WO2023030759A1

WO2023030759A1 - Supply cable for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023030759A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/070754
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Loercher; Oliver Gerundt; Rolf Wittmann
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-08-31
Filing date: 2022-07-25
Publication date: 2023-03-09
Also published as: DE102021209528A1; CN118019659A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to a power supply device (16) providing electrical power and/or to a load (19) requiring electrical power, the supply cable (10) comprising a connecting line (13), a primary connector (14) having a vehicle terminal (14A) for releasable electrical connection to the vehicle (12), a secondary connector (15) having a secondary terminal (1) provided for releasable electrical connection to the power supply device (16) or to the electrical load (19), and a cleaning sleeve having a housing and at least one cleaning element disposed in the interior of the housing, wherein: the housing has at least one first housing part, at least one second housing part and at least one retaining element; the housing encloses at least some portions of the supply line (13) in the circumferential direction thereof; the second housing part and/or the first housing part are lockable in a closed state of the housing; the retaining element undetachably surrounds the connecting line (13) along the circumferential direction; the retaining element is firmly connected to the first housing part or the second housing part.

Description

title

Supply cable for a vehicle

The present invention relates to a supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle, in particular an energy store of a vehicle, the connection being able to be established in particular with an energy supply device and/or with a consumer.

State of the art

Various approaches are known from the prior art for the electrical charging of electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles (eg cars, trucks, boats, aircraft, two-wheelers, etc.). In a first charging situation, the vehicle can be charged via a dedicated charging infrastructure, in particular permanently installed charging stations. For example, such charging stations are implemented as charging stations or wall boxes. In an alternative charging situation, a permanent current socket is provided, as is used for example in normal households for the energy supply. For example, this is a (220V) Schuko socket or a socket designed according to other regional standards or customs, in which case a three-phase connection can also be provided. In this case, a connecting line of the charging cable usually has an integrated controller, which is also called an in-cable control box, ICCB, and which is arranged between the two connectors inside the connecting line. This integrated controller is used for communication with the vehicle and for enabling and setting a charging current, since a shockproof socket, unlike a charging station or a wall box, does not usually have a communication line that the vehicle can use to communicate with the energy supply device. Disclosure of Invention

The supply cable according to the invention has at least one cleaning collar, which enables a connecting line of the supply cable to be cleaned quickly and easily. If the supply cable is located outside of a vehicle, for example to connect the vehicle electrically to a charging station or to supply electricity from the vehicle to an electrical consumer or another vehicle, there is a risk that the supply cable, in particular a connecting line of the supply cable, gets dirty and/or wet. Such contamination can be caused by the weather or by the connecting line being at least partially in contact with a dirty and/or wet subsurface. The cleaning cuff allows for easy cleaning, so that a user does not soil himself or his vehicle and/or absorb moisture when he stows the supply cable in the vehicle.

The supply cable is used to electrically connect a vehicle or an energy store of a vehicle to an energy supply device that provides electrical energy (thus the vehicle can be charged and the supply cable acts as a charging cable) and/or to a consumer requiring electrical energy or to another vehicle (Thus the vehicle serves as a source of energy for the consumer or the further vehicle and the supply cable acts as a power cable for the consumer or the further vehicle, eg when its battery is exhausted, etc.). The umbilical has a connecting line and a primary connector. The primary connector can be electrically coupled to the connecting line (e.g. in the form of an exchangeable adapter) or, e.g. cannot be detached without being destroyed (the primary connector can also be used as a charging plug if the supply cable is used in its function as a charging cable). The primary connector also has a vehicle connection for the detachable electrical connection to the vehicle, in particular the energy store. Furthermore, the supply cable has a secondary connector. The secondary connector can be electrically coupled to the connecting line (eg in the form of an exchangeable adapter) or, for example, cannot be detached without destroying it and is provided for a detachable electrical connection to the energy supply device or to the electrical consumer.

Furthermore, the supply cable has a cleaning sleeve with a housing and at least one cleaning element arranged inside the housing. It is provided that the housing has at least one first housing part, at least one second housing part and at least one holding element. The housing encloses the supply line at least in sections in its circumferential direction. It is also provided that the second housing part and/or the first housing part can be locked when the housing is in a closed state, e.g. to prevent the housing from being opened unintentionally.

It is advantageously provided that the retaining element captively surrounds the connecting line along the circumferential direction. The holding element is firmly connected to the first housing part or the second housing part. This advantageously prevents the housing from becoming detached from the connecting line. In particular, the holding element is thus arranged captively on the connecting line. For example, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connecting line can be routed through a through-opening in the holding element in order to achieve said loss security.

In particular, the holding element prevents the cleaning collar from being unintentionally released from the connecting line. However, the retaining element is preferably designed to release the connecting line in order to detach the cleaning sleeve from the supply line if this is explicitly desired. For example, the retaining element may be spiral-shaped or formed from separate elements which are arranged in a ring and overlap in the circumferential direction of the ring but in the axial direction are spaced or are elastically removable from each other. A further possibility is to remove the connecting line by separating the connecting line and the primary connector or secondary connector and then passing the end of the connecting line on the primary connector side or the secondary connector side through the holding element. In this case, the holding element can be rigid, for example, and have an opening, for example a bore, through which the connecting line is guided or can be guided.

The at least one cleaning element is arranged inside the housing and can therefore be accommodated by the housing or accommodated within the housing. As a result, the cleaning element is preferably in direct contact with the connecting line, at least in sections, and enables the connecting line to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning can include, for example, removing dirt, dirt, mud, snow, etc., as well as removing moisture, moisture, etc.

The second housing part is preferably designed to be movable relative to the first housing part in order to allow access to the cleaning element. The cleaning element can thus be removed, for example, by moving the first housing part relative to the second housing part, e.g. by opening the housing, e.g. The cleaning element can also be replaced easily and with little effort.

In the operating state, for example in a closed state, the housing can be locked or can be locked, for example. This allows the cleaning process to be carried out easily and safely. Such a locking can be brought about, for example, by locking the first housing part and/or the second housing part. For this purpose, for example, the first housing part can be locked on or with the second housing part, for example by means of a clip connection, a locking element, a screw connection or the like. It is also conceivable that at least one of the two housing parts is locked or can be locked with the holding element. Finally, it is also conceivable that the first and/or second housing part can be locked in that a sleeve that is initially separate from the housing is pushed over the housing and thus the encloses both housing parts and in this way is locked against opening.

The cleaning collar advantageously allows the connecting line to be cleaned quickly and easily, with the possibility of cleaning always being available and not having to be searched for long or installed in a laborious manner. All you have to do is run the cleaning sleeve along the connecting line. Since the cleaning collar has a housing, a user does not come into contact with the cleaning element or the connecting line when guiding the cleaning collar, so that the user is prevented from getting dirty or wet during cleaning. In addition, a vehicle interior can be avoided in this way from becoming dirty or wet. In addition to cleaning the connecting line, the connecting line can also be at least partially dried, preferably by wiping off water, snow, mud or moisture.

It goes without saying that for a supply line in which all the control electronics are arranged in the primary connector and/or in the secondary connector and/or in the connecting line (without their diameter changing significantly along their length), a single cleaning sleeve can be sufficient to to clean the entire connecting line.

However, it can also be provided that an ICCB is provided within the connecting line, the dimensions of which significantly exceed the diameter of the connecting line. In such a case, the connection line is divided into a primary connector-side section and a secondary connector-side section. Provision can then be made for a cleaning collar to be provided in each of the two sections of the connecting line. In this case (supply cable with ICCB), however, it can also be provided that a cleaning sleeve is provided in only one of the two sections, with which only the section between ICCB and the respective connector can be cleaned without removing the cleaning sleeve and to reattach another section.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention. The cleaning sleeve is preferably designed to be guided along a direction of extension of the connecting line. In this way, foreign bodies such as dirt and/or dust and/or snow and/or moisture can be picked up via the at least one cleaning element. A user who guides the cleaning sleeve along the extension direction of the connecting line advantageously does not come into contact with either the foreign bodies or the cleaning element. The risk of contamination of the user with the foreign bodies is thus reduced or avoided. In addition, the cleaning sleeve can be handled easily and conveniently, and the connecting line can be cleaned easily and quickly. Particularly advantageously, an operator does not have to search long for the cleaning collar, since it is captively attached to the supply cable or the connecting cable. At the same time, it is not possible for the cleaning sleeve to slip off the connecting line during the cleaning process, since it is held captive.

The at least one cleaning element and/or the housing advantageously has a depot. Foreign objects picked up by the connecting line can be collected in the depot. In particular, the depot is an area of the cleaning collar or its housing that is not filled with the cleaning element. In this way, foreign bodies and/or moisture or moisture can be absorbed in the depot and, for example, disposed of easily and with little effort after the end of the cleaning process. As a result, the cleaning element advantageously offers an increased cleaning capacity. The depot can also advantageously prevent particles or the like from settling in the cleaning agent (because they get into the depot) and in this way the cleaning performance is reduced or a surface of the connecting line is roughened. For example, the depot is an empty space in the housing of the cleaning collar in which there is no part or at least only a part of the cleaning element that is not intended for cleaning the connecting line. For example, only the roots of brushes can be located in the depot, ie those areas of the brushes that are attached to the housing or a holding element if the cleaning element comprises brushes, for example. A depot volume of Depot is preferably at least 20% of the internal volume of the housing of the cleaning sleeve. In a further advantageous embodiment, the depot has an additional receiving element for receiving foreign bodies, for example a sponge element. In particular, this sponge element allows liquid to be stored and evaporated when not in use. Thus, a (further) cleaning agent can preferably also be attached in the depot.

Provision is also advantageously made for the at least one cleaning element to have a sponge or a sponge element and/or a brush or a brush element and/or a cloth or a cloth element. The sponge or the sponge element and/or the brush or the brush element and/or the cloth or the cloth element serve to remove and/or absorb foreign bodies and/or moisture or moisture from the connecting line. The cleaning element can preferably have a number of different partial areas which enable different cleaning processes. The elements described, such as a sponge and/or brush and/or cloth, can thus advantageously be used in combination. A cleaning performance of the cleaning element is thus maximized.

The cleaning element preferably has a recess. The connecting line is routed in the recess. The recess can extend, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the housing or the cleaning element or the connecting line. This advantageously also allows direct contact between the connecting line and the cleaning element. In addition, the dirt is not wiped off directly at the entrance of the connecting line into the cleaning element, which means that a higher absorption capacity for foreign bodies is achieved and soiling of an operator is prevented. Furthermore, the recess in the cleaning element reduces the friction between the cleaning element and the connecting line, as a result of which the operation of the cleaning collar is simplified and, in particular, is possible with less effort. The recess is preferably continuous or non-continuous. The recess particularly advantageously extends over at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, of the length of the cleaning element. The length of the cleaning element is determined in particular along the direction in which the connecting line extends. The recess is particularly advantageously designed in the shape of a funnel, at least toward a housing wall or a distal end of the housing of the cleaning sleeve. In particular, the cutout is funnel-shaped in relation to opposite housing walls. In other words, only one funnel can be provided, or one funnel each in both directions. The funnel shape means that when the connecting line is guided through said funnel, the cleaning collar is guided along the connecting line. For example, the funnel is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the housing and has its larger diameter at a distal end of the housing, eg at the entrance or exit of the connecting line into or out of the housing. This allows first a coarse cleaning and then a fine cleaning, in particular of each area, of the connecting line to take place. Advantageously, this allows the foreign bodies picked up, such as dirt or water, to be distributed more evenly over the cleaning element, in particular along an axial extension (longitudinal direction), resulting in an optimal cleaning effect along the entire length of the cleaning element and/or the cleaning collar. The cleaning performance of the cleaning collar is thus maximized. In addition, friction between the connecting line and the cleaning element is reduced, which leads to simple and, in particular, energy-saving handling of the cleaning collar. A diameter of the recess is preferably between 60% and 80% of the diameter of the connecting line. The largest diameter of the funnel shape (thus the inlet diameter or the outlet diameter for the connecting line) can preferably be between 70% and 140%, particularly preferably between 80% and 120%, of the diameter of the connecting line. The smallest diameter of the funnel shape can, for example, correspond to the diameter of the recess, so that the funnel tapers from its largest diameter towards the diameter of the recess.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cleaning element initially has at least one brush element and then at least one sponge element or a cloth element along the recess from the housing wall or a distal end of the housing towards the interior (viewed along the axial direction or the longitudinal direction). Thus, the cleaning element is a combination of at least one brush element and at least one lobe element or sponge element. This arrangement is preferably present on both sides, so that starting from each housing wall or each distal end of the housing, at which or at which the connecting line enters the housing or exits from the housing, there is first at least one brush element and then at least one sponge element towards the interior or a lobe element is present.

This initially results in a rough cleaning by means of the brush elements. These preferably remove larger foreign bodies such as coarse dirt and/or pieces of ice. In this way, damage to the sponge element and/or the tab element by said larger foreign bodies is avoided. In addition, such larger foreign bodies can block the movement of the cleaning sleeve and/or scratch the connecting line on the outside if they come into direct contact with the sponge element and/or cloth element. After a section of the connecting line has been roughly cleaned by the brush elements, fine cleaning is carried out by the cloth element and/or the sponge element.

This preferably serves to absorb smaller foreign objects and/or moisture or humidity. By dividing the cleaning into rough cleaning and fine cleaning by different parts of the cleaning element, cleaning that is advantageously more efficient than without such a division can be achieved. In addition, a longer service life of the cleaning elements can be achieved. Finally, in such a configuration, the connecting line is spared and protected from external scratches.

The retaining element advantageously encloses the connecting line in its circumferential direction in a captive manner. For this purpose, the retaining element can be designed in the form of a ring, for example. It is particularly advantageous that the cleaning sleeve and the connecting line cannot be unintentionally separated. If the retaining element is in the form of a closed ring, it can even be designed in individual embodiments such that the cleaning sleeve and connecting line cannot be separated without destroying it, or alternatively only by passing one end of the connecting line through the ring-shaped retaining element. In this way, the cleaning sleeve is held securely and reliably on the connecting line and cannot be accidentally lost. Advantageously, an operator therefore does not have to search for the cleaning collar, since this is always arranged on the supply cable. A holding element is particularly advantageously arranged on one, for example distal, end of the first housing part or on one, for example distal, end of the second housing part in the direction in which the connecting line extends. Thus, the first housing part and/or the second housing part is/are preferably located between the holding elements, for example viewed in the axial direction. This advantageously enables improved guidance of the cleaning collar on the connecting line, for example without tilting. The security against loss is also advantageously increased by the multiple number of holding elements. In particular, the security against loss is also given when one of the holding elements is damaged.

The second housing part is preferably foldably mounted on the first housing part via a hinge. The hinge can be a film hinge, for example. The use of a hinge simplifies the handling of the cleaning collar when opening the housing, for example for cleaning and/or replacing the cleaning element. Also, advantageously, there is complete protection against loss, even when the housing is open. The use of a film hinge enables the housing to be manufactured simply and inexpensively, e.g. at least partially as a plastic part in an injection molding process.

It is advantageously provided that the cleaning sleeve can be coupled to the primary connector and/or the secondary connector in a parking position. If the cleaning collar is not required for cleaning, it can remain in the parked position and, in particular, has no influence on the handling of the supply cable as a whole. The supply cable can therefore be used easily and in particular without regard to the cleaning sleeve, for example to connect a vehicle to a charging station. In particular, uncontrolled movement of the cleaning sleeve along the connecting line is prevented. Furthermore, the risk of damage to the cleaning collar during use of the supply cable is advantageously reduced in the parking position, since neither the primary connector nor the secondary connector usually have contact with the ground during use of the supply cable. It is also advantageous for an operator to Cleaning sleeve can always be found quickly and reliably, even under poor visibility conditions (e.g. at night or in a dark garage). Furthermore, it goes without saying that this attachment is also counted as part of the primary connector or secondary connector if this is connected to the connecting line by means of a coupling and the cleaning collar is coupled to the coupling of the connecting line directly adjacent to the primary connector or secondary connector.

It is particularly advantageous for the cleaning sleeve to be fastened to the primary connector and/or the secondary connector in a form-fitting or force-fitting or friction-fitting manner. An unintentional detachment of the cleaning collar from the primary connector or secondary connector is advantageously avoided by this form-fitting or force-fitting or friction-fitting attachment. If the cleaning sleeve is not required, then for a user of the supply cable it is merely part of the primary connector or secondary connector.

The cleaning collar can be held on the primary connector and/or secondary connector or coupled to the respective connector, for example by a magnetic force. For example, the holding element can be made of a magnetic material such as steel or iron or have such a material. An electromagnet or a permanent magnet, for example, can be arranged on the primary connector and/or on the secondary connector, which magnetically holds the holding element as soon as it has reached the parking position. It goes without saying that the magnet can also be arranged on the holding element and the magnetic material on the primary connector or secondary connector. It goes without saying that a bayonet connection or a screw connection or a clip connection or a plug connection or the like can also be provided for fastening the cleaning sleeve to the primary connector or secondary connector. Furthermore, it goes without saying that this attachment is also counted as part of the primary connector or secondary connector if this is connected to the connecting line by means of a coupling and the cleaning collar is attached to the coupling of the connecting line directly adjacent to the primary connector or secondary connector. In addition, a connector housing of the primary connector and/or of the secondary connector preferably has a housing recess at an end facing the connecting line. This recess is designed to accommodate at least some sections of the cleaning collar in the parking position. The recess is particularly preferably set up to hold the cleaning collar in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. This can be done, for example, by a bayonet lock and/or screw lock and/or by the housing being oversized. Furthermore, it goes without saying that this attachment is also counted as part of the primary connector or secondary connector if this is connected to the connecting line by means of a coupling and the cleaning collar is attached to the coupling of the connecting line directly adjacent to the primary connector or secondary connector. In such a case, an end of the coupling on the connecting line that faces the cleaning sleeve has said housing recess. This can then be a kind of recess in the clutch housing, for example.

The housing (of the cleaning sleeve) preferably has a dimension of between 8 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 20 cm, along the extension direction of the connecting line. Such a dimension means that the cleaning collar is easy to handle, since it can be easily gripped and guided with one hand. In particular, this also prevents the hand gripping the cleaning sleeve from slipping off. On the other hand, such a dimension means that a hand gripping the cleaning sleeve is far enough away from the connecting line so that it does not inadvertently come into contact with the dirty connecting line. This prevents unintentional contamination of the hand with the foreign bodies on the connecting line. A user can thus clean the connecting line easily and with little effort, without running the risk of soiling himself. Furthermore, due to these length dimensions, a spirally preformed supply cable can also be easily cleaned without great effort and without tilting.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a cleaning collar is provided for a supply cable having a connecting line. In other words, the cleaning collar is set up for assembly a supply cable having a connecting line. The cleaning sleeve has a housing and at least one cleaning element arranged inside the housing. It is provided that the housing has at least one first housing part, at least one second housing part and at least one holding element. The housing is designed to enclose the supply line at least in sections in its circumferential direction. In addition, it is provided that the second housing part and/or the first housing part can be locked when the housing is in a closed state. Inadvertent opening of the housing can thus be prevented. Advantageously, the retaining element is designed to captively surround the connecting line along the circumferential direction. The holding element is firmly connected to the first housing part or the second housing part. This prevents the housing from becoming detached from the connecting line. In particular, the holding element can thus be arranged captively on the connecting line. For this purpose, the connecting line can be routed through a through-opening in the holding element in a particularly advantageous manner, in order to achieve said security against loss. In particular, an unintentional detachment of the cleaning sleeve from the connecting line can be prevented by the holding element when the latter is mounted on the connecting line. The holding element is preferably designed to enclose the connecting line and then release it in order to detach the cleaning sleeve from the supply line if this is explicitly desired. For example, the retaining member may be helical or formed of separate members arranged in a ring and overlapping circumferentially of the ring but spaced axially or resiliently removable from each other. A further possibility for removing the cleaning collar from the state mounted on a connecting supply line is to remove the connecting line by separating the connecting line and primary connector or secondary connector and then passing the end of the connecting line on the primary connector side or the secondary connector side through the holding element. In this case, the holding element can be rigid, for example, and have an opening, for example a bore, through which the connecting line is guided or can be guided.

The at least one cleaning element is arranged inside the housing and can therefore be accommodated by the housing or in its interior recorded. As a result, the cleaning element can preferably come into direct contact with the connecting line, at least in sections, and thus enables the connecting line to be cleaned when it is mounted on the connecting line. The second housing part is preferably designed to be movable relative to the first housing part in order to allow access to the cleaning element. The cleaning element can thus be removed by opening the housing and cleaned, for example, by yourself. The cleaning element can also be replaced easily and with little effort. The cleaning collar allows the connecting line to be cleaned quickly and easily as soon as it is mounted on the connecting line. For this purpose, the cleaning sleeve then only needs to be guided along the connecting line. Since the cleaning sleeve has a housing, a user does not come into contact with the cleaning element or the connecting line when guiding the cleaning sleeve, so that the user is prevented from getting dirty during cleaning. In addition to cleaning the connecting line, the connecting line can also be at least partially dried, preferably by wiping off water, snow, mud or moisture.

Particularly advantageously, the first housing part and/or the second housing part, preferably the entire housing of the cleaning sleeve, is made of plastic or has plastic for the most part. This simplifies the manufacture of the cleaning collar and reduces its manufacturing costs. A plastic with low thermal conductivity is preferred in order to enable easy operation of the cleaning sleeve even in colder seasons without the user's hand, which is guiding the cleaning sleeve, cooling down through the cleaning sleeve. It can be provided that a part of the housing, e.g. the holding element, at least partially has a magnetic material (such as steel or iron or the like) or has a (permanent) magnet.

Brief description of the drawing

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a supply cable, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a

Cleaning collar of the supply cable according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through a cleaning collar in a closed state according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a first alternative of a

Cleaning element of the cleaning sleeve of the supply cable according to an embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a second alternative of a

Cleaning element of the cleaning collar of the umbilical according to an embodiment of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

All figures are merely schematic representations of the device according to the invention or its components according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, distances and size relationships are not shown to scale in the figures. Corresponding elements in the various figures are given the same reference numbers.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 12 which is, for example, a hybrid or electric vehicle and which has an energy store 11 . The energy store 11 is to be charged here, for example via an energy supply device 16 . The energy supply device 16 in the case shown in FIG. be or a constant voltage source, for example a household socket such as a Schuko socket, which allows for example single-phase charging. A supply cable 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is provided for connecting energy supply device 16 and energy store 11 or vehicle 12 .

The supply cable 10 has a primary connector 14 and a secondary connector 15, different variants of the secondary connector 15 being shown in FIG. A supply line or connecting line 13 is present between the primary connector 14 and the secondary connector 15 . The primary connector 14 is used for the electrical connection to the vehicle 12 and specifically to the energy store 11. The secondary connector 15 is used, depending on its design, to connect to the various types of energy supply device 16 or a consumer 19. In the event that the secondary connector 15 to connect equipped with a consumer 19 (exemplified here in the form of a hair dryer), the secondary connector 15 can be a Schuko socket, for example. In this case, electrical energy is drawn from the vehicle 12 or its energy store 11 . It goes without saying that the electrical load can also be a power grid, so that electrical energy from the vehicle 12 can be fed back into the power grid. In this case, for example, a Schuko plug or a Type 2 charging plug for plugging into a wall box can serve as the secondary connector 15. It is also understood that the electrical consumer can also be another vehicle that is supplied with electricity or electrical energy from the vehicle 12 . In this case, the secondary connector 15 can be designed analogously to the primary connector 14, for example.

The primary connector 14 has a vehicle connection 14A, which is provided for the directly or indirectly detachable wireless or wired electrical connection to the vehicle 12 or the energy store 11 .

In the embodiment shown, the primary connector 14 also has an additional connection 9 via which a wireless and/or wired electrical connection to an additional coupling 5 of the connecting line 13 can be established directly or indirectly and releasably. In an alternative embodiment, the additional connection 9 and the additional clutch 5 be dispensed with, so that the connecting line 13 is attached directly to the primary connector 14 and cannot be separated from it in a non-destructive manner.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the supply cable 10 can be coupled to various types of secondary connectors 15 . Each secondary connector 15 has an infrastructure connection 1 and a cable connection 2 , the infrastructure connection 1 being designed for electrical connection to the energy supply device 16 or the consumer 19 . The cable connection 2 is used for connection to the connecting line 13. For this purpose, the connecting line 13 has, for example, a coupling 6, the coupling 6 and the cable connection 2 being electrically connectable in a detachable manner. The secondary connectors 15 can thus be exchanged easily and with little effort, in that only the connection between the coupling 6 and the cable connection 2 has to be separated. In principle, of course, supply cables 10 are also conceivable in which the secondary connector 14 is non-detachably (i.e. not detachably detachable) connected to the connecting line 13 .

The top right of FIG. 1 shows that the infrastructure connection 1 can also be designed for connection to a consumer 19, for example by the infrastructure connection 1 or the secondary connector 15 being designed as a Schuko socket or as a three-phase socket. In Figure 1 in the middle on the right it is shown that the infrastructure connection 1 of the secondary connector 15 can be, for example, a type 2 connection for connection to a charging station or wall box in an alternative embodiment (here, for example, a current flow from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or away from the vehicle 12 towards the infrastructure connection 1 possible). The bottom right of Figure 1 shows by way of example that the infrastructure connection 1 of the secondary connector 15 in an alternative embodiment can be a safety plug for connection to a household socket (here too, for example, a current flow from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or away from the vehicle 12 to the Infrastructure connection 1 possible). A secondary connector 15 for connecting to another vehicle is also possible in principle, but not shown here. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting line 13 has only electrical conductors between the clutch 6 and the additional clutch 5 , which establish an electrical connection between the clutch 6 and the additional clutch 5 . These electrical conductors are, for example, copper conductors or aluminum conductors, or they are made from another material with high electrical conductivity and have electrical insulation. All electrical conductors are combined in one strand, for example, and preferably have a common sheath, which serves as electrical insulation on the one hand and as mechanical protection on the other. In this exemplary embodiment, no active or passive electrical components are preferably provided in the connecting line 13 . All logical components or logic modules (eg microprocessors, ASICs, etc.) and in particular active or passive electrical components are either part of the primary connector 14 and/or part of the secondary connector 15. This means that the connecting line 13 can advantageously be produced inexpensively. An ICCB (an in-cable control box) can thus be expressly dispensed with in this exemplary embodiment. As a result, the supply cable 10 can be provided in a cost-effective, compact, simple, space-saving and light-weight manner, despite its adaptability shown here (various secondary connectors 15 can be optionally coupled). Not having an ICCB reduces the weight, costs and manageability, as well as time-consuming quality checks and stress tests, since it is not necessary to protect the sensitive electronics of the ICCB from being run over by other vehicles, such as trucks. This also advantageously reduces the risk of people stumbling. It goes without saying that in other exemplary embodiments an ICCB can be provided, which is then arranged, for example, within the connecting line 13 .

FIG. 2 schematically shows a cleaning sleeve 17 of the supply cable 10, which is provided for cleaning the connecting line 13. In particular, the cleaning sleeve 17 enables the removal of foreign bodies 30 on the connecting line 13, these foreign bodies being, for example, dust and/or dirt and/or mud and/or snow and/or water and/or ice or the like. In order to remove these foreign objects 30, the cleaning sleeve 17 merely has to be guided along a direction of extension 200 of the connecting line 13. The cleaning sleeve 17 has a housing 18 , the housing 18 having at least one first housing part 21 , at least one second housing part 22 and at least one holding element 23 . In FIG. 2, a holding element 23 is provided at each distal end of the housing 18, for example.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross section through the cleaning sleeve 17 in the closed state. For reasons of clarity, the connecting line 13 is not shown here.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the cleaning sleeve 17 with the housing 18 open, again without the connecting line 13 for reasons of clarity. The details of the illustrated embodiments of the cleaning sleeve are described below with reference to FIGS.

At least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is arranged inside the housing 18, with two cleaning elements 20A, 20B being shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. It is provided here, for example, that a first cleaning element 20A is assigned to the first housing part 21 and a second cleaning element 20B is assigned to the second housing part 22 . The respective cleaning elements 20A, 20B are preferably attached to the respective associated housing part 21, 22.

The housing 18 is designed in such a way that it encloses the supply line 13 at least in sections in its circumferential direction 100 . The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B comes into direct contact with the connecting line 13, at least in sections. If the cleaning sleeve 17 is guided along the connecting line 13, the connecting line 13 is cleaned by the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B. The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is separated from a user's hand by the housing 18, so that the user is not contaminated by the foreign bodies.

When the housing 18 is in a closed state, the second housing part 22 and/or the first housing part 21 can be locked, so that the housing 18 cannot be opened unintentionally in the locked state. In this case, for example, the first housing part 21 on the second housing part 22 or be locked on the holding element 23. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the second housing part 22 can be locked on the first housing part 21 or on the holding element 23 . In principle, it is also conceivable that locking is effected, for example, by slipping a locking ring or a locking sleeve over the first and second housing part 21 , 22 . The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is therefore also held in the housing 18. This prevents the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B from being removed or accidentally slipping out. If the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is to be removed, the housing 18 must be opened. For this purpose, the second housing part 22 is preferably foldably mounted on the first housing part 21 via a hinge 25, in particular a film hinge. In this way, the first and second housing parts 21, 22 cannot be lost from one another.

The cleaning collar 17 is preferably captively attached to the connecting line 13 . The holding element 23 described above is provided for this purpose. In this exemplary embodiment, the holding element 23 encloses the connecting line 13 in a captive manner along the circumferential direction 100 . This is achieved, for example, in that the retaining element 23 is annular and the connecting line 13 is guided through the opening in the annular shape of the retaining element 23 . The holding element 23 is also firmly connected to the first housing part 21 or the second housing part 22 . As a result, the entire housing 18 is captively attached to the connecting line 13 . It is still possible to separate the cleaning collar 17 from the connecting line 13 . For this purpose, only one end of the connecting line 13 has to be guided through the opening in the annular shape of the holding element 23 . FIG. 2 shows two holding elements 23 at the distal ends of the housing 18 by way of example. In FIG. 4, only a single holding element 23 is shown as an example. Alternatively, a holding element 23 is arranged on each end of the first housing part 21 or on one end of the second housing part 22 in the direction of extent 200 of the connecting line 13 .

If the cleaning collar 17 is not required, it can be coupled in a parking position to the primary connector 14 and/or the secondary connector 15 or to the clutch 6 or the additional clutch 5. In these cases, the parking position is assigned to the secondary connector 15 or the Primary connector 14 attributed. It is particularly advantageous for the cleaning sleeve 17 to be fastened to the primary connector 14 and/or the secondary connector 15 (or to the clutch 6 or the additional clutch 5) in a positive or non-positive manner, in particular via a magnetic force. In this way, the cleaning sleeve 17 is fixed when not in use and does not hinder a user when handling the supply cable 10 as such, for example when electrically connecting the vehicle 12 and the energy supply device 16. For example, a connector housing 31 of the primary connector 14 and/or the secondary connector 15 ( or additional coupling 5 and/or coupling 6) can have a housing recess 32 at one end facing connecting line 13, which is set up to accommodate at least sections of cleaning sleeve 17 in the parking position and in particular to hold it in a positive and/or non-positive manner. For example, this can be done via an oversize between the housing 18 and the housing recess 32 or via a bayonet lock or screw lock. A magnetic holder is also possible.

The housing 18 of the cleaning collar can be made of plastic, for example, or can mainly have plastic. A dimension of the housing 18 along the extension direction 200 of the connecting line 13 is, for example, between 8 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 20 cm. Thus, the cleaning sleeve 17 is easy to handle and avoids contact between a user and the foreign bodies 30 when guiding the cleaning sleeve 17 along the connecting line 13.

The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B is preferably a sponge element 26 (see Figure 5) and/or a brush element 27 and/or a cloth or a cloth element, with a brush element 27 being used as the cleaning element in Figures 3 and 4 20A, 20B. The at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B has here, for example, a recess 28 in which the connecting line 13 is guided or can be guided. In the variant according to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the cleaning elements 20A, 20B has its own recess 28 in the form of a half cylinder, here circular, with these recesses 28 complementing one another to form a complete cylindrical shape when the housing 18 is closed. Thus, there is direct contact between the two Given cleaning elements 20A, 20B. In the closed state and with the connecting line 13 passed through, the cleaning elements 20A, 20B can make direct contact with an outside of the connecting line 13 and clean it in the process.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative configuration of the cleaning element 20A, 20B. In addition to the cleaning element 20A, 20B shown, the first housing part 21 and the second housing part 22 as well as the connecting line 13 are indicated schematically in FIG. Here the recess 28 of the cleaning element 20A, 20B is funnel-shaped at least towards a housing wall 29 at a distal end of the housing 18 , the enlargement of the funnel diameter taking place towards the distal ends of the housing 18 . FIG. 5 shows a funnel shape of the recess 28 towards the two opposite housing walls 29 at the distal ends of the housing 18 . The housing walls 29 are those walls of the housing 18 at which the connecting line 13 can enter the cleaning sleeve 17 or exit from it. In this variant, too, the cleaning element 20A, 20B (viewed along the direction of rotation) can be divided into two, as shown in FIGS. A one-piece design is also possible.

In addition, the cleaning element 20A, 20B has different elements along the recess 28, ie along an axial direction 300 of the housing 18, which is preferably parallel to the direction of extension 200. Starting in each case from the housing walls 29 at the distal ends of the housing 18 viewed towards the interior, at least one brush element 27 is provided first and then at least one sponge element 26 or a flap element. Thus, first a coarse cleaning is carried out by the brush element 27 and then a fine cleaning by the sponge element 26. A complete and comprehensive cleaning is thus made possible. It is also prevented that coarse dirt can damage the sponge element 26, which would lead to rapid wear of the cleaning element 20A, 20B.

Deposits 24 are also preferably provided in the cleaning element 20A, 20B, which are used to collect foreign bodies 30 that have been caught. Alternatively or additionally, at least one depot 24 can also be installed in the housing 18 be trained. In the exemplary embodiment shown, one ring-shaped depot 24 is provided in each of the two brush elements 27 and two ring-shaped depots 24 are provided in the sponge element 26 .

Foreign bodies 30 picked up by the connecting line 13 can be collected in the depot 24 . The foreign bodies can thus be removed from the cleaning collar 17 as a whole easily and with little effort. In addition, clogging of the cleaning element 20A, 20B is avoided, so that the cleaning element 20A, 20B has a longer service life. Necessary cleanings to remove foreign objects from the cleaning sleeve 17 are therefore only necessary at longer intervals.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the depots 24 are provided on a side of the sponge element 26 or the brush elements 27 opposite the connecting line 13, so that the foreign bodies 30 can reach the depots 24 can reach. As an alternative to the ring shape of the depots 24, a ring segment shape can also be provided.

FIG. 6 shows a further alternative embodiment of the cleaning element 20A, 20B. In this case, the at least one cleaning element 20A, 20B has two depots 24 which are in direct contact with the connecting line 13. The connecting line is indicated schematically in FIG. Alternatively, only a single depot 24 or a larger number of depots 24 can be provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning element 20A, 20B is, for example, a sponge element or a brush element, which can be inserted into the housing 18 as shown in FIGS.

If the connecting line 13 becomes dirty while the supply cable 10 is in use, for example because it is on a muddy surface while a vehicle 12 is being charged, the cleaning collar 17 can be used for quick and easy cleaning of the supply cable 10 . In particular when the supply cable 10 is stowed in the trunk of the vehicle 12 in order to continue driving soiling of the interior of the vehicle 12 is thus avoided.

Claims

- 25 - claims

1. Supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12), in particular an energy store (11) of a vehicle (12), to an energy supply device (16) that provides electrical energy and/or to a consumer (19) that requires electrical energy Having supply cable (10).

-- a connecting line (13),

-- a primary connector (14) which can be or is electrically coupled to the connecting line (13) and has a vehicle connection (14A) for the detachable electrical connection to the vehicle (12), in particular to the energy storage device (11),

-- a secondary connector (15) which can be or is electrically coupled to the connecting line (13) and has a secondary connection (1) which is provided for the detachable electrical connection to the energy supply device (16) or to the electrical consumer (19),

-- a cleaning sleeve (17) with a housing (18) and at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) arranged inside the housing (18),

-- the housing (18) having at least one first housing part (21), at least one second housing part (22) and at least one holding element (23), -- the housing (18) supporting the supply line (13) in its circumferential direction (100 ) at least partially encloses,

-- wherein the second housing part (22) and/or the first housing part (21) can be locked in a closed state of the housing,

-- wherein the holding element (23) captively surrounds the connecting line (13) along the circumferential direction (100),

- Wherein the holding element (23) is firmly connected to the first housing part (21) or the second housing part (22).

2. Supply cable (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning sleeve (17) is designed to be guided along a direction of extension (200) of the connecting line (13). to pick up foreign bodies (30), in particular dirt and/or dust and/or snow and/or moisture, via the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B). Supply cable (10) according to Claim 2, the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) and/or the housing (18) having a depot (24) in which foreign bodies (30) picked up by the connecting line (13) can be collected. A umbilical (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) comprises a sponge element (26) and/or a brush element (27) and/or a rag element. Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) has a recess (28) in which the connecting line (13) is guided. Supply cable (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the cutout (28) is funnel-shaped at least towards one housing wall (29). Supply cable (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the cleaning element (20A, 20B) along the recess (28) viewed from the housing wall (29) towards the interior initially at least one brush element (27) and then at least one sponge element (26) or has a tab member. Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (23) captively encloses the connecting line (13) in its circumferential direction (100) and is in particular of annular design. Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case a holding element (23) on each end of the first housing part (21) or on each end of the second housing part (22) is arranged in the extension direction (200) of the connecting line (13). Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing part (22) is mounted on the first housing part (21) so that it can be folded via a hinge (25), in particular a film hinge. Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cleaning sleeve (17) can be coupled to the primary connector (14) and/or the secondary connector (15) in a parking position. Supply cable (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning sleeve (17) can be fastened to the primary connector (14) and/or the secondary connector (15) in a positive or non-positive manner, in particular via a magnetic force. Supply cable (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which a connector housing (31) of the primary connector (14) and/or of the secondary connector (15) has a housing recess (32) on an end facing the connecting line (13) which is set up in order to receive the cleaning collar (17) at least in sections and in particular to hold it in a positive and/or non-positive manner. Supply cable (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (18) has a dimension between 8 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 20 cm, along the extension direction (200) of the connecting line (13). Cleaning sleeve (17) for a supply cable (10) having a connecting line (13), having the cleaning sleeve (17).

-- a housing (18) and at least one cleaning element (20A, 20B) arranged inside the housing (18),

-- wherein the housing (18) has at least one first housing part (21), at least one second housing part (22) and at least one holding element (23), -- wherein the housing (18) is designed so that the supply line (13) in - 28 - to enclose the circumferential direction (100) at least in sections,

-- wherein the holding element (23) is designed to captively surround the connecting line (13) along the circumferential direction (100), and