Electric charging cable with cooling hose having differing flexibility

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric charging cable having at least one cooling hose. An exemplary embodiment of such an electric charging cable has at least one electrical line and at least one cooling hose. The at least one cooling hose has at least one first section, which extends in a longitudinal direction of the at least one cooling hose and has a first flexibility, and at least one second section, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the at least one cooling hose and has a second flexibility. The first flexibility and the second flexibility differ from one another.

Description

[0001] Electric charging cable with cooling hose with different flexibility

[0002] The invention relates to an electrical charging cable, in particular for electric vehicles, with a cooling hose.

[0003] Electric vehicles are usually charged at charging stations using charging cables. Such charging cables are typically connected to a charging station / column via a plug at one end and can be connected to an electric vehicle via another plug for the charging process. The maximum charging power for an electric vehicle (electric car) depends on several factors, such as the charging power of the electric car and the charging station. In addition to the electric vehicle and the charging station, other factors influencing the maximum charging power include the temperature and the battery charge level.

[0004] In addition to the battery temperature, the temperature of the charging cable also plays a role in the charging performance and thus the duration of the charging process. Charging systems designed for high charging performance generally lead to significant heat buildup. This can be particularly problematic with charging cables with smaller cross-sections. Normally, smaller cross-sections would not be able to transmit the required power because they would heat up too quickly due to the current load. This could lead to the maximum permissible conductor temperature according to EN 50620 or IEC 62893 being exceeded after a certain period of time. The charging process might have to be interrupted or aborted. Furthermore, the cables' service life could be damaged.

[0005] In addition, the surface temperature of the charging cable could rise above the limit value of IEC 117 and possibly lead to injury to the user if the charging cable is touched or handled. The heat energy generated during charging must therefore be dissipated, for example using a cooling line. One current approach to this is to integrate hoses into the cable construction, which remove the heat from the cable. The medium in the cooling hoses can be gaseous or liquid. As a rule, conductive liquids (e.g. a water-glycol mixture) are increasingly being used for cooling in the thermal management process. Nowadays, hoses, so-called cooling hoses, are used in cooled charging cables to transport a cooling medium. When charging a vehicle with a charging cable, there are different zones (plug, cable, charging station) in which different levels of flexibility / strength of the hose are desired or required.Currently used hoses in the loading area exhibit the same properties along their entire length. This makes it impossible to meet the necessary requirements for the hose in the various zones, which simultaneously compromises quality.

[0006] Consequently, the charging cables known from the state of the art cannot meet the desired or required properties.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical charging cable with an improved cooling hose. In particular, there is a need for an electrical charging cable with a cooling hose that can meet different requirements along its length.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, an electrical charging cable, for example for electric vehicles, is proposed. The electrical charging cable has at least one electrical line and at least one cooling hose. The at least one cooling hose has at least one first section extending in a longitudinal direction of the at least one cooling hose and having a first flexibility. This means that the first section has a first flexibility. The at least one cooling hose has at least one second section extending in the longitudinal direction of the at least one cooling hose and having a second flexibility. This means that the second section has a second flexibility. The first flexibility and the second flexibility are different from one another.

[0009] The at least one cooling hose is normally cylindrical and / or cylinder-shaped and / or tubular. The at least one first section and / or the at least one second section can each extend along a region of the at least one cooling hose along the longitudinal axis, which normally corresponds to the long axis. In the circumferential direction of the at least one cooling hose, the at least one first section and / or the at least one second section can extend at least along a part of the circumference of the at least one cooling hose, in particular along the entire circumference of the at least one cooling hose. For example, the at least one first section has a higher degree of flexibility than the at least one second section.In this case, the at least one first section can also be referred to as a flexible section or, compared to the at least one second section, a more flexible section. The at least one second section can in this case be referred to as an inflexible section or, compared to the at least one first section, a less flexible section. In this case, it can also be said that the at least one first section has a lower dimensional stability or strength or rigidity or flexural rigidity than the at least one second section.

[0010] Alternatively, the at least one first section has less flexibility than the at least one second section. In this case, the at least one first section can also be referred to as an inflexible section or, compared to the at least one second section, a less flexible section. In this case, the at least one second section can be referred to as a flexible section or, compared to the at least one first section, a more flexible section. In this case, it can also be said that the at least one first section has greater dimensional stability or strength or rigidity or flexural rigidity than the at least one second section.

[0011] Form stability is often understood as the ability of a material to retain its original shape with high precision under mechanical or thermal stress. Strength is a material property and normally describes the mechanical resistance a material offers to plastic deformation or separation. Stiffness normally describes the resistance of a body to elastic deformation imposed by an external load (force or moment). It therefore conveys the relationship between the load on a component and its deformation. Bending stiffness usually characterizes the resistance of a component subjected to bending in a flat cross-section to curvature around the bending axis. It is determined by the ratio of the exerted bending moment to the curvature it causes.According to a further definition, the product of the area moment of inertia and the modulus of elasticity is often referred to as flexural rigidity. The area moment of inertia depends on the cross-sectional shape. The at least one first section can be arranged or provided in at least one end region of the at least one cooling hose. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one first section can be arranged or provided in at least one region of the at least one cooling hose that differs from the at least one end region of the at least one cooling hose. For example, the at least one first section can be arranged or provided in at least one middle or central region of the at least one cooling hose.Furthermore, the at least one first section can be arranged in a region of the at least one cooling hose to be bent, for example in a reversal region of an electrical charging cable containing the at least one cooling hose.

[0012] The different flexibility of the at least one first section and the at least one second section can be achieved in various ways, which can be realized independently or in combination with one another.

[0013] According to a first exemplary embodiment, a wall thickness or a thickness of the at least one cooling hose in the at least one first section can be different from a wall thickness or a thickness of the at least one cooling hose in the at least one second section. A different flexibility can be achieved by the different thickness or wall thickness. For example, a wall thickness or a thickness of the at least one cooling hose in the at least one first section can be less than a wall thickness or thickness of the at least one cooling hose in the at least one second section. In this case, the at least one first section can have a higher flexibility than the at least one second section.Alternatively, a wall thickness or thickness of the at least one cooling hose in the at least one second section may be less than a wall thickness or thickness of the at least one cooling hose in the at least one first section. In this case, the at least one first section may have less flexibility than the at least one second section.

[0014] According to a second exemplary embodiment, which can be implemented independently or in combination with the first exemplary embodiment, the at least one cooling hose in the at least one first section can have at least one inner layer, for example exclusively the at least one inner layer, or at least one outer layer, for example exclusively the at least one outer layer. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the at least one cooling hose in the at least one second section can have at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer. For example, the at least one cooling hose in the at least one second section can have the at least one inner layer and the at least one outer layer.

[0015] Different levels of flexibility can be achieved or realized through the different layers. For example, the inner layer can have greater flexibility (be more flexible) than the outer layer. In this case, the at least one first section can have greater flexibility (be more flexible) than the at least one second section.

[0016] According to a third exemplary embodiment, which can be implemented independently or in combination with the first exemplary embodiment and / or the second exemplary embodiment, the at least one cooling hose can comprise at least one first cooling hose element and at least one second cooling hose element. The at least one first section can comprise the at least one first cooling hose element or can be formed by the at least one first cooling hose element. The at least one second section can comprise the at least one second cooling hose element or can be formed by the at least one second cooling hose element.

[0017] The at least one first cooling hose element and the at least one second cooling hose element can be formed as separate elements. The at least one first cooling hose element can be attached or arranged on the at least one second cooling hose element. The at least one first cooling hose element can be arranged on the at least one second cooling hose element by injection molding, gluing, slipping over, or clamping.

[0018] The at least one first cooling hose element and the at least one second cooling hose element can be designed differently or have different flexibility. As a result, the at least one first section and the at least one second section can have different flexibility. For example, the at least one first cooling hose element can have greater flexibility than the at least one second cooling hose element. In this case, the at least one first section can have greater flexibility (be more flexible) than the at least one second section. Alternatively, the at least one first cooling hose element can have less flexibility than the at least one second cooling hose element. In this case, the at least one first section can have less flexibility (be less flexible) than the at least one second section.

[0019] The at least one first section and / or at least one second section can have a stiffening element. The stiffening element can change or adapt the flexibility of the at least one first section and / or the at least one second section. As a result, the at least one first section and the at least one second section can have different levels of flexibility. For example, if the at least one first section has a stiffening element, the flexibility of the at least one first section can be reduced compared to the flexibility of the at least one second section.

[0020] The at least one cooling hose can have a braid and / or a woven fabric in the at least one first section and / or in the at least one second section. The braid or woven fabric can be used to modify or adjust the flexibility of the at least one first section and / or the at least one second section.

[0021] An electrical charging cable is understood herein to be a cable-shaped element with at least one electrical conductor and at least one cooling hose, but without the plugs / plug elements required to connect the charging cable to a charging station / charging column and / or an electric vehicle. Such plugs / plug elements are normally subsequently applied to the charging cable, which is manufactured, for example, by the meter. In particular, plugs / plug elements are applied to end sections of the charging cable. Furthermore, the electrical charging cable can be understood herein as the area which, in addition to the at least one electrical conductor and the at least one cooling hose, has an outer sheath / outer sheath which surrounds the components and delimits the charging cable from the outside and / or externally encompasses / surrounds it.

[0022] The at least one first section can protrude or protrude at least partially from the electrical charging cable. For example, the at least one first section can protrude from a region of the electrical charging cable that is surrounded by the outer sheath. The at least one second section can be arranged or provided within the electrical charging cable. For example, the at least one second section can be arranged in a region of the electrical charging cable that is surrounded by the outer sheath.

[0023] According to a first embodiment of the electrical charging cable, the at least one electrical conductor can be arranged in the at least one cooling hose. According to a second embodiment of the electrical charging cable, which can be implemented independently or in combination with the first embodiment of the electrical charging cable, the at least one electrical conductor can be arranged around the at least one cooling hose in the circumferential direction of the at least one cooling hose, for example as a plurality of individual conductors.

[0024] Regardless of the exact design of the electrical charging cable, the at least one first section can, for example, have two end sections of the at least one cooling hose or be designed as two end sections. The end sections of the at least one cooling hose can extend at least partially outside the electrical charging cable or protrude from it, in particular outside a region of the at least one charging cable that is surrounded by the outer sheath of the electrical charging cable. The at least one second section can have a middle section or a central section or be designed as a middle section or a central section. The middle section can extend in the electrical charging cable, in particular in a region of the electrical charging cable that is surrounded by the outer sheath of the electrical charging cable.

[0025] This allows existing problems with known electric charging cables to be addressed. For example, in the area of ​​the plug and charging station, high flexibility and kink resistance requirements exist for the cooling hose, particularly in one or more end areas of the electric charging cable. In this area or these areas, very tight bending radii are required, as space in the plug and charging station is very limited. A very soft and flexible hose is advantageous here to prevent the hose from kinking and to ensure the flow of the cooling medium. This high flexibility may be counterproductive or undesirable in the second section, e.g., in the area of ​​the electric charging cable, particularly in an area of ​​the electric charging cable surrounded by the outer sheath.The flexibility and / or deformability of the hose can cause the hoses to become compressed during cable production, thus reducing the flow of the cooling medium. Therefore, a hose / cooling hose with a certain degree of stability and / or strength is desired or required in the central area (inside) of the electric charging cable.

[0026] The greater flexibility of the at least one end section compared to the central region can be achieved by various embodiments, as described above.

[0027] According to a first conceivable embodiment, the wall thickness of the at least one cooling hose can be reduced at the end sections compared to the central section. For example, the wall thickness of the at least one cooling hose can be reduced by grinding. The wall thickness can be reduced inside and / or outside in the radial direction of the at least one cooling hose.

[0028] According to a second conceivable embodiment, the varying flexibility can be achieved through a layered structure. For example, the at least one cooling hose can have a multi-layered structure, at least in sections. Thus, the at least one second section can have one or more inner flexible layers (with or without a braid) and an additional reinforcement layer applied to the one or more inner layers, e.g., connected to them or not. This reinforcement layer provides stability, for example, in a central region of the electric charging cable or, in other words, in an interior of the electric charging cable.At end sections of the at least one cooling hose, for example outside the charging cable, more precisely outside a region of the electrical charging cable surrounded by the outer sheath, the strength layer can be separated from the one or more inner layers, whereby in the end sections the inner flexible hose section (= the one or more inner layers) can be used for contacting the plug and charging station.

[0029] According to a third conceivable embodiment, a combination of several hoses can form the at least one cooling hose. For example, a flexible hose can be arranged at the free ends of the hose in the electric charging cable, thereby forming the flexible end sections of the cooling hose. The flexible hose can be connected, in particular, by injection molding, gluing, or clamping to the hose surrounded by the outer sheath of the charging cable.

[0030] However, depending on the cooling system used, the opposite may also be desired, namely stiffer / less flexible end sections and a more flexible middle section. The more inflexible the cooling hoses are, the more inflexible the cable becomes, making handling more difficult for the end customer. Therefore, it may be desired or required that the cooling hoses inside the cable, more specifically in the area of ​​the electric charging cable surrounded by an outer sheath, be as flexible as possible and as stiff as necessary. On the other hand, the softer the hose and the greater the flexibility, the lower the bursting pressure. The hose is supported inside the cable, meaning higher pressures are negligible. As soon as the hose comes into contact with the charging station or plug, the supporting effect inside the electric charging cable is lost.This can cause the cooling hose to expand and, in the worst case, burst near the end sections. For this reason, greater hose strength is required near the end sections of at least one cooling hose, particularly in the areas outside the electric charging cable, or more precisely, in the areas of the electric charging cable not covered by the outer sheath, than inside the electric charging cable.

[0031] The greater flexibility of the central region remaining in the electric charging cable compared to the end sections of the at least one cooling hose, which protrude, for example, from the sheathed region of the electric charging cable, can be achieved by various configurations, as described above.

[0032] According to a first conceivable embodiment, a combination of several hoses can form the at least one cooling hose. For example, a stronger / stiffer or inflexible hose can be arranged at the free ends of the hose in the cable, thereby forming the stronger / stiffer or less flexible end sections of the at least one cooling hose. The less flexible hose / the hose with greater strength can be connected to the hose surrounded by the outer sheath of the charging cable by injection molding, gluing, slipping over, or clamping. According to a second conceivable embodiment, a fabric can be applied, for example braided, around the section of the at least one cooling hose to be stabilized. For example, a fabric can be braided around the two end sections, in particular around the regions of the at least one cooling hose that protrude from the region of the electrical charging cable surrounded by the outer sheath.

[0033] According to a second aspect, a charging system can be provided. The charging system can comprise the electrical charging cable according to the first aspect, an end connection, and a plug. The end connection can comprise a supply for the cooling medium, which can introduce the cooling medium into at least one of the lines, more precisely into a cooling line of at least one of the lines, and can receive it from another of the lines, more precisely a cooling line of another of the lines. The plug is designed to be connected to a vehicle. In addition to the electrical contacts for electrically connecting the existing electrical conductors to lines of the vehicle, the plug can comprise a fluid return, which can receive the cooling medium from the cooling line of one line and lead it to the cooling line of the other line.

[0034] Furthermore, according to a third aspect, a charging station can be provided with the electrical charging cable according to the first aspect or with a charging system according to the second aspect.

[0035] Even though some of the aspects described above have been described with respect to the electric charging cable according to the first aspect, these aspects can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the charging system according to the second aspect and / or in the charging station according to the third aspect and vice versa.

[0036] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures schematically show:

[0037] Figure 1a shows a cross-section of an electrical cable with a cooling hose and an electrical conductor;

[0038] Figure 1b shows a cross-section of an electrical line with a cooling hose and an electrical conductor; Figure 2a shows a side view of a first embodiment of a cooling hose with an electrical conductor from Figure 1a;

[0039] Figure 2b is a side view of a second embodiment of a cooling hose with electrical conductor from Figure 1a;

[0040] Figure 2c is a side view of a third embodiment of a cooling hose with electrical conductor from Figure 1a;

[0041] Figure 3a is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a cooling hose with electrical conductor from Figure 1a;

[0042] Figure 3b is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a cooling hose with electrical conductor from Figure 1a;

[0043] Figure 3c is a side view of a sixth embodiment of a cooling hose with electrical conductor from Figure 1a; and

[0044] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a charging cable with one electrical line from Figure 1a and two electrical lines from Figure 1b.

[0045] In the following, specific details are set forth, but are not limited to, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments that may differ from the details set forth below. Furthermore, the figures are for illustrative purposes only. They are not to scale and are intended only to reflect the general concept of the invention by way of example. For example, features included in the figures should by no means be considered necessary components.

[0046] Figure 1a shows a cross-section of an electrical line 10 with a cooling hose 12 and an electrical conductor 16, as an example of a single line 10 for a charging cable for electric vehicles. The electrical line 10 / single line 10 has a cooling hose 12 and a plurality of electrical conductors 16. The electrical conductors 16 can be designed, for example, as electrical conductors 16 that are not insulated from one another. A cooling medium 14 can be guided in the cooling hose 12. More precisely, the cooling hose 12 from Figure 1a has, for example, a sheath, an outer jacket or an outer sleeve and an at least largely hollow interior. The cooling medium 14 can be guided in the interior. The outer jacket can also be referred to as an insulating sleeve and will also be referred to primarily as such below.

[0047] The plurality of electrical conductors 16 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the cooling hose 12 around the cooling hose 12. In the example from Figure 1a, the electrical conductors 16 are each in direct contact with the outside (the outer surface) of the cooling hose 12, for example the outside of the insulating sleeve of the cooling hose 12. The cooling hose 12 is at least almost impermeable to the cooling medium 14. This means that, in a normal, undamaged state of the cooling hose 12, the cooling medium cannot normally penetrate from the inside (the interior) of the cooling hose 12 to the outside. In an undamaged state, the insulating sleeve of the cooling hose 12 is at least almost impermeable / impermeable to the cooling medium. The electrical conductors 16 therefore do not come into contact with the cooling medium 14 when the cooling hose 12 is undamaged.

[0048] The electrical conductors 16 can each comprise individual wires or stranded conductors or braids or can be formed from these. The electrical conductors 16, or more precisely the entirety of the electrical conductors 16 (not each of the conductors themselves), are surrounded by insulation 18. The insulation 18 serves, among other things, to electrically insulate the electrical conductors 16. The insulation 18 can also be referred to as outer insulation 18 or outer sheath 18. The electrical line 10 has the insulation 18. The insulation 18 surrounds the cooling hose 12 and the plurality of electrical conductors 16. In Figure 1a, the insulation 18 lies immediately / directly against the plurality of electrical conductors 16.

[0049] Figure 1b shows an alternative design for an electrical line 10 / individual line 10. The electrical line 10 / individual line 10 from Figure 1b is designed differently than the line 10 from Figure 1a. A non-insulated electrical conductor 16 is arranged inside the electrical line 10. The cooling hose 12 and the electrical conductor 16 run coaxially in the line 10 with the longitudinal axis of the line 10 as a common axis. The non-insulated electrical conductor 16 can be a solid conductor or a flexible stranded wire. The electrical conductor 16 is surrounded by the cooling medium 14. In this case, the cooling medium is an electrically insulating (i.e. non-conductive) cooling medium 14. The cooling medium 14 is guided in the cooling hose 12. The cooling hose 12 therefore surrounds the cooling medium 14. The cooling hose 12 is surrounded by insulation 18.The insulation 18 can also be referred to as outer insulation 18 or outer sheath 18. The electrical line 10 has the insulation 18. The insulation 18 surrounds the cooling hose 12 and the electrical conductor 16. In Figure 1b, the insulation 18 lies directly against the cooling hose 12.

[0050] Figures 2a to 3c show exemplary embodiments of a cooling hose 12. The exemplary embodiments of the cooling hose 12 from Figures 2a to 3c are described by way of example with reference to the structure described with reference to Figure 1a. The described details can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the structure described with reference to Figure 1b.

[0051] Figure 2a shows a side view of a first embodiment of a cooling hose 12 for an electrical charging cable. The cooling hose 12 is described in Figure 2a by way of example with reference to an electrical cable 10 from Figure 1a. Other embodiments are conceivable.

[0052] Accordingly, the cooling hose 12 is arranged, for example, in the interior of an electrical line 10. The line 10 comprises, as described by way of example with reference to Figure 1a, the cooling hose 12, the electrical conductor 16, and the insulation 18 from the inside outward.

[0053] The cooling hose 12 has at least one first section 12a extending in a longitudinal direction of the cooling hose 12 and having a first degree of flexibility, and at least one second section 12b extending in the longitudinal direction of the cooling hose 12 and having a second degree of flexibility. The first degree of flexibility and the second degree of flexibility are different from one another.

[0054] In the first exemplary embodiment from Figure 2a, the at least one first section 12a is designed, for example, as two first sections 12a and is each arranged or provided at an end region of the cooling hose 12. The at least one second section 12b is designed, for example, as exactly one second section 12b and is arranged or provided in a central region or middle region between the two first sections 12a. In the first exemplary embodiment from Figure 2a, a wall thickness or a thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the two first sections 12a is different from a wall thickness or a thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the second section 12b. In this way, the different flexibility of the two first sections 12a on the one hand and the second section 12b on the other hand is achieved.More specifically, in the first exemplary embodiment of Figure 2a, a wall thickness or thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the two first sections 12a is smaller than a wall thickness or thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the second section 12b. This ensures that the two first sections 12a have greater / higher flexibility than the second section 12b.

[0055] The wall thickness in the two first sections 12a can be reduced compared to the second section 12b, for example, by grinding. In the example shown, the first sections 12a are ground radially from the outside to the inside. Alternatively, grinding from the inside to the outside is possible, or a combination of both. Alternatively, milling is possible to achieve a reduced wall thickness. A gradually reduced wall thickness can be achieved with a sharpener, similar to sharpening a pencil.

[0056] Figure 2b shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cooling hose 12 for an electrical charging cable. Accordingly, the cooling hose 12 is arranged, for example, inside an electrical line / individual line 10. The structure of the line 10 in Figure 2b basically corresponds to the structure of the line 10 in Figure 2a, so reference is made to the description of Figure 2a in this regard.

[0057] In the second exemplary embodiment of Figure 2b, the at least one first section 12a is also designed, for example, as two first sections 12a and is arranged or provided at each end region of the cooling hose 12. The at least one second section 12b is designed, for example, as exactly one second section 12b and is arranged or provided in a central region or middle region between the two first sections 12a.

[0058] In the second exemplary embodiment from Figure 2b, the cooling hose 12 has, for example, exactly one inner layer 13si in the two first sections 12a and, for example, exactly one inner layer 13si and exactly one outer layer 13sa in the second section 12b. In this way, the different flexibility of the two first sections 12a on the one hand and the second section 12b on the other hand is achieved. For example, the inner layer 13si can have a greater / higher flexibility than the outer layer 13sa. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have a greater / higher flexibility than the second section 12b. Alternatively, in the second exemplary embodiment, the cooling hose 12 can, for example, have exactly one outer layer 13sa in the two first sections 12a and, for example, exactly one inner layer 13si and exactly one outer layer 13sa in the second section 12b.This also achieves the different flexibility of the two first sections 12a on the one hand and the second section 12b on the other. For example, the outer layer 13sa can have greater / higher flexibility than the inner layer 13si. This ensures that the two first sections 12a have greater / higher flexibility than the second section 12b.

[0059] Thus, a multi-layer structure can be provided in the second section 12b. The multi-layer structure can comprise one or more inner flexible layers 13si (with or without braiding) and another outer strength-bearing layer 13sa. The outer layer 13sa can be either connected or unconnected to the inner layer 13si. This outer strength layer 13sa provides stability inside the cable, but can be separated from the inner layer 13si outside the cable using specific separation processes. This allows the inner layer 13si to be used as an inner flexible hose for contacting in plugs and charging stations.

[0060] For example, the outer layer 13sa can be removed from the inner layer 13si similar to stripping an insulated wire. The inner layer 13si and the outer layer 13sa can be manufactured, for example, using two-component injection molding or multi-component injection molding.

[0061] Figure 2c shows a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a cooling hose 12 for an electrical charging cable. Accordingly, the cooling hose 12 is arranged, for example, in the interior of an electrical line / individual line 10. The structure of the line from Figure 2c basically corresponds to the structure of the line from Figure 2a, so that reference is made in this regard to the description of Figure 2a. In the third exemplary embodiment from Figure 2c, the at least one first section 12a is also designed, for example, as two first sections 12a and is each arranged or provided at an end region of the cooling hose 12. The at least one second section 12b is designed, for example, as exactly one second section 12b and is arranged or provided in a central region or middle region between the two first sections 12a.

[0062] In the third exemplary embodiment from Figure 2c, the cooling hose 12 has at least one first cooling hose element 13ea and at least one second cooling hose element 13eb. More precisely, for example, the two first sections 12a are each formed by the first cooling hose element 13ea and for example, the second section 12b is formed by the second cooling hose element 13eb. The first cooling hose element 13ea and the second cooling hose element 13eb can have different levels of flexibility. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have different levels of flexibility than the second section 12b. For example, the flexibility of the two first cooling hose elements 13ea can be greater / higher than the flexibility of the second cooling hose element 13eb. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have greater / higher flexibility than the second section 12b.

[0063] The two first cooling hose elements 13ea can be attached to the second cooling hose element 13eb in various ways, or vice versa. For example, the two first cooling hose elements 13ea can be arranged on the second cooling hose element 13eb by injection molding, gluing, slipping over, or clamping. Thus, a combination of several hoses, more precisely hose elements 13ea, 13eb, can be provided. For example, to form the two first sections 12a, a flexible hose can be attached to the free ends of the second section 13b of the hose in the line 10. The connection point 13v between the first hose element 13ea and the second hose element 13eb is shown in a simplified manner.

[0064] Figure 3a shows a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cooling hose 12 for an electrical charging cable. Accordingly, the cooling hose 12 is arranged, for example, in the interior of an electrical line / individual line 10. The structure of the line 10 from Figure 3a basically corresponds to the structure of the line 10 from Figure 2a, so that reference is made to the description of Figure 2a in this regard. In the fourth exemplary embodiment from Figure 3a, the at least one first section 12a is also designed, for example, as two first sections 12a and is each arranged or provided at an end region of the cooling hose 12. The at least one second section 12b is designed, for example, as exactly one second section 12b and is arranged or provided in a central region or middle region between the two first sections 12a.

[0065] In the fourth exemplary embodiment from Figure 3a, a wall thickness or a thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the two first sections 12a is different from a wall thickness or a thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the second section 12b. In this way, the different flexibility of the two first sections 12a on the one hand and the second section 12b on the other hand is achieved. More precisely, for example, in the fourth exemplary embodiment from Figure 3a, a wall thickness or a thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the two first sections 12a is greater than a wall thickness or thickness of the cooling hose 12 in the second section 12b. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have a lower flexibility than the second section 12b.

[0066] Figure 3b shows a side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a cooling hose 12 for an electrical charging cable. Accordingly, the cooling hose 12 is arranged, for example, inside an electrical line / individual line 10. The structure of the line 10 in Figure 3b basically corresponds to the structure of the line 10 in Figure 2a, so reference is made to the description of Figure 2a in this regard.

[0067] In the fifth exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3b, the at least one first section 12a is also designed, for example, as two first sections 12a and is arranged or provided at each end region of the cooling hose 12. The at least one second section 12b is designed, for example, as exactly one second section 12b and is arranged or provided in a central region or middle region between the two first sections 12a.

[0068] In the fifth exemplary embodiment from Figure 3b, the cooling hose 12 has, for example, exactly one inner layer 13si and exactly one outer layer 13sa in the two first sections 12a, and for example exactly one inner layer 13si in the second section 12b. In this way, the different flexibility of the two first sections 12a on the one hand and the second section 12b on the other hand is achieved. For example, the inner layer 13si can have a greater / higher flexibility than the outer layer 13sa. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have a lower flexibility than the second section 12b. Alternatively, in the fifth exemplary embodiment, the cooling hose 12 can, for example, have exactly one inner layer 13si and exactly one outer layer 13sa in the two first sections 12a, and for example exactly one outer layer 13sa in the second section 12b.In this way, the different flexibility of the two first sections 12a on the one hand and the second section 12b on the other hand is achieved. For example, the outer layer 13sa can have greater / higher flexibility than the inner layer 13si. This ensures that the two first sections 12a have less flexibility than the second section 12b.

[0069] Figure 3c shows a side view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a cooling hose 12 for an electrical charging cable. Accordingly, the cooling hose 12 is arranged, for example, inside an electrical line / individual line 10. The structure of the line 10 in Figure 3c basically corresponds to the structure of the line 10 in Figure 2a, so reference is made to the description of Figure 2a in this regard.

[0070] In the sixth exemplary embodiment of Figure 3c, the at least one first section 12a is also designed, for example, as two first sections 12a and is arranged or provided at each end region of the cooling hose 12. The at least one second section 12b is designed, for example, as exactly one second section 12b and is arranged or provided in a central region or middle region between the two first sections 12a.

[0071] In the sixth exemplary embodiment from Figure 3c, the cooling hose 12 has at least one first cooling hose element 13ea and at least one second cooling hose element 13eb. More precisely, for example, the two first sections 12a are each formed by the first cooling hose element 13ea and for example, the second section 12b is formed by the second cooling hose element 13eb. The first cooling hose element 13ea and the second cooling hose element 13eb can have different levels of flexibility. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have different levels of flexibility than the second section 12b. For example, the flexibility of the two first cooling hose elements 13ea can be less than the flexibility of the second cooling hose element 13eb. In this way, it is achieved that the two first sections 12a have less flexibility than the second section 12b.

[0072] The two first cooling hose elements 13ea can be attached to the second cooling hose element 13eb in various ways, or vice versa. For example, the two first cooling hose elements 13ea can be arranged on the second cooling hose element 13eb by injection molding, gluing, slipping over, or clamping. Thus, a combination of several hoses 13ea, 13eb is provided. For example, the two hose elements 13ea with higher strength can be arranged at the free ends of the hose element 13eb of the hose in the cable to form the first sections 12a. The connection point 13v between the first hose element 13ea and the second hose element 13eb is shown in a simplified manner.

[0073] In the sixth exemplary embodiment, one of the two first sections 12a has, for example, a stiffening element 15. The stiffening element 15 can be annular or disc-shaped. The stiffening element 15 increases the stiffness of the section in which it is arranged. This means that in the sixth exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3c, the flexibility of the first section 12a, in which the stiffening element 15 is arranged, is reduced compared to the other first section 12b.

[0074] The arrangement of the stiffening element 15 in the one first section 12a is to be understood as purely exemplary, since the stiffening element 15 can additionally or alternatively be arranged in the other first section 12a and / or in the second section 12a. Furthermore, the stiffening element 15 can be arranged in one or more sections 12a, 12b of the other exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2a to 3b.

[0075] In each of the exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures 2a to 3c, the cooling hose 12 can have a braid and / or a woven fabric in the at least one first section 12a and / or in the at least one second section 12b. For example, a woven fabric can be braided around the hose 12. With reference to Figure 4, an exemplary embodiment of an electrical charging cable 100 will now be described, in which each of the exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures 2a to 3c can be implemented in combination or in isolation from one another. The electrical charging cable 100 can, for example, be a charging cable 100 for electric vehicles. The charging cable 100 has at least one electrical line 10 and at least one cooling hose 12. The electrical line 10 and the at least one cooling hose 12 can each be configured as described with reference to Figures 1a to 3c.Thus, the at least one electrical conductor 16 can be arranged in the at least one cooling hose 12 (see Figure 1b). Additionally or alternatively, the at least one electrical conductor 16 can be arranged around the cooling hose 12 in the circumferential direction of the cooling hose 12 (see Figure 1a). The charging cable 100 further comprises an outer sheath 50 that circumferentially surrounds all components.

[0076] As can be seen by way of example in Figures 2a to 3c, the at least one first section 12a is arranged or provided at least partially outside the line 10 and thus outside the electrical charging cable 100. Furthermore, the at least one second section 12b is arranged or provided inside the line 10 and thus inside the electrical charging cable 100.

[0077] The exemplary embodiment of a charging cable 100 for electric vehicles shown in Figure 4 has, by way of example, exactly three lines 10 to illustrate that at least one first line 10 is provided in the charging cable 100.

[0078] Two first lines 10 have a cooling hose 12 and an electrical conductor 16 according to the structure shown in Figure 1b. In each of the two first lines 10, the cooling hose 12 and the electrical conductor 16 run coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the respective first line 10 as a common axis. The two electrical conductors 16 can each be a solid conductor or a flexible stranded wire. The two electrical conductors 16 can each be designed as non-insulated electrical conductors 16. The electrical conductors 16 can each form a direct current wire. In other words, each of the electrical conductors 16 can be one of the (two) direct current wires of the charging cable 100 required for transmitting direct current. For example, one of the two electrical conductors 16 can form a positive direct current wire and another of the two electrical conductors 16 can form a negative direct current wire.Thus, efficient direct current charging of electric vehicles can be achieved using the charging cable 100. The direct current wire(s) serve to transmit direct current in the charging cable 100.

[0079] Both electrical conductors 16 of the first lines 10 are each surrounded by the associated cooling hose 12. A cooling medium 14 can be accommodated in each of the two cooling hoses 12 and, for example, circulate. The cooling medium 14 is guided in each of the two cooling hoses 12. Each of the two cooling hoses 12 therefore surrounds the associated cooling medium 14. Accordingly, the two electrical conductors 16 can each be surrounded by a cooling medium 14. In this case, the cooling medium 14 is an electrically insulating (i.e., non-conductive) cooling medium 14. The cooling hose 12 is surrounded by insulation 18. The electrical conductors 16 can be formed as copper conductors.

[0080] The respective cooling hose 12 is at least virtually impermeable to the associated cooling medium 14. For this purpose, the respective cooling hose 12 can, for example, have a sheath, an outer jacket, or an outer casing. The outer jacket can also be referred to as an insulating sleeve. For example, an insulating sleeve of the respective cooling hose 12 is at least virtually impermeable / impermeable to the cooling medium 14 in an undamaged state. This means that, in a normal, undamaged state of the cooling hose 12, the cooling medium 14 cannot normally penetrate from the cooling hose 12 to the outside into an interior of the charging cable 100.

[0081] Furthermore, the charging cable 100 has precisely one second line 10, which is embodied, for example, as a line 10 described with reference to Figure 1a and thus has a cooling hose 12 and a plurality of electrical conductors 16. A cooling medium 14 can be guided in the cooling hose 12. More precisely, the cooling hose 12 has, for example, a sheath, an outer jacket, or an outer sleeve and an at least largely hollow interior. The cooling medium 14 can be guided in the interior of the cooling hose 12. The outer jacket can also be referred to as an insulating sleeve and will also be primarily referred to as such below. The plurality of electrical conductors 16 are arranged around the cooling hose 12 in the circumferential direction of the cooling hose 12. In the example from Figure 4, the electrical conductors 16 are each in direct contact with the outside (the outer surface) of the cooling hose 12, for example, the outside of the insulating sleeve of the cooling hose 12.The cooling hose 12 of the second line 10 is at least virtually impervious to the cooling medium 14. This means that, in a normal, undamaged state of the cooling hose 12, the cooling medium 14 cannot normally penetrate from the interior (the inner space) of the cooling hose 12 to the outside. The insulating sheath of the cooling hose 12 is, in an undamaged state, at least virtually impervious to the cooling medium. Therefore, in an undamaged cooling hose 12, the electrical conductors 16 do not come into contact with the cooling medium 14.

[0082] The electrical conductors 16 can each comprise individual wires, stranded conductors, or braids, or can be formed from these. The electrical conductors 16 can have one or more different cable types. Examples of cable types include, purely by way of example, a design as a charging cable, a control cable, a sensor cable, a signal cable, a protective cable, a data cable, and / or an auxiliary voltage cable.

[0083] According to a specific embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment, the cooling hoses 12 of the two first lines 10 are designed, purely by way of example, as a supply line, and the cooling hose 12 of the third line 10 is designed as a return line for the cooling medium 14. This is to be understood purely as an example, and other embodiments are possible. The charging cable 100 is, as shown, surrounded by an outer sheath 50.

[0084] Thus, the three exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c can be advantageously used for the following application in the charging cable 100. In plugs and charging stations, for example, there are high flexibility and kink resistance requirements for the cooling hose 12. Very tight bending radii are required in this area, as the space in the plug and charging station is very limited. A very soft and flexible hose 12 is necessary here to prevent the hose 12 from kinking and to ensure the flow of the cooling medium 14. The required flexibility in the end regions of the cable 100 can be achieved by arranging lines 10 in the cable 100, as described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c. This high flexibility, however, is counterproductive in the second section 12b, which is a middle section in the examples shown.The flexibility and / or deformability of the hose 12 causes the hoses 12 to compress during cable production, thus reducing the flow of the cooling medium 13. Therefore, a hose 12 with a certain stability or strength is required in the central region of the line 10 and / or the cable 100 with such a line 10. The required stability or strength in the central region of the cable 100 can be achieved by arranging lines 10 in the cable 100 as described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c.

[0085] Furthermore, the three exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures 3a to 3c can advantageously be used for the following intended use in the charging cable 100. For example, depending on the cooling system used, a reverse case may be desired compared to the exemplary embodiments according to Figures 2a to 2c. This is because the less flexible the hoses 12 are, the less flexible the line 10 and thus the cable becomes, which makes handling more difficult for the end customer. Therefore, it is advantageous if the second section 12b of the hose 12 inside the line 10 / cable is as flexible as possible and as strong as necessary. The required flexibility in the central region of the cable 100 can be achieved by arranging lines 10 in the cable 100 as described with reference to Figures 3a to 3c. On the other hand, the softer the hose 12 and the greater the flexibility, the lower the bursting pressure.The second section 12b of the hose 12 is supported inside the cable, making higher pressures negligible. As soon as the hose 12 makes contact with the charging station or plug, the supporting effect inside the cable is lost. This can lead to the hose 12 swelling and, in the worst case, bursting. For this reason, in this case, the hose 12 needs to be stronger outside the cable 100 than inside the cable. This is achieved by the first sections 12a, which are located at least partially outside the cable and, in the fourth to sixth exemplary embodiments, are designed to be stronger / stiffer (less flexible) than the second section 12b. The required stability or strength in the end regions of the cable 100 can be achieved by arranging lines 10 in the cable 100, as described with reference to Figures 3a to 3c.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An electrical charging cable (100), for example for electric vehicles, wherein the electrical charging cable (100) comprises at least one electrical line (10) and at least one cooling hose (12), wherein the at least one cooling hose (12) comprises at least one first section (12a) extending in a longitudinal direction of the at least one cooling hose (12) and having a first flexibility, and at least one second section (12b) extending in the longitudinal direction of the at least one cooling hose (12) and having a second flexibility, wherein the first flexibility and the second flexibility are different from one another, for example the at least one first section (12a) has a higher flexibility than the at least one second section (12b) or vice versa.

2. Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first section (12a) is arranged or provided in at least one end region of the at least one cooling hose (12).

3. Electrical charging cable (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a wall thickness or a thickness of the at least one cooling hose (12) in the at least one first section (12a) is different from a wall thickness or a thickness of the at least one cooling hose (12) in the at least one second section (12b), for example a wall thickness or a thickness of the at least one cooling hose (12) in the at least one first section (12a) is less than a wall thickness or thickness of the at least one cooling hose (12) in the at least one second section (12b) or vice versa.

4. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one cooling hose (12) has at least one inner layer (13si) or at least one outer layer (13sa) in the at least one first section (12a) and at least one inner layer (13si) and at least one outer layer (13sa) in the at least one second section (12).

5. Electric charging cable (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one inner layer (13si) has a higher flexibility than the at least one outer layer (13sa) or vice versa.

6. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one cooling hose (12) has at least one first cooling hose element (12ea) and at least one second cooling hose element (12eb), wherein the at least one first section (12a) has the at least one first cooling hose element (12ea) or is formed by the at least one first cooling hose element (12ea) and the at least one second section (12b) has at least one second cooling hose element (12eb) or is formed by the at least one second cooling hose element (12eb).

7. Electrical charging cable (100) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one first cooling hose element (12ea) is arranged on the at least one second cooling hose element (12eb) by injection molding, gluing, slipping over or clamping.

8. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one first section (12a) and / or at least one second section (12b) comprises a stiffening element (15).

9. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one cooling hose (12) has a braid and / or a woven fabric in the at least one first section (12a) and / or in the at least one second section (12b).

10. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one electrical line (10) has at least one electrical conductor (16).

11. The electrical charging cable (100) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one electrical conductor (16) is arranged in the at least one cooling hose (12).

12. Electrical charging cable (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one electrical conductor (16) is arranged around the at least one cooling hose (12) in the circumferential direction of the at least one cooling hose (12).

13. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one first section (12a) protrudes or protrudes at least partially from the electrical charging cable (100).

14. Electrical charging cable (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one second section (12b) is arranged or provided within the electrical charging cable (100).

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