Device for accommodating a charging cable, vehicle or charging station with such a device and method for operating such a device

Abstract

device (8), which is designed to accommodate a charging cable (6) in a housing (10) of a vehicle (2) or a charging station (4) and which has a cable storage device (12) and a movable guide arm (14), which, due to the movable guide arm (14), is designed to guide the charging cable (6) when it is dispensed from a storage space (16) and when it is retrieved into the storage space (16), - wherein the cable storage (12) has the storage space (16) in which the charging cable (6) can be stowed, and an access opening (18) through which the storage space (16) is accessible when paying out and retrieving the charging cable (6), - wherein the guide arm (14) is retracted in a retracted state for sinking into or abutting against the housing (10), - wherein the guide arm (14) is extended in an extended state for dispensing or retrieving the charging cable (6) and thereby guides it outside the storage space (16), - wherein the guide arm (14) has a cleaning element (30) which rests against the charging cable (6) when it is paid out or retracted, for cleaning the charging cable (6) when it is paid out or retracted.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for accommodating a charging cable, a vehicle or a charging station with such a device and a method for operating such a device.

[0002] A vehicle with an electric drive has an electrical storage unit to supply the drive. Such a vehicle is also referred to as an electric vehicle. To charge the electrical storage unit, the vehicle can be connected to a charging station via a charging cable. The charging station is usually installed at a fixed location and is accessed by the vehicle. To transfer energy, the electrical storage unit and the charging station are electrically connected using the charging cable. Various designs are conceivable here. One option is to provide the charging cable separately and then connect it to the vehicle on the one hand and the charging station on the other hand for charging. Another option is to connect the charging cable permanently to the vehicle or the charging station, so that only a single connection needs to be made for charging.

[0003] In any case, handling the charging cable typically poses a number of problems. A separate charging cable, which is carried in the trunk of a vehicle, for example, must first be removed and then connected to the charging station on the one hand and the vehicle on the other. After charging, the charging cable must always be stowed away again. Depending on the user's physical strength, this may involve some effort. In addition, the charging cable is often exposed to the elements during charging and may become dirty or wet after charging, which makes handling the charging cable uncomfortable for the user. Carrying and wearing separate protective gloves again creates additional effort. There is also a risk when handling the charging cable that it will hit the vehicle or charging station, possibly damaging the vehicle, the charging station, or the charging cable.

[0004] EP 2 881 276 A1 describes a charging cable storage arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a charging cable with a charging plug attached to one end for connection to a charging station, and a receptacle in the interior of which the charging plug can be stored. The receptacle has an opening for removing or inserting the charging plug, as well as a license plate holder for holding a motor vehicle license plate. The license plate holder is movable from a position covering the opening to a position uncovering the opening, and vice versa.

[0005] DE 10 2016 224 160 A1 describes a motor vehicle having a battery that can be charged from an external electrical energy source via a charging device. The connection between the charging device and the external electrical energy source is established by means of a charging cable. The charging cable connected to the charging device can be unwound from a cable drum permanently installed in the motor vehicle.

[0006] DE 10 2009 016 895 A1 describes a charging connection device for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a connection body that can be attached to an opening of the motor vehicle and forms a connection compartment. The charging connection device further comprises an electrical connection device that has a charging cable and a cable winding device with a rotatably mounted cable reel. The cable reel is pretensioned into a winding position in which the charging cable is wound up. The charging cable can be unwound from the reel against the pretension of the cable reel.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 120 454 A1 describes a radiator grille storage device, DE 42 12 207 A1 a cable device for vehicles, DE 10 2009 035 626 A1 a charging socket for charging an electric car, DE 10 2018 211 344 A1 a cable winding system, DE 10 2010 040 786 A1, DE 10 2011 006 104 A1 and DE 10 2010 061 892 A1 each describe a charging device for an electric vehicle and DE 10 2009 046 327 A1 a device for electrically connecting an electric vehicle to a power filling point. Reference is also made to DE 10 2011 017 570 A1 and DE 10 2011 051 052 A1.

[0008] Against this background, one object of the invention is to make handling a charging cable as simple and convenient as possible for a user. To this end, a device for accommodating a charging cable, a vehicle or charging station with such a device, and a method for operating such a device are to be specified.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device having the features according to claim 1, by a vehicle or a charging station having the features according to claim 6, and by a method having the features according to claim 7. Advantageous embodiments, further developments, and variants are the subject of the dependent claims. The statements made in connection with the device also apply mutatis mutandis to the vehicle, the charging station, and the method, and vice versa. If method steps of the method are described below, advantageous embodiments for the device arise, in particular, from the fact that it is designed to carry out one or more of these method steps.

[0010] The device is designed to accommodate a charging cable in a housing of a vehicle or a charging station. In this respect, the device serves to accommodate the cable. The device has a cable storage device and a movable guide arm, where “movable” is understood in particular to mean “movable relative to the cable storage device and / or the housing”. The cable storage device has a storage space in which the charging cable can be stowed, and an access opening through which the storage space is accessible when the charging cable is paid out and retracted. After retraction, the charging cable is predominantly and preferably completely housed in the storage space in a retracted state. After retraction, the charging cable is in an extended or extended state and is usually predominantly outside the storage space.The charging cable has two ends, one of which is preferably fastened within the storage space and the other is free and has a plug connector for connection to a complementary plug connector. The charging cable therefore has a plug connector at one end, preferably a plug, which can be reversibly connected to a complementary plug connector, preferably a socket. For example, a charging cable with a plug at one end is part of a vehicle and can then be connected to a complementary socket of a charging station for charging. Other embodiments are also possible and suitable, in which the charging cable is part of the charging station or in which the charging cable has a socket at one end, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The guide arm can be extended and retracted, i.e. it can be moved from a retracted state to an extended state and vice versa. In the retracted state, the guide arm is retracted for lowering into or attaching to the housing of the vehicle or the charging station. In contrast, in the extended state, the guide arm is extended for paying out or retrieving the charging cable and thus guides the charging cable outside the storage space, in particular even outside the housing of the vehicle or the charging station. In particular, in the extended state, the guide arm spaces the charging cable at a holding distance from the housing, whereas in the retracted state the charging cable is preferably completely recessed into the housing or even into the cable storage.The guide arm is a kind of extension arm that holds the charging cable in a defined position outside the storage space and, when extended, extends far out of the housing, especially with the aforementioned free end. The guide arm is ideally between 10 cm and 30 cm long when extended, allowing the charging cable to extend far out of the storage space.

[0012] Thanks to the movable guide arm, the device is designed for cable guidance, i.e. for guiding the charging cable when it is being pulled out of the storage space and when it is being pulled back into the storage space. The guide arm makes handling the charging cable particularly easy and convenient for the user. When the charging cable is being pulled out, the guide arm advantageously hands it to the user from the storage space, so that the user does not have to search for the charging cable themselves. For example, this extends the charging cable a little way out of the housing of the vehicle or the charging station, making the charging cable and especially its connector particularly easy for the user to grasp and then pull the charging cable out further and connect it.Conversely, when the charging cable is retrieved, the extended guide arm advantageously guides it into the storage space in a controlled manner, thus preventing the charging cable from accidentally hitting the body of the vehicle. For example, this prevents the connector from hitting the vehicle body. In general, the guide arm therefore serves to space the charging cable away from the vehicle or charging station when it is being paid out and / or retrieved. Since the guide arm is typically only needed during the paying out and retrieval processes, the guide arm is otherwise expediently retracted to prevent damage to the guide arm, for example due to environmental influences or vandalism. The guide arm is therefore preferably only extended when the charging cable is being paid out or retrieved, and otherwise retracted, in particular to protect the guide arm.

[0013] In a suitable embodiment, the guide arm is extendable and retractable, and thus movable, by being pivotable. For example, the guide arm is pivotably attached to the cable storage unit or the housing, or generally to the vehicle or charging station. Alternatively or additionally, the guide arm is extendable and retractable by being designed as a telescopic arm, or by being foldable or unfoldable. The exact mechanics of the guide arm, however, are of secondary importance; what is more important is that the guide arm is movable relative to the cable storage unit and relative to the housing of the vehicle or charging station in order to achieve the retracted state on the one hand and the extended state on the other.In a suitable embodiment, the guide arm can be pivoted out, pulled out, or pivoted away from the vehicle or charging station for extension, and conversely, can be pivoted in, pushed in, or pivoted against the vehicle or charging station for retraction. The guide arm is expediently designed to be elongated to ensure sufficient distance between the connector and the housing when extended. To accommodate the guide arm during retraction and in the retracted state, the cable storage unit or the housing suitably has a corresponding recess into which the guide arm can then be retracted predominantly or completely.

[0014] Preferably, the guide arm has an annular holder through which the charging cable can be guided and, in particular, is guided. In a suitable embodiment, the holder is formed at the end of the guide arm to ensure guidance at a maximum distance when extended. Because the holder is annular, the charging cable is advantageously held captively on the guide arm, effectively preventing it from accidentally falling out or slipping. The holder has an inner diameter that corresponds at least to the outer diameter of the charging cable and expediently has some play in this regard, or is even greater.Preferably, however, the inner diameter is smaller than an outer diameter of the connector on the charging cable, so that the holder for the connector forms a stop when the charging cable is pulled in and the charging cable is held in a defined end position when pulled in and does not come loose from the guide arm.

[0015] In this case, the guide arm has a cleaning element which rests against the charging cable when it is being paid out or retracted, in order to clean the charging cable during its payout or retraction. The cleaning element is suitably a brush or sponge or the like. In a particularly simple embodiment, the cleaning element is passive, i.e. it is not actively driven, and then acts solely due to the friction of the charging cable on the cleaning element during its payout and retraction. The cleaning element is then also referred to as a wiper. During its payout and retraction, the cleaning element rubs or drags along the charging cable, more precisely along an outer sheath of the charging cable, and cleans the charging cable accordingly. This makes handling the charging cable significantly more comfortable for the user. Advantageously, the cleaning element is ring-shaped and thus runs completely around the charging cable so that it is thoroughly cleaned.The statements regarding the annular holder also apply analogously to an annular cleaning element. A particularly useful design is one in which the cleaning element is integrated into the holder, resulting in a particularly compact arrangement.

[0016] The cleaning element is expediently replaceable, i.e., interchangeable. This allows the cleaning element to be replaced with another cleaning element as needed, e.g., if the cleaning element is worn or if a different type of cleaning element is required, e.g., a brush instead of a sponge. Interchangeability is achieved, for example, by means of a plug-in or screw connection between the cleaning element and the guide arm or holder. In a suitable embodiment, the cleaning element is replaceable in that it is part of the holder, and the holder as a whole is replaceable.

[0017] The cable storage unit preferably has a reel for winding and unwinding the charging cable. When the charging cable is paid out, it is unwound from the reel and wound onto this reel when retracted. The guide arm advantageously serves as vertical guidance, allowing the charging cable to be wound in multiple layers, if necessary, along a reel axis.

[0018] A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the cable storage device also has a motor for driving the reel. The charging cable is then paid out and retracted automatically or at least assisted by the motor. The motor expediently has a lockable freewheel so that the charging cable can also be manually pulled out of the storage space and unwound from the reel by the user for dispensing. This allows the charging cable to be pulled out particularly quickly; the user does not have to wait for the motor. In principle, a retraction mechanism, e.g. with a return spring for driving the reel, is also conceivable and suitable for retracting the charging cable, as an alternative to or in addition to the motor.

[0019] The housing of the vehicle or charging station preferably has a cover which conceals the access opening and which is movable to reveal the access opening when required. The cover is also referred to as a closure, cover or flap. The cover can be moved manually by the user or automatically by an actuator, or both. For example, in a vehicle the cover is designed like a fuel tank flap. In an advantageous embodiment the cover is mechanically coupled to the guide arm so that the cover is opened or closed accordingly depending on the extension and retraction of the guide arm. To dispense the charging cable, the cover is opened and at the same time or afterwards the guide arm is extended in order to partially dispense the charging cable from the storage space and make it accessible to the user.In an advantageous embodiment, the guide arm is designed such that it forms part of the housing of the vehicle or the charging station. For example, the guide arm corresponds to the previously described cover, so that it advantageously performs a dual function.

[0020] The device described above is particularly expedient for use in a vehicle or in a charging station. The device is then installed as part of the vehicle or charging station, in particular within the housing, which expediently also forms a corresponding outer panel. In the case of a vehicle, the housing is preferably a body of the vehicle. In a vehicle, the device is preferably accommodated at the front of the vehicle in the direction of travel. The device is preferably designed such that, when retracted, the charging cable and in particular also its end connector are completely recessed within the housing. For dispensing, the guide arm is then extended and the charging cable is thereby guided slightly out of the housing so that it is accessible to the user and can be pulled out.

[0021] The vehicle has an electrical storage device, i.e. an electrical energy storage device which serves in particular as an energy source for an electric drive of the vehicle. The vehicle is then in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle. The vehicle is in particular a car or truck and in particular not rail-bound. The charging station is, for example, a charging column or a wall box. If the charging cable is part of the vehicle, the charging cable is preferably permanently connected to an on-board electrical system of the vehicle, e.g. to a charger of the on-board electrical system or to the electrical storage device, which is also part of the on-board electrical system. Expediently, the on-board electrical system has vehicle electronics which are designed to switch between different charging standards, e.g. AC charging and DC charging, so that the same charging cable can be used at charging stations with different charging standards. The charging cable itself is preferably designed as a universal charging cable.

[0022] In the method for operating a device as described above, a control unit generates a control signal by means of which the guide arm is controlled. The guide arm is thereby automatically extended to dispense or retract the charging cable and / or automatically retracted after the charging cable has been dispensed or retracted. It is particularly important that the guide arm is or is already extended to dispense or retract the charging cable in order to then unfold the aforementioned advantages. If the charging cable is neither dispensed nor retracted, but in particular is stationary, the guide arm is expediently retracted.

[0023] The control unit is part of the device, the vehicle, or the charging station, or is distributed across them. The method is implemented in the control unit, particularly through programming or circuitry, or a combination thereof. For example, the control unit is designed as a microprocessor or an ASIC, or a combination thereof.

[0024] A suitable control signal can be generated in a variety of ways. Generally, a control signal is expediently generated when a user wants to move the charging cable, i.e. when the charging cable is to be inserted or released, so that in this situation the guide arm guides the charging cable optimally and is otherwise retracted. The control signal is therefore generated in particular when a charging request is detected, i.e. when the charging cable is expected to be released, or when the end of charging is detected, i.e. when the charging cable is expected to be retracted. The end of charging does not necessarily have to mean that the charging process has been reached; what is more important is that a charging process is to be ended or aborted. When a charging request is made, however, the vehicle should be connected to the charging station for charging, or more precisely to start a charging process.

[0025] In a suitable embodiment, a suitable control signal can be generated by a user by actuating an input element, allowing the device to be controlled by the user. Such a control signal is particularly suitable for extending the guide arm to dispense or retract the charging cable. The input element is, for example, a switching element in the interior of the vehicle or outside the charging station, a switching element of a remote control, or a virtual switching element of an app running on a smartphone. Alternatively or additionally, the input element is a microphone for voice control.

[0026] By operating the input element, the user expresses a charging request, whereupon a control signal is generated and the device is then appropriately controlled to establish a connection between the vehicle and the charging station and thus enable charging. The guide arm is extended and, beforehand or at the same time, if present, a cover in front of the access opening is opened. As the charging cable is extended, it is carried along by the guide arm and partially dispensed so that the user can now grasp the charging cable and connect it. When pulling the charging cable out of the storage space, the user is expediently assisted by the motor described above, so that the charging cable is dispensed automatically and the user only needs to guide the charging cable to the complementary connector.Conversely, alternatively or additionally, the charging cable is automatically retracted if the user signals the end of charging by actuating the input element, whereupon a control signal is generated and the device is then suitably controlled to retract the charging cable. The charging cable is then preferably automatically retracted by means of the motor, the guide arm being expediently extended during this process. The charging cable is or has already been expediently disconnected, i.e. the plug connectors are separated, e.g. manually by the user in advance or alternatively automatically. As soon as the user therefore signals the end of charging by means of the input element, the device is preferably controlled in such a way that the guide arm, if it is not already extended, is extended, the charging cable is then retracted and then the guide arm is also expediently retracted again.

[0027] In a likewise suitable embodiment, a suitable control signal is generated when a connector of the charging cable is connected to a complementary connector for charging or is disconnected from a complementary connector after charging. Such a control signal is particularly suitable for retracting the guide arm after the charging cable has been connected for charging, or for extending the guide arm when the charging cable is disconnected after charging. To generate the control signal, it is expediently measured whether the connector of the charging cable is connected to a complementary connector or not, so that the control signal is generated when changing between the connected and unconnected state.

[0028] The aforementioned aspects for automatic retraction and extension and for generating the control signals for this are fundamentally independent of one another and can be combined as desired. In a particularly suitable embodiment, however, the device is designed for a method as follows: by actuating an input element, a user can express a charging request, e.g. after the user has parked a vehicle next to a charging station. This actuation generates a control signal which controls the device in such a way that the guide arm is extended so that the charging cable is extended, e.g. from the vehicle or the charging station. The user can now grasp the charging cable, pull it out further and connect it to the charging station. When it is pulled out, the device automatically dispenses the charging cable accordingly.When the charging cable is connected to the charging station, another control signal is generated which signals that the dispensing has ended and which controls the device in such a way that the guide arm is retracted. In the following time, the vehicle is charged. If the user wishes to end charging, the user signals this by actuating the input element or another input element again or by disconnecting the charging cable. In both cases, a control signal is generated which controls the device in such a way that the guide arm is extended. After this, or even during this time, the device retracts the charging cable. As soon as the user actuates an input element again or as soon as the charging cable is retracted to its end position and there, for example,If a stop is activated, a further control signal is generated, which activates the device in such a way that the guide arm is retracted, so that the charging cable is completely submerged in the vehicle or charging station. The aforementioned method steps can also be implemented individually or in other combinations, thus resulting in further advantageous embodiments.

[0029] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In each case, the following schematically show: Fig. 1 a vehicle and a charging station, Fig. 2 a device with retracted guide element, Fig. 3 the device from Fig. 2 with extended guide element, Fig. 4 a variant of the device from Fig. 2 with retracted guide element, Fig. 5 the device from Fig. 5 with extended guide element, Fig. 6 a flowchart of a process.

[0030] In Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 2 and a charging station 4, which are electrically connected by means of a charging cable 6 for charging the vehicle 2. Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows a device 8 which is designed to accommodate the charging cable 6 in a housing 10 of either the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4. In Fig. 1, the device 8 is part of the vehicle 2, whereas in a variant not explicitly shown, the device 8 is part of the charging station 4. The following explanations apply equally to both possibilities.

[0031] A first embodiment of the device 8 is shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a second embodiment is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In both cases, the device 8 comprises a cable storage 12 and a movable guide arm 14. The cable storage 12 comprises a storage space 16 in which the charging cable 6 can be stored, and an access opening 18 through which the storage space 16 is accessible when paying out and retrieving the charging cable 6. After retrieving, the charging cable 6 is in a retrieved state as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is accommodated predominantly or completely in the storage space 16. After being dispensed, the charging cable 6 is located as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 recognizable in an issued or extended state and outside the storage space 16.

[0032] The charging cable 6 generally has two ends 20, 22, one of which is fixed within the storage space 16 and the other is free and has a connector 24 for connection to a complementary connector 26. The charging cable accordingly has a connector 24 at its end, here a plug, which is reversibly connectable for connection to a complementary connector 26, here a socket. For example, in Fig. 1, the charging cable 6 with the end plug is part of the vehicle 2 and is connected to the complementary socket of the charging station 4 for charging. Not explicitly shown are other embodiments in which the charging cable 6 is part of the charging station 4 or in which the charging cable 6 has a socket at the end, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The guide arm 14 is extendable and retractable, ie it can be transferred from a retracted state to an extended state and vice versa, as in the comparison of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 with each other and the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The curved arrows in the Fig. 2 - 5 illustrate the movement of the guide arm 14 when extending, while when retracting, the movement is in the opposite direction. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 show the retracted state in which the guide arm is retracted for sinking into or applying to the housing 10 of the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4. In contrast, in the extended state, shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the guide arm 14 is extended to pay out or retrieve the charging cable 6 and thereby guides the charging cable 6 outside the storage space 16. The guide arm 14 is therefore a type of boom which holds the charging cable 6 in a defined position outside the storage space 16 and here even extends correspondingly far out of the housing 10 with the aforementioned free end 22. To pay out the charging cable 6, it is handed to a user from the storage space 16 by means of the guide arm 14, so to speak, so that the user does not have to search for the charging cable 6 in the storage space 16 themselves. Conversely, to retrieve the charging cable 6, it is guided into the storage space 16 in a controlled manner by the extended guide arm 14, thus preventing the charging cable 6 from accidentally hitting the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4. In general, the guide arm 14 thus serves to space the charging cable 6 away from the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4 during payout and / or retrieval.Since the guide arm 14 is typically only needed during dispensing and retrieving, the guide arm 14 is otherwise retracted to avoid damage to the guide arm 14.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiments, the guide arm 14 can be extended and retracted by pivoting. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the guide arm 14 is pivotally mounted on the cable storage 12, in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, on the housing 10 of the vehicle 2. In an embodiment not shown, the guide arm 14 can be extended and retracted alternatively or additionally by being designed as a telescopic arm or by being foldable or unfoldable. The exact mechanics of the guide arm 14, however, are of secondary importance; more important in this case is that the guide arm 14 is movable relative to the cable storage 12 and relative to the housing 10 of the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4 in order to realize the retracted state on the one hand and the extended state on the other. In this case, the guide arm 14 is also designed to be elongated in order to ensure sufficient distance between the plug connector 24 and the housing 10 when extended.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the guide arm 14 has an annular holder 28 through which the charging cable 6 is guided. In a variant not shown, the holder 28 is formed at the end of the guide arm 14 in order to ensure guidance at a maximum distance when extended. Because the holder 28 is annular, the charging cable 6 is held captively on the guide arm 14 and accidental falling out or slipping is prevented. The holder 28 has - as can be seen in the exemplary embodiments - an inner diameter d1 which corresponds at least to an outer diameter d2 of the charging cable 6 and in this respect has some play or is even greater.In the present case, the inner diameter d1 is also smaller than an outer diameter d3 of the plug connector 24 on the charging cable 6, so that the holder 28 for the plug connector 26 forms a stop when the charging cable 6 is pulled in and the latter is held in a defined end position in the pulled-in state and does not detach from the guide arm 14.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the guide arm 14 has a cleaning element 30, which rests against the charging cable 6 when it is paid out or retracted, for cleaning the same during payout or retraction. In the present case, the cleaning element 30 is integrated into the holder 28; in a variant not shown, the cleaning element 30 is formed separately from the holder 28. The cleaning element 30 is, for example, a brush or a sponge or the like. The cleaning element 30 is passive here, i.e., is not actively driven, and acts solely due to the friction of the charging cable 6 on the cleaning element 30 during payout and retraction. The cleaning element 30 shown here is annular and thus completely surrounds the charging cable 6, so that it is completely cleaned. Further possible and suitable embodiments result from other shapes and arrangements of the cleaning element 30.The cleaning element 30 is also interchangeable and can therefore be replaced with another cleaning element 30 as needed. Such interchangeability is achieved, for example, by means of a plug-in or screw connection between the cleaning element 30 and the guide arm 14 or the holder 28. In one possible embodiment, the cleaning element 30 is interchangeable in that it is part of the holder 28, which is interchangeable as a whole.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiments, the cable storage device 12 has a reel 32 for winding and unwinding the charging cable 6. When paid out, the charging cable 6 is unwound from the reel 32 and wound onto this reel 32 when retracted. The guide arm 14 optionally serves as a height guide in order to wind the charging cable 6, if necessary, in several layers next to one another along a reel axis of the reel 32. Fig. 2 - 5 the coil axis runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0038] In the design of the Fig. 2 - 5, the cable storage 12 also has a motor 34 for driving the spool 32. The dispensing and retracting of the charging cable 6 then takes place automatically or at least with assistance by means of the motor 34. In one possible embodiment, the motor 34 has a lockable freewheel so that the charging cable 6 can also be manually pulled out of the storage space 16 by the user and unwound from the spool 32 for dispensing. This allows the charging cable 6 to be quickly pulled out and the user does not have to wait for the motor 34. In one possible embodiment, for retracting the charging cable 6, alternatively or in addition to the motor 34, a retraction mechanism, for example with a return spring for driving the spool 32, is also provided.

[0039] The housing 10 of the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4 has a cover 36 which covers the access opening 18 and is movable to expose the access opening 18 when needed. The cover 36 can be moved manually by the user or automatically by an actuator, or both. The cover 36 is connected, for example, to the guide arm 14, e.g., to a device 8 as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is mechanically coupled, so that depending on the retraction and extension of the guide arm 14, the cover 36 is opened or closed accordingly. To dispense the charging cable 6, the cover 36 is opened and, at the same time or subsequently, the guide arm 14 is extended, in order to partially dispense the charging cable 6 from the storage space 16 and make it accessible to the user. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the guide arm 14 is designed such that it forms part of the housing 10 of the vehicle 2, but the concept is analogously applicable to a charging station 4. The guide arm 14 here corresponds to the previously described cover 36, so that it performs a dual function.

[0040] In the example of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the device 8 is explicitly used in a vehicle 2, but use in a charging station 4 is also possible; the statements apply equally to use in a vehicle 2 as well as in a charging station 4. The device 8 is then installed as a part of the vehicle 2 or the charging station 4, for example, within the housing 10, which also forms a corresponding outer cladding. In the vehicle 2, the housing 10 is, for example, a body of the vehicle 2, as in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In a vehicle 2, the device 8 is in a possible embodiment as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, it is housed at the front of the vehicle 2, facing the direction of travel; however, placement elsewhere is also possible and suitable. The device 8 is also designed such that, when retracted, the charging cable 6 and its end-side connector 24 are completely recessed within the housing 10. For dispensing, the guide arm 14 is extended, thereby guiding the charging cable 6 slightly out of the housing 10 so that it is accessible to the user and can be pulled out.

[0041] The Fig. The vehicle 2 shown in Figure 1 has an electric storage device 38, ie an electrical energy storage device, which serves as an energy source for an electric drive of the vehicle 2 (not explicitly shown). The vehicle 2 is then an electric or hybrid vehicle and, in this case, specifically a non-rail-bound passenger car. The charging station 4 is in Fig. 1 a charging station, alternatively a wallbox, for example. The charging cable 6 is in Fig. 1 is a part of the vehicle 2 and is permanently connected to an on-board network of the vehicle 2, here explicitly to the electrical storage device, which is also a part of the on-board network. Equally possible and suitable is a configuration in which the device is a part of the charging station 4 and the charging cable 6 is permanently connected to this charging station 4. The statements made here apply equally to both cases. The wiring and configuration of the charging cable 6 with the on-board network of the vehicle 2, which in Fig. 1 represent only one of many suitable examples. In a possible embodiment not shown, the on-board electrical system has vehicle electronics configured to switch between different charging standards, e.g., AC charging and DC charging, so that the same charging cable 6 can be used at charging stations 4 with different charging standards. The charging cable 6 itself is preferably configured as a universal charging cable 6.

[0042] In a method for operating a device 8 as described above, a control signal S is generated by means of a control unit 40, by means of which the guide arm 14 is controlled. The control unit 40 is in Fig. 1 is a part of the vehicle 2; alternatively, the control unit 40 is a part of the device 8 or the charging station 4, or is distributed among the aforementioned elements. The guide arm 14 is controlled by means of the control signal S and is thereby automatically extended to pay out or retract the charging cable 6 and / or automatically retracted after the charging cable 6 has been paid out or retracted. In the exemplary embodiments shown, it is essential that the guide arm 14 is or is extended to pay out or retract the charging cable 6. If the charging cable 6 is neither paid out nor retracted, but is, for example, stationary, the guide arm 14 is retracted in the present case.

[0043] A suitable control signal S can be generated in different ways. In general, a control signal S is generated in the present case when a user wants to move the charging cable 6, i.e. when the charging cable 6 is to be inserted or dispensed, so that in this situation the guide arm 14 guides the charging cable 6 and is otherwise retracted. The control signal S is therefore generated when a charging request is detected, i.e. when the charging cable 6 is expected to be dispensed, or when the end of charging is detected, i.e. when the charging cable 6 is expected to be retracted. At the end of charging, the end of a charging process does not necessarily have to be reached; what is more important is that a charging process is to be ended or aborted. When a charging request is made, however, the vehicle 2 should be connected to the charging station 4 for charging, or more precisely to start a charging process.

[0044] In one embodiment, a control signal S can be generated by a user by actuating an input element 42, so that the device 8 can be controlled by the user. Such a control signal S is particularly suitable for extending the guide arm 14 to pay out or retract the charging cable 6. The input element 42 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 shows a switching element in the interior of the vehicle 2. In a variant not shown, the input element 42 is alternatively or additionally mounted on the outside of the charging station 4 or is a switching element of a remote control or a virtual switching element of an app running on a smartphone. Alternatively or additionally, the input element 42 is a microphone for voice control.

[0045] By actuating the input element 42, the user expresses a charging request, whereupon a control signal S is generated and the device 8 is then suitably controlled to enable a connection between the vehicle 2 and the charging station 4 and thus charging. In this case, the guide arm 14 is extended and, beforehand or at the same time, if present, a cover 36 in front of the access opening 18 is opened. As a result of the extension, the charging cable 6 is taken along by the guide arm 14 and partially dispensed so that the user can now grasp the charging cable 6 and connect it. When pulling the charging cable 6 out of the storage space 16, the user is assisted by the motor 34 if necessary, so that the charging cable 6 is dispensed automatically and the user only needs to guide the charging cable 6 to the complementary connector 26.Conversely, the charging cable 6 is automatically retracted when the user signals the end of charging by actuating the input element 42, whereupon a control signal S is generated and the device 8 is then suitably controlled to retract the charging cable 6. The connectors 24, 26 are separated for this purpose, e.g., manually in advance by the user. The charging cable 6 is then automatically retracted by means of the motor 34, with the guide arm 14 being extended during this time. As soon as the user therefore signals the end of charging by means of the input element 42, the device 8 is controlled such that the guide arm 14, if it is not already extended, is extended, then the charging cable 6 is retracted and subsequently the guide arm 14 is retracted again.

[0046] In a further embodiment, a control signal S is alternatively or additionally generated when a connector 24 of the charging cable 6 is connected to a complementary connector 26 for charging or is disconnected after charging. Such a control signal S is particularly suitable for retracting the guide arm 14 after the charging cable 6 has been connected for charging, or for extending the guide arm 14 when the charging cable 6 is disconnected after charging. To generate the control signal S, it is measured, for example, whether the connector 24 of the charging cable 6 is connected to a complementary connector 26 or not, so that the control signal S is generated when changing between the connected and unconnected state.

[0047] The aforementioned aspects of automatic retraction and extension and the generation of the control signals S for this are fundamentally independent of each other and can be combined as desired. Fig. An exemplary embodiment of the method is shown in the form of a flow chart in Figure 6. The method is described below with reference to the embodiment of Fig.1, but is also applicable analogously to other embodiments. Accordingly, the device 8 in the present case is designed for a method as follows: by actuating the input element 42, a user can express a charging request in a method step V1, e.g. after the user has parked the vehicle 2 next to the charging station 4. The actuation generates a control signal S which controls the device 8 such that in a method step V2 the guide arm 14 is extended so that the charging cable 6 is extended, e.g. from the vehicle 6. The user can now grip the charging cable 6, pull it out further and connect it to the charging station 6. When pulled out, the device 8 automatically dispenses the charging cable 6 accordingly in a method step V3.When the charging cable 6 is connected to the charging station 4, a further control signal S is generated, which now signals that the dispensing has ended and which controls the device 8 such that the guide arm 14 is retracted in a method step V4. In the following time, the vehicle 2 is charged. If the user wishes to end charging, the user signals this by again actuating the input element 42 or another input element or by disconnecting the charging cable 6 from the charging station 4. In both cases, a control signal S is generated, which controls the device 8 such that the guide arm 14 is extended in a method step V5. Already during this or in an optionally additional and separate method step, the device 8 retrieves the charging cable 6. As soon as the user again actuates the input element 42 or as soon as the charging cable 6 is retrieved to the end position and there, for example,a stop is activated, a further control signal S is generated, which controls the device in such a way that the guide arm 14 is retracted in a method step V6, so that the charging cable 6 is then completely lowered into the vehicle 2. The aforementioned method steps V1 - V6 can in principle also be implemented individually and in other combinations, thus resulting in further embodiments. List of reference symbols 2 vehicles 4 charging station 6 charging cables 8 Device 10 housings 12 cable storage 14 Guide arm 16 storage space 18 Access opening 20 End (attached) 22 End (free) 24 connectors (of the charging cable) 26 connectors (complementary) 28 Bracket 30 cleaning element 32 coil 34 Engine 36 Veneer 38 electric storage units 40 Control unit 42 Input element d1 inner diameter (of the bracket) d2 Outer diameter (of the charging cable) d3 Outer diameter (of the connector) S control signal V1 - V6 process step

Claims

[1] Device (8), which is designed to accommodate a charging cable (6) in a housing (10) of a vehicle (2) or a charging station (4) and which has a cable storage device (12) and a movable guide arm (14), which, due to the movable guide arm (14), is designed to guide the charging cable (6) when it is dispensed from a storage space (16) and when it is retrieved into the storage space (16), - wherein the cable storage (12) has the storage space (16) in which the charging cable (6) can be stowed, and an access opening (18) through which the storage space (16) is accessible when paying out and retrieving the charging cable (6), - wherein the guide arm (14) is retracted in a retracted state for sinking into or abutting against the housing (10), - wherein the guide arm (14) is extended in an extended state for dispensing or retrieving the charging cable (6) and thereby guides it outside the storage space (16), - wherein the guide arm (14) has a cleaning element (30) which rests against the charging cable (6) when it is paid out or retracted, for cleaning the charging cable (6) when it is paid out or retracted. [2] Device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the guide arm (14) has an annular holder (28) through which the charging cable (6) can be passed. [3] Device (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning element (30) is replaceable. [4] Device (8) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cable storage (12) has a reel (32) for winding and unwinding the charging cable (6), and a motor (34) for driving the reel (32). [5] Device (8) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide arm (14) is designed such that it forms part of the housing (10) of the vehicle (2) or of the charging station (4). [6] Vehicle (2) or charging station (4) with a device (8) according to one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Method for operating a device (8) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a control signal (S) is generated by means of a control unit (40), by means of which the guide arm (14) is controlled and thereby - is automatically extended to pay out or retract the charging cable (6) and / or - is automatically retracted after the charging cable (6) has been paid out or retracted. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the control signal (S) can be generated by a user by actuating an input element (42), so that the device (8) can be controlled by the user. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control signal (S) is generated when a connector (24) of the charging cable (6) is connected to a complementary connector (26) for charging or is disconnected from a complementary connector (26) after charging.

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