Plug for electrical vehicle charger and method for charging an electric vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a plug (25) for connecting a charger cable (22) to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle (12, 30). The plug (25) comprises a connector body (100) and a connector housing (120). The connector housing (120) surrounds at least a portion of the connector body (100) and is provided coaxially therewith. The connector housing (120) and the connector body (100) are configured for rotating relative to each other. A connector interface (110) is provided distally from the connector body (100) and configured for being received in a complementary connector interface (110) at the inlet of the electric vehicle (12, 30). An output power contact (101, 102, 103) is provided at an outer surface of the connector body (100) and electrically connected to the connector interface (110). At least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) are provided at an inner surface of the connector housing (120) and configured for contacting the output power contact (101, 102, 103) depending on a rotational position of the connector housing (120) relative to the connector body (100), each one of the input power contacts (122, 124, 126) being connected to a separate power line (121, 123, 125).

Description

[0001] PLUG FOR ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGER AND METHOD FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a plug for connecting a charger cable to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle. This invention further relates to a charging system for electric vehicles comprising such a plug and to a method for charging an electric vehicle using that charging system. Background of the invention

[0004] In the last two decades, an increasing part of the worldwide vehicle fleet has been electrified. As the electric vehicle (EV) market currently operates, different cars are charged at different charging levels and using charging plugs (and sockets) of various designs. Charging levels may, e.g. , depend on the EV' s own battery capacity and power requirement or the user' s need to charge fast. Often, the charging equipment and service providers need to supply different charging systems to meet the various power requirement variants on the markets .

[0005] More recently, the electrification of the vehicle fleet started expanding to the market of larger, Class 6, 7, and 8 commercial vehicles. For example, trucks, construction equipment, agricultural vehicles, and mining vehicles are introduced that partly or fully rely on a plug-in battery system to power their propulsion. Because such larger battery electric vehicles typically have larger, higher capacity, battery packs, the charging levels used for charging them are typically higher than the charging levels for consumer vehicles . An industry taskforce that is currently working on a charging standard for large battery electric commercial vehicles has, for example, proposed an MCS (Megawatt Charging System) charger specification that defines three different levels of DC output power ; 350 A for level 1 , 1000 A for level 2 , and 3000 A for level 3 . At a maximum voltage of about 1250 V, the connector is designed to operate at a power output of up to 3 . 75 MW

[0006] This further increase and continuous development of charging options presents a maj or challenge to electric vehicle charging providers . At charging locations where different types of vehicles may need to be charged, a lot of space may be needed to provide the neces sary plurality of separate and different charging solution .

[0007] It is an aim of the current invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the known electric vehicle charging systems . Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the invention , a plug is provided for connecting a charger cable to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle . The plug compri se s a connector body and a connector hous ing . The connector housing surrounds at least a portion of the connector body and i s provided coaxially therewith . The connector hous ing and the connector body are configured for rotating relative to each other . A connector interface i s provided distally f rom the connector body and conf igured for being received in a complementary connector interface at the inlet of the electric vehicle . An output power contact is provided at an outer surface of the connector body and electrically connected to the connector interface . At least two input power contacts are provided at an inner surface of the connector housing and conf igured for contacting the output power contact depending on a rotational position of the connector hous ing relative to the connector body, each one of the input power contact s being connected to a separate power line . The distal and proximal ends of the connector body are thereby def ined along it s central longitudinal axis , with the proximal end being the end that is the closest to the charger cable and thus the furthest away from the vehicle when inserting the plug into the charging inlet of the vehicle .

[0009] With the plug according to the invention , a rotation of the connector hous ing can change which of the at lea st two input power contacts is ( or are ) in contact with the output power contact at the outer surface of the connector body . The connector interface is electrically connected to the output connector and the power line a s sociated therewith . Because each input power contact i s connected to a separate power line , the rotational position of the connector housing relative to the connector body determines which power line is electrically connected to the connector interface and which power line provide s the power for charging the electric vehicle . When supplying different currents and / or voltages to the dif ferent power lines , the same plug can be used for charging different electric vehicles at different charging powers , without needing to adapt any configuration at the charging dispenser . The only configuration required to select the appropriate charging level i s made at the location of the plug , where the actual charging of the vehicle occurs .

[0010] In an embodiment , the at least two input power contact s are circumferentially separated over an angle that is larger than a circumferential width of the output power contact .

[0011] Because the gap between two circumferentially adj acent input power contact s is larger than the width of the output power contact , the output power contact will never contact more than one of the input power contacts at the same time . As a result , only one of the available power lines can be electronically connected to the connector interface. Furthermore, this minimum spatial separation of the input power contacts creates the possibility to bring the plug in an unconnected state wherein no input power contact is in contact with the output power contact on the connector body and no charging current can flow through the connector interface. This may, for example, provide for an additional safety measure to prevent that a user touching the electrodes of the connector interface is involuntarily electrocuted. Such additional safety measures are, of course, only provided to supplement other safety measures that ensure that no charging current runs through the power lines, except when the plug is properly inserted into the charging inlet of the electric vehicle and the charging of that vehicle' s battery has started.

[0012] In another embodiment, the at least two input power contacts are circumferentially separated over an angle that is smaller than a circumferential width of the output power contact. Such a smaller gap between two input power contacts creates the possibility for the output power contact to electrically connect with both input power contacts simultaneously. If the power lines connected to the respective input power contacts provide different charging power levels, the connector body can be rotated to provide for three different levels of power, i.e. the first power level, the second power level, or the sum of both power levels.

[0013] In embodiments having more than two input power contacts provided at the inner surface of the connector housing, some gaps between two adjacent input power contacts may be wider than the width of the output power contact, while other gaps are smaller. Such embodiments may combine the technical advantageous and possibilities described above.

[0014] Further configuration options may be made available by providing more than one output power contact on the outer surface of the connector body. Depending on the relative rotational positions of the connector body and the connector housing, either no, one, or two of the output power contacts may then be electrically connected to one or more of the input power contacts.

[0015] In further embodiments, the at least two input power contacts may be axially separated while overlapping in a circumferential direction. At the connector body surface, an output power contact may be provided having a length (measured in the axial direction) and position that is configured to simultaneously contact both axially separated input power contacts at the point of overlap. If those two input power contacts do not overlap at other points on the circumference of the connector housing, rotating the connector housing relative to the connector body allows switching between electrical contact with one, both, or the other one of the input power contacts. Instead of one output power contact with a length spanning both the overlapping input power contacts, the connector body may have two (or more) separate output power contacts, located at the same circumferential position but at different axial positions .

[0016] The at least two input power contacts may be dimensioned differently, not just in a circumferential or axial direction but in a radial direction too. For example, thicker electrodes may be used for those input power contacts that are connected to power lines through which higher electrical currents are sent. According to the now proposed MCS industry standard, three different current levels may be made available, i.e. , 350 A, 1000 A, and 3000 A . The input power contact connected to the 3000 A power line may be made significantly thicker than the input power contact connected to the 350 A power line .

[0017] The rotation of the connector hous ing relative to the connector body ( or vice versa ) may be performed manually . Indicators may be provided on the plug to indicate to the user how to rotate the connector housing to obtain a particular connection between the input power contact s and the output power contacts . Known mechanical solutions , such as latches and notches , may be used to make it ea sier to properly align the correct input power contact s with the des ired output power contacts . Such alignment features and / or the input and output power contact s may be spring biased to ensure both good rotational alignment of and optimal electronic connection between the input and output power contacts .

[0018] Advantageously, the plug may further comprise an actuator for rotating the connector body relative to the connector housing . The actuator may be instructed by a user selecting a particular configuration using control buttons or a graphical user interface provided at the plug or the charging dispenser . Alternatively, a remote application , for example on a phone or in the electric vehicle , i s used to instruct the actuator to bring the plug into a particular configuration . Part of the actuator control proces s may be automated . For example , the charging system may be equipped to detect the approach of a known electric vehicle or the charging inlet of the electric vehicle may communicate it s preferred charging level to a charging controller that , in response thereto , instructs the actuator to adj ust the rotational position of the connector hous ing relative to the connector body .

[0019] Typically, the plug further compri ses a charger cable , proximally extending from the connector body and compris ing the respective separate power line s for each one of the input power contacts . The other end of the charger cable i s connected, or conf igured for being connected, to the charging dispenser . The charging dispenser ensures that the correct power levels are supplied to the respective power lines when the battery of the electrical vehicle is charged .

[0020] In preferred embodiment s , the connector body is arranged for rotating relative to the charger cable and around a longitudinal axis of the plug . This allows the connector housing to remain stationary relative to the charger cable . By rotating the connector body and not the connector housing , it is avoided that the power line s that run through the charger cable are twisted when the input power contacts rotate around the central axis of the charger cable . As a result , damage to and wear of these power line s and their connections to the respective input power contacts is minimized .

[0021] The charger cable may further comprise a coolant channel extending through the connector body for thermally connecting with the connector interface . While charging the vehicle battery, coolant may flow through the coolant channel and withdraw some of the heat that is generated at the electrodes of the connector interface or el sewhere in the plug or charger cable . Preferably, the coolant channel is arranged centrally in the connector body, along or adj acent to its central longitudinal axis . The coolant channel is preferably arranged such that it doe s not rotate together with the connector body, but remains stationary relative to the charger cable while the connector body rotate s around it .

[0022] The plug may further comprise a protective earth cable and / or a data communication cable extending through the connector body for electrically connecting with the connector interface . Like the optional coolant channel the protective earth cable and / or the data communication cable are preferably provided centrally and do not rotate together with the connector body . To ensure continuous electrical contact with the corresponding connection terminals of the connector interface , contact rings may be provided at the rear ( i . e . , proximal ) surface of the connector interface . When the connector body and the connector interface together rotate relative to the charger cable and the connector housing , such contact rings may remain in continuous sliding contact with the distal ends of the protective earth cable and / or the data communication cable .

[0023] Alternatively, the protective earth cable and the data communication cable rotate together with the connector body, but the plug is des igned such that these cable s have suf ficient freedom of movement to allow the connector body to be rotated far enough in both directions to allow connecting all the input power contact s to the output power contact without putting too much strain on the twi sting cables .

[0024] In alternative embodiments , the connector housing may be arranged for rotating relative to the charger cable and the connector body may remain stationary .

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention charging system is provided for charging electric vehicle s . The charging system comprises a plug as described above .

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the invention a method is provided for charging an electric vehicle using such a charging system . The method compri ses steps of rotating the connector body relative to the connector housing , inserting the connector interface of the plug into the complementary connector interface at the inlet of the electric vehicle , and supplying a charging power to the connector interface at the inlet of the electric vehicle , via the selected one of the at least two input power contacts . When rotating the connector body relative to the connector hous ing , a selected one of the at least two input power contacts provided at the inner surface of the connector housing is connected to the output power contact provided at the outer surface of the connector body .

[0027] Preferably, after inserting the connector interface and before supplying the charging power , a protective earth connection between the connector interface of the plug and the connector interface at the inlet of the vehicle is checked . This ensures that no electric current is sent through the power lines unles s the plug is properly inserted into the battery charging inlet of the vehicle .

[0028] In addition thereto , the method for charging the electric vehicle may further compri se a step of , after checking the protective earth connection , exchanging data between the charging system and the vehicle via a wired communication channel running through the connector interface of the plug and the connector interface at the inlet of the vehicle . The communication channel between the vehicle and the charging system may, e . g . , be used for exchanging technical information about the vehicle and the vehicle ' s battery, organizing payments , or providing information about the ongoing charging proces s .

[0029] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electric vehicle charging system that may benefit from the current invention . Figure 2 shows a front view of a plug according to an embodiment of the invention .

[0031] Figure 3 shows a cros s section of the plug of

[0032] Figure 2 .

[0033] Figure 4 shows a charging dispenser for use with the plug of Figures 2 and 3 .

[0034] Figures 5a and 5b schematically show pos sible electrode arrangement s for the input and output power contact s of the plug of Figures 2 and 3 .

[0035] Figures 6a and 6b schematically show dif ferent electrode arrangement s for the input and output power contact s of the plug of Figures 2 and 3 .

[0036] These drawings depict one or more implementations in accordance with the present teachings , by way of example only, not by way of limitation . In the figure s , like reference numerals refer to the same or s imilar element s . Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0037] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electric vehicle charging system that may benefit from the current invention . The charging system comprises a charging station or charging dispenser 10 that is coupled to the grid and provided for enabling the charging of the batteries of electric vehicles 12 , 30 . The charging station 10 may compri se one or more charger plugs 25 , connected to the charging di spenser 10 via a charger cable 22 . The charger plugs 25 can be inserted into the charging inlet of an electric vehicle 12 , 30 for charging its batteries . The current invention relates to a special plug 25 that ma kes it pos s ible to use a standardised connector interface for charging the batterie s of an electric vehicle 12 , 30 at two or more different charging levels

[0038] Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a front view and a cros s section of a plug 25 according to an embodiment of the invention . At the center of the plug 25 , a connector interface 110 is provided. The connector interface 110 is designed and configured to fit into the charging inlet of an electric vehicle 12, 30. The connector interface shown here is designed in accordance with the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) industry standard proposed by CHARIN for use with larger commercial vehicles of Class 6, 7, and 8. These classes comprise larger single-axle and all multiaxle transport trucks and most large construction, mining, and agricultural vehicles. The connector interface 110 comprises a protective earth (PE) pin, two direct current (DC) primary power pins, and four communication (C) and detection pins between the PE and DC pins . Other connector interfaces 110 can be used instead. The current invention is not limited to a specific type of connector interface 110. For example, a connector interface with fewer or more power pins, or a connector interface especially designed for use in an alternative current (AC) charging system may replace the connector interface 110 of this embodiment.

[0039] The connector interface 110 is mounted to the distal end of a connector body 100. A distal and proximal direction are herein defined along a longitudinal and central axis 500 of the plug 25, with the distal end being on the left in Figure 3 on the end furthest away from the charging dispenser 10 and closest to the vehicle 12, 30 that is charged.

[0040] An output power contact 101 is located at an outer surface of the connector body 100. As can be seen in the cross section of this plug 25, shown in Figure 3, the output power contact 101 is electrically connected to the connector interface 110, where it connects with the DC power pins. In other embodiments, two or more output power contacts 101 may be provided at the outer surface of the connector body 100. The additional output power contacts may be separated from the first output power contact 101 in a circumferential and / or axial direction. Different output power contacts 101 may have different shapes and sizes depending on the current levels they are designed to conduct .

[0041] A connector housing 120 at least partly surrounds the connector body 100 and is provided coaxially therewith. The connector housing 120 and the connector body 100 are configured for rotating relative to each other. This rotation may be performed manually by a user and / or by an actuator 140 that is installed between the connector body 100 and the connector housing 120. The electrical power needed for powering the actuator may be provided by a motor power line 141 that runs through the charger cable 22 and gets its power from the charging dispenser 10. Alternatively, the plug 25 may comprise a, possibly chargeable battery for powering the actuator 140.

[0042] At least two, and in this case three, input power contacts 122, 124, 126 are provided at an inner surface of the connector housing 120 and configured for contacting the output power contact 101 depending on a rotational position of the connector housing 120 relative to the connector body 100. Each one of the input power contacts 122, 124, 126 is connected to a respective separate input power line 121, 123, 125. Each individual power input line 121, 123, 125 runs through the charger cable 22 and is, at its other, proximal, end connected to the charging dispenser 10. The charging dispenser 10 is configured for selectively powering one or more of the input power lines 121, 123, 125 and for doing so at different power levels. As a result, by rotating the connector body 100 relative to the connector housing 120, a specific one of the input power contacts 122, 124, 126 can be connected to the output power contact 101 on the connector body 100, and thereby deliver a selected one of the three available power levels to the connector interface 110 .

[0043] In preferred embodiment s , the connector body 100 is arranged for rotating relative to the charger cable 22 and around the longitudinal axis of the plug 25 . This allows the connector housing 120 to remain stationary relative to the charger cable 22 . By rotating the connector body 100 and not the connector housing 120 , it is avoided that the power line s 121 , 123 , 125 that run through the charger cable 22 are twisted when the input power contacts rotate around the central axis of the charger cable 22 . As a result , damage to and wear of these power lines 121 , 123 , 125 and their connections to the re spective input power contact s 122 , 124 , 12 6 is minimized .

[0044] The charger cable 22 may further comprise a coolant channel 150 extending through the connector body 100 for thermally connecting with the connector interface 110 . While charging the vehicle battery, coolant may flow through the coolant channel 150 and withdraw some of the heat that is generated at the electrodes of the connector 110 interface or elsewhere in the plug 25 or charger cable 22 . Preferably, the coolant channel 150 i s arranged centrally in the connector body 100 , along or adj acent to its central longitudinal axi s 500 . The coolant channel 150 is preferably arranged such that it does not rotate together with the connector body 100 , but remains stationary relative to the charger cable 22 while the connector body 100 rotates around it .

[0045] The plug 25 of Figures 2 and 3 further comprise s a protective earth cable 170 and a data communication cable 160 extending through the connector body 100 for electrically connecting with the connector interface 110 . The protective earth cable 170 is configured to be in electrical contact with the PE pin of the connector interface 110 . The communication cable 160 is configured to be in electrical contact with the communication and data pins of the connector interface 110 . Like the optional coolant channel 150 the protective earth cable 170 and the data communication cable 160 are preferably provided centrally and do not rotate together with the connector body 100 . To ensure continuous electrical contact with the corresponding connection terminals of the connector interface 110 , contact rings may be provided at the rear ( i . e . , proximal ) surface of the connector interface 110 . When the connector body 100 and the connector interface 110 together rotate relative to the charger cable 22 and the connector housing 120 , such contact rings may remain in continuous sliding contact with the distal ends of the protective earth cable 170 and the data communication cable 160 .

[0046] Alternatively, the protective earth cable 170 and the data communication cable 160 rotate together with the connector body 100 , but the plug 25 is designed such that these cables 160 , 170 have sufficient freedom of movement to allow the connector body 100 to be rotated far enough in both directions to allow connecting all the input power contact s 122 , 124 , 12 6 to the output power contact 101 without putting too much strain on the twisting cables 160 , 170 .

[0047] In other alternative embodiments , the connector housing 120 may be arranged for rotating relative to the charger cable 22 , while the connector body 100 and the connector interface 110 remain stationary . In such embodiment , the plug 25 may be designed such that these the power lines 121 , 122 , 123 have sufficient f reedom of movement to allow the connector housing 120 to be rotated far enough in both directions to allow connecting all the input power contacts 122 , 124 , 126 to the output power contact 101 without putting too much strain on the twisting power lines 121, 122, 123.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a charging dispenser 10 for use with the plug 25 of Figures 2 and 3. The plug 25 is connected to the charging dispenser 10 via a charger cable 22 that includes all the power lines 121, 123, 125, the coolant channel 150, the protective earth cable 170, the data communication cable 160, and the motor power cable 141. Alternatively, one or more of these cables may be separately provided from the charger cable 22. The charging dispenser 10 may comprise a controller and a user interface for allowing a user of the vehicle 12, 30 to start, stop and control the charging process, while monitoring its progress. Via the data communication cable 160, via a direct wireless connections, or through a connection to the Internet, such control and monitoring functions may alternatively be made available elsewhere.

[0049] Figures 5a and 5b schematically show possible electrode arrangements for the input and output power contacts of the plug of Figures 2 and 3. It is to be noted that Figures 5a and 5b are not drawn to scale but only serve to explain some aspects of the current invention. Figure 5a schematically shows a view on the inner surface of the connector housing 120 and three input power contacts 122, 124, 126. As shown here, different output power contacts 101 may have different shapes and sizes depending on the current levels they are designed to conduct. For examples, a first input power contact 122 is made larger than the other input power contacts 124, 126 and designed to conduct a 3000 A electrical current, while the second and third input power contacts 124, 126 are designed for respectively 1000 A and 350 A.

[0050] Figure 5b schematically shows a view on the outer surface of the connector body 100 and a single power output contact 101. Figure 5b further shows part of the connector interface 110.

[0051] Although the input power contacts 122, 124, 126 are drawn close together in Figure 5a, they are preferably separated along the circumference of the inner surface of the connector housing 120 over a distance that is larger than the width of the output power contact 101. This distance and width can be measured in centimeters along the circumference of the surfaces of the connector housing 120 and the connector body 100, or as an angle spanned by the respective contacts, i.e. as a portion of the 360° of the full circumference.

[0052] Because the gap between two circumferentially adjacent input power contacts 122, 124, 126 is larger than the width of the output power contact 101, the output power contact 101 will never contact more than one of the input power contacts 122, 124, 126 at the same time. As a result, only one of the available power lines 121, 123,

[0053] 125 can be electronically connected to the connector interface 110. Furthermore, this minimum spatial separation of the input power contacts 122, 124, 126 creates the possibility to bring the plug 25 in an unconnected state wherein no input power contact 122, 124,

[0054] 126 is in contact with the output power contact 101 on the connector body 100 and no charging current can flow through the connector interface 110. This may, for example, provide for an additional safety measure to prevent that a user touching the electrodes of the connector interface 110 is involuntarily electrocuted. Such additional safety measures are, of course, only provided to supplement other safety measures that ensure that no charging current runs through the power lines 121, 123, 125, except when the plug 25 is properly inserted into the charging inlet of the electric vehicle 12, 30 and Figures 6a and 6b schematically show different electrode arrangements for the input and output power contacts of the plug of Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the three input power contacts 122, 124, 126 provided at the inner surface of the housing 120 are axially separated while overlapping in a circumferential direction. Three separate output power contacts 101, 102, 103 are provided at the outer surface of the connector body 100. Like the input power contacts 122, 124, 126, the output power contacts 101, 102, 103 are axially separated and circumferentially overlapping. In this case, the three output power contacts are all arranged at the same circumferential position. All three power output contacts

[0055] 101, 102, 103 may together be connected to the same power pins at the connector interface 110.

[0056] When the plug 25 is in its assembled form, each of the output power contacts 101, 102, 103 is axially aligned with a respective one of the input power contacts 122, 124, 126. Depending on the rotational position of the connector body 100 relative to the connector housing 120, either no, one, two, or three of the input power contacts 122, 124, 126 are electrically connected to their axially corresponding output power contact 101, 102, 103. If three input power contacts 122, 124, 126 are connected to three separate power lines 121, 123, 125 providing an electrical current of respectively 350 A, 650 A and 2000 A, the plug 25 can be used for supplying current of 350 A, 1000 A (350 A + 650 A) , or 3000 A (350 A + 650 A + 2000 A) . Thus, the same power levels can be achieved as with the embodiment of Figures 5a and 5b while having lower currents flowing through the power lines 121, 123, 125.

[0057] Instead of three separate power output contacts 101,

[0058] 102, 130, a single output power contact may be provided at the outer surface of the connector body 100, having a length (measured in the axial direction) and position that is configured to simultaneously contact all three axially separated input power contacts 122, 124, 126 at the point of overlap.

[0059] With the plugs 25 described above, the charging dispenser 10, charger cable 22 and charger plug 25 can be used to easily switch between charging electric vehicles at different charging powers . The same charging system can, e.g. , be used for a consumer vehicle 12 first and for a large truck 30 immediately after that. If two charger cables 22 are provided at the same charging dispenser 10, two different power output can even be delivered simultaneously .

[0060] The charging process comprises steps of rotating the connector body 100 relative to the connector housing 120, inserting the connector interface 110 of the plug 25 into the complementary connector interface at the inlet of the electric vehicle 12, 30, and supplying a charging power to the connector interface 110 at the inlet of the electric vehicle 12, 30, via a selected one of the two or more input power contacts 122, 124, 126. When rotating the connector body 100 relative to the connector housing 120, the selected input power contact 122, 124, 126 provided at the inner surface of the connector housing 120 is connected to the output power contact 101, 102, 103 provided at the outer surface of the connector body 100.

[0061] Preferably, after inserting the connector interface 110 and before supplying the charging power, a protective earth connection between the connector interface 110 of the plug 25 and the connector interface at the inlet of the vehicle 12, 30 is checked. This ensures that no electric current is sent through the power lines 121, 123, 125 unless the plug 25 is properly inserted into the battery charging inlet of the vehicle 12, 30. In addition thereto, the charging process may further comprise a step of, after checking the protective earth connection, exchanging data between the charging dispenser 10 and the vehicle 12, 30 via a wired communication channel 160 running through the connector interface of the plug and the connector interface at the inlet of the vehicle. The communication channel between the vehicle and the charging system may, e.g. , be used for exchanging technical information about the vehicle 12, 30 and the vehicle' s battery, organizing payments, or providing information about the ongoing charging process.

[0062] While many possible variations of the plug and socket combination according to the invention have been described above, it will be clear to the skilled person that additional variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims .

Claims

C L A I M S1. A plug (25) for connecting a charger cable (22) to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle (12, 30) , the plug (25) comprising:- a connector body (100) ,- a connector housing (120) surrounding at least a portion of the connector body (100) and provided coaxially therewith, the connector housing (120) and the connector body (100) being configured for rotating relative to each other ,- a connector interface (110) , provided distally from the connector body (100) and configured for being received in a complementary connector interface (110) at the inlet of the electric vehicle (12, 30) ,- an output power contact (101, 102, 103) , provided at an outer surface of the connector body (100) and electrically connected to the connector interface (110) ,- at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) , provided at an inner surface of the connector housing (120) and configured for contacting the output power contact (101, 102, 103) depending on a rotational position of the connector housing (120) relative to the connector body (100) , each one of the input power contacts (122, 124, 126) being connected to a separate power line (121, 123, 125) .

2. A plug (25) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) are circumferentially separated over an angle that is larger than a circumferential width of the output power contact (101, 102, 103) .

3. A plug (25) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) arecircumferentially separated over an angle that is smaller than a circumferential width of the output power contact (101, 102, 103) .

4. A plug (25) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) are axially separated while overlapping in a circumferential direction .

5. A plug (25) as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising at least a second output power contact (101, 102, 103) , provided at the outer surface of the connector body (100) and electrically connected to the connector interface (110) .

6. A plug (25) as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the output power contact (101, 102, 103) and the second output power contact (101, 102, 103) are circumferentially or axially overlapping .

7. A plug (25) as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) are dimensioned differently.

8. A plug (25) as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising an actuator (140) for rotating the connector body (100) relative to the connector housing (120) .

9. A plug (25) as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising a charger cable (22) , proximally extending from the connector body (100) and comprising the respective separate power lines (121, 122, 123) for each one of the input power contacts (122, 124, 126) .10 A plug (25) as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the connector body (100) is arranged for rotating relative to the charger cable (22) and around a longitudinal axis (500) of the plug (25) .

11. A plug (25) as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the connector housing (120) is arranged for rotating relativeto the charger cable (22) and around a longitudinal axis (500) of the plug (25) .

12. A plug (25) as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the charger cable (22) further comprises a coolant channel (150) extending through the connector body (100) for thermally connecting with the connector interface (110) .

13. A plug (25) as claimed in any of any of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the plug (25) further comprises a protective earth cable (170) and / or a data communication cable (160) extending through the connector body (100) for electrically connecting with the connector interface (110) .

14. A charging system for an electric vehicle (12, 30) comprising a plug (25) as claimed in any preceding Claim.

15. A method for charging an electric vehicle (12, 30) using a charging system as claimed in Claim 14, the method comprising : rotating the connector body (100) relative to the connector housing (120) for connecting a selected one of the at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) provided at the inner surface of the connector housing (120) to the output power contact (101, 102, 103) provided at the outer surface of the connector body (100) , inserting the connector interface (110) of the plug (25) into the complementary connector interface (110) at the inlet of the electric vehicle (12, 30) , supply a charging power to the connector interface (110) at the inlet of the electric vehicle (12, 30) , via the selected one of the at least two input power contacts (122, 124, 126) .

16. A method for charging an electric vehicle (12, 30) as claimed in Claim 15, further comprising a step of, after inserting the connector interface (110) and beforesupplying the charging power, checking a protective earth connection between the connector interface (110) of the plug (25) and the connector interface (110) at the inlet of the vehicle (12, 30) .

17. A method for charging an electric vehicle (12, 30) as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a step of, after checking the protective earth connection, exchanging data between the charging system and the vehicle (12, 30) via a wired communication channel running through the connector interface (110) of the plug (25) and the connector interface (110) at the inlet of the vehicle (12, 30) .

18. A method for charging an electric vehicle (12, 30) as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, further comprising a step of, while supplying the charging power, running a coolant through a coolant channel extending through the connector body (100) .

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