DE102015004313A1 - Plug, in particular with a vehicle charging cable of an electric or hybrid vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In a connector (1) which is connected to a charging cable (2), in particular to a vehicle charging cable of an electric or hybrid vehicle, and a connector housing (3); as well as voltage-carrying current contacts (4a, 4b) for a charging current, in particular a battery of the electric or hybrid vehicle, wherein in the plug housing (3) at least one temperature sensor (5, 5a, 5b) is arranged for a charge control and / or a charge monitoring is be achieved that a rapid charge control is given taking into account a sufficient electrical insulation. This is achieved in that the temperature sensor (5, 5a, 5b) is embedded in a chamber (10) in which at least one current-carrying region (20a, 20b) of the current contacts (4a, 4b) is guided, wherein the chamber (10 ) is filled with a heat conducting, so that between the at least one live current contact (4a, 4b) and the at least one temperature sensor (5, 5a, 5b) - preferably electrically insulating - Wärmeleitbrücke is present.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a plug according to the preamble of claim 1.

For electric or hybrid vehicles, the battery must be charged via a charging cable with a mains plug. The power plug can be connected to a household socket.

The charging current is often regulated as a function of a temperature of the plug contacts. Sensors integrated into the connector must comply with standards that ensure that there is sufficient clearance or electrical insulation between the live parts and the sensor cables. For example, shrink tubing may be used that electrically isolates the sensor control lines and / or other conductive parts. For live parts otherwise a distance of 3 mm must be maintained.

However, known charging controls by temperature sensors have the disadvantage that they are relatively sluggish. It may take up to 20 minutes for a temperature actual value to be recorded.

State of the art

From the DE 10 2010 014 024 A1 a plug of the generic type is known in which a temperature sensor or a PTC or NTC sensor is integrated. The sensor is positioned to sense a temperature near a connection between the contact plugs and the jacks. The temperature sensor may be encapsulated in a housing by injection molding.

Object of the invention and solution

The invention has for its object to provide a plug of the generic type, which achieves a fast charge control, taking into account a sufficient electrical isolation.

This object is achieved by a plug with the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble features.

The invention is based on the idea to enclose the temperature sensor quasi with a thermal paste, so that on the one hand a thermal conductivity is significantly improved, but also on the other hand problems of electrical insulation can be solved in a simple manner.

Advantages of the invention

By the plug according to the invention, it is possible to shorten a temperature-actual value detection from about 20 minutes to about 2 minutes.

By the invention can be dispensed with shrink tubing, the assembly is cumbersome.

The invention is based on the recognition that for charge control or charge monitoring, a temperature of the contacts of a plug is used. At high current loads or high charging currents, the contacts of the connector heat up. The idea is to monitor the temperature in the near area of the connection between the cable and plug by means of a sensor mounted at a distance. This is preferably located practically in a housing or a housing element, which is filled with a thermally conductive and, in particular at the same time stress-insulating material.

The housing may consist of several materials that are not electrically conductive. Possible are plastic, ceramic or glass.

Preference is given to thermal conductors which have an electrically insulating component, such as aluminum oxide, silicone oil, zinc oxide, and thermoplastics.

Due to the fast and efficient temperature transfer, a regulation of the power or the current is many times faster than known solutions.

As a temperature sensor, each component can be used, for example, changes its resistance as a function of temperature.

For example, hot-letters (NTC) can be used. These reduce their resistance to temperature increase. They are based on metal oxides or semiconductors. Such a component is also called a thermistor.

It is also possible to use PTC thermistors. These increase their resistance with temperature increase.

For example, a Pt100 sensor is usable.

Also usable are platinum measuring resistors. These have a nearly temperature-linear resistance profile. They can be used for temperatures between -200 ° C and + 850 ° C.

Also conceivable is the arrangement of silicon measuring resistors. These can be used in the temperature range from -50 ° C to + 150 ° C.

Basically, a ceramic PTC thermistor can be used. This has a strong resistance increase at a material-specific temperature.

As a temperature sensor and other components can be used, which provide an editable electrical signal directly. For example, integrated semiconductor temperature sensors or solid-state circuits can be used, which deliver a current proportional to their temperature.

Alternatively, a heat sensor with quartz crystal can be used as a measuring element. The resonant frequency of the oscillating quartz changes depending on the temperature and can be measured very precisely.

Instead, thermocouples can be installed just as well. These convert a temperature difference by the so-called Seebeck effect into an electrical voltage.

Not to be excluded are pyroelectric materials. These change the charge carrier density at their surface with temperature fluctuations by changing the spontaneous polarization.

As temperature sensors are mechanically operating temperature switch, z. B. bimetallic switch, which actuate a switch by bending a bimetal, conceivable.

Also suitable are so-called Curie effect temperature sensors. These consist of a permanent magnet, which adheres below the Curie temperature to ferromagnetic material and drops above this temperature, thereby actuating a switch.

Basically, the use of fiber optic temperature sensors is possible. They are based on the so-called Raman effect or the temperature-dependent refractive index change in fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGS).

So it is a variety of temperature sensors or heat sensors, temperature sensors, heat sensors and the like possible.

As Wärmeleitmittel a thermal paste is used. Suitable are classic thermal pastes. These mainly contain silicone oil and zinc oxide.

With suitable insulation measures also thermal compounds with aluminum, copper, graphite and silver components can be used. Conceivable is the use of silicone-free pastes or pastes based on thermoplastics.

The thermal conductivity may be, for example, from 0.8 W / (m-K) to about 100 W / (m-K).

Less suitable in terms of electrical insulation, but within the scope of the invention possible, are also thermal compounds of liquid metal. These use relatively low melting point metallic alloys, primarily consisting of gallium and various additional metals such as indium, rhodium, silver, zinc and tin. These conduct the heat much better than conventional pastes. Thus, values of thermal conductivity ranging from 40 W / (m-K) to 80 W / (m-K) can be achieved.

As Wärmeleitmittel can also serve a thermal adhesive. These are two-component adhesives which are, for example, epoxy or silicone based.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention and further advantages

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a direct electrically insulating Wärmeleitbrücke exists between the at least one live current contact or current-carrying area and the at least one temperature sensor. The heat-conducting bridge is designed in such a way that the heat-conducting bridge extends directly from a measuring head of the temperature sensor and an electrically conductive surface of the live current contact or current-carrying region. This creates a direct thermal connection through the heat-conducting medium. In this way, a very fast current control can be achieved. It is important to ensure that the heat transfer medium has a high electrical resistance.

In an advantageous development of the plug according to the invention it is provided that the at least one temperature sensor is arranged in a housing element made of electrical insulating material. The plug can be provided with a housing element with one or two temperature sensors. Alternatively, the plug with two separate housing elements each having a, d. H. So be equipped a total of two temperature sensors.

If a housing element common to two live current contacts is used, then the number of components of the connector is reduced, thus also reducing assembly costs. This variant allows one or two sensors.

If a housing element common to both live current contacts is used with a single temperature sensor, then only a single electrical, passive or active device is required, which is inexpensive.

In contrast, a particularly fast and accurate temperature detection is possible in a connector having a housing element common to both live current contacts and two temperature sensors. Each temperature sensor is assigned a voltage-carrying current contact.

On the one hand to save material in the execution of the housing element and to require less heat conduction, it is provided that two relatively small housing elements are present, which are each associated with one of the live current contacts. Each housing element has its own temperature sensor.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, each housing element consists of a single base body. This is provided with a filling opening in order to inject the thermal compound easily.

So that the thermal compounds in the interior of the housing element can also easily pass, it is also possible alternatively that each housing element consists of a base body with a closure lid. The closure lid is detachable from the base body, so that the thermal paste can be arranged in the open housing element.

In principle, the temperature measurement according to the invention can be used for every conceivable type of plug. In practice, an embodiment is suitable in which a standard power plug for an AC power supply, z. B. 220-240 volts, 50 Hz or 60 Hz, is used. For example, different, three-pole plug types for Germany, England, USA, Japan, etc. can be considered.

embodiments

Embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein further advantageous developments of the invention and advantages thereof are described.

Show it:

1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the connector according to the invention,

2 an enlarged area of the plug after 1 , but with other plug contacts,

3 an enlarged area of the plug after 1 , with plug contacts after 1 .

4 a perspective view of a housing element of the plug after 1 .

5 further side views of the housing element of the plug after 1 .

6 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connector according to the invention with plug contacts 2 and an open housing element,

7 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connector according to the invention with plug contacts 2 and a closed housing element,

8th a perspective view of the housing element of the plug after 6 .

9 a further perspective view of the housing element of the plug after 6 .

10 further side and sectional views of the housing element, and the plug to 6 , and

11 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the housing element.

1 shows a plug 1 for use in a German power grid.

The plug 1 is with a vehicle charging cable 2 connected to an electric or hybrid vehicle. The charging cable 2 is as a dashed line 2 indicated. The plug 1 has a connector housing 3 as well as live power contacts 4a . 4b for a charging current of a battery of the electric or hybrid vehicle. In the connector housing 3 are two temperature sensors 5a . 5b intended for a charge control, which in 2 are illustrated. Instead of a regulation, an additional current or temperature monitoring is conceivable, wherein the actual charge control could be effected by an external actual detection element. The terms regulation and monitoring also include others here Terms such as control, protective measures and the like and are to be interpreted broadly here.

With the sensors 5a . 5b Connected control lines, not shown, are in the charging cable 2 guided.

The plug 1 is designed as a three-pole plug for a conductor L, a neutral conductor N and a protective conductor PE. This can be as a three-pole Schuko plug according to German standards with two lateral or opposite PE contacts 6 , in the 3 are marked, and two front plug contacts 7 . 8th be designed. This can also be used as a three-pin plug 1 for another country standard with three front plug contacts 7 . 8th . 11 be executed, like 3 respectively. 6 shows.

Every temperature sensor 5a . 5b is in a chamber 10 embedded in the 2 or 4 partially visible. In every chamber 10 is a live area 20a respectively. 20b the power contacts 4a . 4b guided. Every chamber 10 is filled with a heat conducting agent or an electrically insulating thermal paste, which is not shown here in the drawing. The areas 20a respectively. 20b are with the neutral conductor N and the conductor L of the cable 2 electrically connected. The area 9 is electrically connected to the protective conductor PE.

The power contacts 4a . 4b are in 2 Although not completely visible, but correspond to the area 9 that with the plug contact 11 is integrally connected.

Due to the thermal compound is between each live power contact 4a respectively. 4b and every temperature sensor 5a respectively. 5b an electrically insulating Wärmeleitbrücke present, which is a part of the heat energy of the contact losses from the power contact 4a respectively. 4b to the sensor 5a respectively. 5b transported well.

As the 1 to 5 Illustrate is any temperature sensor 5a . 5b in a housing element 12a . 12b from electrical insulating material, such as a plastic injection molded part arranged. Each housing element 12a . 12b is hollow inside, so that the thermal grease is inside the case element 12a . 12b can spread. Each housing element 12a . 12b can be made in one piece.

Each housing element 12 has an approximately oval or approximately oblong 0-basic shape with two mutually parallel walls 13 . 14 parallel to a plug floor 15 ( 2 . 3 ), and has a circumferential sidewall 16 that together with the walls 13 . 14 holds the thermal grease. On the surrounding wall 16 there is an introduction or filling opening 17 for the thermal compound, such as 4 shows. This is near the temperature sensor 5a respectively. 5b arranged. But this can also be at any other place on the wall 16 be arranged.

At the first, the plug floor 15 distant wall 13 are two openings 18 . 19 available, like that 4 and 5 illustrate. The first opening 18 serves to push through the temperature sensor 5a respectively. 5b , The second opening 19 serves to pass through the live area 20a respectively. 20b the power contacts 4a . 4b , On the wall 14 , which are near the plug floor 15 is located, is exactly opposite the opening 19 a third opening 21 ( 5 ) with the diameter of the second opening 19 available. This also serves to pass through the current-carrying area 20a respectively. 20b ,

Just like the area 9 in 2 metallic blank are the areas 20a . 20b also blank. The areas 20a . 20b be inside the case element 12a . 12b only electrically insulated by the thermal grease. Between each live area 20a . 20b and every temperature sensor 5a . 5b is a direct electrically insulating Wärmeleitbrücke available. The heat-conducting bridge extends directly from a measuring head 22 ( 2 ) of the temperature sensor 5a respectively. 5b to an electrically conductive surface of the current-carrying region 20a respectively. 20b , This creates a direct thermal connection through the heat conduction.

In the variant according to the 1 to 5 are two housing elements 5a . 5b present, each one of the live power contacts 4a . 4b are associated with each housing element 12a . 12b a temperature sensor 5a . 5b having. Each housing element 12a . 12b consists of a single base body 23 with a filling opening 17 ,

In the 6 to 10 is a second variant of the plug 1 shown. In this embodiment, one for both live current contacts 4a . 4b common housing element 24 used.

In this case, this has for both live live contacts 4a . 4b common housing element 24 a single temperature sensor 5 on, the center of the power contacts 4a . 4b or the areas 20a . 20b is arranged. In 7 is the area 20a to see.

The housing element 24 consists of a base body 25 with a closure lid 26 ( 6 ) and has an approximately rectangular shape or other suitable shape. Otherwise that is housing element 24 executed in a manner similar to the first embodiment, so that the chamber 10 is formed inside the housing. The lid 26 is perpendicular to the bottom 15 arranged. On one side 30 ( 9 ) of the housing element 24 are three openings 27 . 28 . 29 present, with the middle opening 28 for the sensor 5 serves. At the bottom of the plug 15 near side 31 ( 8th ) are only two openings 32 . 33 arranged. The openings 27 . 29 . 32 . 33 are for the areas 20a . 20b intended. On the lid 26 is the filling opening 17 ( 10 ).

For fixing the housing element 24 on the plug floor 15 are at the side 31 two bridges 34 available. The lid 26 can form and / or non-positively on the base body 25 attached or glued to this.

An embodiment is also conceivable 11 , This is also one for both live power contacts 4a . 4b common housing element 35 present, however, two temperature sensors 5a . 5b having. Every temperature sensor 5a . 5b is in each case one of the live current contacts 4a . 4b assigned, according to the model of the embodiment in the 1 to 5 , In 11 you can see that big openings for the sensors 5a . 5b are not necessary. It is also possible to use small openings for sensor connection legs. The openings 37 . 38 are the contacts 4a . 4b assigned. The sensors 5a . 5b can also be on the lid 26 be pre-assembled. By using a detachable lid 26 can on a filling opening 17 basically be dispensed with. Also is in 11 to see that the lid 26 parallel to the plug floor 15 can run.

The invention is therefore not on the examples of the 1 to 10 limited. So z. B. also other forms for the housing elements 12 . 12a . 12b or other insulating materials or other prefabricated connectors. Also, a feature of one embodiment may be combined with another feature of the other embodiment. For example, a housing element after 4 with bars after 8th be provided, or it may be a housing element after 4 also in two parts according to 8th be executed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug

2

Vehicle charging cable

3

plug housing

4a

current contact

4b

current contact

5

temperature sensor

5a

temperature sensor

5b

temperature sensor

6

PE contacts

7

plug contact

8th

plug contact

9

Area

10

chamber

11

plug contact

12

housing element

12a

housing element

12b

housing element

13

wall

14

wall

15

plug ground

16

wall

17

filling

18

opening

19

opening

20a

Area

20b

Area

22

probe

23

base body

24

housing element

25

base body

26

cap

27

opening

28

opening

29

opening

30

page

31

page

32

opening

33

opening

34

Stege

35

housing element

36

opening

37

opening

38

opening

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010014024 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Plug ( 1 ), with a charging cable ( 2 ), in particular connected to a vehicle charging cable of an electric or hybrid vehicle, and a plug housing ( 3 ), as well as live current contacts ( 4a . 4b ) for a charging current, in particular a battery of the electric or hybrid vehicle, wherein in the connector housing ( 3 ) at least one temperature sensor ( 5 . 5a . 5b ) is arranged for a charge control and / or a charge monitoring, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 5 . 5a . 5b ) in a chamber ( 10 ), in which at least one current-carrying region ( 20a . 20b ) of the power contacts ( 4a . 4b ), the chamber ( 10 ) is filled with a heat conducting, so that between the at least one live current contact ( 4a . 4b ) and the at least one temperature sensor ( 5 . 5a . 5b ), a preferably electrically insulating, Wärmeleitbrücke is present. Plug according to claim 1, characterized in that between the at least one live current contact ( 4a . 4b ) and the at least one temperature sensor ( 5 . 5a . 5b ) a direct electrically insulating Wärmeleitbrücke is present, such that the Wärmeleitbrücke directly from a measuring head ( 22 ) of the temperature sensor ( 5 . 5a . 5b ) and an electrically conductive surface of the current-carrying region ( 20a . 20b ), and so a direct thermal connection is formed by the heat conduction. Plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor ( 5 . 5a . 5b ) in a housing element ( 12 . 12a . 12b ) is arranged from electrical insulating material. Plug according to claim 3, characterized in that one for two live current contacts ( 4a . 4b ) common housing element ( 12 ) is used. Plug according to claim 4, characterized in that for both live live contacts ( 4a . 4b ) common housing element a single temperature sensor ( 5 ) having. Plug according to claim 4, characterized in that for both live live contacts ( 4a . 4b ) common housing element two temperature sensors ( 12a . 12b ), each temperature sensor ( 12a . 12b ) each one of the live power contacts ( 4a . 4b ) assigned. Plug according to claim 3, characterized in that two housing elements ( 12a . 12b ), each one of the live current contacts ( 4a . 4b ), each housing element ( 12a . 12b ) a temperature sensor ( 5a . 5b ) having. Plug according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that each housing element ( 12a . 12b ) from a single base body ( 23 ) with a filling opening ( 17 ) consists. Plug according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that each housing element consists of a base body with a closure lid. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an embodiment as a standardized power plug for an AC power supply.

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