters (D).

7. A motor vehicle (100) comprising a charging outlet (160), an energy storage device (150), and a current line arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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