Electrical power supply cable connector for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a secondary connector (15) of a power supply cable (10) configured for electrical connection to a vehicle, the secondary connector (15) having a plug connector (1) for a separable electrical connection to an energy supply device (16), a cable terminal (2) for a separable electrical connection to a coupler (6) of the power supply cable (10), a limiting unit (3) configured to limit the current flowing through the power supply cable (10) to a maximum value (100), and a setting device (7) by which the maximum value (100) can be set.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for a power supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle, in particular an energy storage device of the vehicle, and in particular capable of forming a connection with an energy supply device. In this case, the connector is used to electrically couple the power supply cable to the energy supply device. Such a connector can be referred to as a secondary connector, while a primary connector is a connector that connects the power supply cable to the vehicle. The primary and secondary connectors can also be referred to as charging plugs. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a power supply cable having such a connector. The power supply cable can be, for example, a charging cable designed to transmit at least 0.5 kW of power, preferably at least 2 kW of power. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional technology Various approaches are known from the prior art for charging electric or hybrid vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, motorcycles, etc.). In particular, the following cases can be distinguished: In a first charging scenario, the vehicle can be charged via a dedicated charging infrastructure, in particular a fixedly installed charging station. For example, such a charging station is realized as a charging stand or wall box. In an alternative charging scenario, a continuous current outlet is provided, such as is used for energy supply in a normal household. For example, this outlet is a 220V Schuko outlet or an outlet configured in accordance with other regional standards or conventions, which may also be provided with a three-phase AC terminal. In this case, the connection line of the charging cable essentially has an integrated control device, also known as an in-cable control box (ICCB), which is arranged inside the connection line between the two connectors. This integrated control device is used for communication with the vehicle and for releasing and setting the charging current, since the Schuko outlet, unlike a charging station or wall box, does not essentially have a communication line that can mediate communication between the vehicle and the energy supply device.

[0003] When a domestic outlet is used to charge an electric or hybrid vehicle, the charging current is usually limited to a maximum value that is below the maximum value for protecting the domestic outlet. In Germany, for example, with normal protection measures of 16 A, the control device integrated into the charging cable is typically set to allow a maximum current consumption of 13 A.

[0004] From the later published patent application DE 10 2021 203 362 A1, a secondary connector and a charging cable are known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102021203362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Disclosure of the Invention The secondary connector according to the present invention enables a connection between a power cable and an energy supply device. Additionally, the secondary connector allows for a configurable, and therefore flexible, current limit. Therefore, on the one hand, the energy supply device can be protected from overload, and on the other hand, the current limiting function for the power cable is realized only if this function is desired, i.e., if a secondary connector is also present. For example, the secondary connector according to the present invention can be configured for a household outlet that is provided with a current limiting function. In addition, for example, by replacing the secondary connector in a power cable, a further secondary connector, such as a Type 2 connector that does not allow for configurable current limits, can be used to connect the power cable to a corresponding (other) charging infrastructure. Therefore, incorrectly maintaining the current limit for the power cable when the secondary connector is replaced is prevented. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to secondary connectors for household outlets, but also includes other secondary connectors, such as Type 2 plugs, that have a current limiting function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The secondary connector can be used as part of a power supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle, in particular an energy accumulator of the vehicle, to an energy supply device that supplies electrical energy. The secondary connector is used in particular for electrical connection with a continuous current outlet or a household outlet or a general continuous three-phase AC outlet. The vehicle and the energy supply device are separate units or components. The secondary connector has a plug connector that is provided for a separable electrical connection with the energy supply device. For example, the plug connector is a Schuko plug. Similarly, the plug connector may be configured to be connected to a dedicated or corresponding charging infrastructure, for example, a wall box or a charging station. The plug connector may be, for example, a Type 2 plug. In particular, the secondary connector has a cable terminal for a separable electrical connection with a coupler of the power supply cable.

[0008] The secondary connector further comprises a limiting unit, which is used to limit the current flowing through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable to a maximum value. The limiting unit is configured or designed to perform limiting. Thus, the limiting unit is provided to specify a maximum value for the current flowing through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable, in particular as protection against overload of the energy supply device. Limiting the flowing current to the maximum value can be performed actively, for example by a unique circuit in the limiting unit that prevents the flowing current from increasing beyond the maximum value. Alternatively or additionally, limiting the flowing current to the maximum value can be performed (indirectly or passively) by transferring the maximum value to the vehicle and / or to a charging control device of the power supply cable and / or to a charging control logic of the energy supply device, so that a current exceeding the maximum value is not requested by the vehicle or supplied by the energy supply device.

[0009] The secondary connector advantageously has a setting device, via which the maximum value can be set, in particular by the user.

[0010] The secondary connector thus allows for (flexible) setting of the maximum value of the flowing current and for limiting the flowing current to a maximum value. In particular, by arranging the setting device in the secondary connector, on the one hand, the user can adjust the maximum value if necessary by looking at the setting device when connecting the secondary connector. Therefore, for the user, setting the maximum value is directly linked to the process of electrical connection between the secondary connector and the energy supply device. This reduces the risk of forgetting to set the maximum value. On the other hand, it is guaranteed that the limit to the maximum value is only implemented when the secondary connector is used. Therefore, for example, different secondary connectors can be attached to the power supply cable. If the setting device and limiting unit are attached to a secondary connector, these setting device and limiting unit will no longer be present if this secondary connector is replaced by another secondary connector in the power supply cable (as described above, which does not have such a setting and limiting unit). This prevents, for example, a current limit that is selected too low from being incorrectly maintained for other charging situations.

[0011] Flexible setting of the maximum value advantageously avoids, for example, fuse triggering or overloading of the current branch to which the secondary connector is connected. This may be the case, for example, when charging multiple vehicles simultaneously, for example, at a domestic outlet in a garage or on individually protected current branches. If each power supply cable is fixedly set to a maximum current of, for example, 13 A, and the current branches are designed or protected for a maximum current of 16 A, simultaneous charging could trigger a fuse. This would degrade the charging experience for the user. It is also conceivable that only one vehicle is being charged, but at the same time, at least temporarily, other electrical loads are also operating in parallel with the charging process, for example, on the current branch protected at 16 A. These could be household appliances such as refrigerators, tools such as drills, or gardening equipment such as pruners or lawnmowers. In all these cases, it would be advantageous for the user of the charging cable to be able to flexibly limit the maximum charging current using a setting device while keeping track of the current situation at hand. Such flexible setting is particularly advantageous if a secondary connector is left in a selected location and, in other locations, the connecting lines of the power supply cable are connected to other secondary connectors with further flexibly set maximum values. In this way, the maximum value of the flowing current can be set particularly user-friendly depending on the local situation (current branch performance) and / or the time requirements (parallel operation of several loads), and sudden interruptions of the charging process due to fuse triggering or overloads on the current branches can be avoided.

[0012] The dependent claims show advantageous developments of the invention.

[0013] The setting device preferably has a rotary wheel or slider or a touch screen or keyboard for inputting the maximum value, so that the user can specify the maximum value himself.

[0014] The configuration as a rotary wheel or slider advantageously allows the setting device to be manufactured particularly simply and cost-effectively. The rotary wheel or slider can be operated tactilely and intuitively by the user. The configuration as a touchscreen advantageously allows for use in a variety of setting procedures and can be made particularly easily water-resistant, which is particularly advantageous for charging procedures in humid environments. The configuration as a keyboard advantageously allows for particularly intuitive and precise setting of the maximum value.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the power supply cable has a display on which the limit values ​​are shown as suggestions, thereby providing assistance to the user in setting the maximum values ​​via the setting device.

[0016] In one development, the maximum value can be advantageously selected from a plurality of predefined values ​​via the setting device. The predefined values ​​are, in particular, fixedly set current values, such as 2 A, 4 A, 6 A, 8 A, 10 A, and 13 A. If the setting device is configured, for example, with a rotary wheel or slider as described above, the rotary wheel and / or slider can preferably have locking steps corresponding to the corresponding predefined values. When using a touchscreen, individual switch fields corresponding to each step can be displayed, and when using a keyboard, individual keys can be assigned, for example, to fixed maximum values. This provides for simple and intuitive setting of the maximum value. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum value can be set continuously via the setting device from a predefined interval. The predefined interval is, for example, between 1 A and 13 A. Continuously continuous in this context means that the smallest step, which is unavoidable, especially in digital signal processing, is a maximum of 0.2 A or a maximum of 0.1 A.

[0017] The secondary connector preferably has a memory. The memory can be used, in particular, by the user to store different maximum values. The memory can be configured to store different maximum values. Thus, for example, if the setting device does not have a rotary wheel or slider as described above, a predetermined value can be stored that can be easily and intuitively set as a maximum value, in particular for the limiting unit. This allows different, particularly relatively frequently used, maximum values ​​for different energy supply devices to be stored and easily and effortlessly called up to achieve a fast configuration of the secondary connector. For example, as described above, if the significant current limit is 8 A in the first garage and 12 A in the second garage, these two maximum values ​​can be stored in the memory and can be quickly and simply called up and / or set depending on the location of the charging process.

[0018] The secondary connector preferably comprises a communication module, which is used in particular for communication with a user terminal, so that the maximum value can be adjusted or set via the user terminal, which communication module can be configured for example for wireless communication with the user terminal.

[0019] The user terminal is, for example, a smartphone. This advantageously allows the user of the user terminal to configure the secondary connector or set maximum values ​​particularly easily and even from a relatively long distance. Additionally, the communication module can be configured to send a signal to the user terminal, which contains, for example, the current currently flowing through the secondary connector and / or the electrical energy flowing through the secondary connector. This allows statistics and / or calculation functions, in particular relating to the charging process, to be realized or called up for the user or the energy supplier in a simple and effortless manner.

[0020] The secondary connector preferably has a release unit configured to release the possibility of setting the maximum value via the setting device. The release unit may, for example, have a blocking slider and / or a mechanical or electronic lock and / or a fingerprint sensor. The release unit prevents, for example, unintentional or undesired manipulation or adjustment of the maximum value, which may occur, for example, by accidental displacement of a slider or a rotary wheel. A mechanical lock, for example, can prevent mechanical adjustment of the setting device. An electronic lock can prevent, in particular, setting or changing the maximum value, even if mechanical access to the setting device is still provided. The mechanical lock may, for example, be a lock on the rotary slider or rotary wheel as described above. The electronic lock is preferably a software solution that prevents the reception of a newly set maximum value unless this input is released. The use of a fingerprint sensor particularly advantageously makes it possible to prevent the adjustment or setting of the maximum value if this setting was not performed by an authorized person, uniquely authenticated by the fingerprint sensor. This advantageously increases the safety of use of the secondary connector.

[0021] In an advantageous development, the secondary connector has a reset function, which, when activated, sets or inputs a maximum possible value. The maximum possible value may be, for example, the maximum technically possible value, i.e., the maximum value specified by technical limitations. For example, the reset function may be user-activatable and / or may be activated, for example, by mechanical and / or electrical / electronic means, particularly automatically, when the power supply cable is disconnected from the energy supply device. The reset function allows the maximum possible value, for example, the maximum technically possible value, to be set or input. As mentioned above, the maximum (e.g., technically) possible value may be, in particular, a value corresponding to the allowable current of the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable. In other words, the user can reset a relatively small maximum value set via the reset function, thereby allowing the maximum physically possible current through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable. This advantageously allows for very fast adjustments or settings, which increases user friendliness.

[0022] The limiting unit is preferably configured to output or transmit the maximum value to the vehicle and / or to the charging control logic of the power supply cable or the energy supply device. In particular, the limiting unit is configured to inform the vehicle that the output, transmitted, or transmitted maximum value is the maximum possible charging current. This allows the limiting unit to simply and reliably limit the current flowing through the power supply cable. For this purpose, the limiting unit simply informs the vehicle and / or the charging control logic of the maximum value, which then initiates a charging process such that the maximum value is not exceeded. The transfer of the maximum value to the vehicle and / or the charging control logic can be performed, for example, via a communication line provided for communication between the vehicle and the charging control logic. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer of the maximum value can be performed in such a way that the power supply cable has a variable allowable current encoding that can be read by the vehicle and / or the charging control logic. This allowable current encoding can be used, in particular, to limit the charging current flowing through the power supply cable. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum value can also be transmitted, output, or transmitted wirelessly.

[0023] In this way, it is advantageously possible to construct the limiting unit in a particularly compact manner, since no electrical or electronic (active) current limiting or circuitry configured for this purpose is necessarily required, which allows the secondary connector to be constructed more simply, more cost-effectively, more space-saving or compact, and lighter in terms of weight.

[0024] The secondary connector preferably includes a detection device configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device. Furthermore, the detection device is particularly configured to detect an interruption in the supplied current. If such an interruption is identified, particularly unexpectedly and / or suddenly, i.e., not at the end of the charging process, the interruption essentially results from the triggering of a protective measure of the energy supply device. Thus, the secondary connector can identify that the previously flowing current is too high and that an overload of the energy supply device has occurred. The detection device is preferably configured to detect an interruption if the supplied current decreases by more than 90% within a time interval of, for example, less than 1 second. Advantageously, an interruption is detected by the detection device if the supplied current decreases by more than 90% within a time interval of less than 100 milliseconds. Such a sudden drop in current can lead to the inference that a protective measure of the energy supply device has been triggered. The current flowing through the power supply cable may also decrease, particularly if the charging process is terminated, for example, by the vehicle. However, in this case, there is no corresponding sudden drop in current, and therefore the interruption detection can be reliably performed based on the aforementioned criteria. Alternatively, a signal can be transmitted from the charging control logic of the vehicle, ICCB, or energy supply device to the secondary connector indicating a drop or interruption in current. In this case, a comparison of the expected current with the current determined during monitoring can determine, for example, whether a significant difference exists between the target value and the actual value. If such a significant difference exists in the comparison, this can be interpreted as an unexpected interruption, indicating, for example, the triggering of a fuse.

[0025] By means of the detection device it is advantageously possible to identify reliably that an overload has occurred, which can be used for the subsequent charging process or for the information of the user.

[0026] The detection device is advantageously arranged to set the limit value as a maximum value or to suggest to the user as an input regarding the maximum value.

[0027] The secondary connector advantageously comprises an output unit, which is configured to output a signal, in particular an acoustic and / or optical warning, in particular if the detection device detects an interruption.

[0028] This allows the user to advantageously recognize that the maximum value set may have been too high and to respond by reducing this maximum value, thereby preventing repeated interruptions of the charging process and / or persistent overload on the current branch.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the output unit is configured to output a signal indicating that the maximum value set by the limiting unit is less than the maximum possible maximum, which is in particular the technically constrained maximum possible current that can flow through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable without damaging the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable or without impairing other specifications of the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable.

[0030] This advantageously allows the user to recognize that the charging process may take longer than it would have taken in the best case scenario if the maximum possible value had been utilized, and thus advantageously prevents the user from accidentally maintaining a small maximum value at a next charging location after previously charging using only a small maximum value at one location, even though a much higher current draw may be possible at that next charging location.

[0031] In particular, the signal output by the output unit can also be transmitted to a user terminal, in particular a smartphone, on which corresponding warnings and / or suggestions are displayed to the user of the power supply cable.

[0032] More preferably, the detection device is configured to transfer or transmit a limit value to the limiting unit as a maximum value and / or to output a proposal for setting the limit value based on the current supplied before the interruption was detected. The detection device is configured to additionally take into account a safety margin, in particular for the (new) maximum value or limit value. The safety margin is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, of the particularly specified limit value (i.e., of the current flowing before the interruption) (e.g., if 10 A is specified as the interruption current value, the new limit value will be 9.5 A if the safety margin is 5%, and 9.0 A if the safety margin is 10%). Alternatively or additionally, the safety margin is advantageously at least 0.5 A, particularly advantageously at least 1.0 A, for example, exactly 0.5 A or exactly 1 A. Preferably, the detection device is configured to determine the limit value depending on the last current value detected before the interruption. Alternatively, the detection unit is configured to determine the limit value depending on an average value from multiple current values ​​detected within a predetermined time window before the interruption (e.g., within the last 100 ms before the interruption). As a further alternative, the detection device is configured to determine the limit value by applying filtering to a number of current values ​​detected before the interruption. Alternatively, the limit value can be determined by forming a time derivative of the current and assuming an interruption case if this derivative exceeds the limit value. One or more of the current values ​​lying before the limit value can then be used to determine a (new) maximum or limit value.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, an interruption can be identified by the steps of: (a) reading or determining a target value for the current; (b) reading or determining an actual value for the current; (c) comparing the target value and the actual value, for example by taking a difference; and (d) determining whether an interruption exists based on this comparison, for example if the difference between the target value and the actual value exceeds a threshold value.

[0034] All these alternatives can also be advantageously combined. If the limit value is determined depending on the last current value detected before the interruption, as described above, the detection device will identify the interruption as an event in which the flowing current drops. The measured value of the flowing current determined before the drop in current is the value that can be assumed as the limit value, preferably with the aforementioned safety margin. The last current value detected before the interruption is therefore the current value at the first time a drop in current is determined. If the detection device determines, for example, that the current current value is significantly lower than a pre-determined current value, an interruption exists, and the pre-determined current value is the last current value detected before the interruption. If an average value of multiple current values ​​detected before the interruption is used to determine the limit value, this average value can be a weighted or unweighted average. In particular, measured current values ​​located closer in time to the interruption can be weighted more heavily than measured current values ​​that are further away in time from the interruption. The predetermined time window before the interruption is configured to have a time duration of at most 2 seconds. Alternatively, the time window can have a duration of at most 1 second. Likewise, the time window preferably lasts a maximum of 500 ms, in particular 200 ms. If the current value determination is performed with a sampling time of 50 ms, then at least four current values ​​are considered, in particular for determining the average value, alternatively 10, 20, or 40 measured values. The aforementioned safety margin allows the limit value to be below the trigger threshold of the protective means, while also taking into account the trigger tolerance of the protective means of the energy supply device. Therefore, using the limit value determined in this way minimizes the risk of a further triggering of the protective means of the energy supply device, since the current flowing through the power supply cable remains below a value that previously did not trigger the protective means of the energy supply device. Therefore, the limit value determined by the detection device is based on the current supplied before the interruption and therefore remains below the current that would trigger the interruption.This limiting value may be directly transferred to the limiting unit so that the limiting unit receives this limiting value as a maximum value. Alternatively or additionally, this limiting value may be output, transmitted, or transmitted, for example, to a user or a display or user terminal, so that the limiting value serves as a suggestion for the user to input or set as a maximum value. The maximum value thus set can thus reduce the risk of further triggering of protective measures in the energy supply device, since the maximum current flowing through the power supply cable is limited to a value that did not previously trigger the protective measures. On the other hand, this allows the maximum possible current to flow through the power supply cable, since the maximum value is determined based on the limiting value, eliminating the need for the user to estimate the maximum value, possibly incorrectly. This advantageously maintains the safety of the current branch even after the fuse is triggered, while simultaneously minimizing the charging duration.

[0035] The present invention further relates to a power supply cable. The power supply cable for electrically connecting an energy accumulator of a vehicle to an energy supply device that supplies electrical energy comprises a connecting line or power supply line and a primary connector electrically coupled or connectable to the connecting line. The primary connector comprises a vehicle terminal configured for a separable electrical connection with the vehicle, in particular with the vehicle's energy accumulator. The primary connector is, for example, a Type 2 plug or another type of plug designed for connection with a vehicle. The power supply cable further comprises a secondary connector electrically coupled or connectable to the connecting line, which is provided for a separable electrical connection with the energy supply device. The secondary connector is preferably separably connected to the connecting line or power supply line, but may alternatively be non-separably or non-destructively separably connected to the connecting line or power supply line. The secondary connector preferably comprises a limiting unit. The limiting unit is used or configured for limiting the current flowing through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable to a maximum value. The limiting unit is therefore provided for specifying a maximum value for the current flowing through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable, in particular as protection against overloads to the energy supply device. Specifying the maximum value for the flowing current can be performed, for example, actively by an own circuit in the limiting unit, or by transferring the maximum value (indirectly or passively) to the vehicle and / or to the charging control device of the power supply cable and / or to the charging control device of the energy supply device. The secondary connector preferably further comprises a setting device. Via the setting device, the maximum value can be set, in particular by the user. Thus, the secondary connector makes it possible, in particular, to set the maximum value for the flowing current and to limit the flowing current to a maximum value. In particular, by arranging the setting device in the secondary connector, it is achieved, on the one hand, that the user is reminded to look at the setting device when connecting the secondary connector and, if necessary, to adjust the maximum value. Therefore, for the user, setting the maximum value is directly linked to the process of electrical connection between the secondary connector and the energy supply device.This reduces the risk of forgetting to set the maximum value. On the other hand, it is guaranteed that the limiting to the maximum value is only implemented when a secondary connector having this limiting unit and setting unit is used. Therefore, for example, different secondary connectors can be attached to the power supply cable. If the setting device and limiting unit are attached to a secondary connector, if this secondary connector is replaced by another secondary connector on the power supply cable as described above, for example, these setting device and limiting unit will no longer be present. This prevents the (low) current limit from being incorrectly maintained for other charging situations.

[0036] The connecting line or power supply line of the power supply cable preferably has a coupler, which is designed to be separably electrically connected to the secondary connector, thereby making it possible to attach different secondary connectors to the power supply cable. Thus, for example, in addition to the secondary connectors mentioned above, the power supply cable can also be designed to accommodate secondary connectors that allow electrical connection to other types of energy supply devices.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable are further switchable between a learning mode and a normal mode. In the learning mode, the limiting unit is configured to gradually increase the current flowing through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable according to a predetermined rule up to a set maximum value. In the normal mode, the limiting unit is configured to limit the current flowing through the secondary connector and / or the power supply cable to the maximum value. The difference between the learning mode and the normal mode is that in the learning mode, the limiting unit delays the increase of the current rather than allowing the current directly up to the maximum value. In this way, a possible interruption in the current can be reliably identified before the set maximum value is reached. Therefore, it is possible to better identify whether an interruption occurs and at what current value. This allows for a more accurate determination of the limit value. Alternatively or additionally, in the learning mode, the detection device is configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device at a more frequent monitoring rate than in the normal mode. This further allows for a better and more accurate determination of the current interruption, thereby allowing for a more accurate determination of the limit value. If in normal mode the current value is determined or read from the sensor, for example, every 50 ms, then in learning mode the measured value is determined or read from the current sensor, for example, every 10 ms or 1 ms. The learning mode therefore ensures a reliable and reliable determination of the limit value. If a current interruption occurs during the learning mode while the current is increasing to its maximum value, the probability of a further interruption is minimized when the power cable is used again in the energy supply device, since the limiting unit and the detection device achieve the maximum possible accuracy for determining the limit value. If no interruption occurs during the learning mode, the flowing current can reach its maximum value, which has no further effect on the charging process except for a delay in the increase of the current to its maximum value.The learning mode is particularly advantageous for testing the protection measures of an unknown energy supply device when the power supply cable is first used in the energy supply device. It is particularly advantageous to apply the learning mode multiple times in succession if an interruption is detected during the learning mode. In this case, a previously determined limit value can be used as the maximum value for each new execution of the learning mode. For example, if the first maximum value is 13 A and an interruption occurs at 10 A, the maximum value for the next learning process can be set to 10 A or 10 A minus a safety margin, e.g., 9 A or 9.5 A. This allows for accurate and reliable determination of the trigger threshold of the protection measures of the energy supply device.

[0038] The predetermined rule is advantageously a predetermined ramp for increasing the current. The predetermined ramp starts from a predetermined starting value, which may be, for example, 0 A, 1 A, or 2 A. Starting from this predetermined starting value, the ramp allows the current to increase at a predetermined rate, for example, 1 A / s, 0.5 A / s, or 0.1 A / s. The predetermined ramp can in particular be multi-staged and can include several different rates, for example, a first region with a first rate and a second region with a second rate, which allows a more even increase in the current (for example, first rate: 1 A / s up to 2 A or 4 A below the maximum value, second rate: 0.1 A / s up to the maximum value). Thus, the current flowing through the power supply cable first increases at a first rate and then at a second rate until the maximum value is reached. Therefore, the risk of current interruption increases as the current intensity increases, allowing for better monitoring in the region of said maximum value. The predetermined ramp may be configured to start from a predetermined starting point, which is selected in particular depending on the maximum value. Thus, for example, the ramp may include a range from 80% below the maximum value to the maximum value, or from 50% below the maximum value to the maximum value. In either case, the ramp ensures that there is no possibility of a sudden increase in current, which would make it difficult to determine the limit value. The use of the ramp allows the limit value to be determined rather simply, reliably, and particularly precisely.

[0039] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply cable according to one embodiment of the present invention in intended use; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic detailed view of a secondary connector of a power supply cable according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 4 illustrates current flow during a first mode of operation of a power supply cable according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] FIG. 6 illustrates current flow during a second mode of operation of a power supply cable according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] 1 is a first schematic detail view of a secondary connector of a power feed cable according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4b] FIG. 2 is a second detailed schematic diagram of a secondary connector of a power feed cable according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a further detailed schematic diagram of a secondary connector of a power feed cable according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Embodiments of the invention 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 12 equipped with an energy accumulator 11 and an energy supply device 16. The energy supply device 16 is configured here (by way of example only) as a domestic socket, for example as a Schuko-type socket. In principle, however, the energy supply device 16 may also be a Type 2 socket of a wall box or charging station, or a three-phase AC terminal, but is not limited to one of these types. Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows the intended use of a power supply cable 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The power supply cable 10 has a connecting line 13 or power supply line 13, one end of which is electrically coupled to a primary connector 14 and the other end of which is coupled to a secondary connector 15. The electrical coupling between the connecting line 13 or power supply line 13 and the primary and secondary connectors 14, 15 may be permanent; FIG. 1 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the coupling between the connecting line 13 and the primary and secondary connectors 14, 15 is implemented via separable connections, respectively. The connecting line 13 has a coupler 6 and an additional coupler 5 for this purpose, where the coupler 6 is used for the electrical connection with the secondary connector 15. The additional coupler 5 is used for the electrical connection with the primary connector 14. The secondary connector 15 has a cable terminal 2 for this purpose, where the cable terminal 2 is configured for electrical connection with the coupler 6 of the connecting line 13. The primary connector 14 has an additional cable terminal 9 which is configured for electrical connection with the additional coupler 5 of the connection line 13. In principle, only one of the primary connector 14 or the secondary connector 15 may be releasably coupled to the connection line 13, with the respective other connector being fixedly coupled or connected to the connection line.

[0043] The primary connector 14 further comprises a vehicle terminal 14A, via which an electrical connection can be made with the vehicle 12, in particular with the energy accumulator 11. The secondary connector 15 comprises a plug connector 1, which is configured for a separable electrical connection with an energy supply device 16, so that the vehicle 12, in particular the energy accumulator 11, and the energy supply device 16 can be electrically connected to each other via the power supply cable 10.

[0044] The secondary connector 15 permits or enables a current limiting function, for example to identify and / or avoid overloads on the energy supply device 16. As shown in Fig. 2, the secondary connector 15 preferably comprises a limiting unit 3 configured to limit the current flowing through the power supply cable 10. Additionally, a detection device 4 and / or a setting device 7 are preferably provided. The detection device 4 is preferably configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device 16. Furthermore, the detection device 4 is preferably configured to detect interruptions in the supplied current. Details of the detection device 4 are explained further below with reference to Figs. 3a and 3b.

[0045] The setting device 7 allows to set a maximum value 100, which is taken into account by the limiting unit 3. Details of the setting device 7 are shown in particular in Figures 4a and 4b and are explained further below.

[0046] Thus, the limiting unit 3 can receive from the detection device 4 and / or the setting device 7 a maximum value 100, which corresponds to the maximum current that should flow through the power supply cable 10 and / or the secondary connector 15. The limiting unit 3 can implement this specified value itself by actively influencing the flowing current, or alternatively, can forward the received maximum value 100 to a charging controller of the power supply cable 10 and / or the vehicle 12 and / or the energy supply device 16. By forwarding the maximum value 100 in this way, the charging controller can take the specified maximum current value into account during the charging process and in particular set the charging current to be at most up to said maximum value 100. On the other hand, if the limiting unit 3 is configured to influence the flowing current itself, the limiting unit 3 limits the current autonomously, independently of the charging process, which is controlled or regulated, for example, by a separate control unit of the power supply cable 10.

[0047] The transfer of the maximum value 100 to the charging controller can be performed, by way of example only, via a communication line provided on the power supply cable 10 and configured for communication between the vehicle 12 and a control unit of the power supply cable 10 and / or a charging controller of the energy supply device 16. Alternatively, the transfer can be performed wirelessly. Alternatively, and advantageously, the power supply cable 10 and / or the secondary connector 15 have a coding element that indicates the allowable current of the power supply cable 10 and / or the secondary connector 15. This coding element can be, for example, an electrical resistance. When the vehicle 12 and / or the energy supply device 16 recognize this coding element, the vehicle 12 and / or the energy supply device 16 know, on the one hand, that the power supply cable 10 is connected, and, on the other hand, know the allowable current at which this power supply cable 10 can be maximally loaded. Therefore, by adapting this coding element via the limiting unit 3, the current flowing through the power supply cable 10 and / or the secondary connector 15 can be limited. This allows the maximum value to be transferred simply and reliably to the vehicle 12 and / or to the energy supply device 16 and / or to the control unit of the power supply cable 10 .

[0048] As already mentioned above, the detection device 4 makes it possible to identify an interruption in the current supplied by the energy supply device 16. This is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 3a, based on a diagram showing the progression of the current I over time t. FIG. 3a further shows that the power supply cable 10 is in a learning mode. In the learning mode, the limiting unit 3 gradually increases the current flowing through the power supply cable 10 according to a predetermined rule up to a set maximum value 100. In this case, the predetermined rule includes a predetermined ramp 500 for gradually increasing the flowing current. Thus, in the diagram shown in FIG. 3a, at a start time t1, for example, a charging process of the vehicle 12 is initiated. However, the current requested by the vehicle 12 is not released directly to the maximum value 100, but rather according to a predetermined ramp 500 with a predetermined gradient of, for example, 1 A / s. In contrast to FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b shows a corresponding diagram for the power supply cable 10 in a normal mode, in which such a gradual increase is not implemented. Rather, in this case, at the start time t1, the flowing current is released directly to a maximum value of 100.

[0049] In the event of an interruption 400 of the current supplied by the energy supply device 16, particularly unexpected or not planned by the charging control logic and / or the vehicle, it can be assumed that protective measures of the energy supply device 16 have been triggered or that another undesired state or error has occurred. Particularly advantageously, the secondary connector 15 can additionally have an acceleration sensor (not shown), a rotational speed sensor, a force sensor (for example, for identifying whether the secondary connector and the mating plug connector of the energy supply device 16 are plugged in), and / or other sensors, which can be used to determine that no movement of the secondary connector 15 and thus no separation of the secondary connector 15 from the energy supply device 16 has occurred and thus no predictable interruption of the current has occurred. An interruption 400 is only recognized by the detection device 4 if the supplied current has decreased, for example by more than 90%, within a time interval of, by way of example only, less than 1 s, in particular within a time interval of less than 100 ms. Such a sudden drop in current over such a short period of time indicates the triggering of a protective measure in the energy supply device 16 or another error case. In contrast, if the current drop occurs due to reaching the end-of-charging time t2, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, this drop is not as sudden as in the case of the interruption 400. Even if a fairly sudden interruption occurs here, this sudden interruption is planned, for example, by the charging control logic of the vehicle 12 and / or the charging control device of the power supply cable 10 and / or the energy supply device 16. Therefore, by comparing the target current profile with the determined or detected actual current profile, for example by subtraction, such an interruption can be distinguished from an unplanned interruption.

[0050] The detection device 4 can determine the limit value 200 based on the current value flowing before the interruption 400. The detection device 4 can therefore be configured to determine the limit value 200, for example, depending on the last current value detected before the interruption 400. Alternatively or additionally, the detection device 4 can determine the limit value 200 depending on multiple current values ​​before the interruption 400, for example, depending on an average value from multiple current values ​​detected within a predetermined time window before the interruption 400. Such an average value can be weighted, for example, so that current values ​​closer in time to the interruption 400 receive a greater weight than current values ​​with a greater time interval until the interruption 400. A further alternative for determining the limit value 200 by the detection device 4 is to apply filtering to multiple current values ​​detected before the interruption 400. In this case, the interruption 400 can also be identified or determined, for example, by determining the time derivative or the time derivative quotient of the current course. If the derivative (or its absolute value) exceeds a limit value, this can be evaluated as an indication of an interruption. Additionally, a safety margin 300 is advantageously taken into account, which is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, or at least 0.5 A or 1.0 A, of the specifically specified limit value 200. In this way, a limit value 200 is identified that is below a current level that, for example, triggered the protective measures of the energy supply device 16 or another error case. This limit value 200 can be transferred or transmitted directly from the detection device 4 to the limit unit 3, so that the limit unit 3 uses this limit value 200 as the new maximum value 100. Alternatively, this limit value 200 can be output or transmitted as a suggestion for the maximum value 100 to be entered, for example to the user or to a display. This provides the user of the power supply cable 10 with assistance in specifying the maximum value 100. In particular, the user does not need to estimate the maximum value 100, which may potentially result in an estimate that is far too small. In this case, a lower current may be allowed than is technically possible, which may unnecessarily prolong the charging process of the vehicle 12.

[0051] Detecting an interruption 400 during the learning mode has been described with reference to FIG. 3a. In the learning mode, the flowing current can be sampled more frequently than in the normal mode, purely by way of example. The current can be sampled, for example, by a current sensor (not shown). The current sensor can be arranged, for example, in the secondary connector. The current sensor can be, for example, a Hall sensor. If in the normal mode the current value is determined or detected, for example, every 50 ms, in the learning mode the current value is determined, for example, every 10 ms or 1 ms. Thus, due to the more frequent sampling and the predefined ramp 500, the actual current level at which the interruption 400 occurred can be determined more accurately than in the normal mode. Nevertheless, the detection device 4 is configured to detect the interruption 400 even in the normal mode. Therefore, the user is provided with assistance in both cases by the determined limit value 200, which can be done more accurately in the learning mode than in the normal mode. In the normal mode, the ramp 500 does not delay the current increase, which results in a faster charging of the vehicle 12. The learning mode can be advantageously used when an unknown energy supply device 16 is to be charged for the first time. The learning mode can also be applied several times in succession with updated maximum values ​​100 in order to achieve an approach to the triggering characteristics of the protection means of the energy supply device 16.

[0052] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, the secondary connector 15 may, for example, particularly advantageously include a location sensor 18 (for example, in the case of absolute coordinates, a GPS sensor for identifying, for example, a MAC address, etc., or a sensor for detecting a WLAN signal module or a mobile radio data cell, or for relative data or charging point-specific data, for example an RFID sensor, etc.).

[0053] The location sensor 18 can be configured as a GPS sensor, for example (in other words). However, the location sensor 18 can also be a sensor or device that performs (absolute) location determination, for example based on WLAN signals or MAC addresses or radio cell allocation in a mobile radio network. Other sensors that allow (relative) association to a location are also possible. In this case, the location sensor 18 can be, for example, an RFID reader that reads an RFID chip provided in the socket and thereby allows at least indirectly to determine a location, since sockets are essentially not mobile.

[0054] The position sensor 18 may be arranged in the detection device 4, as shown here by way of example only. However, the position sensor 18 can also be configured separately from the detection device 4. The position sensor 18 is used to determine the current location of the power supply cable 10 and / or the secondary connector 15. The position sensor 18 can associate a (specified or set) limit value 200 with the location at which the limit value 200 was specified or set and / or can store the limit value 200, for example, in a memory 19 of the secondary connector 15. The location at which the limit value 200 was specified or set thus corresponds to the current location of the energy supply device 16. The energy supply device 16 can therefore be characterized by its current location, so that this stored current location can be identified when the energy supply device 16 is used again. For example, the secondary connector 15 can be configured (e.g., by providing a memory 19 in addition to a position sensor in the secondary connector 15) to transfer the limit value 200 associated with a stored limit value 200 to the limit unit 3 as a maximum value of 100 when the secondary connector 15 reaches the location to which the stored limit value 200 is associated. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary connector 15 can be configured to output the associated limit value 200 as a proposal to set the maximum value 100. For example, the detection device 4 can be designed or configured such that the association just described is performed or implemented within the detection device 4. In that case, the position sensor 18 and the memory 19 can be located or provided, for example, within the detection device 4, or the position sensor 18 and the memory 19 can be provided at different locations within the secondary connector 15 or on or in different components. Thus, the user of the power supply cable 10 can take advantage of the identification of the already implemented limit value 200. Thus, the risk of triggering the protective measures of the energy supply device 16 when repeatedly using the energy supply device 16 is advantageously minimized.

[0055] Two possible embodiments for the secondary connector 15 are shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0056] In Fig. 4a, the setting device 7 is configured as a rotary adjuster, which allows for continuous setting of, for example, a maximum value 100, i.e., stepless setting. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide a number of different locking stages, which makes it possible, for example, to set only fixedly defined maximum values ​​100, separated from one another by locking stages. For example, the following maximum value stages can be specified: 1A, 2A, 4A, 6A, 8A, 10A and 13A.

[0057] In Fig. 4b, the setting device 7 is configured as a sliding adjuster by way of example. As in Fig. 4a, here too, a continuous setting of the maximum value 100 is possible, as well as a stepwise setting to a fixedly defined maximum value 100.

[0058] Advantageously, the secondary connector 15 (as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b ) further comprises a release unit 20 configured to release the possibility of setting the maximum value 100 via the setting device 7. The release unit 20 may be, for example, a disconnect slider and / or a mechanical or electronic lock and / or a fingerprint sensor. This prevents unintentional adjustment of the maximum value. Release can thus be performed via the release unit 20 before setting the maximum value 100, which, if a disconnect slider is used, is particularly simply a protection against unintentional displacement of the setting device, for example, by unintentional contact. On the other hand, if a mechanical and / or electronic lock and / or a fingerprint sensor is used, protection against unauthorized manipulation is also possible. Release by the release unit 20 can be indicated, in particular, optically and / or acoustically. Likewise, it is advantageously possible for the limiting unit 3 to not allow any current flow through the secondary connector 15 and / or the power supply cable 10 during release for setting the maximum value 100.

[0059] The release by the release unit 20 can be performed mechanically, so that the setting device 7 is mechanically locked when not released. Alternatively or additionally, this release can also be performed electronically, so that the reception of, for example, a new maximum value 100 is only performed if this has been released by the release unit 20, even if the setting device 7 is still operable.

[0060] 5 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the secondary connector 15. The secondary connector 15 has a touch screen as the setting device 7, although a keyboard can be used as the setting device 7 as well.

[0061] Advantageously, a memory 19 (see FIG. 2) is provided which can be used to store different maximum values ​​100. This is advantageous, in particular, when the setting device 7 does not have a slider and / or a rotary wheel as described above. By storing different maximum values, the user can easily and effortlessly select his or her own preferred value, for example, when the power supply cable 10 is repeatedly used in the same energy supply device 16 with different power supply capacities or protection measures. A value stored in the memory 19 can be selected and set as the maximum value 100, in particular via a touchscreen or keyboard as the setting device 7.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 5, the secondary connector 15 advantageously has an output unit 17, which may also be provided in the embodiment shown in Figs. 4a and 4b. The output unit 17 is used to output a signal if the detection device 4 (provided only as an option) detects the above-mentioned interruption 400. Furthermore, the output unit 17 is advantageously used to output a signal indicating that the maximum value 100 set by the limiting unit 3 is lower than the maximum possible allowable current of the secondary connector 15 and / or the power supply cable 10. The output of the signal can be performed, for example, directly acoustically and / or optically. Alternatively, a user terminal can be coupled to the secondary connector 15, via which the above-mentioned signal can be output to a user.

[0063] Particularly advantageously, a communication module 8 is provided for wireless and / or wired communication with a user terminal. In particular, a maximum current 100 can be set via the user terminal. The communication module 8 can also advantageously be used to output a signal via the user terminal, as previously mentioned.

[0064] Advantageously, the secondary connector 15 is configured to indicate, for example via the output unit 17 and / or the communication module 8, and / or via a display (see FIG. 5), which may be a component of a touchscreen or may be configured separately, how much or for how long the charging time is extended by limiting the current flow. In particular, the secondary connector 15 is configured to indicate how long it will take to charge a specific amount of energy, for example 10 kWh, at the selected limit (see FIG. 5: here 5 hours and 14 minutes is shown as an example). In this way, the user can adapt the maximum current in a targeted manner to the available charging time (for example, from 8 pm to 6 am).

[0065] An optional reset switch or reset device is not shown in the drawings, which allows, for example, the maximum value 100 to be set directly to the (technically) maximally possible maximum value 100 in a single operating step without the need for further setting steps, which in the case of a Schuco-type secondary connector 15 may be, for example, 13 A.

[0066] It is self-evident that the secondary connector 15 is preferably configured as an element that is separable or detachable from the connection line 13, i.e. in the form of an adapter. Nevertheless, it is possible to connect the secondary connector to the connection line 13 and / or the power supply cable 10 in a fixed manner, i.e. in a manner that makes it non-destructively detachable.

Claims

1. A secondary connector (15) of a power supply cable (10) configured for electrical connection with a vehicle (12), the secondary connector (15) comprising: a plug connector (1) for a separable electrical connection with an energy supply device (16); a cable terminal (2) for separable electrical connection with the coupler (6) of said power supply cable (10); a limiting unit (3) configured to limit the current flowing through said power supply cable (10) to a maximum value (100); a setting device (7) capable of setting said maximum value (100); and The secondary connector (15) further comprises a detection device (4), the detection device (4) is configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device (16) and to detect an interruption (400) of the supplied current; The secondary connector (15) is further switchable between a learning mode in which the current flowing through the secondary connector (15) is gradually increased up to the set maximum value (100) according to a predetermined rule, and a normal mode in which the current flowing through the secondary connector (15) is limited to the maximum value (100); The detection device (4) is configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device (16) in the learning mode at a monitoring rate higher than that in the normal mode. Secondary connector (15).

2. The setting device (7) has a rotary wheel or a slider or a touch screen or a keyboard for setting the maximum value (100). The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

3. the maximum value (100) is selectable from a plurality of predetermined values ​​via the setting device (7), or The maximum value (100) can be set steplessly from predetermined intervals via the setting device (7). The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

4. The secondary connector (15) has a memory (19) configured to store different maximum values ​​(100). The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

5. the secondary connector (15) has a communication module (8) for communicating with a user terminal to set the maximum value (100) via the user terminal; the communication module (8) is configured for wireless communication with the user terminal; The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

6. the secondary connector (15) has a release unit (20) configured to release the possibility of setting the maximum value (100) via the setting device (7); the release unit (20) comprises a blocking slider and / or a mechanical or electronic lock and / or a fingerprint sensor, The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

7. The secondary connector (15) has a reset function, When the reset function is activated, the maximum possible value (100) is set; The reset function can be activated by a user and / or is activated when the power supply cable is disconnected from the energy supply device. The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

8. the limiting unit (3) is configured to output the maximum value (100) to the vehicle (12) and / or to a charging control logic of the power supply cable (10) or the energy supply device (16). The secondary connector (15) of claim 1.

9. The secondary connector (15) has an output unit (17), The output unit (17) the detection device (4) is configured to output a signal when it detects the interruption (400); and / or configured to output a signal indicating that the maximum value (100) set by the limiting unit (3) is less than the maximum possible maximum value (100); A secondary connector (15) according to claim 8.

10. the detection device (4) is configured to transfer the limit value (200) to the limiting unit (3) as a maximum value (100) and / or to output the limit value (200) as a suggestion for setting the maximum value (100) based on the current supplied before the interruption (400) is detected; A secondary connector (15) according to claim 8.

11. A power supply cable (10) for electrically connecting an energy storage device (11) of a vehicle (12) to an energy supply device (16) that supplies electrical energy, the power supply cable (10) comprising: a connecting line (13), a primary connector (14) electrically coupled or coupleable to said connection line (13), comprising a vehicle terminal (14A) for separable electrical connection with said vehicle (12); a secondary connector (15) electrically coupled or coupleable to the connection line (13) and provided for a separable electrical connection with the energy supply device (16); and the secondary connector (15) comprises a limiting unit (3) configured to limit the current flowing through the power supply cable (10) to a maximum value (100); the secondary connector (15) has a setting device (7) by which the maximum value (100) can be set; The secondary connector (15) further comprises a detection device (4), the detection device (4) is configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device (16) and to detect an interruption (400) of the supplied current; The power supply cable (10) is further switchable between a learning mode in which the current flowing through the power supply cable (10) is gradually increased up to the set maximum value (100) according to a predetermined rule, and a normal mode in which the current flowing through the power supply cable (10) is limited to the maximum value (100); The detection device (4) is configured to monitor the current supplied by the energy supply device (16) in the learning mode at a monitoring rate higher than that in the normal mode. Power supply cable (10).

12. The connection line (13) has a coupler (6) configured to be detachably electrically connected to the secondary connector (15). A power supply cable (10) according to claim 11.

Images