Devices for induction charging systems and induction charging systems

The integration of protective devices with safety elements in inductive charging systems addresses the challenge of failure and hazard protection, ensuring safe operation by detecting and mitigating faults in high voltage environments.

JP2026510217APending Publication Date: 2026-04-02BRUSA ELEKTRONIK AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-19
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Inductive charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges in providing effective protection against failures and hazards, particularly due to the exposure of high voltage components in publicly accessible environments and the risk of harsh conditions.

Method used

The implementation of protective devices with input and output safety elements, including residual current circuit breakers, safety switches, discharge elements, and cable shields, to detect and mitigate faults in the charging system, ensuring safe operation and protection against electrical hazards.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively safeguards the inductive charging system by rapidly disconnecting faulty connections, limiting current flow, and dissipating electrical energy, thereby preventing accidents and ensuring safe operation under harsh conditions.

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Abstract

The present invention describes an apparatus (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) for an inductive charging system (100), comprising: an input terminal (504a); an electrical energy storage device (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e); and an input safety device (502a, 502c), wherein the input safety device (502a, 502c) is positioned between the input terminal (504a) and the electrical energy storage device (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e); and the input safety device (502a, 502c) has at least one safety element selected from a group of safety elements consisting of the following safety elements: a ground fault circuit breaker (404); at least one safety switch (1103); and a discharge element (1104).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of inductive charging. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for an inductive charging system and an inductive charging system.

Background Art

[0002] For charging pure electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid vehicles (PHEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) driven by a combination of fuel and electric energy, when charging non-contact, an inductive energy transfer system can be used. In such a system, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the frequency range of 25 to 150 kHz. It should be noted that outside this frequency band, the radiation limit of electromagnetic waves is defined by internationally effective standards. In principle, the magnetic field is used for energy transfer, but the fact that the magnetic field changes means that it is essentially an electromagnetic wave. However, since the strength of the magnetic field changes slowly, the electromagnetic waves used for inductive charging have wavelengths of several kilometers.

[0003] In order to comply with these radiation limits, it is important that the alternating magnetic field used for energy transfer operates at the fundamental oscillation in the range of 25 to 150 kHz and contains only very low harmonics. Therefore, filters are used to remove interfering harmonics as much as possible. Furthermore, in order to comply with internationally effective standards and guidelines, for example, by a positioning system as described in document EP3103674A1, the coupling elements are set in a specific alignment with each other so that energy transfer is performed only when a specific coupling quality is achieved between them.

[0004] For energy transfer, a GPM (Ground Pad Module) or GA (Ground Assembly) with a primary coil is used on the stationary side, and a CPM (Car Pad Module) or VA (Vehicle Assembly) with a secondary coil is used on the vehicle side as a coupling element. The GA and CA form a coupling and transformer for energy transfer. The physical alignment of the coupling elements is measured and adjusted via positioning signals, such as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). Different transmission paths and transmission technologies are used for energy transfer and the transmission of positioning signals.

[0005] In particular, GAs are installed on public land and are subjected to DC (direct current) voltage, so protection is necessary. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The objective of this invention is to enable effective protection against failures in inductive charging systems.

[0007] Therefore, the equipment for the induction charging system and the induction charging system are identified.

[0008] The subject matter of the present invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and further aspects of the present invention are defined by the dependent claims and the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a device for an inductive charging system, particularly a protective device, is defined, comprising an input terminal, an electrical energy storage device, and an input safety device, wherein the input safety device is positioned between the input terminal and the electrical energy storage device, and the input safety device has at least one safety element selected from a group of safety elements consisting of a residual current circuit breaker (residual current device), at least one safety switch, and a discharge element.

[0010] Energy storage devices can be components of inductive charging systems that store electronic energy. Such energy storage devices can be coils and / or capacitors installed in an inductive charging system.

[0011] Input safety devices can be designed to dissipate the high charge of the energy storage device as much as possible within the device, especially within the device's housing, thereby providing a protective effect outward from the housing.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises an output terminal and an output safety device, the output safety device being disposed between the output terminal and an electrical energy storage device, and the output safety device comprising at least one safety element selected from a group of safety elements consisting of a ground fault circuit breaker, at least one safety switch, and a discharge element.

[0013] In other words, output protection may be structurally substantially identical to input protection.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises an input terminal monitoring device and / or an output terminal monitoring device, the input terminal monitoring device and / or the output terminal monitoring device configured to detect faults in connected connection elements, such as cables.

[0015] Input terminal monitoring devices and / or output terminal monitoring devices can be designed as safety elements and may be triggered if a connection between individual components and / or devices of an inductive charging system is detected, for example, if a cable is damaged and / or broken, and the HV (high voltage) line is exposed. This can be detected by monitoring the electrical connection. This can be done by applying a measurement current, measurement voltage, measurement impedance, and / or a combination thereof. For monitoring, a signal can be modulated to the HV and / or LV (low voltage) lines. The LV line can transmit a DC voltage lower than the DC voltage of the HV line.

[0016] The monitoring device can also be configured as a dedicated line, that is, as a line laid substantially parallel to the lines and / or cables of the induction system.

[0017] The monitoring device may be designed to anticipate that if the electrical connection is interrupted, the cable will break, exposing the HV line and posing a hazard.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a cable shield and / or cable sheath, the cable shield and / or cable sheath being connected to at least one of the input terminal and the output terminal.

[0019] On the other hand, cable shields and / or cable sheaths can protect cables from physical contact. However, they can also transmit signals for detecting faults.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the cable shield can be used for cable insulation monitoring by passing an electric current through it.

[0021] If the flow of current can no longer be detected, it is likely that a malfunction has occurred.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one safety switch is used to disconnect the electrical energy storage device from the input terminal and / or output terminal.

[0023] This prevents dangerous voltages from being applied to the faulty cable for an extended period if a malfunction is detected.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one safety switch is configured to connect an input terminal and / or an output terminal to a discharge element.

[0025] The dangerous voltage will dissipate quickly using this method as well.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one safety switch is configured to connect a current limiting element between an input terminal and an electrical energy storage device, between an output terminal and the electrical energy storage device, and / or between the input terminal and the output terminal.

[0027] The current limiting element can reliably limit the flow of a large current in case of a fault.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, the device is a ground assembly and / or a car assembly of an inductive charging system.

[0029] The inductive charging system can thus be protected in various locations.

[0030] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the input terminal and the output terminal is configured for magnetic coupling.

[0031] In an inductive charging system, one component can establish magnetic coupling between the ground assembly and the car assembly.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, an inductive charging system including at least one device according to the present invention is described.

[0033] The inductive charging system may comprise a series of devices that can be connected by cables. By applying the invention according to the present invention, it is possible to protect against risks caused by the connection of such equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Hereinafter, further exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] [Figure 1] An inductive charging system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2]This illustrates device protection to deepen understanding of the present invention. [Figure 3] To further the understanding of this invention, the protective function of devices with large and small energy storage capacities is demonstrated. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an inductive charging system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a GA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Various configurations of input and / or output safety devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. [Figure 7] Various configurations of input and / or output safety devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. [Figure 8] Various configurations of input and / or output safety devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. [Figure 9] Various configurations of input and / or output safety devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. [Figure 10] This is a circuit diagram of motor control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is another circuit diagram of motor control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a circuit diagram of a protective device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. In the following descriptions of Figures 1 to 12, the same reference numbers are used for identical or corresponding elements.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an inductive charging system 100 or energy transfer system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of a contactless charging system for an electric vehicle. Below the vehicle chassis 102 is a car assembly (CA) 104 or CPA 104 which is responsible for supplying power to the vehicle 102. For energy transfer, a magnetic field is inductively supplied by a ground assembly (GA) 105 or GPM 105 fixed to the floor surface 103. The energy required for charging is taken from the main terminal 107 and may be alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). A separate connection 101 is used for communication between the CPM 104 and the GPM 105, and this connection can use wireless protocols such as WLAN (Wireless LAN) or NFC. This connection can be used as a feedback channel 101 or as a communication channel 101 on which the CA 104 and GA 105 can exchange information. Both the energy transfer magnetic field 106 and the wireless signal 101 are electromagnetic waves, but they have different frequencies.

[0038] This paper considers an inductive energy transfer system that can be used for contactless charging of electric vehicles. In such a system, an alternating magnetic field 10⁶ is generated in the frequency range of 25–150 kHz. It should be noted that outside this frequency band, limitations on electromagnetic radiation are defined by internationally valid standards. To comply with these limitations, it is important that the alternating magnetic field 10⁶ operates at a fundamental frequency in the range of 25–150 kHz and contains only very low harmonics.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates the device protection to further understand the present invention.

[0040] The device 201, which includes an electrical energy storage device 202, is connected to the main terminal 107 via three phases 204. When a fault occurs inside the device 201, the fault is bypassed via a fault connection 203.

[0041] Many power and high-voltage devices are protected by the same high-voltage protection concept. Protection mechanisms fall into various categories, such as electrical isolation, electrical shielding or earthing connections, residual current circuit breakers (residual current devices), overvoltage protection, and / or discharge mechanisms. These are based on the concept that the device is substantially isolated. Therefore, in the event of a fault, either the housing and / or chassis 201 is electrically isolated, at a sufficient distance from live components, and / or connected to protective earth 501, returning current to the main terminals 107 and / or grid 107 via, for example, the fault connection 203, thereby triggering the surge protector.

[0042] Figure 3 illustrates the protective function of devices with large and small energy storage capacities, which helps to better understand the present invention.

[0043] To prevent people from being endangered or injured when unplugging a power strip or touching the plug, live components inside the plug that can be touched are designed to discharge within a specified time.

[0044] To reduce the amount of energy that needs to be discharged, diodes 301 and / or other isolation elements 301 are used to separate the large internal energy reservoir 202 from the smaller energy reservoir 302 that is directly connected to a live connector, such as an EMC filter 302.

[0045] For example, a residual current circuit breaker can detect the current flowing through the ground 501 and open the connection between the main terminal 107, the grid 107, and / or the main power supply 107, thereby disconnecting the main voltage from the device. Surge protection does not directly protect people from electric shock, but it prevents short-circuit currents from becoming a source of hazards such as fire or explosion.

[0046] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an inductive charging system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Here, starting from the main power supply 107, multiple protective devices 400a, 400b, and 400c of GA are connected to the earth leakage circuit breaker 404. GA105 is connected to CA105 via a magnetic field 106. CA104 is equipped with protective devices 400d and 400e connected to the vehicle battery 403.

[0048] The protective device is connected to cables 401a, 401b, and 401c on the GA side and cables 401d and 401e on the CA side. Phase 402, which constitutes the energized section, is led to cables 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, and 401e.

[0049] The inductive charging system 100 must not only ensure protection against the hazards of fire and explosion. Instead, it must be considered that GA105, especially with its live components, is installed in a parking lot and connected to the main terminal 107. GA105 is exposed to extremely harsh conditions; even collisions with snowplows must be considered.

[0050] The ground assembly 105 may include multiple components 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, and 202e equipped with energy storage devices, and may include one, two, three, or more boxes. The energy storage devices may also include parasitic energy storage devices.

[0051] The inductive charging system 100 has a safety concept adapted to its application area, taking into account that the inductive charging system 100 will be exposed to harsh conditions and placed in a publicly accessible space. In addition to the harsh environment in which the inductive charging system 100 will be used, it must be considered that the connections between modules 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e will transmit DC voltage or DC voltage. As a result, there will be a high risk and significant problems when interrupting short-circuit current.

[0052] Figure 5 is a block diagram of GA105 equipped with protective devices 400a and 400b according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The protective devices 400a and 400b are configured substantially the same. The protective devices 400a and 400b of the inductive charging system 100 have an input terminal 504a, electrical energy storage devices 202a and 202b, and input safety devices 502a, 502c and 503b. The input safety devices 502a, 502c and 503b are located between the input terminal 504a and the electrical energy storage devices 202a and 202b, and each input safety device 502a, 502c and 503b has at least one safety element selected from a group of safety elements consisting of a residual current circuit breaker (residual current device), at least one safety switch, and a discharge element.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple residual current circuit breakers can be used. Additionally, safety elements can be designed as cable shielding and / or have switches to open contacts, elements for rapid discharge, and elements implemented according to the principle of "forced standard safety elements."

[0055] Inrush current limiting elements are often located at the mains power input of a device. These elements include a resistor or similar component that limits the current and a relay that short-circuits the current limit during device operation. In conventional power electronics, there is no physical isolation between the mains power and the device. This is because residual current devices in the infrastructure interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of an insulation failure. Traditionally, only a pre-charge resistor in series with a PFC diode and a small charging relay in parallel are common. In inductive charging systems with multiple boxes and input relays that can act as forced-current relays, the current coming from the mains power can be limited if an insulation failure is detected between the boxes. The aim is to enhance the pre-charge relay used to limit the input current and use it to safely interrupt the hazard in the corresponding current path.

[0056] The safety features also include a mechanism to check for cable breaks.

[0057] The protective devices 400a and 400b further comprise an output terminal 504b, in particular a magnetic coupling device, and an output safety device, the output safety devices 502b and 503a being positioned between the output terminal 504b and the electrical energy storage device 202a, the output safety device comprising at least one safety element selected from a group of safety elements consisting of a ground fault circuit breaker, at least one safety switch, and a discharge element.

[0058] Accordingly, certain safety elements, such as input safety devices 502a, 502c, 503b and output safety devices 502b, 503a, are provided at the inputs 504a and 504b of the inductive charging system to protect the connections between the individual protective devices 400a, 400b and / or components of the inductive system 100.

[0059] The connections between individual protective devices 400a and 400b are often cables 401a and 401b, and often lack even housing to protect them from harsh environments.

[0060] Grounding 501 is also located between the main terminal 107 and the first module 400a.

[0061] Figures 6 to 9 show various configurations for input and / or output safety devices 502a, 502b, and 502c according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] The input and / or output safety devices 502a, 502b, and 502c can be implemented as switches that isolate the energy storage devices 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, and 202e from the external cables 401a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e, as shown in Figure 6.

[0063] The input and / or output safety devices 502a, 502b, and 502c can be designed, for example, as switches that form a network with a long discharge time, configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy to dissipate the electrical energy within the housing. Figure 7 shows an example of energy conversion by connecting a resistor in parallel with a capacitor.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, a combination of both principles is also possible: switching off the connection and converting the electrical energy into heat to dissipate it. When the resistor switch is turned on, the circuit is simultaneously disconnected.

[0065] Another safety device may provide the ability to wait for the discharge element, such as a resistor, to cool down again if an electrical-to-thermal conversion has occurred after any of the input and / or output safety devices 502a, 502b, or 502c has been triggered, before switching it back on.

[0066] The switches of the input and / or output safety devices 502a, 502b, and 502c can be implemented as relays. The relays can be implemented as on / off switches or changeover switches.

[0067] In addition to the input and / or output safety devices 502a, 502b, 502c and / or safety elements 502a, 502b, 502c, earth leakage circuit breaker functions 404, 503a, 503b may be provided. Earth leakage circuit breaker functions 404, 503a, 503b can be placed in the inductive charging system not only between the output safety device 502b and the output terminal 504b, but also between the input terminal 504a and the input safety device 502c. Thus, earth leakage circuit breaker functions 503a, 503b may be used not only as connecting links between two modules 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e, but also to connect to the primary earth leakage circuit breaker of the main terminal 107.

[0068] The cable shield can also be used as input safety device 502a, 502c and / or output safety device 502b. The shield provides good EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) protection and contributes to safety by allowing ground current in the event of a short circuit in a damaged cable. This short-circuit current can be detected by a residual current circuit breaker.

[0069] If a cable has a shield, a test current can be passed through the shield to check if it is adequately insulated. This current measurement can be used as an additional level of safety, as it can be used to detect breaks in the cable.

[0070] For example, a shield test current is applied to the shield of cable 401b.

[0071] The current flow within the cable shield can be used to detect whether there is a fault in the connections and / or connecting elements of cables 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, and 401e. If it is detected that the connections between devices and / or cables 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, and 401e are damaged and / or broken, and the HV line 402 is exposed, a safety element is triggered.

[0072] This can be detected by monitoring the electrical connection. This can be done by applying a measurement current, measurement voltage, measurement impedance, and / or a combination thereof. A signal, such as a shield current, can be modulated into an HV or LV line, or it can be routed into a dedicated line. If the electrical connection is interrupted, it can be assumed that the cable has broken and the HV line is exposed.

[0073] A method can be provided for detecting an interruption in the flow of current and triggering input safety devices 502a, 502c and / or output safety device 502b.

[0074] In many cases, device circuits include inrush current limiting elements at the circuit input. Such elements may be resistors or similar components capable of limiting the current. They may also include relays that short-circuit the current limiter during device operation.

[0075] However, in power electronics, there is often no physical interruption between the grid 107 or main terminal 107 and the equipment. In such infrastructure, the residual current circuit breaker 404 is designed to interrupt the flow of power in the event of a break in insulation.

[0076] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram of a motor control 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] For example, a small precharge relay or precharge relay 1001 alone is connected in parallel with a precharge resistor or precharge resistor 1002 at the input of the circuit. This parallel circuit may be connected in series with a PFC (power factor correction) diode 1003.

[0078] The combination of the precharge relay 1001 and the precharge resistor 1002 can be provided in both the input circuit and the output circuit.

[0079] Figure 11 is another circuit diagram of the motor control 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Starting from the power supply 1101, main relays 1102a and 1102b are provided at the input and output terminals. The main relay 1102a, located in the input circuit, is bypassed by a series circuit consisting of a precharge relay 1103 and a precharge resistor 1104. Subsequently, the output terminals for connecting the filter capacitor 1105, motor control unit 1106, and load 1107 are connected in parallel.

[0081] Figure 12 shows circuit diagrams 1200 of protective devices 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, and 400e according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] In the case of an inductive charging system 100 in which multiple boxes, devices and / or protective devices 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e are connected in series, the input terminal 504a is provided with current-consuming relays 1103 as safety devices 502a, 502b, 502c. The current-consuming relays 1103 are designed as pre-charge relays 1103 and are placed in series with pre-charge resistors 1104. Main relays 1102a, 1102b are provided in parallel with the series circuit at both the input and output branches of the input terminal. The main relay 1102a at the input branch can be bypassed using the series circuit.

[0083] The relay 1103 at input terminal 504a can be used, for example, to interrupt the current from the main terminal 107 when an insulation failure is detected.

[0084] Thus, the precharge relay 1103 and precharge resistor 1104 can be used not only when the switch is turned on, but also when a fault is detected.

[0085] This use as a protective element can be controlled by input safety devices 502a, 502c and / or output safety device 502b.

[0086] In addition, note that “equipped with” and “having” do not exclude other elements or steps, and “one” does not exclude multiple. Furthermore, note that features or steps described with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments described above may be used in combination with other features or steps of the other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference figures in the claims are not considered limiting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 100: Inductive charging system 101: Feedback Channel 102: Vehicle Chassis 103: Floor 104: Car Assembly 105: Ground Assembly 106: Alternating magnetic field 107: Main terminal 201: Equipment 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e: Power storage device 203: Faulty connection 204: phase 301: Separation element 302: Small energy storage device 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e: Protective devices 401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, 401e: Cable 402: phase 403: Vehicle Battery 404: Ground fault circuit interrupter 501: Ground 502a, 502c: Input safety devices 503b: Input safety device 502b: Output safety device 503a: Output safety device 504a: Input terminal 504b: Output terminal 1000: Motor control circuit 1001: Pre-charge relay 1002: Precharge resistor 1003: PFC diode 1100: Motor control 1102a, 1102b: Main relay 1103: Pre-charge relay 1104: Precharge resistor 1105: Filter capacity 1106: Motor control device 1107: Load connection 1101: Power supply 1200: Circuit diagram of protective device 1201: Relay

Claims

1. Devices (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) for an inductive charging system (100), Input terminal (504a) and Electrical energy storage devices (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e), Input safety devices (502a, 502c), Equipped with, The input safety devices (502a, 502c) are arranged between the input terminal (504a) and the electrical energy storage devices (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e). The aforementioned input safety devices (502a, 502c) Earth leakage circuit breaker (404), At least one safety switch (1103) and Discharge element (1104), An apparatus having at least one safety element selected from a group of safety elements consisting of the following.

2. Output terminal (504b), Output safety device (503a), Furthermore, The output safety device (503a) is positioned between the output terminal (504b) and the electrical energy storage devices (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e). The output safety device (503a) is The aforementioned earth leakage circuit breaker (404), The at least one safety switch (1103) and, The discharge element (1104) and, The apparatus according to claim 1 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), comprising at least one safety element selected from the group of safety elements consisting of the above.

3. Input terminal monitoring device, and / or Output terminal monitoring device Furthermore, The apparatus (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input terminal monitoring device and / or the output terminal monitoring device are configured to detect faults of connection elements (401a, 401b, 401c, 401d, 401e) connected thereto.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), further comprising a cable shield and / or cable sheath, wherein the cable shield and / or cable sheath is connected to at least one of the input terminal (504a) and the output terminal (504b).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), wherein the cable shield is used for monitoring the insulation of the cable by passing an electric current through the cable shield.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), wherein the at least one safety switch is used to disconnect the electrical energy storage device from the input terminal and / or the output terminal.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), wherein the at least one safety switch is configured to connect the input terminal and / or the output terminal to the discharge element.

8. The apparatus (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one safety switch (1103) is configured to connect a current limiting element (1104) between the input terminal (504a) and the electrical energy storage device, between the output terminal (504b) and the electrical energy storage devices (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e), and / or between the input terminal and the output terminal.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), wherein the apparatus is the ground assembly (105) and / or car assembly (104) of the inductive charging system.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e), wherein at least one of the input terminal (504a) and the output terminal (504b) is configured for magnetic coupling.

11. An inductive charging system (100) comprising the apparatus (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.