Charging device for charging electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging device (2, 2 ') for charging an electric vehicle (1) by means of a charging line (15, 26) which can be connected to a charging interface (5) on the electric vehicle (1) to be charged. The charging device (2, 2 ') is characterized in that a drag chain device (4) is provided, which is designed to flexibly convey the cable bundle (3) in the direction of the charging interface (5) in at least one spatial direction (7.1 to 7.3) and to align the cable bundle (3) with respect to the charging interface (5) of the electric vehicle (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device, which is used for charging an electric vehicle by means of a charging line, wherein the charging line can be connected to a charging interface on the electric vehicle to be charged. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles (also known as electrically driven vehicles) are gradually replacing vehicles with combustion engines. In the future, it is expected that not only will the number of electric vehicles with a driver increase, but also the number of autonomous electric vehicles will increase. The first application cases will be autonomous taxis and buses, for example. The load factor of these autonomous vehicles is a decisive factor for the profitability of the service, so downtimes due to charging must be reduced as much as possible. For this purpose, appropriate DC or AC fast charging stations must be used. Since there is no longer a driver in the autonomous vehicle who can manually carry out the charging process, such as plugging and unplugging the charging cable, an automatic and fast charging device is required. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved charging device for charging electric vehicles, in particular self-driving electric vehicles.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a charging device.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the following description.

[0006] The charging device according to the present invention is used to charge an electric vehicle with the aid of a charging cable, which can be connected to a charging interface on the electric vehicle to be charged, and is characterized in that a drag chain device is provided, which is configured to flexibly move or convey a cable bundle, in particular at least one charging transmission line and / or a charging cable, in the direction of the charging interface along at least one spatial direction (also called a conveying direction) and align it relative to the charging interface of the electric vehicle.

[0007] By means of such a charging device, a cable harness, in particular a charging cable and / or a charging cable with a charging plug can be flexibly moved or conveyed in at least one spatial direction, in particular the longitudinal direction, over a corresponding length or a corresponding distance to a charging interface.

[0008] A charging device is to be understood in particular as an autonomous charging device or an autonomous charging station, such as a fast charging station. The charging station can be connected to the power grid on the one hand and to a charging cable on the other hand. In order to automatically connect and disconnect the charging plug from the charging interface on the electric vehicle, the charging station is designed to be adjustable in at least one, preferably two, three or more spatial directions. The charging device can be operated autonomously without human intervention, so as to automatically introduce the charging plug into the electric vehicle to be charged and unplug the charging plug.

[0009] The charging device is optimized in terms of installation space, power loss and cost. Here, the charging plug arranged at the end of the charging line can be automatically moved to the position of the charging interface of the electric vehicle, aligned with the charging interface, and inserted into the charging interface, especially the charging socket.

[0010] After the charging process is finished, the charging plug can be automatically unplugged or removed from the charging interface again by means of the charging device. The charging device can be universally used for a variety of different electric vehicles, because the charging cable with the charging plug can be fed to the charging interface of the electric vehicle in various non-standard positions. In other words: the charging device is suitable for different vehicle types with different charging interface positions.

[0011] The charging cable is designed in particular for charging an electric vehicle with direct current. The charging cable is preferably designed for charging an electric vehicle with direct current or optionally alternating current, wherein the charging current is, for example, at least 125 A, in particular in the range of several hundred amperes to one thousand amperes or several thousand amperes, and / or the charging voltage is at least 125 V, in particular in the range of 230 V to several kilovolts.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, the drag chain device can be configured to accommodate, guide and move a charging transmission line (also referred to as a cable) and / or a charging line as a cable bundle and other lines, such as at least one control line, a signal line, a measuring line, a power line, a cooling line, a power supply line or the like. In other words: the cable bundle can be designed as an energy transmission line composed of a plurality of charging lines, charging transmission lines, signal lines, control lines, power lines, measuring lines and / or cooling lines.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the drag chain device can be provided for guiding and moving the cable harness in a plurality of, in particular two or three, spatial directions or transport directions.

[0014] The cable bundle, in particular the charging cable, can be moved, for example, horizontally in the longitudinal direction, in particular forward and backward, and / or horizontally in the transverse direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and / or vertically in the height direction, in particular up and down. As a result, the charging plug arranged at the end of the charging cable can be moved to and / or aligned to any position. As a result, the charging device is configured and suitable for correctly and safely coupling the charging plug to the charging interface of various electric vehicles.

[0015] In another embodiment, the drag chain device comprises at least one drag chain and at least one plug holder. The drag chain is used in particular to guide a cable harness, in particular a charging transmission line, a charging line and / or an additional cable. The drag chain can be designed, for example, as a drag hollow profile, in particular a drag channel.

[0016] Here, the cable harness can be continuously guided by a plurality of drag chain units. When the cable harness is continuously guided, the plurality of drag chain units can also be arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal extension direction of the cable harness.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the cable harness can be modularly constructed. The cable harness can have, for example, a plurality of cable segments, in particular, one cable segment per drag chain unit. Two cable segments can be coupled to each other, for example, by plugging two drag chain units.

[0018] In addition, the individual drag chain units can be configured to guide the cable harness linearly. Alternatively, the individual drag chain units are configured so that the cable harness is guided in multiple spatial directions, in particular three-dimensionally. For example, the cable harness can be deflected by 180° in the transition region between two drag chains. With such a three-dimensionally guided drag chain, the feed movement of the charging device for the charging plug can cover multiple spatial directions simultaneously.

[0019] The plug holder (also referred to as a holder for short) can be designed, for example, as a clamping arm, a clamping hook or a follower guide hook.

[0020] The charging device can include, for example, an associated drag chain in each spatial direction or transport direction. In addition, the charging device can be connected to a charging plug at one end of the cable harness. At the opposite end, the cable harness is connected to a supply connection or power connection, in particular a ground connection, of a nearby or remote charging station.

[0021] The charging plug can also be arranged rigidly or releasably on the plug holder. Alternatively, one or more drag chains and / or plug holders can be provided, for example, for carrying and moving the cable harness in all spatial directions.

[0022] In addition, the drag chain device can be driven and moved by means of at least one drive device. The drive device can, for example, include an associated drive unit, such as a motor, in particular an electric motor, or the like for each drag chain.

[0023] The respective drive units are coupled, in particular movably coupled, to an adjusting device, such as a linear actuator, an angular actuator, an articulated joint and / or a ball joint. By controlling the adjusting device, in particular the linear actuator, the angular actuator, the articulated joint and / or the ball joint, the plug holder can track the charging plug and its position during the charging process (also referred to as fine adjustment, for tracking the movement of the inserted charging plug when charging the electric vehicle).

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the plug holder can also be moved in the direction of the charging interface by means of an adjustment device before the charging process and aligned relative to the charging interface (also called coarse adjustment, for finding a non-standard position of the charging interface on an electric vehicle). Here, the alignment of the angular position of the charging plug relative to the charging interface can be achieved by a separate actuator, in particular an angle actuator.

[0025] Furthermore, after the charging process is completed, the plug holder can be moved by means of the adjusting device in the direction of the charging plug to accommodate the charging plug and can be moved out of the charging interface (also referred to as an advance movement) to release the charging plug.

[0026] In order to adjust the plug holder with or without the charging plug being fixed, the plug holder can be arranged and fixed on the movable unit of the adjustment device. Optionally, the plug holder itself can be mounted movably.

[0027] The drive device can also be designed as a linear drive device, for example. The linear drive device can include a linear adjustment unit (for example, a base unit / fixed guide rail and a slide / movable guide rail) and a drive unit. The linear adjustment unit can include, for example, a fixed unit, in particular a fixed guide rail or a fixed bracket unit, and a movable unit movable relative to the fixed unit, in particular a movable slide (also called a follower slide) or a movable guide rail. The drive device is in particular designed as a motor, which is coupled to the movable device so as to move the drive device along the fixed device. In addition, the charging device can also include at least one linear drive device in each spatial direction. For example, the charging device includes at least one linear drive device for longitudinal movement, in particular for realizing a larger adjustment length along the longitudinal side of the electric vehicle, the charging device also includes at least one linear drive device for lateral movement, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal movement, such as a feed movement in the charging interface area, and / or the charging device also includes at least one linear drive device for vertical movement, in particular a movement in the height direction relative to the longitudinal movement and / or lateral movement, such as a feed movement in the charging interface area.

[0028] In other embodiments, the individual drag chains are arranged parallel to the corresponding adjusting devices, in particular linear adjusting devices. The individual drag chains are fixed, for example, on one side to a fixing unit and on the other side to a moving unit for following.

[0029] Another optional embodiment provides that the drag chain device is provided for cooling the cable harness, in particular the charging cable and the charging plug provided at the end of the charging cable. In particular, when the charging device is designed as a high-performance charging device with a permanent charging power of, for example, 200 A or more up to several thousand amperes, the drag chain device has a cooling element, in particular one or more cooling lines and a return cooling line, for cooling the charging cable and / or the charging plug.

[0030] Furthermore, the drag chain can include a plurality of drag chains, in particular at least one drag chain in each spatial direction. Each drag chain can be flexible and deflectable. Each drag chain can be flexibly deflected in the longitudinal direction in particular.

[0031] In a possible improvement, each drag chain can be designed as a flexible hollow profile bracket, in which a cable bundle, in particular a charging transmission line, a charging line and / or an auxiliary cable is accommodated at least in part of its length or its length and / or in sections inside the hollow profile bracket. In addition, the hollow profile bracket, in particular the hollow profile bracket of each drag chain unit, can be provided with a tension relief unit for one or more related charging transmission lines, charging lines and / or auxiliary cables at one end or both ends. In other words: the entire cable bundle is tension-relieved by means of the tension relief units at the input and output ends of each drag chain unit. The flexible hollow profile bracket can be, for example, open, semi-open or closed.

[0032] Furthermore, the cable harness, in particular the charging transmission cable, the charging cable and / or the auxiliary cables can be guided in the transition between the two spatial directions without drag chains. Optionally, additional simple protection in the transition can also be achieved by guiding the cable harness in a flexible corrugated tube, a flexible corrugated hose or the like.

[0033] In a possible embodiment, the cable bundle, in particular one or more charging transmission lines and / or charging lines or individual cables may include a plurality of copper strands. Individual cables or individual conductors may in particular include a plurality of flexible copper strands. The charging transmission line and / or the power transmission line may respectively include a plurality of copper strands or copper flat cables, whose cross-section or circumference is greater than that of the copper strands of the charging line. The copper strands may in particular be designed as flexible individual conductors. This design allows the charging transmission line to be guided through the drag chain device without cooling and with low losses. Only the charging line area and / or the charging plug with a smaller cross-section or circumference may require cooling.

[0034] By designing the charging transmission line or the charging line as a plurality of flexible stranded wires, in particular copper stranded wires, respectively, the installation space for the drag chain device that is movable in at least three spatial directions can be minimized. In addition, the use of a plurality of highly flexible stranded wires for each electrical connection of the cable harness can reduce electrical losses. The cross section of the entire cable can also be flexibly adapted to the power level of the autonomous charging device by the use of a plurality of highly flexible stranded wires and their cross sections for each electrical connection of the cable harness. A stranded wire should be understood in particular as an electrical conductor that is composed of individual thin wires and is therefore easy to bend.

[0035] Furthermore, the cable harness can be fixed to at least one end of the respective drag chain by at least one strain relief element. For example, a first end of the cable harness, in particular of the individual cables, engages with a power supply line, in particular a connection line, such as a grounding line or a grounding rail, of the charging station via a first strain relief element of the drag chain. At the opposite second end of the cable harness, the individual cables engage with the charging plug via a second strain relief element. Both ends of the cable harness, in particular of each cable or each wire, can be fixedly engaged or plugged into the charging station and / or the charging plug.

[0036] Additionally, each drag chain may also include at least one guide element for a cable harness, such as a partition plate with or without height segmentation, a cable duct section, a cable lead-through, a cable trench, a cable trough or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above-mentioned characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the manner and method for implementing the present invention are further explained clearly, explicitly and understandably through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a rear view of an electric vehicle next to a charging device according to the invention,

[0039] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a charging device according to the present invention,

[0040] Figure 3 The first end position is shown according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a charging device according to the present invention,

[0041] Figure 4 The second end position is indicated according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a charging device according to the present invention,

[0042] Figure 5 A perspective schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a charging device according to the present invention is shown,

[0043] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 5 A schematic top view of a charging device according to the present invention, and

[0044] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 5 A schematic side view of a charging device according to the present invention.

[0045] Parts that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 The schematic rear view shows an electric vehicle 1 next to a charging device 2 according to the invention.

[0047] The charging device 2 is designed as an automatic charging station for charging the electric vehicle 1. The electric vehicle 1 may be, for example, an automatic driving vehicle, which automatically drives to the charging device 2 for charging.

[0048] The charging device 2, in particular an automatic charging station, comprises a drag chain device 4, which is used to flexibly guide a bundle of cables 3 (hereinafter referred to as cable bundle 3) from a not shown power supply connection or power supply connection, in particular a ground connection, of a nearby or remote (not shown in detail) charging station to a charging interface 5 of the electric vehicle 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to the first embodiment and in Figures 5 to 7 It is shown and described in detail according to the second embodiment.

[0049] The charging device 2 with the drag chain device 4 is designed as a charging robot, by which the plug holder 8 arranged on the drag chain device 4 can be variably moved in the direction of the charging interface 5, especially in multiple spatial directions 7.1 to 7.3, and / or can be aligned relative to the charging interface 5.

[0050] The electric vehicle 1 comprises, for example, a charging socket as a charging interface 5 . The cable harness 3 comprises, at its end facing the electric vehicle 1 , a charging plug 6 which is designed to be coupled to the charging interface 5 .

[0051] The drag chain device 4 (also called cable guide device) is particularly provided for flexibly moving or transporting the cable harness 3 in at least one spatial direction 7 . 1 to 7 . 3 (also called conveying direction) in the direction of the charging interface 5 and aligning the cable harness relative to the charging interface 5 of the electric vehicle 1 .

[0052] By means of such a charging device 2 , the cable harness 3 can be flexibly moved or conveyed by a corresponding length or a corresponding distance in a first spatial direction 7 . 1 along the longitudinal direction x, in a second spatial direction 7 . 2 along the transverse direction y and / or in a third spatial direction 7 . 3 along the height direction z to a charging interface 5 of an electric vehicle 1 which has autonomously driven to the charging device 2 .

[0053] The charging device 2 is arranged in such a way that the charging plug 6 arranged on the end side of the cable harness 3 is automatically moved to the position of the charging interface 5 of the electric vehicle 1, and there is aligned with the charging interface 5 and inserted into the charging interface 5. After the charging process is completed, the charging plug 6 can be automatically pulled out or removed from the charging interface 5 by the charging device 2.

[0054] The charging device 2 can therefore be used universally for various electric vehicles 1 , since the cable harness 3 with the charging plug 6 can be routed to various, non-standardized locations of the charging interface 5 on the electric vehicle 1 .

[0055] For example, the charging interface 5 can be arranged at the front, side or rear of the electric vehicle 1. The autonomous charging device 2 designed as a charging robot is particularly configured to automatically move the charging plug 6 toward the charging interface 5 of the electric vehicle 1 to be charged, align it relative to the charging interface 5, and insert it into the charging interface, for example indirectly through the drag chain device 4.

[0056] In a simple embodiment, the charging device 2 is configured to automatically move the charging plug 6 toward the charging interface 5 and insert it into the charging interface only in the transverse direction y. Alternatively, the charging device 2 can be configured to automatically move the charging plug 6 in the longitudinal direction x to adjust the charging plug 6 in the direction of the charging interface 5 and to move the charging plug 6 in the transverse direction y to insert the charging plug 6 into the charging interface 5. In addition, the charging device 2 can also be configured to automatically move the charging plug 6 in the height direction z.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the charging device 2 is configured to move the charging plug 6 in three spatial directions 7.1 to 7.3 in the direction of the charging interface 5. In addition, the charging plug 6 can also be aligned in its angular position by at least one angular actuator. In addition, an additional actuator can be provided for pulling out the charging plug 6 that has been moved into, in particular inserted into, the charging interface 5.

[0058] For this purpose, the drag chain device 4 comprises a drag chain unit 4 . 1 to 4 . 3 and a plug holder 8 for the charging plug 6 for automatically picking up, in particular grasping, fixing and optionally releasing or releasing the charging plug 6 for each spatial direction 7 . 1 to 7 . 3 .

[0059] The first drag chain unit 4.1 is configured to move the cable bundle 3 back and forth along the longitudinal direction x. The second drag chain unit 4.2 is configured to move the cable bundle 3 up and down along the height direction z. The third drag chain unit 4.3 is configured to move the cable bundle 3 back and forth along the transverse direction y.

[0060] The third drag chain unit 4.3 can be movably mounted on the second drag chain unit 4.2 or the first drag chain unit 4.1. The second drag chain unit 4.2 can be movably mounted on the first drag chain unit 4.1 or the third drag chain unit 4.3.

[0061] The individual drag chain units 4.1 to 4.3 are arranged and mounted so as to be movable relative to each other.

[0062] For example, the second drag chain unit 4.2 is fixed to the first drag chain unit 4.1 in linkage, so as to be adjusted together in the longitudinal direction x. The third drag chain unit 4.3 is fixed to the second drag chain unit 4.2 in linkage, for adjustment in the height direction z, and is linked to the first drag chain unit 4.1 through the second drag chain unit 4.2, for adjustment in the longitudinal direction x. The third drag chain unit 4.3 is also arranged to be relatively movable relative to the second drag chain unit 4.2 and the first drag chain unit 4.1, for adjustment in the transverse direction y.

[0063] The plug holder 8 is arranged on the third drag chain unit 4 . 3 .

[0064] The plug holder 8 is provided for aligning the charging plug 6 relative to the charging interface 5. For this purpose, the plug holder 8 is fixed to the third drag chain unit 4.3, which can be moved relative to the second drag chain unit 4.2 and the first drag chain unit 4.1 in order to be adjusted in the transverse direction y. In particular, the third drag chain unit 4.3 and the connected, in particular rigid or fixed, plug holder 8 are arranged movably on the second drag chain unit 4.2, preferably by a separate actuator (not shown), for example by a linear actuator, an angular actuator, an articulated joint, a ball joint or the like.

[0065] The charging plug 6 is also fixedly or rigidly connected to a plug holder 8. In order to compensate for slight vehicle movements, the plug holder 8 is provided to release the charging plug 6 so that it can be plugged into the charging interface 5 at one end and can be flexibly connected to the charging device 2 designed as a charging station via the cable harness 3 at the other end.

[0066] Preferably, the plug holder 8 is moved toward the charging interface 5 by the drag chain device 4, and when reaching the longitudinal position of the charging interface 5, it is aligned relative to the charging interface 5 so that the charging plug 6 can be automatically inserted into the charging interface 5 or the charging plug can be loosened or separated from the charging interface 5.

[0067] Optionally, the plug holder 8 itself can also be arranged movably and relative to the charging interface 5 (such as Figure 1 ) and inserted into the charging interface 5, or released or decoupled from the charging interface again.

[0068] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a charging device 2 according to the present invention.

[0069] Figure 2Two end positions 9.1, 9.2 of the charging device 2 are shown, between which the charging plug 6 can be moved to any position along the first spatial direction 7.1 in the longitudinal direction x. For this purpose, the second drag chain unit 4.2 can be adjusted relative to the first drag chain unit 4.1 in the longitudinal direction x between the two end positions 9.1 and 9.2 and can be adjusted to any position.

[0070] also, Figure 2 Two end positions 9.3 and 9.4 of the third drag chain unit 4.3 are shown, between which the charging plug 6 can be moved to any position in the height direction z along the second spatial direction 7.2. For this purpose, the third drag chain unit 4.3 can be moved in the height direction z between the two end positions 9.3 and 9.4 relative to the second drag chain unit 4.2 and the first drag chain unit 4.1 and can be adjusted to any position.

[0071] Furthermore, two end positions 9 . 5 and 9 . 6 of the third drag chain unit 4 . 3 are shown, between which the charging plug 6 can be moved in the third spatial direction 7 . 3 in the transverse direction y to any desired position.

[0072] The plug holder 8 together with the charging plug 6 which is releasably held thereon is preferably moved in the direction of the charging interface 5 by means of the drag chain device 4 and, when the longitudinal position of the charging interface 5 is reached, is aligned relative to the charging interface 5 in all three spatial directions 7.1 to 7.3 so that the charging plug 6 can be automatically inserted into the charging interface 5 in the transverse direction y or released or decoupled from the charging interface.

[0073] In order to align the plug holder 8 with the charging interface 5 for connecting the charging plug 6 , further actuators, in particular angular actuators and linear actuators having an additional angular alignment function, may be provided for inputting the charging plug 6 into the charging interface 5 .

[0074] Optionally, the plug holder 8 itself can also be arranged movably and relative to the charging interface 5 (such as Figure 1 As shown), and inserted into the charging interface 5, or released or decoupled from the charging interface again.

[0075] Each drag chain unit 4.1 to 4.3 comprises a housing 10.1 to 10.3.

[0076] In order to adjust the charging plug 6 longitudinally, the charging plug 6 is arranged longitudinally adjustably in the longitudinal slot 11 of the housing 10.1 of the first drag chain unit 4.1 via the plug holder 8 and the drag chain units 4.2 and 4.3 that are movably coupled to each other. In the example shown, the second drag chain unit 4.2 can be adjusted relative to the first drag chain unit 4.1 in the longitudinal direction x.

[0077] To adjust the height of the charging device 2, in particular the charging plug 6, the third drag chain unit 4.3 is arranged in the vertical notch 12 of the housing 10.2 of the second drag chain unit 4.2 and can be vertically adjusted along the height direction z relative to the second drag chain unit 4.2 and the first drag chain unit 4.1.

[0078] For transverse adjustment of the charging device 2, in particular the charging plug 6, the third drag chain unit 4.3 is additionally arranged movably relative to the second drag chain unit 4.2 and / or the first drag chain unit 4.1 in the transverse direction y. For this purpose, the housing 10.3 can include a transverse notch in the direction toward the second drag chain unit 4.2 in a manner not shown in detail.

[0079] Each drag chain unit 4.1 to 4.3 may include an associated adjustment device 18, such as a rail system, a guide system with a slide block or the like. The adjustment device 18 may include, for example, a linear actuator, an angular actuator, an articulated joint and / or a ball joint. By controlling the adjustment device 18, in particular the linear actuator, the angular actuator, the articulated joint and / or the ball joint, the drag chain units 4.1 to 4.3 may be adjusted independently or interdependently in a translational or rotational manner in one or more spatial directions 7.1 to 7.3, so that the plug holder 8 fixedly connected to the drag chain unit 4.3 moves the charging plug 6 and / or tracks the position of the released and inserted charging plug 6 before, during and / or after the charging process and / or aligns the charging plug 6 relative to the charging interface 5.

[0080] Each adjusting device 18 can include, for example, a fixed unit 13, such as a fixed guide rail or a fixed guide or a fixed joint, and a moving unit 14, such as a movable guide rail or a slide rail or a movable joint. Each adjusting device 18, in particular the moving unit 14 of the adjusting device, is coupled to a drive device (not shown in detail), in particular a motor, such as an electric motor or the like, in a motion-coupled manner.

[0081] In order to adjust the charging device 2, in particular the charging plug 6, laterally, the third drag chain unit 4.3 can also be arranged in a multi-piece housing 10.3, which consists of a fixed housing part and a movable housing part. The movable housing part is connected to the movable unit 13 of the adjustment device 18 and can be moved in the transverse direction y, and thus can be moved in the third spatial direction 7.3 relative to the second spatial direction 7.2. The fixed housing part is connected to the fixed unit 14 of the adjustment device 18. In addition, the housing 10.3 is connected to the second drag chain device 4.2. For this purpose, the housing 10.3 can include a transverse notch in the direction of the second drag chain unit 4.2 in a manner not shown.

[0082] The other housings 10.1 and 10.2 of the other spatial directions 7.1 and 7.3 can also be designed in multiple parts and, similar to the housing 10.3, can partially move with the movement of the associated energy chain 18.1 or 18.3.

[0083] Figure 3 The first end position is shown according to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a partially transparent charging device 2 according to the invention, the end positions of the energy chains 18.1, 18.2 and 18.3 are 9.1, 9.3 and 9.5.

[0084] The cable harness 3 comprises at least one charging cable 15 for charging the electric vehicle 1 via direct current or alternating current. The charging cable 15 is preferably used for charging the electric vehicle 1 via direct current or alternatively via alternating current, with a charging current of at least 200 amperes or up to several thousand amperes and / or a charging voltage of at least 125 V or up to several thousand volts.

[0085] In addition to the charging cable 15 , the cable harness 3 may also include a charging transmission line 16 (also called a power line) and / or electrical additional cables 17 , such as at least one control line, signal line, measurement line, power line, cooling line 22 , power supply cable or the like.

[0086] The drag chain device 4 is provided for receiving and guiding the cable harness 3 and for moving the cable harness along at least one or more or all spatial directions 7 . 1 to 7 . 3 .

[0087] The cable harness 3 is continuously guided by a plurality of drag chain units 4.1 to 4.3. In addition, when the cable harness 3 is continuously guided, a plurality of drag chain units 4.1 to 4.3 can be arranged spaced apart from each other. The guidance of the cable harness 3 can be partially interrupted by the spacing between these drag chain units 4.1 to 4.3.

[0088] In a manner not shown in detail, the cable harness 3 can also be constructed modularly. The cable harness 3 can, for example, have a plurality of cable segments, in particular one cable segment per drag chain unit 4.1 to 4.3. Two cable segments can be connected to each other, for example, via a connector, such as a plug connector, between two drag chain units 4.1 and 4.2 or 4.2 and 4.3.

[0089] The individual drag chain units 4 . 1 to 4 . 3 comprise an associated drag chain 18 . 1 to 18 . 3 , in particular for guiding the cable harness 3 .

[0090] The individual drag chains 18.1 to 18.3 can be designed, for example, as drag hollow profiles, in particular drag channels or similar structures. The charging device 2 can, for example, include an associated drag chain 18.1 to 18.3 in each spatial direction 7.1 to 7.3. At the cable bundle end 19 of the cable bundle 3, the cable bundle end can be coupled to the charging plug 6, for example, by form fit and / or friction fit, in particular a clamping connection, a plug connection or the like. The charging plug 6 can also be arranged on the plug holder 8 loosely or fixedly or firmly.

[0091] Each drag chain 18.1 to 18.3 can be designed to be flexible and deflectable. Each drag chain 18.1 to 18.3 can be flexibly deflected along its respective longitudinal axis, in particular by 180° or by other angles depending on the guidance of each drag chain 18.1 to 18.3. Each drag chain 18.1 to 18.3 is arranged in the associated housing 10.1 to 10.3.

[0092] In a feasible improvement, each drag chain 18.1 to 18.3 can be designed as an open, semi-open or closed flexible hollow profile bracket. In the section of the cable bundle 3 without drag chains, a flexible protective cover, in particular a flexible corrugated tube, a flexible hollow tube, a flexible corrugated hose, etc., can be provided to protect the cable. The cable bundle 3, in particular the charging transmission line 16, the charging line 15 and / or the additional cable 17 (also called auxiliary cable) can be accommodated in the hollow profile bracket or the flexible protective cover, at least a part of the length and / or a part of the section of the cable bundle can be accommodated in the hollow profile bracket or the protective cover.

[0093] Furthermore, the drag chains 18 . 1 to 18 . 3 can each be provided with a strain relief unit 20 at one or both ends for the corresponding cables in the cable harness 3 , in particular the corresponding charging transmission cable 16 , charging cable 15 and / or additional cable 17 .

[0094] In the transitions 21 between two spatial directions 7.1 to 7.3, for example between spatial directions 7.1 and 7.2, 7.2 and 7.3 or 7.3 and 7.1, the drag chain arrangement 4 has no drag chain and therefore no hollow profile support. Additional protection can be provided for these transitions 21 without drag chains by guiding the cable harness 3 in a flexible corrugated tube, a flexible corrugated hose or the like.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the cable harness 3 is composed of a plurality of copper strands. The cable harness 3 can in particular include a plurality of flexible copper strands. The copper strands can in particular be formed into a plurality of flexible individual lines. Since copper strands are used as the cable harness 3 in the corresponding drag chains 18.1 to 18.3, the cable cross section can be selected accordingly so that the electrical losses are as low as possible. Therefore, one or more copper strands can be used for electrical transmission. Highly flexible copper strands are particularly advantageous, whereby due to the small bending radius, the installation space can be optimized and thus the corresponding drag chains 18.1 to 18.3 can be optimized.

[0096] Each individual cable of cable harness 3 , for example charging cable 15 , in particular each individual polarity cable, is formed from a plurality of flexible stranded wires, in particular copper stranded wires. By using a plurality of stranded wires for one cable, the overall cross section of cable harness 3 can be easily adapted to the power level of autonomous charging device 2 .

[0097] Depending on the type of charging device 2 , for example a high-performance charging device, and the cross-section of the copper litz wire, one or more cooling lines 22 may additionally be provided for cooling the cable harness 3 , the charging cable and / or the charging plug 6 .

[0098] The plug holder 8 can be designed, for example, as a clamping arm, a clamping hook or a follower hook for automatically clamping, holding / fixing the charging plug 6 , in particular in driving state or after a charging process, or optionally releasing and releasing during the charging process.

[0099] Furthermore, the individual energy chains 18.1 to 18.3 can be driven and moved by at least one drive device 23. The drive device 23 can, for example, respectively comprise an associated linear drive 23.1 to 23.3 for each spatial direction 7.1 to 7.3.

[0100] The individual linear drives 23.1 to 23.3 can in particular comprise linear adjustment units 24.1 to 24.3 and associated drive units 25.1 to 25.3, in particular motors (not shown in detail). The linear adjustment units 24.1 to 24.3 each comprise, for example, a fixed unit 13, such as a fixed base unit or a fixed rail, and a movable unit 14, in particular a slide or a movable rail. Instead of or in addition to the linear drives 23.1 to 23.3, other drive types with other adjustment units can be used, in particular with multi-dimensionally movable adjustment units, such as angle actuators, articulated joints, etc., which, for example, implement additional required rotational movements.

[0101] The individual motors are coupled in a manner not shown in detail to the linear adjustment units 24.1 to 24.3 in order to be moved according to the respective spatial directions 7.1 to 7.3. Depending on the design of the drive, the drive can be arranged on the fixed unit 13 or on the displacement unit 14.

[0102] In another embodiment, the respective drag chains 18.1 to 18.3 are arranged parallel to the respective linear adjustment units 24.1 to 24.3. For example, the respective drag chains 18.1 to 18.3 are fixed on the fixed unit 13 on one side and are fixed on the movable unit 14 on the other side.

[0103] Figure 4 The charging device 2 according to the invention is schematically shown, in particular the first drag chain unit 4.1 and the associated drag chain 18.1 in the end position 9.2 in the longitudinal direction x, the second drag chain unit 4.2 and the associated drag chain 18.2 in the end position 9.4 in the height direction z, and the third drag chain unit 4.3 and the associated drag chain 18.3 in the end position 9.6 in the transverse direction y. In other words: the individual drag chains 18.1 to 18.3 are shown in their extended end positions 9.2, 9.4 or 9.6, respectively.

[0104] exist Figure 3 , the charging device 2 according to the invention, in particular the energy chain 18 . 1 to 18 . 3 , is shown in the longitudinal direction x and the transverse direction y and in the height direction z in the respective retracted end positions 9 . 1 to 9 . 3 .

[0105] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a charging device 2 ′ according to the present invention is shown.

[0106] according to Figures 5 to 7 The charging device 2' and the Figures 1 to 4 The charging device 2 of the embodiment of the present invention is different in that the cable harness 3 is composed of an external flexible cable section including an external charging line 26 without a drag chain and an internal cable section guiding signal lines, power lines, protective lines, transmission lines, etc. The internal cable harness 3 is guided in a drag chain device 4.

[0107] The auxiliary lines, signal lines and / or charging transmission lines 16 of the inner cable section are only partially or segmentally guided and moved by the drag chains 18.1 to 18.3 of the aforementioned drag chain units 4.1 to 4.3. As mentioned above, the other lines and / or transmission lines are designed as litz wires, especially copper litz wires.

[0108] The power line can be adapted in terms of cross section and circumference according to the preset power requirements. With this design, the cable harness 3 can be guided as cool-free and as low-loss as possible by means of the drag chain device 4. Only the outer charging cable 26 area with a smaller cross section or circumference and the charging plug 6 need to be cooled. From which spatial direction 7.1 to 7.3 and / or position the charging cable 15 is exposed and guided outwards, and accordingly to which position in the drag chain 18.1 to 18.3 and the use of the power line can be selected according to the requirements.

[0109] The relevant transition 21 from the guided charging cable 16 (=guided power line) to the exposed charging cable 15 can thus be selected flexibly and adapted accordingly to the requirements. The charging device 2, in particular the charging cable 16 of the charging device, can thus be designed for different power levels. The charging cable 15, the charging cable that is optionally partially exposed, and the charging plug 6 can be selected according to the power level.

[0110] Both charging devices 2, 2' can be provided with a camera 27 in the plug holder 8. For example, the camera 27 can be arranged above or in the region of the charging plug 6. The camera 27 can be directed to a possible charging interface 5 (such as a charging port 5) of the electric vehicle 1 to be charged. Figure 1 shown).

[0111] Here, the camera 27 can be configured to monitor the coupling of the charging plug 6 to the charging interface 5 both when the charging plug 6 is transported toward the charging interface 5 by the aforementioned drag chain device 4 and when charging and thus when the charging plug 6 is inserted into the charging interface 5, in particular to find the position of the charging interface 5, track the charging plug 6 and / or track possible movements of the electric vehicle 1 (such as Figure 1 shown).

[0112] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 5 Schematic top view of an alternative charging device 2 ′ in a first end position 9 . 1 , ie the retracted position.

[0113] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 5 1 is a schematic side view of an alternative charging device 2 ′ having drag chain units 4 . 1 to 4 . 3 , a plug holder 8 and an external charging cable 26 between the plug holder 8 and the third drag chain unit 4 . 3 .

[0114] Although the details of the present invention have been shown and described in detail through the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and other variations can be derived therefrom by a skilled person without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0115] List of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1 Electric Vehicle

[0117] 2. 2' Charging Equipment

[0118] 3 Cable bundles (cable bundles)

[0119] 4Drag chain device

[0120] 4.1 to 4.3 drag chain units

[0121] 5 Charging port

[0122] 6 Charging plug

[0123] 7.1 to 7.3 Spatial Direction

[0124] 8 Plug holder

[0125] 9.1 to 9.6 end positions

[0126] 10.1 to 10.3 Housing

[0127] 11 Longitudinal notch

[0128] 12 vertical gap

[0129] 13 fixed units

[0130] 14 mobile units

[0131] 15 Charging cable

[0132] 16 Charging transmission line

[0133] 17 Additional cables

[0134] 18.1 to 18.3 drag chains

[0135] 19 Cable harness end

[0136] 20 tension relief units

[0137] 21 Transition Department

[0138] 22 Cooling pipeline

[0139] 23. Drive device

[0140] 23.1 to 23.3 Linear Drives

[0141] 24.1 to 24.3 linear regulator unit

[0142] 25.1 to 25.3 drive units

[0143] 26 external charging cable

[0144] 27 cameras

[0145] x Vertical

[0146] y horizontal

[0147] z height direction

Claims

1. A charging device (2, 2') for charging an electric vehicle (1) by means of a charging cable (15, 26), wherein the charging cable can be connected to a charging interface (5) on the electric vehicle (1) to be charged, characterized in that: A drag chain device (4) is provided, which is configured to flexibly convey the cable harness (3) in the direction of a charging interface (5) along at least one spatial direction (7.1 to 7.3) and align it relative to the charging interface (5) of the electric vehicle (1).

2. The charging device (2, 2') according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drag chain device (4) is configured to accommodate, guide and move at least one charging cable (5) and / or a charging transmission cable (16) and / or a power transmission cable and / or an additional cable (17) as a cable bundle (3).

3. The charging device (2, 2') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The drag chain device (4) is configured to guide and move the cable harness (3) along a plurality of spatial directions (7.1 to 7.3).

4. The charging device (2, 2') according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The drag chain device (4) comprises at least one drag chain (18.1 to 18.3) for guiding the cable harness (3) and / or at least one plug holder (8) for carrying a charging plug (6).

5. The charging device (2, 2') according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drag chains (18.1 to 18.3) are movable by means of at least one drive device (23).

6. The charging device (2, 2') according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drag chains (18.1 to 18.3) are arranged parallel to the linear adjustment units (24.1 to 24.3) of the drive device (23).

7. The charging device (2, 2') according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The drag chain device (4) is configured to cool the charging cables (15, 26) and the charging plug (6).

8. The charging device (2, 2') according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that At least one energy chain (18.1 to 18.3) is flexibly designed and can be steered.

9. The charging device (2, 2') according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that At least one drag chain (18.1 to 18.3) is designed as a flexible hollow profile support, in which the cable harness (3) is accommodated at least in sections.

10. Charging device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cable harness (3) is guided in a drag chain-free manner in a transition (21) between two spatial directions (7.1 to 7.3).

11. The charging device (2, 2') according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that The charging cable (15, 26) comprises a plurality of copper twisted wires.

12. The charging device (2, 2') according to claim 11, characterized in that The copper litz wires are designed as flexible individual cables and are designed to be space-optimized and / or in each case according to the power class.

13. Charging device (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cable harness (3) is fixed to at least one end of the drag chain (18.1 to 18.3) via at least one strain relief element (20).

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