Connector for Power Cable

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power cable connector that has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and facilitates the connection of the refrigerant circulation path of the power cable. The connector of the present invention is a U-turn connector coupled to one end of a first power cable (2-1) and a second power cable (2-2), each having an inner tube (12) surrounding a conductor (4), an outer tube (22) maintaining a radial spacing with respect to the inner tube (12), and a refrigerant flow channel (30) penetrating along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4) between the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22), thereby connecting the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) to each other. It comprises a first connector (510) coupled to the end of the first power cable (2-1) and having a first extension channel (510a) formed therein that communicates with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1), and a second connector coupled to the end of the second power cable (2-2) and the second A second connector (550) is provided with a second extension channel (550a) formed in communication with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the power cable (2-2), and a U-turn shaft (570) is provided with a connecting channel (572) formed across the first connector (510) and the second connector (550), connecting the first extension channel (510a) of the first connector (510) and the second extension channel (550a) of the second connector (550).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power cable, and more specifically, to a connector for a power cable that has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and facilitates the connection of the refrigerant circulation path of the power cable. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, as the temperature of a conductor increases, the motion of atoms within the conductor becomes more active than that of free electrons, hindering the movement of free electrons and causing resistance to increase.

[0004] In addition, the phenomenon in which resistance disappears (or becomes zero) when the temperature of a conductor drops below a certain temperature is called superconductivity. In a superconducting state, even if a large current flows through the conductor, there is almost no temperature rise due to resistance, and the resulting power loss is also very small.

[0005] When fast charging or ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles with high charging power, the power cable (charging cable) overheats severely, and the resulting energy loss becomes enormous.

[0006] In the past, as a means of cooling power cables such as electric vehicle charging cables, a cooling tube having a hollow section for circulating a cooling fluid was provided at the center of the cable, and a conductor was wound around the outer circumference of the cooling tube to cool the conductor through the cooling fluid supplied to the cooling tube.

[0007] However, power cables with this structure have a cooling tube placed at the center of the cable and a conductor wound around the outer circumference of the cooling tube; consequently, the cable diameter increases, and the heat transfer surface area is small, resulting in low cooling efficiency. Therefore, when such a power cable is equipped in a vehicle charging cable, the overall diameter of the charging cable increases, making it difficult to handle.

[0008] In addition, it is known that there is a conventional example in which a cooling tube is provided on the outer side of a conductor and a cooling fluid is circulated through the cooling tube.

[0009] Power cables with this structure face structural limitations in their application to actual cable products, as not only is it difficult to configure cooling tubes and flow paths around the outer circumference of the conductor, but the design of components (e.g., connectors) for connecting the cable to the cooling fluid circulation device (such as the design of the supply, circulation, and return paths for the cooling fluid, as well as sealing structures) is also complex and challenging.

[0010] Furthermore, power cables having the two aforementioned cooling structures utilize an indirect cooling method in which a cooling fluid (brine, cooling water, etc.) whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange with a refrigerant from a separate cooling facility through a heat exchanger is used as the refrigerant supplied to the cooling tube; however, since this method has limitations in lowering the temperature of the cooling fluid and the conductor, it is inevitably insufficient for use as charging cables for rapid or ultra-rapid charging.

[0011] In addition, separate equipment such as a cooling device for cooling the cooling fluid supplied to the cable and re-cooling the cooling fluid that has circulated through the cable, and a circulation device (e.g., a pumping device) for flowing the cooling fluid, must be redundantly provided, resulting in significant energy loss and increased equipment costs.

[0012] Meanwhile, a method of cooling cables by intermittently supplying and maintaining liquid nitrogen in cooling tubes has been revealed.

[0013] However, this method requires the provision of storage tanks and related facilities for storing liquid nitrogen in a liquid state at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., -196°C), as well as explosion prevention or handling equipment to prevent the vaporization of liquid nitrogen, and special facilities for circulating liquid nitrogen in a liquid state. Prior art literature

[0015] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0119147 (Oct. 12, 2016) Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0055001 (May 14, 2021) Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2028369 (September 27, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0016] The present invention is intended to solve the aforementioned conventional problems.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a power cable connector that has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and facilitates the connection of the refrigerant circulation path of the power cable. means of solving the problem

[0019] To achieve the above purpose, the connector according to the present invention is a U-turn connector coupled to one end of a first power cable (2-1) and a second power cable (2-2), each having an inner tube (12) surrounding a conductor (4), an outer tube (22) maintaining a radial spacing with respect to the inner tube (12), and a refrigerant flow channel (30) penetrating along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4) between the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22), thereby connecting the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) to each other, and a first connector (510) coupled to the end of the first power cable (2-1) and having a first extension channel (510a) formed therein that communicates with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1), and the end of the second power cable (2-2) It is provided with a second connector (550) having a second extension channel (550a) formed therein that is connected and communicates with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2), and a U-turn shaft (570) having a connecting channel (572) formed therein that is connected across the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) and connects the first extension channel (510a) of the first connector (510) and the second extension channel (550a) of the second connector (550).

[0020] In the connector according to the present invention, on the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550), a first coupling hole (517) and a second coupling hole (557) are formed, respectively, communicating with the first extension channel (510a) and the second extension channel (550a), and the U-turn shaft (570) is characterized in that the communication channel (572) is perforated in the center, and a first coupling shaft (574a) and a second coupling shaft (574b) are formed at both ends to connect with the first coupling hole (517) and the second coupling hole (557).

[0021] In the connector according to the present invention, the U-turn shaft (570) and the connecting passage (572) are characterized by crossing the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) in a straight line and connecting to the first connecting hole (517) and the second connecting hole (557).

[0022] In the connector according to the present invention, the communication channel (572) is characterized by being formed of an orifice or a pore to serve as an expansion mechanism for depressurizing and expanding the refrigerant.

[0023] In the connector according to the present invention, the communication channel (572) is characterized by having a diameter of 0.18 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0024] In the connector according to the present invention, the first connector (510) includes a first fitting shaft portion (513) that extends from one side of the first body shaft portion (512) and is inserted into the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1), and a first connecting shaft portion (514) that extends from the first fitting shaft portion (513) and is in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the first power cable (2-1), and a third chamber (C3) that communicates the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the first extension channel (510a) is secured by the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the first connecting shaft portion (514) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22), and the second connector (550) extends from one side of the second body shaft portion (552) and is inserted into the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2). It is characterized by including a second fitting shaft portion (553) and a second connecting shaft portion (554) extending from the second fitting shaft portion (553) and adhering to the end of the inner tube (12) of the second power cable (2-2), and by the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the second connecting shaft portion (554) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22), a fourth chamber (C4) is secured that communicates the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) with the second extension channel (550a).

[0025] In the connector according to the present invention, a compression member (518) for sealing and fixing the space between the first fitting shaft (513) and the outer tube (22) is fastened to the outer circumference of the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1) into which the first fitting shaft (513) is inserted, and a compression member (558) for sealing and fixing the space between the second fitting shaft (553) and the outer tube (22) is fastened to the outer circumference of the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2) into which the second fitting shaft (553) is inserted.

[0026] In the connector according to the present invention, the conductor (4) of the first power cable (2-1) is coupled to the first connection shaft (514) of the first connector (510) and electrically connected, and the conductor (4) of the second power cable (2-2) is coupled to the second connection shaft (554) of the second connector (550) and electrically connected.

[0027] In the connector according to the present invention, the first extension passage (510a) comprises a first shaft hole (515) extending from the end of the first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) into the interior of the first body shaft portion (512), and a first connecting passage (516) penetrating the first shaft hole (515) and the third chamber (C3), and the second extension passage (550a) comprises a second shaft hole (555) extending from the end of the second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) into the interior of the first body shaft portion (552), and a second connecting passage (556) penetrating the second shaft hole (555) and the fourth chamber (C4).

[0028] In the connector according to the present invention, the conductor (4) of the first power cable (2-1) is inserted into the first shaft hole (515) of the first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) to be electrically connected, and the first socket portion (519) for connecting to a power demand side connection terminal is formed on the other side of the first body shaft portion (512) of the first connector (510), and the conductor (4) of the second power cable (2-2) is inserted into the second shaft hole (555) of the second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) to be electrically connected, and the second socket portion (559) for connecting to a power demand side connection terminal is formed on the other side of the second body shaft portion (552) of the second connector (550).

[0029] In the connector according to the present invention, an insert sleeve (514a) for compressing the first shaft hole (515) and the conductor (4) is fitted between the first shaft hole (515) of the first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) and the conductor (4), and an insert sleeve (554a) for compressing the second shaft hole (555) and the conductor (4) is fitted between the second shaft hole (555) of the second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550).

[0030] In the connector according to the present invention, the insert sleeve (334) is characterized by being made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material.

[0031] The above U-turn connector (500) is characterized by accommodating the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) with an insulating gap and further including a housing (580) made of insulating material.

[0032] In the connector according to the present invention, the housing (580) of the U-turn connector (500) is provided with a first receiving groove (582) and a second receiving groove (584) into which the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) are fitted, and is characterized by being composed of a lower housing (580a) and an upper housing (580b) that are divided vertically based on a plane connecting the central axis of the first receiving groove (582) and the second receiving groove (584), so as to be separable and connectable to each other.

[0033] In the connector according to the present invention, the U-turn shaft (570) connecting the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) is connected by a straight line across the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550), and a third receiving groove (586) for receiving the U-turn shaft (570) is further formed between the first receiving groove (582) and the second receiving groove (584). Effects of the invention

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to implement a power cable connector that has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and facilitates the connection of the refrigerant circulation path of the power cable.

[0036] In addition, it is possible to implement a power cable that is easy to manufacture, allows for a reduction in cable diameter, and improves the cooling effect of the conductor.

[0037] In addition, a power cable unit suitable for supplying refrigerant to power cables and circulating refrigerant between power cables can be implemented, which can maximize cooling efficiency and minimize energy loss by directly cooling the conductor through the evaporation of the refrigerant, thereby making it useful for electric vehicle charging cables.

[0038] In addition, by utilizing the cooling effect caused by the evaporation of refrigerant in the power cable unit and the refrigeration cycle system, it is possible to implement a charging system that minimizes heat generation and resistance of conductors during rapid or ultra-rapid charging at electric vehicle charging stations, electric vehicle battery replacement stages, or battery manufacturing plants, thereby reducing energy loss and maximizing charging efficiency. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a power cable according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a power cable according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a power cable according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a power cable according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a power cable according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a power cable according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the circulation state of a refrigerant, showing the entire power cable unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view of a power cable unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the first plug portion of a power cable unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining the first plug portion of a power cable unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the second plug portion of a power cable unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the second plug portion of a power cable unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a power cable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a power cable unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet side connector portion of FIG. 14 in detail. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge side connector portion of FIG. 14 in detail. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the U-turn connector portion of FIG. 14. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 17. Fig. 19 is a plan view of Fig. 18. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the upper housing of the U-turn connector in FIG. 17 separated. FIG. 21 is a detailed perspective view of a U-turn connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a charging system according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a charging cable according to the present invention. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a charging cable according to the present invention. FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a charging gun according to the present invention. FIG. 27 is a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a configuration diagram of a charging system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a configuration diagram of a charging system according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a photograph showing an actual implementation example in which a power cable unit of a charging cable according to the present invention is connected to a power distribution system and a refrigeration cycle system. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] (Power cable: Example 1)

[0044] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a power cable according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1 is a perspective view, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the power cable (2) according to the present invention is formed such that a first insulating tube (10) and a second insulating tube (20) are sequentially covered from a central conductor (4).

[0046] The conductor (4) is an electrically conductive metal part made of copper, aluminum, or copper coated aluminum (CCA) or copper coated aluminum wire (CCAW) with copper coated on the outside of an aluminum core.

[0047] The conductor (4) can be composed of a twisted wire made by twisting several strands of thin wires (4a). The conductor (4) can also be composed of a solid wire.

[0048] The inner tube (12) is an insulator that covers the conductor (4). A plurality of ribs (14) are extended as a single unit on the outer surface of the inner tube (12).

[0049] Multiple ribs (14) can be formed at multiple points that are spaced equally (equidistantly) in the circumferential direction. The multiple ribs (14) have a cross-sectional shape that extends radially outward and have a shape that extends along the length direction of the conductor (4).

[0050] The second insulating tube (20) is an external insulator that covers the first insulating tube (10).

[0051] The second insulating tube (20) has an outer tube (22). The second insulating tube (20) may further cover the outside of the outer tube (22) with a semiconducting layer, a protective layer, etc.

[0052] In the power cable (2) according to the first embodiment, the outer tube (22) is made of a separate element manufactured separately from the inner tube (12). The inner tube (12) has a plurality of ribs (14) that are slidably inserted into the inner side of the outer tube (22), and the radial tips of the plurality of ribs (14) come into close contact with the inner circumference of the outer tube (22).

[0053] Here, 'sliding insertion' includes a coupling method in which the first insulating tube (10) and the outer tube (22) are inserted by applying a predetermined pressure using their elastic flexibility. Accordingly, the tip of the rib (14) of the inner tube (12) is elastically attached to the inner surface of the outer tube (22).

[0054] A refrigerant flow channel (30), which is a single long passage penetrating along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4), is formed by the space formed between the outer surface of the inner tube (12), the inner surface of the outer tube (22), and two adjacent ribs (14) in the circumferential direction.

[0055] In the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, since the ribs (14) are formed in multiple numbers, a single power cable (2) has multiple refrigerant flow channels (30) secured by the multiple ribs (14) overall.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ribs (14) are formed at three points that are spaced at equal intervals or angles in the circumferential direction (i.e., in FIG. 3, the three are spaced at an angle of 120 degrees to each other).

[0057] The spacing, position, and number of each rib (14) can be varied depending on the rated power of the power cable (2), the diameter of the conductor (4), the thickness of the inner tube (12), and the size of the radius space to be secured between the inner tube (12) and the second insulation tube (20).

[0058] These refrigerant flow channels (30), which will be explained in detail later, serve as evaporation channels (passages) through which refrigerant flows in and evaporates directly.

[0059] For example, in a traditional refrigeration cycle system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the condenser and exited the expansion mechanism is introduced and acts as an evaporator coil (or evaporator tube) where it evaporates. Accordingly, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant flow channel (30) evaporates while absorbing surrounding heat within the refrigerant flow channel (30), and thereby removes heat from the inner tube (12) to cool the conductor (4).

[0060] Accordingly, when the power cable (2) according to the present embodiment is used as an electric vehicle charging cable, the heat generation and resistance of the conductor are minimized by the direct evaporation of the refrigerant within the charging cable, thereby reducing energy loss and maximizing charging efficiency. Therefore, it can be usefully utilized as a charging cable for rapid charging or ultra-rapid charging at an electric vehicle charging station, an electric vehicle battery replacement stage, or a battery manufacturing plant.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first insulating tube (10) may be coated as a single unit on the outside of the conductor (4). This can be formed by extruding the first insulating tube (10) on the outside of the conductor (4). Alternatively, after first extruding an inner semiconducting layer on the outside of the conductor (4), the first insulating tube (10) may be secondarily extruded on the outside.

[0062] The second insulating tube (20) can be extruded in a separate molding machine from the first insulating tube (10). The molded first insulating tube (10) is slid into the outer tube (22) during the assembly process.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the multiple ribs (14) of the first insulating tube (10) can have their ends formed in a rounded shape. If the ends of the ribs (14) are formed in a rounded shape, they can be easily slid into the outer tube (22). In addition, by making the width of the ribs (14) somewhat thick, sufficient radial support can be secured, and accordingly, even if the power cable (2) is bent, it can maintain its original cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular) without being crushed or folded.

[0064] The power cable (2) according to the first embodiment has a structure in which the first insulation tube (10) is slidably inserted after the second insulation tube (20) is manufactured separately, so the formation of the rib (14) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) and the manufacturing of the entire power cable (2) are very easy, and the manufacturing cost can be lowered.

[0065] Meanwhile, FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a form in which a plurality of ribs (14) are extended in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4) (parallel to the central axis of the conductor or inner tube (12)).

[0066] However, multiple ribs (14) can be configured in a spiral shape. In this case, the manufacturing process becomes more complex as it requires performing processes such as rotating the extrusion die according to the twist angle of the spiral, but it can be selected as needed.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 3, reference numeral '114' is a 'refrigerant inlet path' and '124' is a 'refrigerant discharge path', and refrigerant supplied from the outside (e.g., expansion mechanism of a refrigeration cycle system) is introduced into one or more refrigerant flow channels (30a) through the refrigerant inlet path (114) at one end (first end) in the longitudinal direction of the power cable (2), and then transferred to one or more refrigerant flow channels (30b) at the opposite end (second end) to flow in the opposite direction, and then recovered to the outside (e.g., compressor of a refrigeration cycle system) through the refrigerant discharge path (124) at the first end.

[0068] In FIG. 3, the refrigerant inlet passage (114) is illustrated as being introduced into only one refrigerant flow channel (upstream flow channel group (30a)) to flow through a relatively narrow cross-sectional area, and then transferred to the remaining two refrigerant flow channels (downstream flow channel group (30b)) to flow through a relatively wide cross-sectional area before being discharged. This will be explained in detail later.

[0069] The power cable (2) according to the present invention can increase the cooling effect of the conductor (4) and reduce the diameter of the power cable by placing a conductor (4) in the center and securing a plurality of refrigerant flow channels (30) on the outer circumference.

[0070] In addition, a refrigerant flow channel (30) can be secured on the outer circumference of the central conductor (4) by a simple manufacturing method in which a rib (14) is integrated with an inner tube (12) on the outer circumference of the conductor (4) by simple extrusion molding.

[0071] In addition, if the refrigerant flow channel (30) is used as a refrigerant evaporation channel of a general refrigeration cycle system as described below, the cooling effect of the conductor (4) can be maximized at a low cost, and accordingly, power loss due to temperature rise can be minimized.

[0073] (Power cable: Example 2)

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a power cable according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, only the cross-sectional shape of the rib (14) is different from that of the first embodiment, and the rest of the configuration is the same as that of the power cable (2) according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 to FIG. 3). That is, three ribs (14) form three refrigerant flow channels (30), and the outer tube (22) is manufactured as a separate part from the first insulating tube (10), and the first insulating tube (10) is slid into the outer tube (22) in the longitudinal direction.

[0076] The rib (14), having a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 4, has the corners of its radial tip rounded. By rounding the tip of the rib (14), it is possible to prevent the tip of the rib (14) from being crushed or deformed and to secure sufficient support.

[0077] In this way, it is explained that the cross-sectional shape of the rib (14) of the power cable (2) can be configured in various cross-sectional shapes, such as a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0079] (Power cable: Example 3)

[0080] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a power cable according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] The power cable (2) according to the third embodiment is different in that it has four ribs (14), and the rest of the configuration is the same as the first embodiment.

[0082] As illustrated in the example in Fig. 5, it is explained that four ribs (14) can be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0083] As the number of ribs (14) increases, the force supporting the outer tube (22) increases.

[0084] In addition, four refrigerant flow channels (30) are formed by four ribs (14).

[0085] Among the four refrigerant flow channels (30), two adjacent refrigerant flow channels (30) can be used as a channel group (upstream flow channel group) for introducing refrigerant, and the remaining two adjacent refrigerant flow channels (30) can be used as a channel group (downstream flow channel group) for discharging refrigerant.

[0086] Alternatively, among the four refrigerant flow channels (30), one refrigerant flow channel (30) may be used as a channel group (upstream flow channel group) for introducing refrigerant, and the remaining three adjacent refrigerant flow channels (30) may be used as a channel group (downstream flow channel group) for discharging refrigerant.

[0088] (Power cable: Example 4)

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a power cable according to a fourth embodiment.

[0090] The power cable (2) shown in Fig. 6 has an inner tube (12), a rib (14), and an outer tube (22) forming a single unit.

[0091] In other words, it can be said that the structure is such that a plurality of ribs (14) are connected as a single unit between the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22).

[0092] This can be constructed by extruding an inner tube (12), a rib (14), and an outer tube (22) together on the outer circumference of a conductor (4).

[0093] This fourth embodiment can form a power cable (2) in a single process line.

[0095] (Power cable unit: Example 1)

[0096] FIGS. 7 to 12 illustrate a power cable unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7 shows an overall cross-sectional view for explaining the circulation state of the refrigerant of the power cable unit, FIG. 8 shows an overall perspective view, FIG. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first plug portion, FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a first plug portion, FIG. 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second plug portion, and FIG. 12 shows a perspective view for explaining the second plug portion.

[0097] The power cable unit of the present invention uses any one of the first to fourth embodiments described above and is an assembly having a first plug (100) and a second plug (200) for introducing, delivering, and discharging refrigerant to circulate refrigerant of a refrigeration cycle system in a refrigerant flow channel (30) of the power cable (2).

[0098] Furthermore, the first plug (100) and the second plug (200) may be provided with terminals for electrically connecting to a power supply side (e.g., a distribution board or switchboard, etc.) and a power demand side (e.g., a charging port of an electric vehicle or a charging terminal port of a battery).

[0099] First, referring to FIGS. 7 to 8, the power cable (2) has an inner tube (12) that surrounds a conductor (4), an outer tube (22) that maintains a radial distance from the inner tube (12), and a plurality of refrigerant flow channels (30) that penetrate along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4) between the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22), as in the first to fourth embodiments described above.

[0100] Additionally, one or more of the plurality of refrigerant flow channels (30) of the power cable (2) are set as an upstream flow channel group (30a), and the remaining one or more refrigerant flow channels (30) are set as a downstream flow channel group (30b).

[0101] For example, in a power cable (2) having three refrigerant flow channels (30), one refrigerant flow channel (30) can be set as an upstream flow channel group (30a) and the remaining two refrigerant flow channels (30) can be set as a downstream flow channel group (30b). Alternatively, two refrigerant flow channels (30) can be set as an upstream flow channel group (30a) and the remaining one refrigerant flow channel (30) can be set as a downstream flow channel group (30b).

[0102] Additionally, in a power cable (2) having four refrigerant flow channels (30), two refrigerant flow channels (30) can be set as an upstream flow channel group (30a) and the remaining two refrigerant flow channels (30) can be set as a downstream flow channel group (30b). Alternatively, one refrigerant flow channel (30) can be set as an upstream flow channel group (30a) and the remaining three refrigerant flow channels (30) can be set as a downstream flow channel group (30b). Alternatively, three refrigerant flow channels (30) can be set as an upstream flow channel group (30a) and the remaining one refrigerant flow channel (30) can be set as a downstream flow channel group (30b).

[0103] As such, the number of refrigerant flow channels (30) in the upstream flow channel group (30a) and the downstream flow channel group (30b) can be selected as needed. Preferably, the total channel cross-sectional area (flow path cross-sectional area) of the downstream flow channel group (30b) is set to be larger than the total channel cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream flow channel group (30a). For example, one of the three refrigerant flow channels (30) having the same channel cross-sectional area is set as the upstream flow channel group (30a), and the remaining two refrigerant flow channels (30) are set as the downstream flow channel group (30b).

[0104] In this way, if the total channel cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream flow channel group (30b) is larger than the total channel cross-sectional area of ​​the upstream flow channel group (30a), a depressurization and expansion action is induced during the process of the refrigerant moving from the upstream flow channel group (30a) to the downstream flow channel group (30b), thereby creating a lower pressure that allows the refrigerant to evaporate more easily.

[0105] At the first end of the power cable (2), an inlet (110) for introducing refrigerant into the upstream flow channel group (30a) is provided, and an outlet (120) for discharging refrigerant from the downstream flow channel group (30b) is provided.

[0106] Additionally, at the second end of the power cable (2), a U-turn channel (240) is provided to allow the upstream flow channel group (30a) and the downstream flow channel group (30b) to communicate with each other. At the second end, the refrigerant enters the downstream flow channel group (30b) from the upstream flow channel group (30a) through the U-turn channel (240).

[0107] Accordingly, the refrigerant entering through the inlet (110) of the first end flows toward the second end along the upstream flow channel group (30a). At the second end, it enters the downstream flow channel group (30b) through the U-turn path (240). The refrigerant entering the downstream flow channel group (30b) flows backward toward the first end along the downstream flow channel group (30b) and exits through the outlet (120).

[0108] As described above, a single power cable (2) provides a refrigerant circulation path flowing from an inlet (110) → upstream flow channel group (30a) → U-turn path (240) → downstream flow channel group (30b) → outlet (120).

[0109] The first plug (100) has the inlet (110) and the outlet (120) formed therein. The second plug (200) has a U-turn path (240) formed therein.

[0110] In the present invention, the refrigerant flow channels (30) of the power cable (2), namely the upstream flow channel group (30a) and the downstream flow channel group (30b), provide channels through which the refrigerant of a general refrigeration cycle system evaporates. That is, the upstream flow channel group (30a) and the downstream flow channel group (30b) serve as evaporation coils or evaporation tubes provided in the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle system. As the refrigerant evaporates in the upstream flow channel group (30a) and the downstream flow channel group (30b), heat is directly transferred from the refrigerant to the inner tube (12), thereby maximizing the cooling effect of the conductor (4).

[0111] To this end, a first refrigerant pipe (854) extending from the downstream side of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system or the expansion mechanism may be connected to the inlet (110) of the first plug (100), and a second refrigerant pipe (855) connected to the inlet side of the compressor of the refrigeration cycle system may be connected to the outlet (120).

[0112] To facilitate the connection of the first refrigerant pipe (854) and the second refrigerant pipe (855), an inlet side fitting pipe (142) and an outlet side fitting pipe (144) may be installed at the inlet (110) and outlet (120) of the first plug (100).

[0113] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the structure of the first plug (100) and the connection structure with the power cable (2) will be described in detail. FIGS. 7 and 8 will also be referenced.

[0114] The first plug (100) is connected to the first end of the power cable (2) and serves as an inlet / outlet for introducing and discharging refrigerant into and out of the power cable (2).

[0115] The first plug (100) comprises a first body (102) and a first insertion part (104) extending from the first body (102) in the direction of a power cable (2).

[0116] The first insertion part (104) is inserted into the inner side of the outer tube (22) from the first end of the power cable (2) and connected.

[0117] A compression member (130) can be attached to the outer circumference of the first insertion part (104). By attaching the compression member (130), the space between the first insertion part (104) and the outer tube (22) can be sealed and firmly fixed.

[0118] The compression member (130) can be composed of a compression ring or a compression band.

[0119] In addition, to further ensure sealing and fixation, a first compression projection (104a) may be formed on the outer circumference of the first insertion part (104).

[0120] The above inlet (110) and outlet (120) are formed by penetrating the first plug (100). That is, the inlet (110) is formed by penetrating the first body (102) and the first insertion part (104).

[0121] The inlet (110) is extended to communicate with the upstream flow channel group (30a). The refrigerant entering through the inlet (110) enters the upstream flow channel group (30a).

[0122] The outlet (120) is extended to communicate with the downstream flow channel group (30b). The refrigerant in the downstream flow channel group (30b) exits through the outlet (120).

[0123] The ends of the inner tube (12) and rib (14) of the power cable (2) are positioned extending from the end of the outer tube (22) by the length of the first insertion part (104).

[0124] In the center of the first plug (100), a first through hole (102a) is formed for a conductor (4) to pass through or be inserted to a predetermined depth.

[0125] Accordingly, when the conductor (4) is inserted into the first through hole (102a) and the first insertion part (104) is inserted into the outer tube (22) and combined, the end (entry end) of the first insertion part (104) is in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) and the rib (14).

[0126] The inlet (110) communicates with the upstream flow channel group (30a) at the end of the first insertion part (104).

[0127] Likewise, the outlet (120) communicates with the downstream flow channel group (30b) at the end of the first insertion part (104).

[0128] Additionally, the inlet port (110) may consist of a refrigerant inlet hole (112) and a refrigerant inlet passage (114). The refrigerant inlet hole (112) may be formed as a hole (e.g., a circular hole) formed from the outer end of the first body (102) inwardly, and the refrigerant inlet passage (114) may be formed in an arc shape with a certain depth.

[0129] The refrigerant inlet port (112) may be composed of an axial hole (112a) and a radial hole (112b) to facilitate the connection of the first refrigerant pipe (854). The first refrigerant pipe (854) may be directly connected to the radial hole (112b) or connected via an inlet-side fitting pipe (142). The outer end of the axial hole (112a) may be blocked with a plug (118).

[0130] The outlet (120) may consist of a refrigerant discharge hole (122) and a refrigerant discharge path (124). The refrigerant discharge hole (122) may be formed as a hole (e.g., a circular hole) formed from the outer end inward, and the refrigerant inflow path (124) may be formed in an arc shape with a certain depth.

[0131] The refrigerant discharge port (122) may be composed of an axial hole (122a) and a radial hole (122b) to facilitate the connection of the second refrigerant pipe (855). The second refrigerant pipe (855) may be directly connected to the radial hole (122b) or connected via a discharge-side fitting pipe (144). The outer end of the axial hole (122a) may be blocked with a plug (118).

[0132] Here, the refrigerant inlet passage (114) is a passage for distributing the refrigerant introduced from the refrigerant inlet port (112) to an upstream flow channel group (30a) consisting of one or more refrigerant flow channels (30).

[0133] Likewise, the refrigerant discharge path (124) is a path for receiving and discharging refrigerant from a downstream flow channel group (30b) consisting of one or more refrigerant flow channels (30).

[0134] As shown in FIG. 10, the refrigerant inlet passage (114) can be configured as a short arc-shaped hole to supply refrigerant to a single refrigerant flow channel (30). In this case, the refrigerant inlet hole (112) may be connected at any point of the refrigerant inlet passage (114).

[0135] The refrigerant discharge channel (124) is formed as a long arc-shaped hole to receive refrigerant from two refrigerant flow channels (30). In this case, the refrigerant discharge hole (122) may be connected at any point of the refrigerant discharge channel (124).

[0136] As illustrated in FIG. 3 above, when the upstream flow channel group (30a) consists of one refrigerant flow channel (30) and the downstream flow channel group (30b) consists of two adjacent refrigerant flow channels (30), the refrigerant inlet passage (114) is positioned at the midpoint of the lower refrigerant flow channel (30) set as the upstream flow channel group (30a), thereby enabling the supply of refrigerant to only one refrigerant flow channel (30). The refrigerant discharge passage (124) is positioned across the upper two refrigerant flow channels (30) set as the downstream flow channel group (30b), thereby enabling the reception of refrigerant discharged from the two refrigerant flow channels (30). In this way, the position and circumferential length of the refrigerant inlet passage (114) and the refrigerant discharge passage (124) are set according to the position and number of refrigerant flow channels (30) to be handled.

[0137] Meanwhile, within the passage of the inlet port (110), a throttle hole (116) consisting of an orifice or a fine hole may be formed as an expansion mechanism for depressurizing and expanding the introduced refrigerant. The throttle hole (116) may be configured with a diameter of approximately 0.18 mm to 1.2 mm. The diameter of the throttle hole (116) can be appropriately selected according to the length of the throttle hole (116), the length of the power cable (2), the rated power, the flow cross-sectional area and total length of the refrigerant flow channel (30), the capacity of the refrigeration equipment, operating conditions, the amount of refrigerant, etc. If the length of the throttle hole (116) is approximately 10 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm may be suitable, but it may vary depending on other conditions.

[0138] The throttle hole (116) can be formed by directly drilling a hole between the axial hole (112a) and the refrigerant inlet passage (114), or by a simple method and structure in which a separate tube having the throttle hole (116) is inserted into the axial hole (112a).

[0139] In this way, when a throttle hole (116) is formed in the passage of the inlet (110) of the first plug (100), the refrigerant coming out of the condenser is depressurized and expanded as it passes through the throttle hole (116), so that it can easily evaporate while flowing through the refrigerant flow channel (30).

[0140] In other words, the throttle hole (116) takes the place of the expansion mechanism of the refrigeration cycle system. Therefore, if the first plug (100) is equipped with a throttle hole (116), it is not necessary to place a separate expansion mechanism (expansion valve, capillary tube, etc.) in the refrigerant pipe downstream of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system. Furthermore, problems such as failure and durability issues occurring in expansion valves (electronic expansion valve, constant pressure or temperature expansion valve, capillary tube, etc.) will not occur.

[0141] The first plug (100) can be made of plastic or metal. If made of plastic, it is advantageous for insulation.

[0142] The first plug (100) may further be equipped with a receiving terminal (150). The receiving terminal (150) is connected to a power supply terminal on the power supply side to transmit power via a power cable (2). Then, the first plug (100) serves as a terminal for receiving power, along with serving as an inlet and outlet for supplying and discharging refrigerant.

[0143] The receiving terminal (150) can be configured to be integrally extended from the first plug (100). Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, it can be manufactured separately from the first plug (100) and then connected to the first plug (100). When the receiving terminal (150) is manufactured separately and connected to the first plug (100), a first extension shaft (106) is extended from the first plug (100), a first threaded portion (106a) is formed on the first extension shaft (106), and a threaded portion (154a) is formed in the connection hole (154) of the receiving terminal (150) so that they can be connected by screw fastening.

[0144] Additionally, when a receiving terminal (150) is provided, a first through hole (102a) through which a conductor (4) passes is formed in the first plug (100), and a connection hole (154) for inserting the conductor (4) that has passed through the first through hole (102a) can be formed in the receiving terminal (150).

[0145] And between the connection hole (154) and the conductor (4), an insert sleeve (154b) for compressing the connection hole (154) and the conductor (4) can be fitted. The insert sleeve (154b) can be made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material. With this insert sleeve (154b), when the outer body part of the connection hole (154) is compressed, it is pressed firmly against the conductor (4), thereby not only firmly fixing the conductor (4) but also eliminating conductivity loss between the receiving terminal (150) and the conductor (4).

[0146] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12, the structure of the second plug (200) and the connection structure with the power cable (2) will be described in detail. FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 will be referenced together.

[0147] The second plug (200) is coupled to the second end of the power cable (2) and provides a U-turn path (240) for transferring refrigerant from the upstream flow channel group (30a) to the downstream flow channel group (30b).

[0148] The second plug (200) comprises a second body (202) and a second insertion part (204) extending from the second body (202) in the direction of the power cable (2).

[0149] The second insertion part (204) is inserted into the inner side of the outer tube (22) at the second end of the power cable (2) and connected.

[0150] A compression member (230) can be attached to the outer circumference of the second insertion part (204). By attaching the compression member (230), the space between the second insertion part (204) and the outer tube (22) can be sealed and firmly fixed.

[0151] In addition, to further ensure sealing and fixation, a second compression projection (204a) may be formed on the outer circumference of the first insertion part (204).

[0152] Additionally, the second plug (200) is provided with an extension tube (210) extending from the second insertion part (204). When the second insertion part (204) is inserted into the outer tube (22), the end of the extension tube (210) comes into close contact with the end of the inner tube (12).

[0153] A U-turn channel (240) is secured by the space formed by the axial gap formed by the length of the second insertion part (204) and the radial gap between the outer surface of the extension tube (210) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22). All refrigerant flow channels (30) are connected to each other by this U-turn channel (240).

[0154] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing from the upstream flow channel group (30a) can enter the downstream flow channel group (30b) through the U-turn path (240).

[0155] Additionally, a cooling passage (220) may be formed in the second body (202) of the second plug (200) to allow a refrigerant to flow in and to promote cooling. The cooling passage (220) may be formed in the second insertion part (204) to a predetermined depth in the axial direction. A plurality of cooling passages (220) may be formed in the circumferential direction. The shape of the cooling passage (220) may be configured in the form of a circular hole or an arc-shaped hole, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0156] The second plug (200) may further be provided with a socket member (250). The socket member (250) electrically connects the power supplied from the power cable (2) to a power demand point (e.g., a charging port of an electric vehicle or a charging terminal port of a battery). Accordingly, the second plug (200) can serve the role of providing a refrigerant U-turn path and also serve as a terminal for electrically connecting to an electrical terminal of a demand point.

[0157] The socket member (250) may be configured to be integrally extended from the second plug (200). Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it may be manufactured separately from the second plug (200) and then coupled to the second plug (200).

[0158] When a socket member (250) is manufactured separately and coupled to a second plug (200), a second extension shaft (206) is extended to the second plug (200), a second screw portion (206a) is formed on the second extension shaft (206), and a screw portion (254a) is formed in the connection hole (254) of the socket member (250) so that they can be coupled by screw fastening.

[0159] Additionally, when a socket member (250) is provided, a second through hole (202a) through which a conductor (4) passes is formed in the second plug (200), and a connection hole (254) for inserting the conductor (4) that has passed through the second through hole (202a) can be formed in the socket member (250).

[0160] And between the second through hole (202a) and the conductor (4), an insert sleeve (212) for compressing the second through hole (202a) and the conductor (4) can be fitted. The insert sleeve (212) can be made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material. With this insert sleeve (212), when the extension tube (210) part is compressed, it is pressed firmly against the conductor (4), thereby not only firmly fixing the conductor (4) but also eliminating conduction loss between the second plug (200) and the conductor (4).

[0161] An extension socket (256) may be formed in the body (252) of the socket member (250). The extension socket (256) may have a plug insertion part (256a) formed therein for connecting to a terminal (or plug) of a power demand source. A plurality of cuts (256b) may be formed in the plug insertion part (256a). By imparting elasticity to the extension socket (256) through the plurality of cuts (256b), the plug can be easily inserted into the plug insertion part (256a), and a firm electrical connection can be maintained by pressing the plug tightly against the elastic restoring force.

[0162] The power cable unit according to the first embodiment described above can circulate a refrigerant in a single power cable (2). Therefore, for example, when using such a power cable unit as a charging cable, two power cable units may be provided, and one power cable unit may be connected to the positive electrode (+ electrode) and the other power cable unit to the negative electrode (- electrode). In this case, each power cable unit of each polarity may be utilized in a manner that provides an independent refrigerant circulation circuit and a refrigerant evaporation channel, as described above.

[0164] (Power cable unit: Example 2)

[0165] Next, FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a power cable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] The power cable unit according to the second embodiment is an embodiment in which two power cable units according to the first embodiment described above are installed side by side, and the refrigerant is configured to circulate through the two side-by-side power cable units in sequence.

[0167] The power cable unit is arranged in two rows with the same configuration as the power cable unit described in the first embodiment (Figs. 7 to 12).

[0168] That is, a first plug (100a) and a first terminal member (150a) are provided at the first end of the first power cable (2-1), and a second plug (200a) and a socket member (250a) are provided at the second end. With the same configuration, a first plug (100b) and a first terminal member (150b) are provided at the first end of the second power cable (2-2), and a second plug (200b) and a socket member (250b) are provided at the second end.

[0169] Here, the first power cable (2-1) and the first power cable (2-1) have the same configuration, the first plug (100), the first plug (100a), and the first plug (100b) have the same configuration, the second plug (200), the second plug (200a), and the second plug (200b) have the same configuration, and the receiving terminal (150), the receiving terminal (150a), and the receiving terminal (150b) have the same configuration.

[0170] However, the outlet (120) of the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2) are connected to the transfer path (162). Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the downstream flow channel group (30b) of the first power cable (2-1) and coming out to the outlet (120) is made to flow to the upstream flow channel group (30a) of the second power cable (2-2) through the transfer path (162).

[0171] The transmission path (162) is connected across the outlet (120) of the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0172] The transmission path (162) is provided by the transmission pipe (160). That is, the transmission path (162) is perforated inside the transmission pipe (160). The transmission pipe (160) is connected in a straight line across the outlet (120) of the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0173] The transfer tube (160) is made of an insulator, such as plastic, for example, to insulate the first plug (100a) and the first plug (100b).

[0174] As described above, by connecting the two first plugs (100a) and the first plug (100b) by the transmission path (162), the refrigerant that enters the upstream flow channel group (30a) of the first power cable (2-1) through the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a) provided at the first end of the first power cable (2-1) is connected to the second plug (200a) at the second end of the first power cable (2-1) → the U-turn path (240) of the second plug (200a) → the downstream flow channel group (30b) of the first power cable (2-1) → the outlet (120) of the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) → the transmission path (162) → the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2) → the upstream flow of the second power cable (2-2). A refrigerant circulation path (refrigerant evaporation channel path) is formed, which flows out via the channel group (30a) → the second plug (200b) of the second power cable (2-2) → the U-turn path (240) of the second plug (200b) → the downstream flow channel group (30b) of the second power cable (2-2) → the outlet (120) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0175] When using the power cable unit according to the second embodiment described above as a charging cable, the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2) can be connected with different polarities. In this case, the two power cable units can be utilized to provide a continuous refrigerant circulation circuit and a refrigerant evaporation channel.

[0177] (Power cable unit: Example 3)

[0178] Next, FIGS. 14 to 22 illustrate a power cable unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of a power cable unit according to a third embodiment, FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view showing the inlet side connector portion in detail, FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view showing the outlet side connector portion in detail, FIG. 17 shows an enlarged perspective view of the U-turn connector portion, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a planar cross-sectional perspective view and a plan view of the U-turn connector, respectively, FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the U-turn connector with the upper housing separated, FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show a perspective view and a planar cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

[0180] First, referring to FIG. 14, the power cable unit according to the third embodiment is configured to circulate refrigerant from the refrigerant flow channel (30) of one power cable to the refrigerant flow channel (30) of another power cable.

[0181] That is, refrigerant is introduced into the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1), the refrigerant is transferred from the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) to the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2), and the refrigerant is discharged from the second power cable (2-2).

[0182] The first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2) are identical to the power cable described above.

[0183] An inlet connector (300) is connected to the first end of the first power cable (2-1), and an outlet connector (400) is connected to the first end of the second power cable (2-2).

[0184] The inlet side connector (300) is a connector for introducing refrigerant into the refrigerant flow channel (30) within the first power cable (2-1).

[0185] The discharge side connector (400) is a connector for discharging refrigerant from the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0186] The inlet side connector (300) is provided with an inlet port (310) through which refrigerant is introduced, and the discharge side connector (400) is provided with an outlet port (410) for discharging refrigerant.

[0187] A U-turn connector (500) is connected to the second end of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2).

[0188] The U-turn connector (500) is equipped with a connecting passage (572). This connecting passage (572) connects the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0189] Accordingly, the refrigerant that enters the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) through the inlet (310) of the inlet side connector (300) flows toward the U-turn connector (500), then enters the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) through the connecting path (572) of the U-turn connector (500), and the refrigerant that enters the second power cable (2-2) flows toward the discharge side connector (400), thereby forming a refrigerant circulation path.

[0190] A first refrigerant pipe (854) extending from the downstream side of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system can be connected to the inlet port (310) of the inlet side connector (300) of the first power cable (2-1).

[0191] Additionally, a second refrigerant pipe (855) connected to the inlet side of the compressor of the refrigeration cycle system may be connected to the discharge port (410) of the discharge side connector (400) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0192] Additionally, a throttle hole (316), which is an expansion mechanism for depressurizing and expanding the refrigerant, may be provided in the middle of the entire flow path section formed by the inlet (310) from the first refrigerant pipe (854).

[0193] The throttle hole (316) can be formed as an orifice or a fine hole. The throttle hole (316) can be formed with a diameter of approximately 0.18 mm to 1.2 mm. The diameter of the throttle hole (316) can be appropriately selected according to the length of the throttle hole (316), the length of the power cable (2), the rated power, the flow cross-sectional area and total length of the refrigerant flow channel (30), the capacity of the refrigeration equipment, operating conditions, the amount of refrigerant, etc. If the length of the throttle hole (316) is around 10 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm may be suitable, but it may vary depending on other conditions.

[0194] Through the above throttle hole (316), the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) act as refrigerant evaporation channels through which the refrigerant evaporates.

[0195] The throttle hole (316) serves as the expansion mechanism of the refrigeration cycle system. Therefore, by providing the throttle hole (316) on the side of the inlet connector (300), it is not necessary to place a separate expansion mechanism (expansion valve, capillary tube, etc.) in the refrigerant pipe downstream of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system. Furthermore, problems such as failure and durability issues that occur in expansion valves (electronic expansion valve, constant pressure or thermostatic expansion valve, etc.) will not occur.

[0196] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the inlet connector (300) will be described in more detail.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 15, the inlet connector (300) includes a body (302), a fitting shaft (320) extending from the body (302) and inserted into the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1), and a connecting shaft (330) extending from the fitting shaft (320) and in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the first power cable (2-1).

[0198] Accordingly, a first chamber (C1) communicating with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) is secured by the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the connection shaft (330) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22).

[0199] The inlet (310) is formed to penetrate the first chamber (C1) from the outer surface of the body (302).

[0200] To this end, the inlet (310) may include an inlet hole (312) and a distribution hole (314).

[0201] The inlet port (312) extends inward from the outer surface of the body (302), and the distribution port (314) is formed to penetrate the inlet port (312) and the first chamber (C1). The distribution port (314) may be formed as one or multiple ports.

[0202] A conductor insertion hole (332) may be formed in the connection shaft (330) of the inlet side connector (300). A conductor (4) of the first power cable (2-1) is inserted into the conductor insertion hole (332) and electrically connected.

[0203] An insert sleeve (334) can be fitted between the conductor insertion hole (332) and the conductor (4). The insert sleeve (334) can be made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material. With this insert sleeve (334), when the outer body portion of the conductor insertion hole (332) is compressed, it is pressed firmly against the conductor (4), thereby not only firmly securing the conductor (4) but also eliminating conduction loss between the connection shaft (330) and the conductor (4).

[0204] A first receiving terminal portion (350) may be formed on one side of the body (302) of the inlet side connector (300). The first receiving terminal portion (350) may have a fastening hole (352) for fastening to a power supply terminal.

[0205] The fitting shaft (320) is inserted into the inner side of the outer tube (22) at the first end of the power cable (2) and connected.

[0206] A compression member (340) can be attached to the outer circumference of the fitting shaft (320). By attaching the compression member (340), the fitting shaft (320) and the outer tube (22) can be sealed and securely fixed.

[0207] The compression member (340) may be composed of a compression ring, a compression sleeve, or a compression band. To ensure more secure sealing and fixation, a compression projection (320a) may be formed on the outer circumference of the fitting shaft (320).

[0208] Additionally, on the flow path section formed by the inlet (310), a throttle hole (316) consisting of an orifice or a fine hole can be formed as an expansion mechanism for depressurizing and expanding the refrigerant introduced.

[0209] As in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, a throttle insert (316a) can be inserted into the flow path formed by the inlet (310). The throttle hole (316) can be formed in this throttle insert (316a).

[0210] A connecting pipe (854a) may be installed at the inlet portion of the inlet hole (312) of the inlet side connector (300) to facilitate the connection of the first refrigerant pipe (854). In this case, the throttle insert (316a) may be installed inside the connecting pipe (854a).

[0211] In the case where the first refrigerant pipe (854) is directly connected to the inlet port (312) of the inlet side connector (300), the throttle insert (316a) may be installed inside the first refrigerant pipe (854).

[0212] The first refrigerant pipe (854) may be connected to the downstream side of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system or to the first refrigerant pipe (854) extending from the expansion mechanism. As previously explained, if a throttle hole (316) is provided within the section of the inlet (310), the expansion mechanism of the refrigeration cycle system does not need to be provided. If the expansion mechanism of the refrigeration cycle system is not provided, the first refrigerant pipe (854) becomes a refrigerant pipe extending from the outlet of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0213] The refrigerant flowing in through the first refrigerant pipe (854) is depressurized and expanded through the throttle hole (316), so that it can enter the first chamber (C1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) and easily evaporate.

[0214] Next, the discharge side connector (400) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 16.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 16, the discharge side connector (400) includes a fitting shaft (420) that extends from the body (402) and is inserted into the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2), and a connecting shaft (430) that extends from the fitting shaft (420) and is in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0216] Accordingly, a second chamber (C2) communicating with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) is secured by the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the connection shaft (430) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22).

[0217] The discharge port (410) of the discharge side connector (400) is formed to penetrate the second chamber (C2) from the outer surface of the body (402).

[0218] These discharge ports (410) may include a discharge hole (412) extending from the outer surface of the body (302) into the interior of the body (302) and the fitting shaft (420), and a recovery hole (414) penetrating the discharge hole (412) and the second chamber (C2).

[0219] The connection shaft (430) of the discharge side connector (400) may be provided with a conductor insertion hole (432) into which the conductor (4) of the first power cable (2-1) is inserted and electrically connected.

[0220] A second receiving terminal (450) may be provided on one side of the body (402) of the discharge side connector (400).

[0221] Between the conductor insertion hole (432) of the discharge side connector (400) and the conductor (4), an insert sleeve (434) for compressing the conductor insertion hole (432) and the conductor (4) may be fitted.

[0222] The insert sleeve (434) can be made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material.

[0223] A second refrigerant pipe (855) may be connected to the outlet of the discharge port (412) of the discharge side connector (400). A connecting pipe (855a) may be installed to facilitate the connection of the first refrigerant pipe (855). The second refrigerant pipe (855) may be connected to the inlet side of the compressor of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0224] Next, the U-turn connector (500) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20.

[0225] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 20, the U-turn connector (500) includes a first connector (510), a second connector (550), a U-turn shaft (570), and a housing (580).

[0226] The first connector (510) is connected to the second end of the first power cable (2-1). The first connector (510) has a first extension channel (510a) formed therein that communicates with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1).

[0227] The second connector (550) is coupled to the second end of the second power cable (2-2). In the second connector (550), a second extension channel (550a) is formed that communicates with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0228] The U-turn shaft (570) is connected across the first connector (510) and the second connector (550). A connecting passage (572) is formed inside this U-turn shaft (570).

[0229] The connecting passage (572) of the U-turn shaft (570) connects the first extension passage (510a) of the first connector (510) and the second extension passage (550a) of the second connector (550).

[0230] This U-turn shaft (570) is made of an insulator, such as plastic, for insulation between the first connector (510) and the second connector (550).

[0231] The flue (572) can be configured with a diameter of approximately 0.18 mm to 1.2 mm to help evaporate the refrigerant.

[0232] The connecting passage (572) of the U-turn shaft (570) can be configured as an orifice or a pore as another expansion mechanism for secondarily depressurizing and expanding the refrigerant.

[0233] If the aforementioned inlet connector (300) is provided with a throttle hole (316), the refrigerant can expand first through the throttle hole (316) and evaporate first in the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1), and then expand second through the connecting path (572) and evaporate second in the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2). Thus, the cooling effect can be maximized.

[0234] If the aforementioned inlet side connector (300) is not provided with a throttle hole (316) and a separate expansion mechanism (e.g., electronic expansion valve, capillary tube, etc.) is installed in the middle of the refrigerant pipe on the downstream side of the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system, the refrigerant is expanded first through the expansion mechanism and evaporates first in the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1), and is expanded second through the connecting path (572) and evaporates second in the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0235] The first connector (510) and the second connector (550) can be made of the same structure.

[0236] With reference to FIGS. 18 to 20 and FIGS. 21 to 22, the first connector (510), the second connector (550), and the connection relationship between them and the power cable (2) will be explained in detail.

[0237] The first connector (510) includes a first fitting shaft portion (513) extending from one side of the first body shaft portion (512) and a first connecting shaft portion (514) extending from the first fitting shaft portion (513).

[0238] The first fitting shaft (513) is inserted into the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1), and the first connecting shaft (514) is in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the first power cable (2-1).

[0239] A third chamber (C3) is secured as the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the first connecting shaft (514) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22).

[0240] The third chamber (C3) connects the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) with the first extension channel (510a), thereby allowing the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow channel (30) to enter the first extension channel (510a) through the third chamber (C3).

[0241] The first extension channel (510a) may include a first shaft hole (515) and a first connecting channel (516).

[0242] The first shaft hole (515) is formed to extend from the end of the first connecting shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) into the interior of the first body shaft portion (512).

[0243] The first connecting passage (516) passes through the first shaft hole (515) and the third chamber (C3). One or more first connecting passages (516) may be formed.

[0244] Therefore, the refrigerant introduced into the third chamber (C3) can enter the first shaft hole (515) through the first connecting passage (516).

[0245] Additionally, an insert sleeve (514a) may be fitted between the first shaft hole (515) of the first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) and the conductor (4). The insert sleeve (514a) may be made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material. When the first connection shaft portion (514) is pressed against the conductor (4), this insert sleeve (514a) can facilitate the pressing and improve conductivity.

[0246] Additionally, a compression member (518) may be attached to the outer circumference of the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1) into which the first fitting shaft (513) is inserted. The compression member (518) may be composed of a compression ring, a compression sleeve, or a compression band. In this case, a compression projection (513a) may be formed on the outer circumference of the first fitting shaft (513) to assist in the close contact and fixation of the outer tube (22) when the compression member (518) is attached. By attaching the compression member (518) in this manner, the first fitting shaft (513) and the outer tube (22) are sealed and fixed to each other.

[0247] Next, the second connector (550) is made of the same structure as the first connector (510).

[0248] The second connector (550) includes a second fitting shaft portion (553) extending from one side of the second body shaft portion (552) and a second connecting shaft portion (554) extending from the second fitting shaft portion (553).

[0249] The second fitting shaft (553) is inserted into the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2), and the second connecting shaft (554) is in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the second power cable (2-2).

[0250] A fourth chamber (C4) is secured as the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the second connecting shaft (554) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22).

[0251] The fourth chamber (C4) connects the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) with the second extension channel (550a), thereby allowing the refrigerant of the second extension channel (550a) to enter the refrigerant flow channel (30) through the fourth chamber (C4).

[0252] The second extension channel (550a) may include a second shaft hole (555) and a second connecting passage (556).

[0253] The second shaft hole (555) is formed to extend from the end of the second connecting shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) into the interior of the second body shaft portion (552).

[0254] The second connecting passage (556) passes through the second shaft hole (555) and the fourth chamber (C4). One or more second connecting passages (556) may be formed.

[0255] Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced into the second shaft hole (555) enters the fourth chamber (C4) through the second connecting passage (556) and can enter the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) from the fourth chamber (C4).

[0256] Additionally, an insert sleeve (554a) may be fitted between the second shaft hole (555) of the second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) and the conductor (4). The insert sleeve (554a) may be made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material. When the second connection shaft portion (554) is pressed against the conductor (4), this insert sleeve (554a) can facilitate the pressing and improve conductivity.

[0257] Additionally, a compression member (558) may be attached to the outer circumference of the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2) into which the second fitting shaft (553) is inserted. The compression member (558) may be composed of a compression ring, a compression sleeve, or a compression band. In this case, a compression projection (553a) may be formed on the outer circumference of the second fitting shaft (553) to assist in the close contact and fixation of the outer tube (22) when the compression member (558) is attached. By attaching the compression member (558) in this manner, the second fitting shaft (553) and the outer tube (22) are sealed and fixed to each other.

[0258] Next, the U-turn axis (570) can be connected in a straight line across the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550).

[0259] The communication channel (572) of the U-turn shaft (570) connects the first shaft hole (515) of the first connector (510) and the second shaft hole (555) of the second connector (550).

[0260] As shown in FIGS. 19, 21 to 22, the U-turn shaft (570) can be connected by screw fastening at both ends to the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550).

[0261] To this end, a first coupling shaft (574a) and a second coupling shaft (574b) are formed at both ends of the U-turn shaft (570), and screws can be formed on the first coupling shaft (574a) and the second coupling shaft (574b).

[0262] Additionally, on the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550), a first coupling hole (517) and a second coupling hole (557) having screws can be formed.

[0263] Additionally, the first coupling shaft (574a) and the second coupling shaft (574b) may be provided with a sealant (576a) (576b) for airtightness, and correspondingly, the first coupling hole (517) and the second coupling hole (557) may have an enlarged hole (517a) (557a) formed therein.

[0264] Meanwhile, the conductor (4) of the first power cable (2-1) can be inserted into the first shaft hole (515) of the first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) and electrically connected.

[0265] Likewise, the conductor (4) of the second power cable (2-2) can be inserted into the second shaft hole (555) of the second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) to be electrically connected.

[0266] Additionally, on the other side of the first body shaft portion (512) of the first connector (510), a first socket portion (519) for connecting to a power demand side connection terminal may be formed. A terminal insertion hole (519a) for inserting a connection terminal may be formed in the first socket portion (519). A plurality of cut portions (519b) may be formed in the terminal insertion hole (519a). By imparting elasticity to the first socket portion (519) through the plurality of cut portions (519b), a connection terminal can be easily inserted into the terminal insertion hole (519a), and a firm electrical connection state can be maintained by pressing the inserted connection terminal against the elastic restoring force.

[0267] Likewise, on the other side of the second body shaft portion (552) of the second connector (550), a second socket portion (559) for connecting to a power demand side connection terminal may be formed. A terminal insertion hole (559a) for inserting a connection terminal may be formed in the second socket portion (559). A plurality of cut portions (559b) may be formed in the terminal insertion hole (559a). By imparting elasticity to the second socket portion (559) through the plurality of cut portions (559b), a connection terminal can be easily inserted into the terminal insertion hole (559a), and a firm electrical connection state can be maintained by pressing the inserted connection terminal against the elastic restoring force.

[0268] Next, the housing (580) serves to insulate the first connector (510), the second connector (550), and the U-turn shaft (570) while also receiving and protecting them. This housing (580) is made of an insulator, for example, such as plastic.

[0269] The housing (580) may be composed of a lower housing (580a) and an upper housing (580b) that are divided vertically based on a plane connecting the central axis of the first receiving groove (582) and the second receiving groove (584). The divided lower housing (580a) and upper housing (580b) can be joined and separated from each other by means of screws, etc.

[0270] When the above power cable unit is used as an electric vehicle charging cable unit, energy loss can be reduced and charging efficiency maximized by minimizing heat generation and resistance of the conductor through the direct evaporation of the refrigerant within the charging cable. Therefore, it can be usefully utilized as a charging cable or charging cable unit for rapid charging or ultra-rapid charging at electric vehicle charging stations, electric vehicle battery replacement stages, or battery manufacturing plants.

[0272] (Charging system)

[0273] Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26, an embodiment of a charging system according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0274] FIG. 23 shows a schematic diagram of a charging system according to the present invention, FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a charging cable, FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional view of a charging cable according to the present invention, and FIG. 26 shows a charging gun according to the present invention.

[0275] Figure 23 illustrates an electric vehicle charging system as an example of a charging system.

[0276] A charging system according to the present invention may include a charger (800), a charging cable (50) for applying power from the charger (800) to an electric vehicle battery, and a charging gun (600) provided on the charging cable (50).

[0277] Furthermore, the charger (800) may include a refrigeration cycle system (850). Alternatively, the refrigeration cycle system (850) may be installed in another area within the charging station rather than in the charger (800).

[0278] The charger (800) may be equipped with a distribution board for power supply, and the distribution board may receive power from a distribution board within the charging station facility.

[0279] Next, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the charging cable (50) includes one of the power cable (2) and power cable unit of the present invention described above. The power cable (2) has two power cables, a positive and a negative, namely a first power cable (2-1) and a second power cable (2-2).

[0280] The first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2) are provided with a conductor (4), an inner tube (12), a rib (14), and an outer tube (22), as described above.

[0281] The power cable unit is equipped with the plug, connector, or socket of the present invention described above for circulating a refrigerant together with the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2).

[0282] The charging cable (50) may be equipped with a grounding cable (40).

[0283] The first power cable (2-1), the second power cable (2-2), and the ground cable (40) may be for DC fast charging or DC super fast charging.

[0284] In addition, the charging cable (50) may be equipped with a power cable (42) for AC slow charging or other signal lines (44).

[0285] The above cables and signal lines can be wrapped with an outer jacket (52), and the space between the cables and signal lines can be filled with an inclusion.

[0286] FIG. 26 shows a charging gun (600) according to the present invention.

[0287] The charging gun (600) may be equipped with a connector housing (610) at its end for connecting to a power demand side, such as, for example, a charging port of an electric vehicle or a charging terminal port of a battery exchange station or manufacturing facility.

[0288] The connector housing (610) may be equipped with a DC charging section (620) and an AC charging section (630). The first connector (510) and the second connector (550) of the U-turn connector (500) according to the present invention may be connected to the first boss section (621) and the second boss section (622) of the DC charging section (620).

[0289] The charging cable (50) enters the interior of the charging gun (600), and the first power cable (2-1), the second power cable (2-2), and other power lines (or power cables) or signal lines are drawn out from the end of the charging cable (50) outside the outer jacket (52) and connected to the connector housing (610).

[0291] (Charging system: Example 1)

[0292] FIG. 27 shows an example in which two power cable units according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 7 to FIG. 12) are used as a positive cable and a negative cable in a charging cable (50) to allow refrigerant to be circulated in each of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2).

[0293] That is, the power cable unit is equipped with a first power cable (2-1) and a second power cable (2-2).

[0294] The first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2) each have a plurality of refrigerant flow channels (30) penetrating along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4). The plurality of refrigerant flow channels (30) are divided into an upstream flow channel group (30a) consisting of one or more refrigerant flow channels (30) and a downstream flow channel group (30b) consisting of the remaining one or more refrigerant flow channels (30).

[0295] In addition, a first plug (100a) and a first plug (100b) are connected to the first ends of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2), respectively.

[0296] The first plug (100a) and the first plug (100b) each have an inlet (110) for introducing refrigerant into the upstream flow channel group (30a) and an outlet (120) for discharging refrigerant from the downstream flow channel group (30b).

[0297] At the second end of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2), a second plug (200a) and a second plug (200b) are connected, with a U-turn path (240) formed to allow the upstream flow channel group (30a) and the downstream flow channel group (30b) to communicate with each other.

[0298] The charger (800) may include a power supply unit (810) and a refrigeration cycle system (850). The power supply unit (810) may be a distribution board or a switchboard.

[0299] A refrigeration cycle system (850) comprises a compressor (851) for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser (852) for condensing the refrigerant coming out of the compressor (851), a first refrigerant pipe (854) connecting the outlet of the condenser (852) to the inlet (110)(110) of each first plug (100a) and first plug (100b), an expansion mechanism installed in the middle of the entire flow path section formed by the first refrigerant pipe (854) and each inlet (110)(110), an upstream flow channel group (30a) and a downstream flow channel group (30b) of each of the first power cable (2-1) and second power cable (2-2) into which the refrigerant coming out of the expansion mechanism enters and evaporates, and an inlet of the compressor (851) from each outlet (120)(120) of the first plug (100a) and first plug (100b). It includes a second refrigerant pipe (855) that connects.

[0300] In this embodiment, the inlet (110) of the first plug (100) may be provided with a throttle hole (116) as an 'expansion mechanism installed in the middle of the entire flow path section formed by each inlet (110) (110),' and accordingly, a separate traditional expansion mechanism is not installed in the middle of the first refrigerant pipe (854) connecting the condenser (852) and the inlet (110).

[0301] The first refrigerant pipe (854) extends from the condenser (852) and branches into two pipes, and each branch pipe is connected to the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a) and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b).

[0302] Likewise, the second refrigerant pipe (855) is also branched and connected to the outlet (120) of the first plug (100a) and the outlet (120) of the first plug (100b), respectively.

[0303] The receiving terminal (150a) on the side of the first power cable (2-1) is connected to the first power supply terminal (812) of the power supply unit (810), and the receiving terminal (150b) on the side of the first power cable (2-1) is connected to the second power supply terminal (814) of the power supply unit (810).

[0304] Additionally, a second plug (200a) is connected to the second end of the first power cable (2-1), and a second plug (200b) is connected to the second end of the second power cable (2-2).

[0305] A U-turn path (240) is formed in each of the second plug (200a) and the second plug (200b).

[0306] Meanwhile, an insulating joint (860) is installed in the middle of each of the first refrigerant pipe (854) and the second refrigerant pipe (855) to electrically disconnect the refrigeration cycle system (850). The insulating joint (860) disconnects the electrical connection by cutting the refrigerant pipe and connecting the two ends of the cut refrigerant pipe with a joint tube made of an insulating material, such as plastic.

[0307] When performing charging with the charging system according to the first embodiment as described above, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed in the compressor (851) is condensed in the condenser (852), and the liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser (852) is divided and introduced through the first refrigerant pipe (854) into the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a) on the first power cable (2-1) side and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) on the second power cable (2-2) side.

[0308] Since the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a) and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) are each provided with a throttle hole (116)(116), the high-pressure liquid refrigerant introduced into each inlet (110)(110) passes through each throttle hole (116), is depressurized and expanded, and enters the upstream flow channel group (30a)(30a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2), thereby absorbing heat from the surroundings and evaporating. During this process, the inner tube (12) and the conductor (4) are cooled.

[0309] The refrigerant evaporating while flowing through each upstream flow channel group (30a)(30a) enters each downstream flow channel group (30b)(30b) through the U-turn path (240) provided in the second plug (200a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the U-turn path (240) provided in the second plug (200b) of the second power cable (2-2), evaporates further, and is discharged through each outlet (120)(120).

[0310] The refrigerant discharged through the outlet (120)(120) is sent back into the compressor (851) through the second refrigerant pipe (855), compressed, and then sent back to the condenser (852).

[0311] By continuously cooling the conductors (4) of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2) through such continuous refrigerant circulation, the heat generation and resistance of the conductors can be minimized even during rapid charging or ultra-rapid charging, thereby reducing energy loss and maximizing charging efficiency.

[0313] (Charging system: Example 2)

[0314] FIG. 28 shows a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0315] The charging system illustrated in FIG. 28 is a form in which, in the charging system according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 27), the throttle hole (116) provided in the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the throttle hole (116) provided in the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2) are not present, and instead, an expansion mechanism (853) is provided in the middle of the first refrigerant pipe (854), which is a refrigerant pipe between the condenser (852) and the first plug (100a) (100b).

[0316] The expansion mechanism (853) can be composed of known electronic expansion valves, constant pressure or temperature expansion valves, capillaries, etc., as described above.

[0317] Accordingly, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant coming out of the condenser (852) is depressurized and expanded in the expansion mechanism (853), and evaporates while flowing through the upstream flow channel group (30a)(30a) and downstream flow channel group (30b)(30b) through the inlet (110)(110) of the first plug (100a)(100b).

[0319] (Charging system: Example 3)

[0320] FIG. 29 illustrates a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0321] The charging system illustrated in FIG. 29 is an example of a charging system using a power cable unit (see FIG. 13) according to the second embodiment described above.

[0322] The power cable unit according to the second embodiment described in Fig. 13 is in the form of connecting the outlet (120) of the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) and the inlet (110) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2) to a transmission path (162).

[0323] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing through the downstream flow channel group (30b) of the first power cable (2-1) and coming out to the outlet (120) is made to flow to the upstream flow channel group (30a) of the second power cable (2-2) through the transfer path (162).

[0324] In addition, a throttle hole (116) is provided in the passage of the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a), and a separate expansion mechanism is not installed in the middle of the first refrigerant pipe (854) connecting the condenser (852) and the inlet (110).

[0325] Accordingly, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser (852) enters the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a) along the first refrigerant pipe (854), is depressurized and expanded while passing through the throttle hole (116), and then evaporates while entering the upstream flow channel group (30a) of the first power cable (2-1).

[0326] The refrigerant that enters the upstream flow channel group (30a) of the first power cable (2-1) in this way is: the second plug (200a) at the second end of the first power cable (2-1) → the U-turn flow path (240) of the second plug (200a) → the downstream flow channel group (30b) of the first power cable (2-1) → the discharge port (120) of the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) → the transfer flow path (162) → the inlet port (110) of the first plug (100b) of the second power cable (2-2) → the upstream flow channel group (30a) of the second power cable (2-2) → the second plug (200b) of the second power cable (2-2) → the U-turn flow path (240) of the second plug (200b) → the downstream flow channel group (30b) of the second power cable (2-2) → the second The refrigerant circulation cycle is performed by passing through the outlet (120) of the first plug (100b) of the power cable (2-2) to the second refrigerant pipe (855) and then entering the compressor (851).

[0328] (Charging system: Example 4)

[0329] Next, FIG. 30 shows a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0330] The charging system illustrated in FIG. 30 is a form in which, instead of the throttle hole (116) provided in the first plug (100a) of the first power cable (2-1) in the charging system according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 29), an expansion mechanism (853) is provided in the middle of the first refrigerant pipe (854), which is a refrigerant pipe between the condenser (852) and the first plug (100a).

[0331] The expansion mechanism (853) can be composed of known electronic expansion valves, constant pressure or temperature expansion valves, capillaries, etc., as described above.

[0332] Accordingly, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant coming out of the condenser (852) is depressurized and expanded in the expansion mechanism (853) and flows in through the inlet (110) of the first plug (100a).

[0334] (Charging system: Example 5)

[0335] Next, FIG. 31 shows a configuration diagram of a charging system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0336] The charging system illustrated in FIG. 31 is an example of a charging system using a power cable unit (see FIG. 14 to FIG. 22) according to the third embodiment described above.

[0337] The power cable unit according to the third embodiment described through FIGS. 14 to 22 is in the form of having an inlet connector (300) at the first end of the first power cable (2-1), an outlet connector (400) at the first end of the second power cable (2-2), and a U-turn connector (500) at the second end of the first power cable (2-1) and the second power cable (2-2).

[0338] The U-turn connector (500) is configured with a first connector (510) connected to the side of the first power cable (2-1) and a second connector (550) connected to the side of the second power cable (2-2), while having a connecting channel (572) formed to connect the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) to each other.

[0339] In addition, the throttle hole (316) is provided on the flow path section formed by the inlet (310) of the inlet side connector (300).

[0340] Accordingly, the liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser (852) enters the inlet (310) of the inlet-side connector (300) along the first refrigerant pipe (854), depressurizes and expands through the throttle hole (316), flows through the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) → the connecting path (572) of the U-turn connector (500) → the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2), evaporates, comes out through the outlet (410) of the discharge-side connector (400), and enters the compressor (851) along the second refrigerant pipe (855), thereby performing a circulation cycle.

[0341] In the charging system according to the fifth embodiment, the connecting passage (572) of the U-turn connector (500) can be configured as an orifice or a pore to serve as another expansion mechanism for secondarily depressurizing and expanding the refrigerant.

[0342] In this case, the refrigerant, which is depressurized and expanded in the first step at the throttle hole (316) of the inlet side connector (300), flows through the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and evaporates in the first step, and then is depressurized and expanded in the second step through the connecting path (572) and evaporates in the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2). Thus, the cooling effect can be maximized.

[0344] (Charging system: Example 6)

[0345] Next, FIG. 32 shows a configuration diagram of a charging system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0346] The charging system illustrated in FIG. 32 is a form in which, instead of the throttle hole (316) provided in the inlet side connector (300) of the first power cable (2-1) in the charging system according to the previous fifth embodiment (see FIG. 31), an expansion mechanism (853) is provided in the middle of the first refrigerant pipe (854), which is a refrigerant pipe between the condenser (852) and the inlet side connector (300).

[0347] The expansion mechanism (853) can be composed of known electronic expansion valves, constant pressure or temperature expansion valves, capillaries, etc., as described above.

[0348] Accordingly, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant coming out of the condenser (852) is depressurized and expanded in the expansion mechanism (853) and flows in through the inlet port (310) of the inlet side connector (300).

[0350] (Actual installation example)

[0351] In the attached drawing Fig. 33, an actual implementation example is shown in which a power cable unit of a charging system according to the 5th and 6th embodiments of the present invention is connected to a power distribution system and a refrigeration cycle system.

[0352] A first receiving terminal (350) of an inlet connector (300) is connected to one power supply terminal of a charger (800), and a second receiving terminal (450) of an outlet connector (400) is connected to another power supply terminal.

[0353] In addition, the first refrigerant pipe (854) of the refrigeration cycle system (850) is connected to the inlet side connector (300), and the second refrigerant pipe (855) is connected to the discharge side connector (400).

[0354] Insulating joints (860) are connected in the middle of the first refrigerant pipe (854) and in the middle of the second refrigerant pipe (855), respectively.

[0355] As explained above, the inlet connector (300) serves as a receiving terminal that is electrically connected to the power supply terminal to receive power, and also serves as an inlet for introducing refrigerant into the first power cable (2-1).

[0356] In addition, the discharge side connector (400) serves as a receiving terminal that is electrically connected to the power supply terminal to receive power, and also serves as a discharge port for discharging the refrigerant circulated through the second power cable (2-2) and sending it to the compressor.

[0357] Meanwhile, the 'refrigerant' mentioned in the above embodiments may be a refrigerant (direct refrigerant) used in a 'general refrigeration system' as described above. Examples include HFC series refrigerants (e.g., R-23, R-32, R-134a, R-410A, R245fa, etc.), HFO series refrigerants (R-1233zd, R1234yf, R-1234ze, etc.), HFC / HFO mixed refrigerants (e.g., R-513A, etc.), natural refrigerants (e.g., CO2, NH3, etc.), HCFC series refrigerants (e.g., R-22, R-123, R-124, R-141b, etc.), or CFC series refrigerants (R-11, R-12, etc.).

[0358] Specific preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by anyone skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0359] 2: Power cable 2-1: First power cable 2-2: Second power cable 4: Conductor 4a: Wire 10: First insulation tube 12: Inner tube 14: Rib 20: Second insulation tube 20a: Integrated insulation tube 22: Outer tube 30: Refrigerant flow channel 30a: Upstream flow channel group 30b: Downstream flow channel group 50: Charging cable 52: Outer jacket 100, 100a, 100b: First plug 102: First body 102a: Through hole 104: First insertion part 106: First extension shaft 110: Inlet 112: Refrigerant inlet hole 114: Refrigerant inlet path 116: Throttle hole 118: Stopper 120: Outlet 122: Refrigerant discharge hole 124: Refrigerant discharge path 130: Compression member 142: Inlet fitting pipe 144: Discharge fitting pipe 150, 150a, 150b: Water supply terminals 152: Body 154: Connection hole 154a: Threaded part 154b: Insert sleeve 156: Extension terminal 160: Transfer pipe 162: Transfer path 200, 200a, 200b: Second plug 202: Second body 202a: Second through hole 204: Second insertion part 206: Second extension shaft 210: Extension pipe 212: Insert sleeve 230: Crimping member 240: U-turn path 250: Socket member 250a, 250b: Socket member 252: Body 254: Connection hole 256: Extension socket 256a: Plug insertion part 256b: Cut-out part 300: Inlet side connector 310: Inlet port 312: Inlet hole 314: Distribution hole 316: Throttle hole 316a: Throttle insert 320: Fitting Shaft 330: Connection Shaft 332: Conductor insertion hole 334: Insert sleeve 340: Crimping member 350: First receiving terminal part 400: Discharge side connector 410: Discharge port 412: Discharge hole 414: Recovery hole 420: Fitting Shaft 430: Connection Shaft 432: Conductor insertion hole 450: Second receiving terminal part 500: U-turn connector 510: First connector 510a: First extension passage 512: First body shaft part 513: First fitting shaft part 514: First connection shaft part 514a: Insert sleeve 515: First shaft hole 516: First connection passage 517: First coupling hole 518: Crimping member 519: First socket part 519a, 559a: Terminal insertion hole 519b,559b: Cut section 550: Second connector 550a: Second extension passage 552: Second fitting groove 553: Second fitting shaft section 554: Second connecting shaft section 554a: Insert sleeve 555: Second shaft hole 556: Second connecting passage 557: Second coupling hole 558: Crimping member 559: Second socket section 570: U-turn shaft 572: Connecting passage 574a: First coupling shaft 574b: Second coupling shaft 580: Housing 580a: Lower housing 580b: Upper housing 582: First receiving groove 584: Second receiving groove 586: Third receiving groove 600: Charging gun 800: Charger 810: Power supply section 812: First power supply terminal 814: Second power supply terminal 850: Refrigeration cycle system 851: Compressor 852: Condenser 853: Expansion mechanism 854: First Refrigerant pipe 855: Second refrigerant pipe 860: Insulating connection C1: First chamber C2: Second chamber C3: Third chamber C4: Fourth chamber,

Claims

Claim 1 Each having an inner tube (12) surrounding a conductor (4), an outer tube (22) maintaining a radial spacing with respect to the inner tube (12), and a refrigerant flow channel (30) penetrating along the longitudinal direction of the conductor (4) between the inner tube (12) and the outer tube (22), a connector coupled to one end of a first power cable (2-1) and a second power cable (2-2) to connect the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) and the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) to communicate with each other, the connector comprises a first connector (510) coupled to the end of the first power cable (2-1) and having a first extension channel (510a) formed therein that communicates with the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1), and a connector coupled to the end of the second power cable (2-2) and the second power cable (2-2) A second connector (550) having a second extension channel (550a) formed in communication with a refrigerant flow channel (30), and a U-turn shaft (570) having a communication channel (572) formed across the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) and connecting the first extension channel (510a) of the first connector (510) and the second extension channel (550a) of the second connector (550); the first connector (510) includes a first fitting shaft portion (513) extending from one side of a first body shaft portion (512) and inserted into the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1), and a first connecting shaft portion (514) extending from the first fitting shaft portion (513) and in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the first power cable (2-1); and the first connecting A third chamber (C3) is secured by the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the shaft portion (514) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22), which connects the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the first power cable (2-1) with the first extension channel (510a), and the second connector (550) is,It includes a second fitting shaft portion (553) that extends from one side of the second body shaft portion (552) and is inserted into the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2), and a second connecting shaft portion (554) that extends from the second fitting shaft portion (553) and is in close contact with the end of the inner tube (12) of the second power cable (2-2), and a fourth chamber (C4) that communicates the refrigerant flow channel (30) of the second power cable (2-2) and the second extension passage (550a) is secured by the space provided by the radial gap between the outer surface of the second connecting shaft portion (554) and the inner surface of the outer tube (22), and the first extension passage (510a) includes a first shaft hole (515) that extends from the end of the first connecting shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) into the interior of the first body shaft portion (512), and the A connector characterized by including a first connecting passage (516) penetrating a first shaft hole (515) and a third chamber (C3), wherein the second extension passage (550a) includes a second shaft hole (555) extending from the end of the second connecting shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) into the interior of the first body shaft portion (552), and a second connecting passage (556) penetrating the second shaft hole (555) and the fourth chamber (C4). Claim 2 A connector according to claim 1, wherein on the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550), a first coupling hole (517) and a second coupling hole (557) are formed to communicate with the first extension channel (510a) and the second extension channel (550a), respectively, and the U-turn shaft (570) has a communication channel (572) drilled in the center, and a first coupling shaft (574a) and a second coupling shaft (574b) are formed at both ends to connect with the first coupling hole (517) and the second coupling hole (557). Claim 3 A connector characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the U-turn shaft (570) and the connecting passage (572) are connected to the first coupling hole (517) and the second coupling hole (557) by crossing the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) in a straight line. Claim 4 A connector characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the connecting passage (572) is formed of an orifice or a pore to serve as an expansion mechanism for depressurizing and expanding the refrigerant. Claim 5 In claim 4, the connector is characterized in that the above-mentioned connecting channel (572) has a diameter of 0.18 mm to 1.2 mm. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A connector characterized in that, in claim 1, a compression member (518) for sealing and fixing the space between the first fitting shaft (513) and the outer tube (22) is fastened to the outer circumference of the outer tube (22) of the first power cable (2-1) into which the first fitting shaft (513) is inserted, and a compression member (558) for sealing and fixing the space between the second fitting shaft (553) and the outer tube (22) is fastened to the outer circumference of the outer tube (22) of the second power cable (2-2) into which the second fitting shaft (553) is inserted. Claim 8 A connector characterized in that, in claim 1, the conductor (4) of the first power cable (2-1) is electrically connected to the first connection shaft (514) of the first connector (510), and the conductor (4) of the second power cable (2-2) is electrically connected to the second connection shaft (554) of the second connector (550). Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A connector characterized in that, in claim 1, a conductor (4) of a first power cable (2-1) is inserted into a first shaft hole (515) of a first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) to be electrically connected, a first socket portion (519) for connecting to a power demand side connection terminal is formed on the other side of a first body shaft portion (512) of the first connector (510), a conductor (4) of a second power cable (2-2) is inserted into a second shaft hole (555) of a second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550) to be electrically connected, and a second socket portion (559) for connecting to a power demand side connection terminal is formed on the other side of a second body shaft portion (552) of the second connector (550). Claim 11 A connector characterized in that, in claim 10, an insert sleeve (514a) for compressing the first shaft hole (515) and the conductor (4) is fitted between the first shaft hole (515) of the first connection shaft portion (514) of the first connector (510) and the conductor (4), and an insert sleeve (554a) for compressing the second shaft hole (555) and the conductor (4) is fitted between the second shaft hole (555) of the second connection shaft portion (554) of the second connector (550). Claim 12 A connector according to claim 11, wherein the insert sleeves (514a, 554a) are made of silver (Ag) material or silver (Ag) plated material. Claim 13 A connector characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) are accommodated with an insulating gap, and further include a housing (580) made of an insulating material. Claim 14 In claim 13, the housing (580) is provided with a first receiving groove (582) and a second receiving groove (584) into which the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) are fitted, and is composed of a lower housing (580a) and an upper housing (580b) that are divided vertically based on a plane connecting the central axis of the first receiving groove (582) and the second receiving groove (584), so as to be separable and connectable to each other. Claim 15 A connector according to claim 14, wherein the U-turn shaft (570) connecting the first connector (510) and the second connector (550) is connected in a straight line across the opposing sides of the first connector (510) and the second connector (550), and a third receiving groove (586) for receiving the U-turn shaft (570) is further formed between the first receiving groove (582) and the second receiving groove (584). Claim 16 A connector characterized in that, in claim 1, the refrigerant flows into either the first connector (510) or the second connector (550), cools the conductor end of a power cable attached to one of the connectors, flows through the U-turn shaft (570) to another connector, cools the conductor end of another power cable attached to the other connector, and circulates.

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