Connector device, connector and charging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector device (84) having a line arrangement (10) for transmitting electrical power and cooling fluid between a cable connection side (12) of a connector (14, 14'), in particular a fluid-cooled high-power connector, and a connector face side (16) of the connector (14, 14'). According to the invention, the line arrangement (10) comprises at least one line unit (18) having at least one electrical hollow conductor (20), wherein the electrical hollow conductor (20) forms at least one cooling fluid channel (22) for the cooling fluid in an interior.

Description

[0001] Connector device, plug and charging system

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a plug device according to the preamble of claim 1, a plug according to claim 17 and a charging system according to claim 20.

[0004] A plug device with a conductor arrangement for the transmission of electrical power and cooling fluid between a cable connection side of a plug and a plug face side of the plug has already been proposed.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with advantageous properties with regard to its design and / or cooling effect. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent and dependent claims, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a connector device with a conductor arrangement for the transmission of electrical power, particularly in the megawatt range, and to cooling fluid between a cable connection side of a connector, especially a fluid-cooled high-performance connector, and a connector face of the connector. It is proposed that the conductor arrangement comprises at least one conductor unit with at least one electrical waveguide, wherein the electrical waveguide forms at least one cooling fluid channel for the cooling fluid within its interior. This enables an advantageous, particularly compact and / or especially simple, design, preferably requiring few individual components. This can advantageously lead to cost savings. Advantageously, a large proportion of the connector components can be pre-produced and assembled on order within a short time according to the customer's specifications.The proposed connector design offers the advantage of eliminating potential sources of error and / or ensuring that finished connectors are as identical as possible. Furthermore, it allows for particularly high cooling performance and / or highly efficient cooling, especially by achieving a particularly close contact between the cooling fluid and the current-carrying parts of the connector.

[0008] The connector device preferably forms part, in particular a functional component assembly, of a connector. Alternatively, the connector device can also form the entire connector. The connector with the connector device is, in particular, a charging connector for an application in the e-mobility sector, preferably a charging connector for establishing a charging connection with a charging station, in particular an electric vehicle charging station, and / or for establishing a charging connection with an electric vehicle. The connector is preferably designed for insertion into a socket of the charging station and / or into a socket of the electric vehicle. The connector is, in particular, a high-performance connector, especially a high-power DC charging connector.The connector, in particular the high-performance connector, is preferably designed for transmitting high charging currents in the range above 500 A, more preferably above 1000 A, and most preferably above 2000 A. The connector, in particular the high-performance connector, is especially designed for transmitting peak charging powers above 100 kW, advantageously above 300 kW, more preferably above 500 kW, and most preferably above 1 MW. In particular, the high-performance connector is designed as a megawatt charging connector. "Designed" is understood to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0009] In particular, the connector device / connector is designed as an actively cooled connector device / connector. Specifically, the connector device / connector is designed as a fluid-cooled connector device / connector. The cooling fluid can be actively cooled or uncooled. The cooling fluid can be water, in particular deionized water, or another cooling fluid, e.g., a cooling oil or a water-containing or anhydrous mixture. In principle, the proposed design can also be operated and function without a cooling fluid, especially at charging capacities below 1 MW, for example, 150 kW. The conductor arrangement comprises, in particular, at least one electrically conductive component, preferably a plurality of electrically conductive components. Preferably, the electrically conductive components of the conductor arrangement are made of copper.Alternative materials with high electrical and thermal conductivity are also conceivable. The cable connection side of the connector is, in particular, the side of the connector where a charging cable, especially a high-performance charging cable, is inserted into the connector, specifically into an outer housing of the connector that defines its external boundaries. Preferably, the cable connection side is different from the connector face. In particular, the cable connection side is arranged opposite the connector face. The connector face is, in particular, the side of the connector where a connector face of the connector is located. In particular, the connector face is the side of the connector that, during proper operation, is plugged into the consumer, e.g., the electric vehicle, and / or into the energy source, e.g., the charging station or the wallbox.In particular, the plug face features the male or female plug elements / electrical contact elements of the plug.

[0010] The conductor assembly forms an electrically conductive component of the conductor assembly. The waveguide forms an electrically conductive component of the conductor assembly. The waveguide is, in particular, a hollow electrical conductor for electric current. The waveguide should not be confused with a waveguide bearing the same name, used for transmitting electromagnetic waves. The waveguide is, in particular, designed as a tube, preferably a copper tube. The waveguide preferably has a rectangular cross-sectional shape on one outer surface. This allows the connector to be advantageously designed to be particularly compact. The cross-sectional shape of an internal cavity of the waveguide, which forms a cooling fluid channel, is preferably round.Alternative cross-sectional shapes on the outer surface and the inner cavity, such as round, oval, polygonal, or otherwise shaped cross-sectional forms, are also conceivable. In particular, the waveguide conducts the cooling fluid in the inner cavity and the charging current in the conductor material enclosing the cavity. Preferably, the waveguide has exactly one cooling fluid channel. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the waveguide forms more than one cooling fluid channel, especially one running parallel to the others, i.e., that the inner cavity is compartmentalized. In particular, the current / energy and cooling fluid flow directions of the waveguide are approximately parallel or approximately parallel and opposite.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the conductor assembly comprises an electrically conductive connector element, which on one side has a mounting point for the installation of at least one electrical contact element, particularly one on the connector face, such as an electrical connector contact pin, and which on another side is electrically conductively mounted to an end of the electrical waveguide, particularly one on the connector face. This allows for an advantageous, particularly compact and / or simple, design. Specifically, the side of the connector element serves as a base for attaching, e.g., by screwing, inserting, or welding, one or more electrical contact elements / connector contact pins. For this purpose, the connector element has at least one connection interface, such as a threaded hole or a insertion hole.The electrical connector contact pin is provided, particularly when the plug is inserted into a socket, to establish an electrically transmitting connection with a mating connector of the socket. Specifically, the other side of the connector element is mounted fluid-tight to the end of the electrical waveguide. The connector element can be attached to the end of the waveguide by being pushed, screwed, welded, glued, or similar means. In particular, the connector element is mounted to the electrical waveguide in such a way that the cooling fluid can flow from the cooling fluid channel into the connector element without loss or leakage. The connector element is preferably manufactured using a die-casting process. The connector element forms, in particular, an electrically conductive component of the conductor assembly. The conductor assembly is specifically designed for conducting current and cooling fluid.

[0012] If the connector element forms a cavity, particularly one that can be flushed / flowed through, into which the cooling fluid channel of the waveguide opens, heat can advantageously be dissipated from the connector element, especially from the electrical contact elements connected to it. Particularly good cooling properties can thus be achieved. A "flushed cavity" is understood to mean, in particular, a cavity into which a fluid, especially the cooling fluid, can flow at one point and from which the fluid, especially the cooling fluid, can exit at another point. Specifically, the cavity of the connector element comprises an inlet and an outlet for the cooling fluid, the latter being arranged separately from the inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, if the mounting point for the electrical contact element is in direct thermally conductive contact with a surface of the connector element that at least partially defines the cavity, heat can advantageously be dissipated from the connector element, particularly from the electrical contact elements connected to it. This allows for particularly good cooling properties. The connector element is preferably designed as a one-piece, preferably monolithic, (copper) component.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cable assembly comprise an electrically conductive coupling unit, which has a mounting element on one side for mounting at least a part of the charging cable or a coupling device of the charging cable, wherein the coupling unit is electrically and fluidly conductively mounted on another side to an end of the electrical waveguide, particularly the cable connection end. This allows for an advantageous, particularly compact and / or simple, design that is preferably easy to connect to the charging cable. In addition, it advantageously enables the transfer of current and cooling fluid between the charging cable and the connector. The coupling unit is designed, in particular, as a one-piece, preferably monolithic, (copper) component. The coupling unit is designed, in particular, separately from and distinct from the connector element.The coupling unit and the connector element are arranged at opposite ends of the waveguide. Specifically, the wider end of the coupling unit is fluid-tight and mounted to the end of the electrical waveguide. The coupling unit can be attached to the end of the waveguide by being pushed on, screwed on, welded on, glued on, or similar means. In particular, the coupling unit is mounted to the electrical waveguide in such a way that the cooling fluid can flow from the cooling fluid channel into the connector element without loss or leakage. The coupling unit is preferably manufactured using a die-casting process. The coupling unit forms, in particular, an electrically conductive component of the cable assembly. The mounting element of the coupling unit forms, in particular, a counterpart for pins or connector recesses of a quick-release coupling device of the charging cable.The quick-release coupling is described in particular in a German patent application with application number 10 2024 107 819.7, the contents of which are hereby adopted in their entirety by reference. Alternatively, the coupling unit can also be designed for the installation of charging cables without a quick-release coupling.

[0015] If the coupling unit forms a connecting channel fluidly linked to the mounting element and opening into the cooling fluid channel of the waveguide, and if at least part of a check valve from the line assembly is mounted in this channel, a high level of operational reliability can be advantageously achieved. It is advantageous to prevent cooling fluid from leaking when the charging cable is disconnected from the connector or the quick-release coupling is opened, for example, when replacing a defective connector or charging cable. The check valve can be fully integrated into the coupling unit. Alternatively, only part of the check valve can be integrated into the coupling unit, and another part into the mounting element of the charging cable. Preferably, the check valve simultaneously closes the fluid openings of the charging cable and the connector when the charging cable and connector are disconnected or when the pressure in the cooling fluid system drops.

[0016] It is further proposed that the conductor assembly include at least one cooling fluid guide tube running at least substantially parallel to the waveguide. This advantageously allows for particularly effective cooling. The cooling fluid guide tube can have a round, oval, or polygonal outer and / or inner cross-section. The cooling fluid guide tube can have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to or differing from that of the waveguide. If the cooling fluid guide tube and the waveguide are each made of an electrically conductive material, particularly the same material, with one wall of the waveguide being significantly thicker than one wall of the cooling fluid guide tube, high efficiency can advantageously be achieved, especially with regard to cooling effect, cost, and / or space requirements.This design advantageously ensures that, during charging, the current flows almost exclusively through the waveguide, even if both components are made of copper, which are good electrical and thermal conductors. It is conceivable that the waveguide and the cooling fluid tube are made of identical or different materials. The term "significantly thicker" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 50% thicker, preferably twice as thick, and preferably three times as thick.

[0017] If the cooling fluid guide tube is provided for supplying the cooling fluid from the cable connection side to the connector face, while the cooling fluid channel is provided for draining the cooling fluid from the connector face to the cable connection side, particularly effective cooling can be achieved. Advantageously, this allows the temperature of the cooling fluid to be kept as low as possible up to the connector element containing the electrical contact elements, thus advantageously achieving a particularly high heat dissipation capacity from the electrical contact elements. Specifically, the cooling fluid flows from the connector element into the cooling fluid channel of the waveguide and from there into the coupling unit, from where it then flows into a cooling fluid-filled conductor of the charging cable. A reverse flow through the connector is also conceivable.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cooling fluid channel and / or the cooling fluid guide tube be free of electrical insulation from the metal sheath of the waveguide that transmits electrical power. This advantageously allows for particularly close contact between the cooling fluid and the heating electrical conductor components. Advantageously, this results in particularly effective cooling. If the cooling fluid guide tube is open to the cavity of the connector element, a supply of (fresh) cooling fluid to the cavity of the connector element can advantageously be provided. Advantageously, this allows for effective cooling. In particular, the cooling fluid guide tube is connected to the inlet of the connector element, especially the cavity of the connector element. In particular, the cooling fluid channel of the waveguide is connected to the outlet of the connector element, especially the cavity of the connector element.Preferably, the entrance and the exit of the cavity of the connector element are separated from each other by a part of a cavity wall of the cavity.

[0019] If the coupling unit has an additional mounting element on one side for mounting at least one further part of the charging cable or the coupling device of the charging cable, and if the coupling unit on the other side is mounted to an end of the cooling fluid guide tube, particularly on the cable connection side, at least in a fluid-conducting manner, a simple design, preferably easily connectable to the charging cable, can be advantageously achieved. Furthermore, it is advantageous to allow cooling fluid to flow through the connector, particularly the connector element. The additional mounting element can provide not only a fluid line but also additional electrical conductivity. Preferably, however, the additional mounting element is provided only for a fluid line.The further mounting element of the coupling unit forms, in particular, a counterpart for pins or plug recesses of a coupling device of the charging cable forming a quick coupling.

[0020] Preferably, the mounting element and the further mounting element are designed to be similar or identical to each other.

[0021] In this context, it is also proposed that the coupling unit form an additional connection channel, fluidly connected to the further mounting element and opening into the coolant guide tube, in which at least part of an additional check valve of the line assembly is mounted. This advantageously achieves a high level of operational reliability. It also advantageously prevents coolant from leaking when the charging cable is disconnected from the connector or the quick-release coupling is opened, for example, when replacing a defective connector or charging cable. The additional check valve can be fully integrated into the coupling unit. Alternatively, only part of the additional check valve can be integrated into the coupling unit, with the remaining part located in the mounting element of the charging cable.Preferably, the additional check valve simultaneously closes the fluid openings of the charging cable and the connector when the charging cable and connector are disconnected or when the pressure in the cooling fluid system drops. The check valve and the additional check valve each have different opening directions but the same closing direction. When the pressure drops due to disconnection of the charging cable from the connector, particularly by disconnecting the quick-release coupling, e.g., during maintenance or when replacing the connector and / or charging cable, both check valves automatically close their respective fluid channels.

[0022] If the wiring arrangement includes at least one further wiring unit that is at least electrically separated from the main wiring unit, a simple design can advantageously be achieved. In particular, one of the two wiring units forms the positive terminal of the plug and the other of the two wiring units forms the negative terminal of the plug.

[0023] In this context, it is proposed that the additional conductor assembly be designed to be at least substantially identical to the first conductor assembly. This advantageously allows for simpler construction and / or assembly. The term "substantially identical" is understood to mean identical, particularly within the limits of manufacturing tolerances. Specifically, a mirror plane exists that reflects the conductor assembly onto the second conductor assembly and vice versa. Additionally, it is proposed that the conductor assembly include at least one grounding conductor. This advantageously achieves a high level of operational reliability. Furthermore, integrating the grounding conductor into the conductor assembly allows for a more compact and / or cost-effective design. The grounding conductor is preferably designed as a (bent) solid element, for example, as a square solid element or as a round bar.On the connector face, the grounding conductor has a connecting piece for joining the grounding conductor to a grounding contact. On the coupling side of the grounding conductor opposite the connector face, a recess or pin is provided for interaction with the coupling unit, in particular for a quick-release coupling with the charging cable or with the charging cable's coupling device. It is conceivable that the coupling unit includes a positioning element, for example, a plastic plate, which positions the grounding conductor and the two mounting elements relative to each other on the coupling side, so that a quick-release connector for attaching and detaching the charging cable is formed on the coupling side.

[0024] It is further proposed that the connector device includes an electrically non-conductive separating unit, which is designed to keep electrically conductive components of the cable assembly, preferably at least the cable unit, the additional cable unit, and the grounding conductor, at a distance from one another. This advantageously enables a simple, reliable, and yet compact design. In particular, the separating unit is made of an insulating plastic. The separating unit specifically forms spatially separated receiving areas for the cable unit, the additional cable unit, and the grounding conductor.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connector device incorporate a thermal sensor unit connected to the cable assembly. This advantageously ensures high operational reliability. Additionally, optimal cooling can be achieved. The measurement data from the thermal sensor unit can be used, for example, to control the cooling fluid flow, cooling fluid temperature, and / or charging current. Preferably, the thermal sensor unit is designed to monitor for overheating of the connector device / plug. The thermal sensor unit comprises at least one thermal sensor with a temperature probe. The temperature probe is preferably in direct contact with the cooling fluid, in particular the cooling fluid located / flowing in the cavity of the connector element and / or a wall of the connector element.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heat sensor unit be attached to the connector element, in particular in such a way that at least the temperature sensor of the heat sensor unit senses a temperature of the connector element. This advantageously allows for particularly efficient cooling of the electrical contact elements of the connector.

[0027] Advantageously, the heat sensor unit is fixed in the connector device in such a way that measurement errors or drifts caused by changes in the position of the heat sensor unit or its temperature sensor can be minimized and preferably avoided.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cable arrangement includes at least one data cable. This advantageously allows for a design with a high degree of functional integration. This can also be achieved in a compact manner. In particular, one end of the data cable is connected to a cable-connection-side data connector, which can be connected via the quick-release coupling or at least together with the mounting elements. The cable-connection-side data connector can be integrated into or connected to the plastic plate. Another end of the data cable is preferably arranged at the connector face and electrically isolated from the other contact elements. Preferably, a copper component is also present at the connector face, to which the data cable can be connected and to which a data cable contact element of the connector face can be attached.The quick-release coupling of the charging cable has a counterpart to the data connector on the cable end. In particular, the data cable is intended for the transmission of control signals between two ends of the charging cable, especially between the charging station and the electric vehicle being charged.

[0029] Furthermore, a connector, in particular a fluid-cooled high-performance connector, is proposed with the connector device, which can form a charging plug, in particular a high-performance charging plug, for charging an electric vehicle and / or at least part of a charging cable connection unit of a charging station, in particular a DC fast charging station (e.g., >150 kW, >300 kW, >500 kW or >1 MW). This enables an advantageous design, in particular a compact and / or particularly simple design, preferably requiring few individual components. Advantageously, a particularly high cooling capacity and / or a particularly efficient cooling effect can also be achieved.

[0030] Furthermore, a charging system offering the same advantages as the plug, in particular a fluid-cooled fast charging system, comprising the charging cable, in particular a fluid-carrying high-performance charging cable, and the plug connected to the charging cable, is proposed.

[0031] The connector device, the connector, and the charging system according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the connector device, the connector, and the charging system according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, and units than that specified herein.

[0032] Drawings. Further advantages will become apparent from the following drawing description. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0033] They show:

[0034] Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of an exemplary charging system with a plug, a charging cable and a charging station.

[0035] Fig. 1b shows a schematic perspective view of the plug with the charging cable,

[0036] Fig. 1c shows a schematic representation of another exemplary charging system with an additional plug, the charging cable and the charging station.

[0037] Fig. 2a is a schematic perspective view of a plug device with a separating unit, Fig. 2b is a schematic perspective view of the plug device without a separating unit,

[0038] Fig. 2c shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the plug device of the plug without the separating unit and with the electrical contact elements mounted.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows another schematic perspective view of the plug device in a view of a coupling unit of the plug device.

[0040] Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0041] Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c each schematically show a charging system 92. Each charging system 92 forms a fluid-cooled fast-charging system. Each charging system 92 comprises a charging cable 44. Each charging system 92 comprises a charging station 90. The charging stations 90 are designed as DC fast-charging stations. The charging cables 44 are each designed as fluid-cooled, high-performance charging cables. Each charging system 92 comprises a connector 14, 14'. The connectors 14, 14' are each fluid-cooled, high-performance connectors.

[0042] Figure 1a shows the connector 14 connected to the charging cable 44. Figure 1b shows the connector 14 disconnected from the charging cable 44. In Figures 1a and 1b, the connector 14 forms a charging connector for charging an electric vehicle 86. The connector 14 shown in Figures 1a and 1b forms a high-performance charging connector for (direct current) fast charging of electric vehicles 86.

[0043] Figure 1c shows the plug 14' in a state separated from the charging cable 44. The plugs 14 and 14' each include a quick-release coupling 94, which allows for easy and quick connection of the respective plug 14 or 14' to the charging cable 44. The charging cable 44 has a coupling device 46 for this purpose. The coupling device 46 forms a counterpart to the quick-release coupling 94 of the plug 14 or 14'. Further details of the quick-release coupling 94 are not discussed here, as this is part of a separate patent application. The plug 14' shown in Figure 1c forms part of a charging cable connection unit of the charging station 90. In the case shown in Figure 1c, the plug 14' is permanently mounted in the charging station 90. This permanently mounted plug 14' cannot be unplugged from the charging station 90 by a user. Plug 14' is only disconnected for installation, maintenance or similar purposes.Alternatively, the plug 14' of Fig. 1 c could be designed similarly to the plug 14 of Figures 1 a and 1 b and could, for example, form a connection interface through which the user plugs the charging cable 44 into the charging station 90.

[0044] The plugs 14, 14' each comprise a plug device 84. The plugs 14, 14' each comprise an outer housing 96. The plug device 84 is at least largely enclosed by the outer housing 96. The outer housing 96 forms a plug face 98 of the plug 14, 14'. Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c each show a schematic, identical perspective view of the plug device 84. In the uncut view of Figure 2a, the electrical contact elements 28 of the plug 14 are hidden, and a separating unit 76 of the plug device 84 is shown. In the uncut view of Figure 2b, the electrical contact elements 28 of the plug 14 and the separating unit 76 of the plug device 84 are hidden. In the sectional view of Figure 2c, the electrical contact elements 28 are shown, and the separating unit 76 is hidden.

[0045] The connector device 84 has a conductor assembly 10. The conductor assembly 10 comprises a plurality of electrical conductor components. The conductor assembly 10 is designed for the transmission of electrical power and cooling fluid between a cable connection side 12 of the connector 14 and a connector face 16 of the connector 14. The conductor assembly 10 comprises a conductor unit 18. The conductor assembly 10 comprises a further conductor unit 72. The further conductor unit 72 is electrically isolated from the conductor unit 18. The further conductor unit 72 is designed at least substantially identically to the conductor unit 18. Therefore, only the conductor unit 18 will be described in more detail below. The explanations relating to the conductor unit 18 can be applied to the further conductor unit 72. The conductor assembly 10 includes a grounding conductor 74. The connector device 84 includes the isolating unit 76 (see Fig. 2a).The isolating unit 76 is electrically non-conductive. The isolating unit 76 is designed to keep electrically conductive components of the cable assembly 10 at a distance from each other. The isolating unit 76 is designed to keep the electrically conductive components of cable unit 18 and the electrically conductive components of the further cable unit 72 at a distance from each other. The isolating unit 76 is designed to keep the electrically conductive components of cable unit 18 and the electrically conductive components of the further cable unit 72 at a distance from the grounding conductor 74.

[0046] The conductor assembly 18 comprises an electrical waveguide 20. The electrical waveguide 20 forms an internal cooling fluid channel 22 for cooling fluid (see Fig. 2c). The cooling fluid channel 22 extends through the connector 14 between the connector face 16 and the cable connection side 12. The cooling fluid channel 22 of the waveguide 20 is designed to conduct the cooling fluid from the connector face 16 to the cable connection side 12. The cooling fluid channel 22 of the waveguide 20 is designed to supply the cooling fluid to a cavity 36 of a connector element 24 of the conductor assembly 18. The conductor assembly 18 has a cooling fluid guide tube 58. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 runs parallel to the electrical waveguide 20. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 is provided for a supply line of the cooling fluid from the cable connection side 12 to the connector face side 16.The cooling fluid guide tube 58 is designed to drain the cooling fluid from the cavity 36 of a connector element 24 of the conductor unit 18. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 is separate from and different in design from the electrical waveguide 20. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 and the electrical waveguide 20 are each made of an electrically conductive material (copper). The electrical waveguide 20 has a wall 60. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 has a wall 62. The wall 60 of the electrical waveguide 20 is significantly thicker than the wall 62 of the cooling fluid guide tube 58. The cooling fluid channel 22 is free of electrical insulation from the electrically conductive metal sheath 64 of the electrical waveguide 20. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 is free of electrical insulation from the electrically conductive material that forms its wall 62.

[0047] The cable assembly 18 comprises an electrically conductive coupling unit 40 (see also Fig. 3). The coupling unit 40 is designed as an electrically conductive component connected to the electrical waveguide 20 and / or to the cooling fluid guide tube 58. The coupling unit 40 has a mounting element 48 on one side 42. The mounting element 48 is designed for mounting with at least a portion of the charging cable 44. The mounting element 48 is designed for mounting with the coupling device 46 of the charging cable 44. The coupling unit 40 is electrically and fluidly connected to a cable connection end 52 of the electrical waveguide 20 on a further side 50 opposite side 42. The coupling unit 40 has a connection channel 54. The connection channel 54 is fluidly connected to the mounting element 48. The connecting channel 54 leads into the cooling fluid channel 22 of the electrical waveguide 20.At least part of a check valve 56 of the line unit 18 is mounted in the connection channel 54. The check valve 56 prevents coolant from leaking out of the connection channel 54 and all fluid line components connected to the connector side of the connection channel 54 (e.g., the coolant channel 22 of the waveguide 20). The coupling unit 40 includes a further mounting element 66 on side 42 (see also Fig. 3). This further mounting element 66 is designed for assembly with the coupling device 46 of the charging cable 44. The coupling unit 40 is fluid-conductingly mounted on the other side 50 to a cable-connection-side end 110 of the coolant guide tube 58. The coupling unit 40 has a further connection channel 68. This further connection channel 68 is fluid-conductingly connected to the further mounting element 66. The further connection channel 68 opens into the coolant guide tube 58.In the further connection channel 68, at least part of a further check valve 70 of the line unit 18 is installed. The further check valve 70 prevents coolant from leaking out of the further connection channel 68 and all fluid line components connected to the further connection channel 68 on the plug side (e.g. the coolant guide tube 58).

[0048] The conductor assembly 18 includes the electrically conductive connector element 24. The connector element 24 has a mounting point 30 on one side 26 (see also Fig. 2a). The mounting point 30 is designed for mounting a connector-face electrical contact element 28 (see Fig. 2c). The electrical contact element 28 is designed as an electrical connector contact pin. The grounding conductor 74 also has a mounting point 100 on the connector-face side, which is likewise designed for mounting an electrical contact element 102. The connector element 24 is electrically and fluid-conducting mounted on another side 32 to a connector-face end 34 of the electrical waveguide 20. The connector element 24 is also fluid-conducting mounted on another side 32 to a connector-face end 104 of the cooling fluid guide tube 58.

[0049] The connector element 24 forms an internal cavity 36. The cavity 36 of the connector element 24 is permeable to the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid channel 22 of the electrical waveguide 20 opens into the cavity 36 of the connector element 24. The cooling fluid channel 22 is located at an inlet of the cavity 36. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 is open to the cavity 36 of the connector element 24. The cooling fluid guide tube 58 is located at an outlet of the cavity 36. The mounting point 30 is in direct thermally conductive contact with a surface 38 of the connector element 24 that at least partially delimits the cavity 36. The cooling fluid permeating the cavity 36 conducts heat away from the mounting point 30, which is transferred to the cooling fluid via the surface 38. The cavity 36 has a further opening (see Fig. 2c) which is closed by a sealing screw 106. This opening is primarily for manufacturing reasons.

[0050] The connector assembly 84 includes a heat sensor unit 78. The heat sensor unit 78 is connected to the conductor assembly 10. The heat sensor unit 78 is designed to detect the temperature of the cooling fluid and / or the connector element 24. The heat sensor unit 78 is attached to the connector element 24. The heat sensor unit 78 includes a temperature sensor 80. The heat sensor unit 78 is attached to the connector element 24 such that the temperature sensor 80 of the heat sensor unit 78 detects the temperature of the connector element 24 and / or the cooling fluid flowing in the connector element 24. The conductor assembly 10 includes a data cable 82. The data cable 82 connects a data plug 108 of the coupling unit 40 to a data plug (not shown) of the connector face 98.

[0051] Reference sign

[0052] 10. Cable arrangement

[0053] 12 Cable connection side

[0054] 14 plugs

[0055] 16 Plug face side

[0056] 18 Management unit

[0057] 20 Electrical waveguide

[0058] 22 Cooling fluid channel

[0059] 24 connector element

[0060] Page 26

[0061] 28 Electrical contact element

[0062] 30 assembly point

[0063] 32 Next page

[0064] 34 End

[0065] 36 cavity

[0066] 38 surface

[0067] 40 coupling unit

[0068] Page 42

[0069] 44 charging cables

[0070] 46 Coupling device

[0071] 48 Mounting element

[0072] 50 More pages

[0073] 52 End

[0074] 54 connection channel

[0075] 56 Check valve

[0076] 58 Cooling fluid guide tube

[0077] 60 wall thickness

[0078] 62 wall

[0079] 64 Metal casing

[0080] 66 Additional mounting element Additional connection channel Additional check valve Additional pipe unit Grounding conductor Separating unit

[0081] Heat sensor unit, temperature sensor, data cable, connector, electric vehicle charging station, charging system

[0082] Quick coupling outer housing plug face mounting point electrical contact element

[0083] End

[0084] Sealing screw data connector

[0085] End

Claims

Claims 1. Connector device (84) with a conductor arrangement (10) for the transmission of electrical power and cooling fluid between a cable connection side (12) of a connector (14, 14'), in particular a fluid-cooled high-performance connector, and a connector face side (16) of the connector (14, 14'), characterized in that the conductor arrangement (10) comprises at least one conductor unit (18) with at least one electrical waveguide (20), wherein the electrical waveguide (20) forms at least one cooling fluid channel (22) for the cooling fluid in an interior.

2. Connector device (84) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor unit (18) has an electrically conductive connector element (24) which has on one side (26) a mounting point (30) for mounting at least one, in particular connector-face, electrical contact element (28), such as an electrical connector contact pin, and which is electrically conductively mounted on a further side (32) to an end (34), in particular connector-face, of the electrical waveguide (20), wherein the connector element (24) forms a cavity (36), in particular a flushable one, into which the cooling fluid channel (22) of the electrical waveguide (20) opens, wherein the conductor unit (18) has at least one cooling fluid guide tube (58) which runs at least substantially parallel to the electrical waveguide (20), and wherein the cooling fluid guide tube (58) connects to the cavity (36) of the connector element. (24) is open.

3. Plug device (84) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting point (30) is in direct thermally conductive contact with a surface (38) of the connector element (24) that at least partially limits the cavity (36).

4. Connector device (84) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable unit (18) comprises an electrically conductive coupling unit (40) which has on one side (42) a mounting element (48) provided for mounting at least one part of a charging cable (44) or a coupling device (46) of the charging cable (44), wherein the coupling unit (40) is mounted on a further side (50) to an end (52), in particular on the cable connection side, of the electrical waveguide (20) in an electrically conductive and fluid-conducting manner, wherein the cable unit (18) has at least one cooling fluid guide tube (58) which runs at least substantially parallel to the electrical waveguide (20), and wherein the coupling unit (40) has on side (42) a further mounting element (66) provided for mounting at least one further part of the charging cable (44) or the coupling device (46) of the charging cable (44),wherein the coupling unit (40) is mounted on the further side (50) to an end (110), in particular on the cable connection side, of the cooling fluid guide tube (58) at least in a fluid-conducting manner.

5. Plug device (84) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling unit (40) forms a connection channel (54) which is fluidly connected to the mounting element (48) and opens into the cooling fluid channel (22) of the electrical waveguide (20), in which at least a part of a check valve (56) of the line unit (18) is mounted.

6. Connector device (84) according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the cooling fluid guide tube (58) and the electrical waveguide (20) are each made of an electrically conductive material, wherein a wall (60) of the electrical waveguide (20) is significantly thicker than a wall (62) of the cooling fluid guide tube (58).

7. Connector device (84) according to claim 1, 4 or 6, characterized in that the cooling fluid guide tube (58) is provided for a supply line of the cooling fluid from the cable connection side (12) to the connector face side (16) and that the cooling fluid channel (22) is provided for a discharge of the cooling fluid from the connector face side (16) to the cable connection side (12).

8. Plug device (84) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling fluid channel (22) and / or the cooling fluid guide tube (58) is free of electrical insulation from a metal sheath (64) of the electrical waveguide (20) that transmits electrical power.

9. Plug device (84) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling unit (40) forms a further connection channel (68) which is fluidly connected to the further mounting element (66) and opens into the cooling fluid guide tube (58), in which at least a part of a further check valve (70) of the line unit (18) is mounted.

10. Plug device (84) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable arrangement (10) has at least one further cable unit (72) which is at least electrically separated from the cable unit (18).

11. Plug device (84) according to claim 10, characterized in that the further conductor unit (72) is designed at least substantially identically to the conductor unit (18).

12. Plug device (84) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor arrangement (10) comprises at least one earthing conductor (74).

13. Plug device (84) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by an electrically non-conductive separating unit (76) which is at least provided to keep electrically conductive components of the cable arrangement (10), preferably at least the cable unit (18), the further cable unit (72) and the earthing conductor (74), at a distance from each other.

14. Plug device (84) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a heat sensor unit (78) connected to the cable arrangement (10).

15. Connector device (84) at least according to claims 2 and 14, characterized in that the heat sensor unit (78) is attached to the connector element (24), in particular such that at least one temperature sensor (80) of the heat sensor unit (78) senses a temperature of the connector element (24).

16. Connector device (84) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable arrangement (10) comprises at least one data cable (82).

17. Connector (14, 14'), in particular a fluid-cooled high-performance connector, with a connector device (84) according to one of the preceding claims.

18. Plug (14) according to claim 17, forming a charging plug, in particular a high-performance charging plug, for charging an electric vehicle (86).

19. Plug (14') according to claim 17, forming at least a part of a charging cable connection unit of a charging station (90), in particular a DC fast charging station.

20. Charging system (92), in particular a fluid-cooled fast charging system, comprising a charging cable (44), in particular a fluid-carrying High-performance charging cable, and a connector (14, 14') connected to the charging cable (44) according to one of claims 17 to 19.

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