Device for housing and storing a charging cable

Abstract

Device for housing and storing a charging cable (14) for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, wherein the device comprises a storage box (10) with a top-mounted access opening (11), wherein the access opening (11) can be closed by one or more covers (20, 24, 30, 32) connected to the storage box (10), which in the closed state effect a fixation of the charging cable (14) received in the storage box (10), characterized in that a pivot bracket (22) is located along the storage box (10) and at least partially surrounds the access opening (11), which is firmly connected to at least one of the covers (20, 24, 30, 32).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for accommodating and storing a charging cable for electric or hybrid motor vehicles.

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are usually connected to the power grid via a charging cable to recharge their internal electrical energy storage devices. This frequently presents the problem of the charging cable being stowed and stored in the vehicle in the most space-saving manner possible. This storage option should also be easy and quick to access and convenient for the driver. It should also offer the option of covering the device to protect it from dirt and / or provide privacy. Vibrations occurring during vehicle operation can easily be transmitted to the charging cable. Therefore, the charging cable should also be secured to prevent slipping and the development of annoying rattling noises.

[0003] A device that approximately meets these requirements is known from DE 10 2010 021 328 A1. This device proposes a corresponding storage container for a charging cable of an electric or hybrid vehicle, which can be accommodated in various locations within the interior of a vehicle. The device provides an additional retaining device for the associated plug to prevent the charging cable from slipping.

[0004] DE 10 2011 081 092 A1 describes a removable bag integrated into the vehicle's interior trim as a storage solution. While this solution allows for space-saving and unobtrusive storage of a charging cable in an easily accessible location within the vehicle, it does not address securing it against slipping or preventing rattling noises. Similar statements also apply to DE 10 2012 211 643 A1, which also specifies a carrying bag that can be stowed inside the vehicle for accommodating and storing a charging cable.

[0005] Other solutions for the storage and safekeeping of other electronic devices are known from the state of the art and can also be used here.

[0006] DE 20 2006 015 825 U1 describes a device for storing battery charging devices and devices to be charged during charging. This device is characterized in particular by a housing for accommodating the devices and a means of closing the housing, for example, with a lid. While such a solution secures the unit housed in the housing against falling out or excessive slipping, it generally does not provide secure storage and prevent rattling noises.

[0007] DE 42 12 207 C2 relates to a wiring device for vehicles. The wiring device comprises a housing to be attached to the vehicle, in which a cable is housed. This cable can be removed from the housing as needed and connected to an external power source to supply electrical power to the vehicle. These vehicles can be, for example, mobile homes, camping vehicles and trailers, ships, and electric vehicles. Typically, the power supply occurs when the vehicle is stationary (not moving).

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a device for at least largely rattling-free accommodation and storage of a charging cable for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, which can be accommodated on the vehicle side in the most space-saving manner possible and is easily and quickly accessible for the driver, allows convenient operation, can be covered as protection against dirt and / or as a visual screen and at least largely secures the accommodated charging cable against slipping and the generation of annoying rattling noises.

[0009] The stated object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1. One or more disadvantages of the prior art are thereby eliminated or at least mitigated.

[0010] The device is particularly characterized in that this device comprises a storage box with a removal opening, wherein the removal opening can be closed by one or more covers connected to the storage box, which, when closed, fix the charging cable accommodated in the storage box.

[0011] The device can be permanently connected to the interior of the vehicle or can also have a corresponding holding device that allows the entire device or the storage box to be removed from the vehicle interior or optionally attached to a different position. The storage box itself is designed in such a way that it can easily and simply accommodate the charging cable and, thanks to its further configuration, allows quick access to the contents. This can be a cuboid-shaped box with a removal opening at the top or another container shaped according to the given requirements with a removal opening corresponding to the size of the coiled, folded, or collapsed charging cable and made of a preferably solid material such as plastic or metal.In a particularly preferred form of the storage box, it tapers with increasing distance from the removal opening in a perpendicular direction to the removal opening. This allows the folded charging cable to be easily grasped or inserted through the removal opening. However, on the side opposite the removal box, the tapered shape of the storage box increasingly clamps the charging cable for additional fixation and security. This clamping function can be particularly pronounced in the rear area of ​​the storage box through appropriate shaping. The storage box also has one or more attached covers for protection against dirt and / or as a visual screen.These covers can be either fixed devices (e.g., flaps, lids, blinds, roller shutters, windows, grilles) or flexible or stretchable devices (e.g., fabrics, foils, cloth, nets, materials). When the cover(s) are open, the charging cable should be easily accessible. When the cover(s) are closed, the charging cable should be concealed and secured by the cover(s), protecting it from accidental slipping and effectively suppressing or at least reducing noise (e.g., rattling, vibration, rubbing, or fluttering) by restricting its range of motion.

[0012] This facility ensures that a charging cable for electric or hybrid vehicles can be stored and stored in a tidy and at least largely rattle-free manner.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a pivoting bracket along the storage box which at least partially encloses the removal opening, is pivotally connected to the storage box, can be moved over the removal opening, and is firmly connected to at least one cover. The pivoting bracket can be of various shapes, made of plastic or metal, and can be weighted down with lead elements or other weighting means. In a particularly preferred variant, the range of movement of the pivoting bracket covers an angle of 180°; in a further preferred variant, up to 225° is covered. The cover attached to the pivoting bracket can be rigid or flexible. In a first position, the pivoting bracket exposes the removal opening and allows access to the interior of the storage box for removing or depositing the charging cable.In a second position, the swivel bracket closes the removal opening by placing the cover connected to the swivel bracket over the opening. If the charging cable is in the storage box, the cover encloses it at least on one side, ensuring that the charging cable is secured. In particular, according to the invention, this prevents the charging cable from slipping and effectively suppresses the development of annoying rattling noises. Furthermore, both the charging cable itself and the interior of the vehicle are protected against contamination (e.g., from dust or contaminants adhering to the charging cable).

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage box can be additionally closed and possibly locked by at least one further cover. In particular, this can be a stable lid or a movable blind made of a rigid material such as plastic or metal. In a particularly preferred form, a combination of a flexible inner cover and a rigid outer cover is recommended. The outer cover has two defined positions, open and closed, corresponding to the function of the inner cover with a pivoting bracket. In such an arrangement, the inner cover assumes the function of securing the charging cable against slipping, suppressing annoying rattling noises, and protecting it from dirt.The at least one outer cover serves as an additional way to protect the charging cable in the storage box against extraordinary mechanical stress, such as can occur particularly when transporting cargo inside a trunk, as well as as a visual screen.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the storage box can be closed and possibly locked by a firmly connected first flexible cover and a second fixed cover. In accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments, the inner cover serves to secure the charging cable against slipping, to suppress annoying rattling noises and to protect against dirt, while the outer cover serves as additional mechanical protection for the contents of the storage box and as a visual screen. In particular, a pivoting bracket for the covers can be dispensed with if the shape and function of the outer cover in the closed state can achieve a securing and fixing of the charging cable by the inner cover equivalent to the closed state of the embodiment with a pivoting bracket.For example, the outer cover may be formed with a handle for lifting the outer cover and the inner cover connected to it.

[0016] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims or the following description.

[0017] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in individual cases. The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the trunk of a motor vehicle, showing, by way of example, an embodiment of a storage box according to the invention for attachment to the vehicle by means of a fastening plate; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage box according to the invention with a first flexible or stretchable cover and a fastening plate Fig. 2b a section along the Fig. 2 drawn line; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a storage box according to the invention with a flexible first cover and a fixed second cover (hinged lid) as well as a fastening plate Fig. 3b a section along the Fig. 3 drawn line; Fig. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage box according to the invention with a flexible first cover and a fixed second cover (swing lid) as well as a fastening plate Fig. 4b a section along the Fig. 4 drawn line; Fig. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage box according to the invention with a flexible first cover and a fixed second cover (blind) as well as a fastening plate Fig. 5b a section along the Fig. 5 drawn line.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the trunk 18 of a motor vehicle, in which an embodiment of a storage box 10 according to the invention for vehicle-side attachment to a mounting plate 12 is shown by way of example.

[0019] The charging cable 14 is folded up inside the storage box 10. Above the charging cable 14 is a first cover 20, which is connected to a pivoting bracket 22. According to the invention, the cover 20 covers the contained charging cable 14 and thereby fixes the charging cable 14 in position. In order to securely fasten the storage box 10 itself, it can be detachably and permanently connected to a vehicle-specific fastening plate 12 via a holding device 16. Several fastening plates can also be provided distributed within the motor vehicle in order to grant the driver the greatest possible flexibility in selecting a preferred position. Thanks to the detachable and permanent connection by means of the holding device 16, the storage box 10 can also be removed from the motor vehicle for use or cleaning.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage box 10 with a first cover 20 and a fastening plate 12. The first cover 20, made of an expandable or flexible material, is shown transparently here so that the charging cable 14 located underneath can be seen. According to the invention, the charging cable 14 is held in position by the first cover 20 and is thus protected against slipping and the occurrence of rattling noises. The first cover is fastened on one side to a pivoting bracket 22. The pivoting bracket 22 extends along the storage box 10 and encloses the removal opening 11 of the storage box 10 in its working area. In the position shown, the removal opening 11 of the storage box 10 is closed by the first cover 20. Furthermore, a holding device 16 for fastening the storage box 10 to the fastening plate 12 can be seen. Fig. 2b shows the illustrated embodiment once again as a section along the Fig. 2 drawn line.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows the perspective view of another embodiment of the storage box 10 with a first flexible or stretchable cover 20 and a fixed second cover as well as a fastening plate 12. The representation and the assignment of the reference numerals largely corresponds to the Fig. 2, however, a fixed second cover in the form of a hinged lid 24 has been added here. With this type of lid, the storage box 10 can be opened, for example, by folding the hinged lid 24 up along one edge of the storage box 10. The hinged lid 24 serves as an additional option for protecting the charging cable 14 in the storage box 10 against unusual mechanical stress, as well as a visual screen. When closed, the hinged lid 24 is protected against unintentional opening by a corresponding lock 26. However, it can be opened intentionally at any time using an operating aid 28 located on the top of the hinged lid. Fig. 3b shows the illustrated embodiment once again as a section along the Fig. 3 drawn line.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows the perspective view of another embodiment of the storage box 10 with a first flexible or stretchable cover 20 and a fixed second cover as well as a fastening plate 12. The representation and the assignment of the reference numerals largely corresponds to the Fig. 3, the fixed second cover, however, has the form of a pivoting lid 30. With this type of lid, the storage box 10 is opened, for example, by folding the lid back using a corresponding (not visible) pivoting mechanism in the fastening. In particular, with this embodiment, the opened pivoting lid 30 can be accommodated in the rear part of the storage box 10, so that the additional space required during operation is minimized and use is also possible with limited installation heights. In the closed state, the pivoting lid 30 is protected against unintentional opening by a corresponding lock 26. However, an intentional opening can be carried out at any time using an actuating aid 28 located on the top of the pivoting lid 30. To clarify the two possible end positions of the pivoting bracket 22, Fig. 4, in addition to its closed state, the open state is also shown as a dashed outline. Switching between the two states can be done either manually or via the (not visible) pivoting mechanism in combination with the opening state of the outer pivoting cover 30. Fig. 4b shows the illustrated embodiment once again as a section along the Fig. 4 drawn line.

[0023] Fig. 5 shows the perspective view of another embodiment of the storage box 10 with a first flexible or stretchable cover 20 and a fixed second cover as well as a fastening plate 12. The representation and the assignment of the reference numerals largely corresponds to the Fig. 4, however, the fixed second cover has the shape of a blind 32. With this type of lid, the storage box 10 is opened, for example, by pushing back the blind 32, which is divided into individual sections, along a guide (not visible) mounted inside the storage box 10, so that the lid blind 32 can be accommodated in the rear part of the storage box 10 to save space. In the closed state, the blind 32 is protected against unintentional opening by a corresponding lock 26. However, an intentional opening can take place at any time via an operating strip 34 located on the top of the blind 32. In the embodiment shown, the first cover 20 is connected to the blind 32.A swivel bracket is not required, since the shape and function of the outer cover in the closed state allows the charging cable to be secured and fixed by the inner cover in a manner equivalent to the closed state of the versions with a swivel bracket. Fig. 5b shows the illustrated embodiment once again as a section along the Fig. 5 drawn line. List of reference symbols 10 storage boxes 11 Removal opening 12 Mounting plate 14 charging cables 16 Holding device 18 trunk 20 first cover 22 swivel brackets 24 hinged lids 26 Locking 28 Operating aid 30 swivel lids 32 blinds 34 Operating bar

Claims

[1] Device for accommodating and storing a charging cable (14) for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, the device comprising a storage box (10) with a top-mounted removal opening (11), the removal opening (11) being closable by one or more covers (20, 24, 30, 32) connected to the storage box (10), which, when closed, fix the charging cable (14) accommodated in the storage box (10), characterized by that along the storage box (10) there is a pivoting bracket (22) which at least partially surrounds the removal opening (11) and is firmly connected to at least one of the covers (20, 24, 30, 32). [2] Device according to the above claim, characterized by that a first cover (20) is at least partially attached to a second cover (24, 30, 32) and both covers are in a fixed operative connection to one another. [3] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage box (10) is formed from a solid material. [4] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a first cover (20) connected to the storage box (10) consists of a flexible or stretchable material. [5] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage box (10) has dimensions that approximately correspond to the dimensions of the folded charging cable (14). [6] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the charging cable (14) is at least partially enclosed by a first cover (20) when accommodated in the storage box (10) and is thereby fixed in the storage box (10). [7] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the storage box (10) has a second cover (24, 30) made of a solid material in the form of a lid flap (24) covering the removal opening (11) or a pivoting lid (30). [8] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage box (10) has a second cover (32) made of a solid material in the form of a lid blind (32) covering the removal opening (11). [9] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a detachable and fixed connection between the storage box (10) and a fastening plate (12) mounted on the vehicle can be achieved by means of a holding device (16).

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