Commercial vehicle with charging socket

Abstract

Commercial vehicle (10), preferably a truck or bus, comprising: a front axle (14); a rear axle (16); a side panel (18), preferably substantially plate-shaped, which is arranged between the front axle (14) and the rear axle (16) and covers a section of a longitudinal side of the commercial vehicle (10); and a charging socket (20) for connecting an electrical charging cable (28), wherein the charging socket (20) is concealed behind the side panel (18); wherein the side panel (18) can be pivoted downwards about an axis (32) which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle (10); the charging socket (20) is essentially displaceable outwards parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle (10); and the charging socket (20) is designed so that the electrical charging cable (28) can be connected to a top side of the charging socket (20) or to a front side of the charging socket (20) facing in a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle (10) or to a rear side of the charging socket (20) facing in the opposite direction of travel of the commercial vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a commercial vehicle, preferably a truck or a bus, having a charging socket for connecting an electrical charging cable.

[0002] The transition from combustion engine-powered trucks to electric trucks presents manufacturers with a variety of challenges. A particular problem lies in the high unit costs for electric trucks, which are currently only in very small quantities, compared to the still very large quantities of combustion engine-powered trucks. Another issue is the high development costs for new truck components and the modification of existing components to adapt them to the requirements of electric trucks. A further problem is the often limited installation space in electric trucks, as many electrical components, especially those in the high-voltage system, require a comparatively large amount of additional space (e.g.,...).Traction battery(ies), electric motor(s), on-board charger, charging socket).

[0003] For example, DE 10 2018 000 098 A1 discloses a truck with a frame. A socket and mounting assembly is attached to the frame. The socket and mounting assembly includes an electrical socket. The socket and mounting assembly is located behind a front axle of the truck.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved arrangement of the charging socket in a commercial vehicle. Preferably, the arrangement should be particularly space-saving and / or protected.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] According to the invention, a commercial vehicle (e.g., electrically powered), preferably a truck or a bus, is disclosed. The commercial vehicle has a front axle, a rear axle, and a side panel, preferably substantially plate-shaped. The side panel is arranged between the front axle and the rear axle and covers a section of one longitudinal side of the commercial vehicle. The commercial vehicle has a charging socket for connecting an electrical charging cable, wherein the charging socket (e.g., in a non-use position) is concealed behind the side panel (e.g., with respect to a view parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle onto a front or outer surface of the side panel).

[0007] The charging socket can thus be positioned in a very space-saving manner, as no additional space needs to be created on the longitudinal outer side of the commercial vehicle. Instead, existing space behind the side panel can be utilized. Preferably, complex modifications for inserting the charging socket between the fender and side panel can be avoided. Furthermore, the charging socket can be particularly well protected behind the side panel, e.g., from dirt, wear and tear, and in the event of an accident. Positioning the charging socket behind the side panel can be visually appealing, as it is not visible from the outside. This arrangement can also be aerodynamically advantageous, as the charging socket cannot negatively affect the vehicle's aerodynamics.

[0008] It is possible that the side panel incorporates a crash structure (e.g., essentially plate-shaped) with a profiled form, such as a honeycomb or wave profile. Preferably, the crash structure is designed to dissipate impact energy in an accident (e.g., a side impact) under predetermined plastic deformation of the crash structure. Alternatively or additionally, the crash structure is designed to direct impact energy away from the charging socket and / or traction battery of the commercial vehicle in an accident (e.g., a side impact).

[0009] In further training, the charging socket (e.g. in a non-use position) can be concealed behind the crash structure of the side panel (e.g. with respect to a viewing direction parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle towards a front or outside of the side panel).

[0010] It is also possible that the charging socket has a removable cover to conceal electrical connectors of the charging socket, which is designed separately from the side panel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the side panel essentially covers an entire section of the vehicle's longitudinal side between the front and rear axles. Alternatively or additionally, the side panel can be designed as a full side panel. This advantageous arrangement of the charging socket is therefore particularly useful for commercial vehicles with continuous side panels between the front and rear axles.

[0012] In a training course, the side paneling can be, for example, a single piece or made of multiple pieces.

[0013] In another embodiment, the commercial vehicle has a traction battery that is concealed behind the side panel (e.g., with respect to a viewing direction parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle towards a front or outer side of the side panel) and preferably (e.g., directly) next to the charging socket. Advantageously, this allows for close proximity between the charging socket and the traction battery, resulting in shorter cable lengths and enabling a shared, protected arrangement behind the side panel.

[0014] Preferably, the charging socket for electrically charging the traction battery can be electrically connected to the traction battery, e.g. by means of an on-board charger.

[0015] Preferably, the traction battery can be connected to at least one electric drive of the commercial vehicle for powering the commercial vehicle.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the commercial vehicle also has a body or semi-trailer that preferably covers the charging socket (e.g., in a non-use position) from above and / or is arranged (e.g., directly) above the charging socket. This advantageous arrangement of the charging socket can therefore be used particularly in commercial vehicles with a body or semi-trailer.

[0017] In another embodiment, the side panel is movable, preferably pivotable or slidable, to provide access to the charging socket for connecting the charging cable. This advantageously ensures that the charging socket is only accessible and, for example, less protected when it is actually needed, namely when a charging cable is connected to it.

[0018] For example, the side panel can be moved between a normal position and an open position, in which there is access to the charging socket for connecting the charging cable to the charging socket.

[0019] In one embodiment, the side panel is pivotable upwards or downwards, and / or the side panel is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle, and / or the maximum pivot angle between a closed position and an open position of the side panel is less than 45°, preferably less than 30°, and particularly preferably less than 20°. This advantageously allows easy access to the charging socket when needed. Preferably, the charging socket can remain protected by the side panel even when it is pivoted.

[0020] In another embodiment, the charging socket is movable, preferably pivotable or slidable, to provide access for connecting the charging cable. This advantageously ensures that the charging socket is only accessible and, for example, less protected when it is actually in use, namely when a charging cable is connected to it.

[0021] For example, the charging socket can be moved into a position where it is accessible for connecting a charging cable, e.g. because it protrudes beyond the side paneling, the traction battery and / or the body.

[0022] In another embodiment, the charging socket is pivotable about an axis that is essentially parallel to a vertical or longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the charging socket is slid upwards or downwards. Alternatively or additionally, the charging socket is mounted on the side panel and, to provide access for connecting the charging cable, is movable together with the side panel, preferably by sliding or pivoting. Alternatively or additionally, the charging socket is slidable essentially parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle. This results in a multitude of combinable possibilities for achieving mobility of the charging socket, thus enabling easy connection of the charging cable.

[0023] In one embodiment, the charging socket is designed so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to either the top or bottom of the socket. Alternatively or additionally, the charging socket can be designed so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to the front of the socket facing in the direction of travel of the commercial vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the charging socket can be designed so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to the rear of the socket facing away from the direction of travel of the commercial vehicle. Advantageously, this allows the charging cable to be connected even after a relatively small movement of the charging socket and / or the side panel, as it is not necessary to create a space-consuming access point to a transverse (outer) side of the charging socket facing in the transverse direction of travel of the commercial vehicle, as is usually the case.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the electric charging cable can be connected to a transverse side of the charging socket that is oriented in a transverse direction of the commercial vehicle.

[0025] The preferred embodiments described below, which can be combined with one another, each relate to solutions that can be particularly advantageous with regard to the required installation space, the integration of the mobility of the charging socket and / or the side panel, and the accessibility via the charging cable.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the side panel is pivotable downwards about an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the charging socket is pivotable outwards about a further axis that is substantially parallel to a vertical axis or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the charging socket is designed so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to a top surface of the charging socket.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the charging socket is slidable upwards (e.g., to protrude beyond the side paneling). Preferably, the charging socket is designed so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to a transverse side of the charging socket that is oriented in a transverse direction of the commercial vehicle (e.g., the outer side).

[0028] In a training course, the side paneling may be fixed in place.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the side panel is pivotable downwards about an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the charging socket can be attached to (e.g., a rear side) of the side panel and / or pivotable together with the side panel. Preferably, the charging socket is designed so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to a top surface of the charging socket.

[0030] According to the invention, the side panel is pivotable downwards about an axis that is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Furthermore, according to the invention, the charging socket is displaceable outwards essentially parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle. Finally, according to the invention, the charging socket is designed such that the electrical charging cable can be connected to an upper surface of the charging socket, to a front surface of the charging socket facing in a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle, or to a rear surface of the charging socket facing away from a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the side panel is pivotable downwards about an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Preferably, the charging socket can be pivoted outwards while maintaining its orientation (e.g., by means of at least one pivot arm). Preferably, the charging socket can be configured so that the electrical charging cable can be connected to a top side of the charging socket, to a front side of the charging socket facing in a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle, or to a rear side of the charging socket facing away from a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the side panel has a flap that can preferably be opened by pivoting. Preferably, the charging socket for connecting the electrical charging cable is accessible when the flap is open, and preferably not accessible when the flap is closed.

[0033] For example, the side panel and / or the charging socket can be fixed in a rigid manner, e.g., chassis-mounted.

[0034] It is possible to apply the technique as revealed herein to passenger cars.

[0035] It is also possible that the side panel is not located between the front and rear axles, but e.g. at the front of the commercial vehicle, at the rear of the commercial vehicle, in front of the front axle or behind the rear axle.

[0036] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined in any way desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a commercial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2A a purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; Fig. 2B a purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3A a purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; Fig. 3B a purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 3A; Fig. 4A a purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; Fig. 4B A purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 4A; Fig. 5A a purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; Fig. 5B a purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 5A; Fig. 6A a purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; Fig. 6B a purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 6A; Fig. 7A a purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; Fig. 7B a purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 7A; Fig. 8A A purely schematic cross-sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area directly behind a front axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from the front; and Fig. 8B a purely schematic horizontal sectional view of a section of a commercial vehicle in an area between a front axle and a rear axle of the commercial vehicle, viewed from above, according to the embodiment of Fig. 8A.

[0037] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a commercial vehicle 10. The commercial vehicle 10 is preferably designed as a truck, as shown. The truck may, for example, have a superstructure, e.g., a loading superstructure (not shown in Figure 1). Fig. 1 shown). Alternatively, the truck may, for example, have a fifth wheel coupling for attaching a semi-trailer (not shown in Fig. (shown in Figure 1). It is also possible that the commercial vehicle 10 is, for example, designed as a bus.

[0039] The commercial vehicle 10 can have a vehicle frame 12. The body or semi-trailer can be supported on the vehicle frame 12. The vehicle frame 12 can preferably be designed as a ladder frame if the commercial vehicle 10 is designed as a truck. The ladder frame can, for example, have two substantially parallel main longitudinal beams. The two main longitudinal beams can be connected to each other by several crossbeams. The several crossbeams can be spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle frame 12 can, for example, be designed as a lattice frame, e.g., in a design of the commercial vehicle as a truck or a bus.

[0040] The commercial vehicle 10 is electrically powered. For example, the commercial vehicle 10 can be powered by a central electric drive. The central electric drive can be located, for example, below the driver's cab and / or between the two main longitudinal members of the vehicle frame 12. Alternatively, the commercial vehicle 10 can be powered, for example, by several electric wheel hub drives or several wheel-mounted electric drives.

[0041] The commercial vehicle 10 has a front axle 14, a rear axle 16, a side panel 18 and a charging socket 20. Optionally, the commercial vehicle 10 may have a fender 22, a mudguard 24 and / or a traction battery 26.

[0042] The side panel 18 is arranged between the front axle 14 and the rear axle 16. The side panel 18 covers a section of a longitudinal side (e.g., the driver's side or passenger's side) of the commercial vehicle 10. Preferably, the side panel 18 covers substantially an entire section of the longitudinal side of the commercial vehicle 10 between the front axle 14 and the rear axle 16. For example, the side panel is designed as a full side panel.

[0043] The side panel 18 can extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. Preferably, the side panel is arranged at the level of the front axle 14, the rear axle 16, and / or the vehicle frame 12. Preferably, the side panel 18 is plate-shaped. Advantageously, the side panel 18 is vertically oriented.

[0044] The side panel 18 can, for example, have a substantially plate-shaped crash structure for the targeted dissipation of crash energy. The crash structure can, for example, have a profiled shape, such as a honeycomb structure or a wave profile, etc. Preferably, the crash structure can extend substantially over the entire height and / or length of the side panel 18.

[0045] The charging socket 20 is designed for connecting an electrical charging cable, preferably for externally charging the traction battery 26. The charging socket 20 is arranged behind the side panel 18, as shown in Fig. 1 is indicated by the dotted outline. Preferably, the charging socket 20 is arranged behind the side panel in a non-use position. Alternatively or additionally, the charging socket 20 can be arranged behind the side panel 18 in a normal, use, or closed position. The charging socket 20 can be attached to or supported by a fender support, the side panel 18, and / or the traction battery.

[0046] The fender 22 can be assigned to the front axle 14. The fender 22 can be supported by the fender bracket, which also supports, for example, the charging socket. The fender 24 can be assigned to the rear axle 16. The side panel 18 can be located behind the fender 22 and / or in front of the fender 24 with respect to the forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle 10. The side panel 18 can be located between the fender 22 and the fender 24. The side panel 18 can extend from the fender 22 (e.g., adjacent to it or with a gap between them) to the fender 24 (e.g., adjacent to it or with a gap between them). It is possible that the side panel 18 has a fender section for a wheel of the front axle 14. It is also possible that the side panel 18 has a fender section for a wheel of the rear axle 16.

[0047] The traction battery 26 can be concealed behind the side panel 18. For example, the traction battery 26 can be arranged between the vehicle frame 12 and the side panel 18 with respect to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle 10. The traction battery 26 can be attached to the vehicle frame 12, preferably to an outer longitudinal side of one of the main longitudinal members of the vehicle frame 12. The side panel 18 can be supported or attached to the traction battery 26, preferably to a (e.g., longitudinal) side surface of the traction battery 26 that faces away from the vehicle frame 12 or outwards.

[0048] The traction battery 26 can be located next to the charging socket 20. Preferably, the traction battery 26 can be located (e.g., directly) behind or (e.g., directly) in front of the charging socket 20 with respect to a forward direction of travel. The traction battery 26 and the charging socket 20 can be flush-mounted.

[0049] To make the charging socket 20 accessible for connecting the electrical charging cable, the charging socket 20 and / or the side panel 18 can be adjustable or movable, preferably sliding or pivoting, e.g. completely, partially or in sections.

[0050] Preferably, the charging socket 20 can be moved between a non-use position and a use position. In the non-use position, the charging socket 20 can preferably be concealed behind the side panel 18. In the use position, the charging socket 20 can be accessible for connecting the electrical charging cable.

[0051] For example, the charging socket 20 can be pivotable about an axis that is substantially parallel to a vertical or longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. It is also possible for the charging socket 20 to be displaceable upwards or downwards, preferably to project beyond a top or bottom surface of the side panel 18. The charging socket 20 can be mounted on the side panel 18 and be movable together with the side panel 18, preferably displaceable or pivotable. The charging socket 20 can be displaceable substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle 10.

[0052] Preferably, the side panel 18 can be moved between a working position (normal position, closed position) and an open position (charging position). In the working position, the side panel 18 can cover the charging socket 20. In the open position, the side panel 18 can make the charging socket 20 accessible for connecting the electrical charging cable.

[0053] For example, the side panel 18 can be pivoted upwards or downwards, e.g. about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. It is possible that the maximum pivot angle between the operating position and the open position of the side panel 18 is less than 45°, preferably less than 30°, and particularly preferably less than 20°.

[0054] Depending on how the side panel 18 and / or the charging socket 20 can be moved, the charging socket 20 can be designed for connecting the electrical charging cable on a top, bottom, front (with respect to the direction of travel), rear (with respect to the direction of travel) and / or longitudinal outside (with respect to the direction of travel) of the charging socket 20.

[0055] The following describes some particularly preferred embodiments for configuring the charging socket 20 and the side panel 18. These embodiments can be combined with one another. Each embodiment is illustrated by two figures xA and xB (x = 2 ... 8). Figures xA show a view of the charging socket 20 and the side panel 18 from the opposite direction of travel. Figures xB show a top view of the charging socket 20 and the side panel 18. In addition to Fig. Figure 1 shows the electrical charging cable 28 and the body or semi-trailer 30 of the commercial vehicle 10. The body or semi-trailer 30 is located above the charging socket 20 and the traction battery 26.

[0056] The Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards about an axis 32. The side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards from the operating position to the open position. The axis 32 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 45°, preferably ≤ 20°.

[0057] The charging socket 20 can be pivoted outwards about an axis 34. The charging socket 20 can be pivoted outwards from the non-use position to the use position (shown with a dashed line). The axis 34 is essentially parallel to a vertical axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 180°.

[0058] The charging cable 28 can be connected to the top of the charging socket 20 when the side panel 18 is in the open position and the charging socket 20 is in the operating position.

[0059] The Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards about an axis 32. The side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards from the operating position to the open position. The axis 32 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 45°, preferably ≤ 20°.

[0060] The charging socket 20 is mounted on the side panel 18, preferably on the rear side of the side panel 18. The charging socket 20, together with the side panel 18, can be pivoted between a non-use position and a use position (shown with dashed lines). In the use position of the side panel 18, the charging socket 20 is in the non-use position. In the open position of the side panel 18, the charging socket 20 is in the use position.

[0061] The charging cable 28 can be connected to the top of the charging socket 20 when the side panel 18 is in the open position and the charging socket 20 is in the operating position.

[0062] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards about an axis 32. The side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards from the operating position to the open position. The axis 32 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 45°, preferably ≤ 20°.

[0063] The charging socket 20 can be pivoted outwards while maintaining its orientation. The charging socket 20 can be pivoted outwards from the non-use position to the use position (shown with dashed lines). At least one pivot arm 36 can be provided. At one end of the pivot arm 36, the at least one pivot arm 36 is pivotably mounted about an axis 38. The axis 38 can be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. The axis 38 can be fixed to the frame or chassis. At the opposite end of the at least one pivot arm 36, the charging socket 20 is pivotably mounted about an axis 40. The axis 40 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum swivel angle of the at least one swivel arm 36 about the axis 38 can be, for example, ≤ 90°, preferably ≤ 45°.

[0064] The charging cable 28 can be connected to a top, front or rear of the charging socket 20 when the side panel 18 is in the open position and the charging socket 20 is in the operating position.

[0065] The Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards about an axis 32. The side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards from the operating position to the open position. The axis 32 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 45°, preferably ≤ 20°.

[0066] The charging socket 20 can be pivoted outwards about an axis 42. The charging socket 20 can be pivoted outwards from the non-use position to the use position (shown with a dashed line). The axis 42 is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 45°.

[0067] The charging cable 28 can be connected to the top of the charging socket 20 when the side panel 18 is in the open position and the charging socket 20 is in the operating position.

[0068] The Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 is immovable or fixedly attached.

[0069] The charging socket 20 is slidable upwards, preferably substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the commercial vehicle 10. The charging socket 20 is slidable upwards from the non-use position to the use position (shown with dashed lines). In the use position, the charging socket 20 projects beyond the side panel 18.

[0070] The charging cable 28 can be connected to one long side of the charging socket 20 when the charging socket 20 is in the operating position.

[0071] The Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards about an axis 32. The side panel 18 can be pivoted downwards from the operating position to the open position. The axis 32 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle 10. A maximum pivot angle can be, for example, ≤ 45°, preferably ≤ 20°.

[0072] The charging socket 20 is essentially slidable outwards parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle 10. The charging socket 20 can be moved outwards from the non-use position to the use position (shown with dashed lines), e.g. along a longitudinal guide or by means of an extension (e.g. telescopic).

[0073] The charging cable 28 can be connected to a top, front or rear of the charging socket 20 when the side panel 18 is in the open position and the charging socket 20 is in the operating position.

[0074] The Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows an embodiment in which the side panel 18 is fixed and immovable. The side panel 18 has an openable flap 44. The flap 44 can be pivoted, for example, upwards, downwards, or to the side. The flap 44 pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position of the flap 44, the charging socket 20 is accessible for connecting the charging cable 28. In the closed position of the flap 44, the charging socket 20 is covered by the flap 44 and is not accessible.

[0075] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the front axle, the rear axle, the side paneling, and / or the charging socket of independent claim 1.All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way as to disclose all values ​​falling within the respective range individually, e.g. also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list 10 commercial vehicles 12 vehicle frames 14 Front axle 16 Rear axle 18 side panels 20 charging sockets 22 fenders 24 fenders 26 traction battery 28 electric charging cables 30 body or semi-trailer 32-axis 34 axle 36 Swivel arm 38 axle 40 axle 42 axle 44 flap

Claims

[1] Commercial vehicle (10), preferably a truck or bus, comprising: a front axle (14); a rear axle (16); a side panel (18), preferably substantially plate-shaped, which is arranged between the front axle (14) and the rear axle (16) and covers a section of a longitudinal side of the commercial vehicle (10); and a charging socket (20) for connecting an electrical charging cable (28), wherein the charging socket (20) is concealed behind the side panel (18); wherein the side panel (18) can be pivoted downwards about an axis (32) which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the commercial vehicle (10); the charging socket (20) is essentially displaceable outwards parallel to a transverse axis of the commercial vehicle (10); and the charging socket (20) is designed so that the electrical charging cable (28) can be connected to a top side of the charging socket (20) or to a front side of the charging socket (20) facing in a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle (10) or to a rear side of the charging socket (20) facing in the opposite direction of travel of the commercial vehicle (10). [2] Commercial vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the side panel (18) covers essentially an entire section of the longitudinal side of the commercial vehicle (10) between the front axle (14) and the rear axle (16); and / or the side panel (18) is designed as a full side panel. [3] Commercial vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a traction battery (26) which is concealed behind the side panel (18) and preferably next to the charging socket (20). [4] Commercial vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a superstructure or semi-trailer (30) that covers the charging socket (20) from above and / or is located above the charging socket (20). [5] Commercial vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging socket (20) is configured such that: the electrical charging cable (28) can be connected to a top or bottom of the charging socket (20); and / or the electric charging cable (28) can be connected to a front of the charging socket (20) facing in a forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle (10); and / or the electric charging cable (28) can be connected to the rear of the charging socket (20) which is directed against the forward direction of travel of the commercial vehicle (10).

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