Charging equipment for an electric vehicle

The charging device for electric vehicles addresses the issues of convenience and reliability by using transport rollers and motors to automate cable movement, reducing manual operation and stress, while preventing contamination and icing.

DE102011006104B4Active Publication Date: 2026-05-21KIEKERT AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
KIEKERT AG
Filing Date
2011-03-25
Publication Date
2026-05-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing charging devices for electric vehicles lack convenience and reliability, often requiring manual operation and are prone to excessive tensile stress on the electrical cable.

Method used

A charging device with an extendable electrical cable that uses transport rollers, springs, and motors to move the cable in and out of the vehicle interior, ensuring smooth and reliable operation without manual intervention, and incorporates features like cleaning brushes and guide channels to prevent contamination and icing.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a convenient, reliable, and automated charging process that minimizes cable stress and contamination risks, ensuring efficient and safe cable management within the vehicle.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Charging device for an electric drive, in particular for an electric vehicle (18) with an electrical cable (2) and a charging plug (8) or a charging socket, wherein the charging plug (8) or charging socket is attached to an end of the electrical cable (2) that can be moved out of an interior space (1), where Transport means are provided which can move the electrical cable both into and out of the interior, wherein the transport means preferably comprise one or more transport rollers (4) which are frictionally engaged and / or positively engaged with the electrical cable (2) for transport of the electrical cable (2), characterized in that the charging device is arranged near a bumper of the electric vehicle (18) and / or the interior (1) is housed in a tailgate of the electric vehicle (18).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device for an electric drive, and in particular for an electric vehicle with an electric cable, wherein a charging plug or a charging socket is attached to an extendable end of the electric cable, which can be pulled out of the interior of the charging device.

[0002] An electric vehicle is a vehicle that is electrically powered, usually by an electric motor. The electric motor draws its power from a battery located within the electric vehicle. This battery must be recharged after it has been discharged. A charging device, as described in the present invention, serves to recharge the battery. The charging device is preferably part of the electric vehicle. The electrical cable is preferably equipped with a charging plug. To charge the electric vehicle, the electrical cable is pulled out of its housing and the charging plug is inserted into a wall socket. The wall socket can be a standardized socket like those used in private households. The charging plug is then also standardized accordingly. However, the charging plug and wall socket can also be designed to meet the specific requirements of an electric vehicle.

[0003] German patent application DE 694 17 141 T2 describes a charging device for an electric vehicle in which a retractable spiral cable serves as the electrical cable. The charging device is part of the electric vehicle. For charging, the electrical cable can be pulled out of a container and a charging plug inserted into a socket. To allow the electrical cable to return to the container by gravity, the container has an opening at the top. A section of the electrical cable is routed horizontally at the bottom of the container. This is intended to prevent this section from being subjected to excessive tensile stress when the electrical cable is pulled out of the container. Inside the container, the electrical cable is stored in a meandering pattern. Several lids protect the container from water ingress. The electric vehicle is a motorcycle.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2009 052 366 A1 describes a charging device for an electric vehicle, comprising a socket or charging port and a charging plug connected to an electrical cable. The charging plug and socket are located behind one or two covers in the vehicle's body. To charge the vehicle, the charging plug can be removed from the corresponding cover and plugged into the socket. Conversely, an external charging plug connected to an electrical cable can be plugged into the electric vehicle's socket to charge the vehicle. This document, DE 10 2009 052 366 A1, outlines various options for conveniently accommodating the electrical cable within the vehicle. One suggestion is a drum with a servo motor on which the cable can be wound.Spring forces can be used to pull an electrical cable into or out of an interior space. The vehicle's socket can be used to secure the charging plug when not in use.

[0005] US Patent 5,445,252 A describes a charging cable for supplying electrical current to an energy storage device of an electric vehicle. The cable comprises an electrical cable with a first end (operationally connected to the energy storage device) and a second end (for connection to a power source). A housing supports the cable over a predetermined length. The housing consists of several articulated segments that allow limited lateral movement in one plane, ensuring the charging cable remains at a defined distance above the ground.

[0006] WO 2009 / 091 745 A2 describes a method and apparatus for connecting a power source to a target storage device by means of a transmission cable which is extendable and / or retractable via a repositionable conduit.

[0007] DE 295 00 430 U1 describes a stationary receiving device for cables / hoses / ropes mounted on a vehicle, designed as a container with a deflecting wall and an opposing boundary wall. The medium is drawn in through an opening in the wall at an acute angle to the deflecting wall, causing it to lay down in the container in a meandering pattern without tangling; a retrieval device (e.g., cable conveyor rollers), optionally a cable guide channel and cable end stop are provided.

[0008] The object of the invention is to create a charging device for an electric vehicle that is more advanced than the prior art and functions reliably. Preferably, the charging device should offer increased convenience.

[0009] To solve the problem, a charging device for an electric vehicle comprises an electrical cable and a charging plug or socket. The charging plug or socket is attached to an end of the electrical cable that can be moved out of the interior of the charging device. The charging device includes means that can move the electrical cable both into and out of the interior. This eliminates the need for manual operation, thus increasing convenience. Movement by means of these means can be based on one or more drives and / or spring forces. For example, the electrical cable is moved electrically out of the interior, thereby tensioning at least one spring. The resulting spring force is then used to drive the electrical cable back into the interior.

[0010] In particular, one or more transport rollers serve as the means of transport, engaging the electrical cable in a frictional and / or form-fit manner. Each of these rollers can be connected to a spring, for example, a coil spring, which is pre-tensioned by extending the electrical cable. Preferably, as is already known from vacuum cleaner power cords, a locking device is provided to allow the extended electrical cable to be releasably locked in various extended positions, either steplessly or almost continuously. This design constitutes an independent invention that does not necessarily require an additional drive mechanism for extending the electrical cable. If such a drive mechanism is absent, the electrical cable is pulled out manually – as is known from the power cord of a vacuum cleaner.This independent invention can be combined arbitrarily with the features of the embodiments mentioned below, provided that these do not relate to the drive for moving the electrical cable out of the interior.

[0011] The charging device is preferably part of an electric vehicle. In this particular case, it is a charging plug attached to the extendable end of the electrical cable. This section of the electrical cable can also be retracted back into the vehicle's interior.

[0012] The interior of the charging unit serves to house the electrical cable, provided it has not been removed. The transport roller(s) allow the electrical cable to be moved in and out of the interior reliably, conveniently, and smoothly using a motor, without requiring a large amount of installation space.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the electrical cable is electronically controlled and / or monitored. This prevents the cable from being subjected to excessive tensile stress.

[0014] In one embodiment, a motorized drive for the transport rollers is provided to move the relevant section of the electrical cable. The drive of one or more rollers is achieved, in particular, electrically by means of an electric motor.

[0015] To reliably move an electrical cable with a circular cross-section, one embodiment includes at least two, preferably three, transport rollers arranged in a plane transverse to the cable's longitudinal axis. In the case of a pair of transport rollers, their axes of rotation are preferably parallel to each other. In the case of three transport rollers, their axes of rotation are arranged in a triangular pattern, forming equal angles and being equidistant from one another. Moving the circular electrical cable is particularly reliable when using three transport rollers.

[0016] The surface of transport rollers adjacent to an electrical cable with a circular cross-section is particularly concave in order to guide the electrical cable especially safely and to provide large surfaces for transporting the electrical cable in the event of frictional contact.

[0017] Preferably, the electrical cable has a rectangular cross-section, which is guided through a pair of opposing transport rollers, preferably with a plane-parallel surface. The transport rollers then bear against the long sides of the rectangular cross-section to ensure particularly reliable transport of the electrical cable. On the one hand, this provides a particularly large frictional contact area between the transport rollers and the electrical cable. On the other hand, this shape is particularly suitable for achieving a meandering fold inside the housing very reliably and without interference when the electrical cable is moved into the housing.

[0018] To ensure the proper transport of the electrical cable in and out of the interior, one embodiment incorporates one or more transport rollers at the opening of the interior from which the electrical cable can be moved. The transport rollers can be located outside the opening or form the opening itself. However, the transport rollers are preferably located inside the interior adjacent to the opening, as this provides them with protection.

[0019] Inside the vehicle, the electrical cable is preferably stored in a meandering pattern. This arrangement can be achieved simply by transporting the cable into the interior. Since this process is generally motorized and therefore very uniform, the desired arrangement is reliably achieved, particularly when the cable is moved horizontally, preferably diagonally upwards, into the interior.

[0020] In one embodiment, a guide extending obliquely upwards into the interior comprises a support for the section of electrical cable that is to be moved in and out. The desired meandering fold is thus maintained particularly reliably when the electrical cable is transported into the interior. The electrical cable is then moved obliquely upwards into the interior.

[0021] In one embodiment, the width of the interior space essentially corresponds to the width of the electrical cable within it. The corresponding vertical walls of the interior space are then very close to the adjacent, meandering electrical cable. This close proximity is intended, firstly, to prevent the electrical cable from becoming trapped inside the space. Secondly, it ensures that the electrical cable folds into the desired meandering shape. This guides the electrical cable as it is moved into the interior space, allowing it to fold into the desired meandering shape with particular reliability.

[0022] Guiding the electrical cable into the interior to achieve a meandering fold, in combination with the interior width being adapted to the electrical cable for this meandering fold, constitutes an independent invention, separate from the means of transport. The meandering fold is thus ensured even when the electrical cable is moved manually into the interior. Nevertheless, a combination with the means of transport that move the electrical cable is preferable, as this allows for reliably uniform transport, further improving the desired meandering fold.

[0023] The maximum height and / or maximum length of the interior preferably exceeds the width of the interior several times over, for example, when installed in an electric vehicle. This allows a sufficiently long length of electrical cable to be routed through the interior in a meandering pattern.

[0024] For the aforementioned purpose, the electrical cable is led out of the interior horizontally or at least substantially horizontally on one, preferably two sides, to achieve a meandering fold, and in particular adjacent to or bordering the floor of the interior.

[0025] For a positive-locking connection between the transport rollers and the electrical cable, one, preferably several, drive rollers are designed in a gear-like manner. The electrical cable has corresponding constrictions. This ensures that the electrical cable can be transported reliably and evenly in the intended manner over the long term.

[0026] To prevent malfunctions due to contamination, in one embodiment the electrical cable is guided through one or more cleaning brushes, preferably rotatably mounted and motorized. In particular, one or more electric motors are provided for the drive. If the electrical cable is moved into the interior and cleaned by upstream cleaning brushes before the cleaned section of the cable reaches the transport rollers, the transport rollers are also reliably protected from contamination.

[0027] In one embodiment, the extendable end of the electrical cable is connected to a cord, cable, chain, or tape to limit its extension. The cord, cable, chain, or tape is preferably retractable and stored in a space, for example, by means of a winding drum. In one embodiment, the winding drum can be rotated by a motor to wind the cable as desired. Alternatively or additionally, a spring can be provided that is tensioned when the cord, cable, chain, or tape is unwound. The spring force then allows the cord, cable, chain, or tape to be rewound.

[0028] In one embodiment, the interior includes an anteroom in which one or more cleaning brushes and / or one or more transport rollers and / or motorized drive elements are housed and thus protected. The anteroom does not serve to house the electrical cable; only the adjoining part of the interior does.

[0029] The loading device can include one or more guide rollers, in addition to transport rollers, to guide the extendable end of the electrical cable. These guide rollers are not motorized but can rotate freely. The guide rollers ensure that the electrical cable is guided as desired without having to overcome significant frictional forces.

[0030] In one embodiment, there is a rotatable, and in particular motor-driven, drum for winding the electrical cable inside the interior. If the drum is motor-driven, it can be part of the means of transport for moving the electrical cable into the interior. The drum can be pre-tensioned by a spring such that the spring force moves the electrical cable into the interior. In this case, too, the drum is part of the means of transport according to the claim.

[0031] To ensure improved winding as desired, one embodiment of the drum features a guide thread for winding the electrical cable. This improves the assurance that the electrical cable winds correctly onto the drum.

[0032] The drum's axis of rotation is preferably vertical in the assembled state, thus allowing for convenient integration of the charging device into an electric vehicle. Preferably, the end of the electrical cable that does not extend from the interior is connected to the drum above the opening through which the cable can exit the interior. This preferred design contributes to a more reliable and efficient winding of the electrical cable onto the drum.

[0033] A space that is a maximum of 30 cm high and a maximum of 40 cm long is usually sufficient to accommodate a sufficiently long electrical cable to reach a charging socket or a charging station's power outlet.

[0034] A particularly suitable location for the charging device is near the bumper of the electric vehicle. The electrical cable can then preferably be routed out through the bumper of the electric vehicle.

[0035] In one embodiment, there is a foldable or pivoting lever through which the electrical cable is routed. The foldable lever is mounted, for example, in the area of ​​the electric vehicle's bumper. For charging, the lever can be folded away to ensure a distance between, for example, the electric vehicle and the electrical cable. This prevents damage to the electric vehicle.

[0036] Preferably, the lever is attached to an electric vehicle and can be pivoted away from the vehicle towards the charging station by a drive mechanism, without requiring manual operation. The lever is then able to move the charging cable out of the interior and is thus part of the claimed means of transport. This embodiment serves in particular as a contribution to fully automatic charging, in which a vehicle user does not even have to manually connect the charging plug to the charging socket for charging.

[0037] The lever is preferably integrated into or adjacent to the bumper of an electric vehicle. This placement is particularly suitable because, firstly, there is sufficient space to accommodate a suitably long lever. Secondly, this area is typically largely unused and therefore readily available as installation space. Furthermore, the lever will not obstruct entry into or exit from the vehicle. This also allows for a particularly discreet placement that minimally impacts the vehicle's appearance.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, there is a channel whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the electrical cable and through which the electrical cable is guided for removal from the interior. The channel reliably prevents larger dirt particles or, for example, slush from entering the interior. The resulting friction counteracts icing.

[0039] In one embodiment, the channel runs in a curved path, specifically back and forth. This further counteracts icing of the electrical cable through friction.

[0040] The interior space can be formed by a drawer or be located within a drawer, preferably positioned in the area of ​​the electric vehicle's bumper and thus movable outwards. Pulling out the drawer, which can be done by a drive mechanism, particularly an electric one, provides access to the charging plug or socket. This protects the charging device and ensures that the charging socket or plug is kept at a distance from the electric vehicle when it is being handled for charging. This prevents damage to the vehicle's body.

[0041] The charging device can be part of a vehicle that includes both an electric motor and a conventional combustion engine for propulsion. The extendable end of the charging cable is then preferably concealed by, or can be concealed by, a flap attached to the body of the electric vehicle, which also houses the filler neck for a liquid or gaseous fuel. Alternatively or additionally, the flap can conceal a charging port.

[0042] In one embodiment, the electric vehicle features a swiveling lighting unit that conceals or covers the extendable charging cable. This design is particularly elegant and discreet, as it eliminates the need for a visually disruptive flap to cover the charging port's opening. Furthermore, this design does not impede entry or exit. A foldable taillight unit, in particular, has proven to be a suitable size.

[0043] The interior can be housed in the tailgate of the electric vehicle, thus utilizing otherwise unused installation space. This placement, in turn, does not obstruct entry or exit.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the movable part of the electrical cable is surrounded outside the interior by a bellows, one end of which connects to the opening leading from the interior. The other end of the bellows tightly encloses the electrical cable. When the electrical cable is moved out of the interior, the bellows extends accordingly. Conversely, the bellows shortens when the electrical cable is moved into the interior. This embodiment reliably prevents the ingress of dirt and moisture into the interior, as well as icing caused by moisture entering the interior.

[0045] In one embodiment, a pair of transport rollers, through which the electrical cable passes, are connected by a circulating belt, chain, or band such that a rotational movement of one transport roller transmits a rotational movement to the other. In this embodiment, a single drive for one transport roller or drive roller is sufficient to drive both transport rollers.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the electrical cable is structured, at least in the area of ​​the transport rollers, and has, for example, a grid structure perceptible to the touch or is otherwise structured three-dimensionally. This advantageously improves the frictional connection between the transport rollers and the electrical cable.

[0047] Various embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0048] In theFig. Figure 1 shows a charging device comprising an interior space 1 and an electrical cable 2. The electrical cable 2 is folded in a meandering pattern within the interior space 1. The width of the interior space 1 is approximately equal to the width of the electrical cable 2. The cable 2 is guided out of the interior space 1 via a curved channel 3. The electrical cable 2 has a circular cross-section. The channel 3 leads to three transport rollers 4, which engage with the electrical cable 2 in a frictional manner. These transport rollers 4 allow the electrical cable 2 to be moved in and out of the interior space 1. The interior space is approximately 30 cm high and approximately 40 cm long.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the three transport rollers 4, which are in frictional contact with the electrical cable 2 and can move the electrical cable 2 due to this frictional contact. The transport rollers 4 are arranged evenly spaced around the electrical cable 2. In particular, the Fig. Figure 3, which shows a corresponding top view, illustrates that the surfaces of the transport rollers 4 are concavely curved inwards in order to make contact with the electrical cable 2 over the largest possible area and to ensure particularly reliable guidance. A ring 5 shields the transport rollers 4 from the outside. The transport rollers 4 are rotatably mounted within the ring 5.

[0050] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of an interior space 1 with a triangular cross-section. Adjacent to a channel through which the ribbon-shaped electrical cable 2 with a rectangular cross-section is movably guided out of the interior space 1, two transport rollers 4 are provided, through which the ribbon-shaped electrical cable 2 passes. By means of the transport rollers 4, the electrical cable 2 can be moved obliquely upwards into the interior space 1 to promote a meandering fold within the interior space 1. The other end of the cable 2 is guided horizontally out of the lower region of the interior space 1 at the opposite wall 6. There are two electric drives 7 with which the transport rollers 4 are driven. The movable end of the electrical cable 2 is provided with a charging plug 8.

[0051] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment. Inside the interior 1, the electrical cable 2 is wound up using a drum 9. The drum 9 is driven by an electric motor 7. In the area of ​​the opening from which the electrical cable 2 can be moved out, there are two rotating brushes 10 with which the electrical cable 2 can be cleaned before it is wound up. Outside the interior 1, the electrical cable 2 has a thickening 11. The thickening 11 prevents the electrical cable 2 from moving into the interior 1.

[0052] In the Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment. Again, the electrical cable 2 is wound onto a drum 9 inside the interior space 1. The drum 9 is provided with a thread 12. The axis of rotation of the drum 9 is vertical. The drum 9 can be driven by an electric motor 7. The end of the electrical cable 2 that does not move out of the interior space 1 is attached to the drum 9 at the top. The opening through which the electrical cable 2 can be moved out of the interior space 1 is located in the lower part of the interior space 1. The interior space 1 is shoe-shaped. Transport rollers 2 and cleaning brushes 10 are protected in the toe of the shoe. The drum 9 can be moved as in the Fig. Figure 6 shows it to be cylindrical. However, it has turned out to be a conical shape with a thread – as in the Fig. 6a shown - highlighted as particularly advantageous for particularly reliable functioning.

[0053] In the Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The interior space 1 has a partition 13, which provides an anteroom 14. Transport rollers 4 and cleaning brushes 10 are located in the anteroom 14 and are protected there. The partition 13 has a support 15 that serves to guide the electrical cable 2 into the interior space 1. The cleaning brushes 10, transport rollers 4, and support 15 are arranged relative to each other and to the opening for moving the electrical cable out such that the electrical cable 2 can be moved obliquely upwards into the part of the interior space 1 that serves for the meandering storage of the electrical cable 2. Fig. The electrical cable shown in Figure 7 has a rectangular cross-section. The transport rollers 4 with plane-parallel surfaces border the long sides of the rectangle.

[0054] In the Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The transport rollers 4 are designed like gears. The gears engage in constrictions of the electrical cable 2, thus ensuring a positive connection and guaranteeing durable, highly reliable, and uniform transport of the electrical cable 2. The interior 1 again has a vestibule 14. The electrical cable 2 is guided in such a way that it can be moved obliquely upwards into the interior 1 to promote a meandering fold. In the lower region of the wall 6, the electrical cable 2 is led horizontally out of the interior 1. In this and all other embodiments, this led-out portion can be connected to a control device for charging.In all embodiments, this exposed portion is electrically connected to the battery to be charged, or to a power source used for charging, or can be connected to a power source. In the latter case, this exposed portion is preferably also equipped with a charging socket, preferably a charging plug, to connect it to a power source.

[0055] In the opening area through which the electrical cable 2 can be moved out of the interior 1, there are guide rollers 16, which are not driven by their own motors. The guide rollers 16 ensure particularly low-friction guidance of the electrical cable 2 into and out of the interior 1. However, driven transport rollers 4 can also be used instead of guide rollers 16. The diameter of the cleaning brush 10 and the transport roller 4, which border the edge of the interior 1, is relatively small compared to the diameter of the opposite cleaning brush 10 and the opposite transport roller 4. This design allows for a particularly compact installation space.

[0056] Especially with a positive-locking connection, only one drive roller is sufficient. An opposing roller can be free-running and merely serve to maintain the connection between the transport roller and the electrical cable without generating significant frictional forces. This allows for a compact installation space.

[0057] In the Fig. Figure 9 shows a partial illustration of the positive-locking connection between a transport roller 4 and the electrical cable 2. The electrical cable 2 is provided with constrictions 17 into which the teeth of the drive rollers 4 engage in order to transport the electrical cable 2.

[0058] In the Fig. Figure 10 shows a partial view of an electric vehicle 18. The interior 1 of the charging unit is located near the bumper 20 of the electric vehicle. The charging cable 2 can be extended through the bumper 20. The end of the charging cable 2 that can be extended is connected to one end of a rotatable or pivotable lever 19, which is hinged to the bumper 20. The lever 19 allows the charging cable to be moved automatically towards the charging station 22 to connect the charging plug 8 to the charging station 22. The bumper 20 has a flap 21 that must be opened to provide access to the charging plug 8. When the vehicle is not charging and the charging cable 2 has been fully retracted into the interior 1, the cover 21 is closed, for example, automatically. This then covers the opening area of ​​the charging unit.The lever 19 can be pivoted into a designated space in the bumper 20, so that the bumper 20 subsequently has a pleasing surface.

[0059] In the Fig. 11. The order will be derived from the Fig. Figure 10 shows a different perspective. Lever 23 can be folded towards or away from the bumper using the electric motor 7.

[0060] Will a bumper be installed according to the Fig. 10 and Fig. By including 11, otherwise unused installation space is utilized. Furthermore, a relatively long lever 19 can be accommodated here.

[0061] In the Fig. Figure 12 clarifies that a transport roller 4 can be designed to swivel away in order to easily replace a defective cable. The swiveling roller 4 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a drive. For the reasons mentioned above, it is sufficient that only one transport roller 4 is driven.

[0062] In the Fig. Figure 13 shows an embodiment with an interior space 1 in which the cable is stored in a spiral shape. For this purpose, the interior space is designed as a hollow cylinder. The axis of the hollow cylinder is vertical.

[0063] The one in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 13 further comprises a bellows 23 extending from the upper opening of the interior space 1. The electrical cable 2 runs within the bellows 23. The end of the bellows 23 facing away from the interior space encloses the electrical cable 2 in a sealing manner, particularly in a fluid-tight manner. The other end of the bellows 23 is also tightly connected to the opening of the interior space 1, again particularly in a fluid-tight manner. The bellows 23 can follow the movement of the electrical cable 2. In this way, moisture or dust cannot penetrate the interior space 1.

[0064] Transport rollers 4 are again provided close to the opening through which the electrical cable is moved out of the interior and back.

[0065] The one in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 14 again includes a bellows 23 to prevent moisture and dust from entering the interior 1. Inside the interior 1, the electrical cable 2 runs between freely rotating rollers 24 and 25, similar to a pulley system. The electrical cable 2 is transported by a pair of transport rollers located near the opening of the interior 1, through which the electrical cable 2 is moved. Thus, the electrical cable 2 is moved out of and into the interior through this opening. When the electrical cable 2 is moved into the interior 1, the rollers 25 move laterally outwards, away from the rollers 24, due to spring forces. In this way, the electrical cable 2 is reliably and properly positioned inside the interior 1. The rollers 25 and 24 prevent friction and thus wear on the electrical cable 2.

[0066] In the Fig.Figure 15 shows two transport rollers 4 connected to each other by a circulating belt 26. The upper transport roller 4 is driven by an electric motor 7. When the upper transport roller 4 is driven by the electric motor, the lower transport roller 4 rotates in the opposite direction due to the belt 26. The electrical cable 2 is guided through both transport rollers 4 and thus driven from both sides. A positive-locking connection is shown in which the electrical cable 2 includes recesses 17 into which teeth of the transport rollers 4 engage. This embodiment with the belt applies equally to a positive-locking connection between transport rollers 4 and an electrical cable 2 guided through them. In particular, in the case of a positive-locking connection, the electrical cable 2 has a structured, three-dimensional surface.If the structure is a grid-like network, it can be felt due to its three-dimensionality. Instead of a grid structure, other uniform or irregular structures can be used. The surface can also simply be roughened three-dimensionally, for example, by having grains on the surface, in order to improve adhesion to adjacent transport rollers 4 and thus prevent malfunctions during transport.

[0067] Although the invention was developed for an electric vehicle with an electric motor, it can also be used for other applications with battery-powered electric drives, such as electromagnetic drives, even in the case of a battery-powered electric drive using a shape memory alloy. Reference symbol list 1 Interior 2 electrical cables 3 guide channel 4 transport rollers 5 rings 6 Wall 7 electric drive 8 charging plugs 9 Drum 10 rotating brushes 11 Thickening 12 threads 13 Partition wall 14 Anteroom 15th edition 16 Leadership role 17 Constriction 18 electric vehicles 19 rotating levers 20 bumpers 21 22 charging stations 23 Bellows 24 rolls 25 rolls 26 belts

Claims

Charging device for an electric drive, in particular for an electric vehicle (18) with an electric cable (2) and a charging plug (8) or a charging socket, wherein the charging plug (8) or charging socket is attached to an end of the electric cable (2) that can be moved out of an interior space (1), wherein transport means are provided which can move the electric cable both into and out of the interior space, wherein the transport means preferably comprise one or more transport rollers (4) which bear against the electric cable (2) in a frictional and / or positive-locking manner for the transport of the electric cable (2), characterized in that the charging device is arranged near a bumper of the electric vehicle (18) and / or the interior space (1) is housed in a tailgate of the electric vehicle (18). Charging device according to claim 1 with at least one motorized drive (7) for the transport rollers (4). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a circular cross-section of the electrical cable (2) and at least two transport rollers (4), preferably three transport rollers (4), which are arranged in a plane transverse to the longitudinal extent of the electrical cable (2). Charging device according to the preceding claim, wherein the surface of the transport rollers (4) adjacent to the electrical cable (2) is concave. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical cable (2) has a rectangular cross-section and is passed through a pair of opposing transport rollers (4). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, in which one or more transport rollers (4) are arranged at or outside an opening of the interior (1) from which the electrical cable (2) can be pulled out. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical cable (2) is stored in a meandering manner in the interior (1) or can be stored in a meandering manner. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the interior (1) substantially corresponds to the width of the electrical cable (2) contained therein. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum height of the interior (1) and / or the maximum length of the interior (1) exceeds the width of the interior (1) by a multiple when installed. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical cable (2) is led out of the interior (1) horizontally or at least substantially horizontally on one, preferably two sides. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive rollers (4) are designed in a gear-like manner and the electrical cable has corresponding constrictions (17) for a positive locking connection. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical cable (2) is guided through one or more cleaning brushes (10), preferably rotatably mounted and motor-driven. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extendable end of the electrical cable (2) is connected to a cord, cable, chain or band for limiting the extension of the electrical cable. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a guide or support (15) leading obliquely upwards into the interior for the electrical cable (2). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more cleaning brushes (10) and / or one or more transport rollers (4) and / or motorized drive means (7) are housed in an anteroom (14) of the interior. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with one or more guide rollers (16) for guiding the extendable end of the electrical cable (2). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a rotatable, in particular motorized, drum (9) for winding the electrical cable (2) inside. Charging device according to the preceding claim, wherein the surface of the drum (9) is provided with a guide thread (12) for winding the electrical cable (2), wherein the drum is preferably cylindrical or conical. Charging device according to the preceding claim, wherein the axis of rotation of the drum (9) is vertical. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior space (1) is a maximum of 30 cm high and a maximum of 40 cm long. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical cable (2) can be moved out through a bumper (20) of the electric vehicle (18). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a preferably motorized folding lever (19) through which the electrical cable (2) is guided and / or attached to the charging plug or charging socket. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a channel (3) whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the electrical cable (2) and through which the electrical cable (2) is led out for withdrawal from the interior (1). Charging device according to the preceding claim, wherein the channel (3) runs in a curved path. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior space (1) is formed by a drawer which is preferably arranged to be movable outwards in the area of ​​a bumper (20) of the electric vehicle (18). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable end of the electrical cable (2) is or can be concealed by a flap attached to the body of the electric vehicle, which also includes a filling nozzle for a liquid or gaseous fuel and / or a charging socket provided for charging. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a swiveling lighting unit of the electric vehicle which conceals or is able to conceal the extendable electrical cable. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior space is located in a tailgate of the electric vehicle (18). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one roller (4, 16) is pivotable. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a bellows (23) which seals the movable part of the electrical cable (2) against the interior (1). Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a pair of transport rollers through which the electrical cable is passed, wherein the two transport rollers are connected by a circumferential belt (26), a circumferential chain or a circumferential band such that a rotational movement of one transport roller transmits a rotational movement to the other transport roller. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims with a three-dimensionally structured surface of the electrical cable (2) at least in the area of ​​transport rollers.