Cable management device for a charging column and charging column with a cable management device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable management device (1) for a charging station (400) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable (200) and a charging plug (300), comprising: a holding device (100) which is adjustable to guide a charging cable section (210) of the charging cable (200) between a parking state (PZ) and an operating state (BZ) in an actuation direction (X), wherein the holding device (100) is configured for mounting in a housing (410) of the charging station (400), and wherein the holding device (100) for adjusting a position of the charging cable section (210) comprises a first guide unit (110) and a second guide unit (120), each of which is movably mounted and coupled to each other, and wherein the first guide unit (110) is adjustable depending on a defined adjustment of the second guide unit (120).The invention further relates to a charging station (400) with a cable management device (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention lies in the field of electrical energy supply, preferably in the field of electromobility, and relates to a cable management device for a charging station for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable and a charging plug. The present invention further relates to a charging station with a cable management device.

[0002] In the field of electromobility, charging stations with charging columns are used for charging electrically powered vehicles (EVs). Charging columns transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals to a charging plug, which is connected to the charging column via a charging cable.

[0003] Since the distance between the charging socket and the charging station can vary, charging cables of appropriate length must be provided. To ensure safe and easy handling of charging cables of appropriate lengths, so-called cable management systems are now being used.

[0004] Various approaches and solutions for cable management systems at electric vehicle charging stations are known from the state of the art. The charging cables often lie at least partially on the floor and / or must be manually attached by a user in, around, or to a support device. Cable management systems are often mounted on the outside of the charging station, mostly hanging freely, and thus, along with the charging cables, are exposed to all weather conditions, which has a detrimental impact on functionality and safety, for example.

[0005] Various approaches in connection with cable management systems on or for charging stations are known from the state of the art in patent law.

[0006] For example, published utility model no. DE 20 2021 002 728 U1 discloses a power column for charging electric vehicles using a charging cable. The power column features a carriage that uses a deflection pulley to feed and return the charging cable. The carriage moves on ball bearing rollers on internal surfaces within the power column, enabling it to perform an up and down movement. The travel path of the carriage is defined within the power column between a top dead center and a bottom dead center by limit stops.

[0007] German utility model DE 20 2022 107 290 U1 describes a charging station for electric vehicles, comprising a charging column, a charging plug, and a charging cable. To provide automatic recirculation for the charging cable, the charging station has a cable guide with a boom and a retractor for the charging cable in the form of a winding device. The retractor is mounted on the boom so that it can be moved longitudinally. The boom is formed integrally with a mast, which is arranged on the charging column so that it can rotate relative to the charging column about a vertical axis of rotation. The charging cable is partially wound up in the area of ​​the retractor and is electrically connected to the charging column by a cable guided in the boom and in the mast, or on the boom and on the mast.

[0008] Furthermore, German Patent Application No. DE 10 2019 213 451 A1 describes a charging station for an electrically powered vehicle. The charging station has a charging cable and a cable guide device by means of which the charging cable can be moved from its storage position to a use position. The cable guide device has an elastically flexible cable suspension with a cable pull system with deflection pulleys, over which a traction cable is guided. The traction cable is wound on a winding drum that is spring-loaded in a winding direction. At the end of the traction cable is a suspension element that is fixedly connected to the charging cable at a connection point. The cable guide device also has a charging cable crane that can be pivoted about a vertical pivot axis and has a support arm protruding from the charging station. The suspension element is positioned at the free end of the support arm.

[0009] The cable management system solutions known from the patented state of the art are therefore characterized, for example, by the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cable management device for a charging station for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable and a charging plug, which is improved, in particular, with regard to handling, safety, reliability, service life, and accessibility. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a charging station for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable and a charging plug, which is characterized by a cable management device according to the invention.

[0011] The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0012] According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a cable management device for a charging station for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable and a charging plug, comprising: a holding device which is configured to guide a charging cable section of the charging cable between a parking state and an operating state, substantially adjustable in an actuating direction, wherein the holding device is configured for mounting in a housing or within a housing of the charging station, and wherein the holding device comprises a first guide unit and a second guide unit for adjusting a position of the charging cable section, preferably comprising a position and / or an orientation of the charging cable section, which are each movably mounted and coupled to one another or to one another,and wherein the first guide unit is configured to be adjustable depending on a defined adjustment of the second guide unit.,

[0013] Preferably, the first guide unit is configured to be actuated substantially in the actuating direction by or by means of the second guide unit. Adjustment of the second guide unit can only be realized after a defined adjustment and thus upon reaching a specific position of the second guide unit relative to the first guide unit. The cable management device according to the present invention is preferably a multi-stage adjustable device for guiding the charging cable section, which is accompanied by guiding and thus a defined movement of the charging cable as a whole. The holding device can be designed to be extendable and retractable (or contractible) in a variable shape. The charging cable section can preferably be arranged on the second guide unit.The cable management device according to the present invention is, for example, further characterized in that it can be mounted, for example detachably fastened, in a housing or within a housing of a charging station, wherein the charging cable is located substantially within the housing of the charging station in the parked state.

[0014] The parked state preferably represents a resting state of the cable management device and the charging cable, in which the first guide unit, the second guide unit, and especially the charging cable assume a defined shape and / or a defined orientation. In the parked state, for example, the charging plug on the charging station can be located in a corresponding socket. In the parked state, preferably no transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals can take place.

[0015] An operating state preferably represents a state of the charging cable and the cable management device in which the charging cable, in an assembled state of the cable management device, is located substantially outside the housing of the charging station and furthermore at least the first guide unit and at least partially the second guide unit.

[0016] Both the first guide unit and the second guide unit can each be a mechanical assembly for realizing a defined movement and / or adjustment relative to each other and, above all, of the charging cable section.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the second guide unit can be mounted on the first guide unit so that it can be translationally displaceable substantially in the actuation direction, preferably by means of a rolling bearing. The actuation direction can preferably be the direction in which the cable management device is to be actuated and / or in which the holding device, i.e., the first guide unit and the second guide unit, substantially extend and / or are adjustable.

[0018] It is possible for the holding device to comprise a mounting unit for fastening the cable management device within a shaft of the housing, preferably by means of a screw connection, and for the first guide unit to be mounted on the mounting unit so as to be translationally displaceable essentially in the actuating direction, preferably by means of a rolling bearing. For mounting the holding device within the housing, the mounting unit can, for example, have a mounting element in the form of a mounting rail. For supporting the first guide unit, the mounting rail can comprise at least one guide rail or, at least in sections, be designed as at least one guide rail.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that at least one spring element is arranged between the mounting unit and the first guide unit for returning the first guide unit from an operating state to the parking state in order to apply a defined first restoring force to the first guide unit essentially in the actuating direction by means of the at least one spring element, wherein preferably the at least one spring element is designed as a helical spring or comprises a helical spring.

[0020] It is possible for the first guide unit to comprise a first stop element in order to adjust the first guide unit by means of the second guide unit substantially in the actuation direction and to transfer the charging cable section into an operating state when the second guide unit contacts the first stop element as a result of an actuation and / or adjustment.

[0021] For example, by actuating and / or adjusting the second guide unit, for example by pulling and thus applying a tensile force to the second guide unit, the second guide unit can contact the first stop element and thus adjust the first guide unit upon further actuation and / or adjustment of the second guide unit, preferably substantially in the actuation direction. This allows an operating state of the charging cable to be realized according to the required cable length of the charging cable.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the first guide unit comprises a second stop element in order to adjust the first guide unit by means of the second guide unit substantially in the actuation direction and to transfer the charging cable section into a parked state when the second guide unit contacts the second stop element as a result of an actuation. Thus, in an assembled state, upon actuation and / or adjustment of the second guide unit in an actuation direction opposite to the first stop element towards the housing of the charging station, an adjustment of the cable management device and thus of the charging cable into the parked state can be realized. For this purpose, the second guide unit can contact the second stop element of the first guide unit in order to realize the actuation and / or adjustment of the first guide unit.

[0023] It is possible for the second guide unit to comprise a slide element for translational movement on the first guide unit, wherein the slide element is arranged and / or configured to make contact with a first stop element of the first guide unit and with a second stop element of the first guide unit substantially in the actuation direction. The slide element can be mounted in and / or on the first guide unit, for example, by means of a rolling bearing.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the second guide unit for holding the charging cable section comprises a receiving element, wherein the receiving element comprises a receiving section for a substantially positive and / or substantially non-positive connection to the charging cable section, wherein the receiving section is preferably arcuate or bow-shaped and / or characterized by a arcuate or bow-shaped profile; and / or that the receiving element is formed at least in two parts and has a first receiving shell and a second receiving shell to form a receiving section for a substantially positive and / or substantially non-positive connection to the charging cable section;and / or that the receiving element is rotatably mounted relative to the first guide unit, preferably by means of a slide element of the second guide unit for translational movement of the second guide unit on the first guide unit; and / or that the receiving element is configured for connection to a traction means of a return unit for returning the holding device to the parked state and / or for adjusting a position, preferably an orientation, of the receiving element.

[0025] The receiving element can be designed as a cable holder for holding the charging cable section, for example, from a plastic-based material. The receiving element can, for example, be formed at least partially from an elastic material.

[0026] It is possible for the second guide unit, preferably a receiving element of the second guide unit for holding the charging cable section, to be configured substantially mirror-symmetrically to a center plane. The center plane can be a definable or fixable plane. This simplifies, for example, the manufacture and, above all, the adjustment and / or operation of the second guide unit.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the holding device comprises a reset unit, and / or that the second guide unit, preferably a receiving element of the second guide unit for holding the charging cable section, is configured for connection to a reset unit, wherein the reset unit is configured for returning the second guide unit and for returning the first guide unit by means of the second guide unit or via the second guide unit from an operating state to the parked state. This can, for example, realize an automatic or self-acting return of the charging cable to the parked state, which primarily simplifies handling of the charging cable after a completed charging process.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the restoring unit comprises a pulling means for connection to the second guide unit, preferably to a receiving element of the second guide unit for holding the charging cable section, in order to apply a defined second restoring force to the second guide unit essentially in the actuating direction by means of the pulling means and / or in order to adjust the receiving element into a defined position, preferably into a defined orientation, by means of the pulling means, wherein the pulling means is preferably configured to be variable in shape.

[0029] The defined second restoring force can preferably be a tensile force, and / or the restoring unit can comprise at least one tensile body with a resulting weight force or at least one spring element to generate the defined second restoring force. The at least one tensile body or the at least one spring element can be connected to the traction means, which is preferably connected to the second guide unit via a deflection element in order to apply and / or transmit the defined second restoring force.

[0030] It is possible that the first guide unit is designed at least in sections as a guide rail or comprises a guide rail which is configured for the movable mounting of the second guide unit, preferably a carriage element of the second guide unit.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the cable management device can comprise: a charging cable which is arranged and / or received with a charging cable section on the holding device, wherein the charging cable is connected to a charging plug, and wherein the charging cable is designed to be dimensionally stable at least in sections and / or has sufficient rigidity to adjust the holding device by means of the charging cable by actuating the charging plug and / or the charging cable in order to guide the charging cable section between the parking state and an operating state by means of the holding device.

[0032] According to a second general aspect, the present invention relates to a charging station for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable and a charging plug connected to the charging cable, wherein the charging station comprises a housing, wherein a shaft is formed within the housing, in which shaft a cable management device is mounted, wherein the cable management device is configured as disclosed herein.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the charging cable section is located substantially in a central region of a total length or a cable length of the charging cable, and / or that the charging cable, in a parked state, is characterized in a front view of the shaft at least in sections by a figure-eight shape, and / or that a reset unit of the holding device is mounted within the shaft on a side opposite the opening of the shaft.

[0034] The previously described embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of the cable management device according to the present invention in a front view (main view), wherein the cable management device is in a parked state; Fig. 1B the cable management device Fig. 1A in a front view (main view), wherein the cable management device is in an operating state; Fig. 1C the cable management device Fig. 1B in a perspective view; Fig. 1D shows a section of the cable management device Fig. 1C (section Z) in an enlarged view; Fig. 2A an embodiment of a charging station according to the present invention in partial section, which shows the Fig. 1A to 1D, wherein the cable management device is in a parked state; Fig. 2B the charging station and the cable management device Fig. 2A in a side view; Fig. 2C the charging station with the cable management device Fig. 2B in a perspective view; Fig. 3A the charging station and the cable management device Fig. 2A in partial section, wherein the cable management device is in an operating state; Fig. 3B the charging station and the cable management device Fig. 3A in a side view, with the tension element hidden.

[0036] Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures. For explanations, reference is sometimes made to the description of other embodiments and / or figures to avoid repetition.

[0037] The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the figures serves to further illustrate or clarify and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0038] In Fig. 1A is a first embodiment of the cable management device 1 according to the present invention schematically shown in a front view (main view).

[0039] The cable management device 1 is configured for a charging station 400, which is installed, for example, in Fig. 2C. The cable management device 1 is intended for use on a charging station 400 and / or for installation in a charging station 400 and is therefore designed as an integrable, internal cable management mechanism. The charging station 400 serves to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable 200 and a charging plug 300. The charging station 400 is described with reference to further figures.

[0040] The charging plug 300 is electrically connected to a first end of the charging cable 200. The charging plug 300 serves to form a plug connection with a charging socket of an electric vehicle in order to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals during a charging process. The charging socket and the electric vehicle are not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. Furthermore, a charging station connection device 500 is electrically connected to a second end of the charging cable 200. The charging station connection device 500 is configured for connection to the charging station 400 and, among other things, can be connected to or connected to the electrical power supply of the charging station 400.

[0041] The cable management device 1 according to the present invention comprises a holding device 100 for the charging cable 200, which is configured to be variable in shape (changeable in shape). The holding device 100 is configured to guide and thus to define the movement of a charging cable section 210 of the charging cable 200 between a parking state PZ and an operating state BZ, essentially adjustable in an actuation direction X. Preferably, the holding device 100 is configured to be extendable and retractable (contractible) essentially in the actuation direction X. The cable management device 1 is, for example, in Fig. 1B in an operating state BZ.

[0042] In Fig. 1A, the cable management device 1 is shown in a parked state PZ. The parked state PZ preferably represents a state in which the cable management device 1, and accordingly the holding device 100 and the charging cable 200, assume a substantially defined shape and / or a substantially defined position, comprising a position and / or an orientation of the holding device 100 / the charging cable 200 or at least a respective part thereof. The parked state PZ primarily comprises a defined shape of the charging cable 200 and / or a defined position of the charging cable 200, i.e., position and orientation.

[0043] The holding device 100 can be designed in several parts as a holding and / or alignment and / or retraction mechanism for the charging cable 200 or preferably comprises several units and elements, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0044] The holding device 100 can, preferably in an assembled state, be actuated by handling the charging cable 200 and / or the charging plug 300 on the charging cable 200 in order to realize an adjustment of the holding device 100 and thus a guidance of the charging cable section 210 substantially in the actuation direction X.

[0045] The holding device 100 is configured for installation in the housing 410, i.e., within the housing 410 of the charging station 400. In the exemplary embodiment, the holding device 100 comprises a mounting unit 130 for fastening the cable management device 1 within a shaft 411 of the housing 410 of the charging station 400 (see, for example, the illustrations in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2C). The mounting unit 130 can comprise, as a supporting and / or mounting structure of the holding device 100, a mounting element 132 in the form of a mounting rail 132 with a magnetic stop, or can be designed at least in sections as a mounting rail 132 with a magnetic stop, which extends substantially in and / or along the actuation direction X. The mounting rail 132 can be designed, with respect to a cross-section, at least in sections to be L-shaped, U-shaped, H-shaped, and / or T-shaped, as well as semi-open and / or closed. The mounting unit 130 can be releasably attached to the housing 410, for example, by means of a screw connection with at least one screw during assembly in the shaft 411 of the housing 410. In other words, the holding device 100 is configured for integration into an interior space 411 of the housing 410, preferably in the form of a shaft 411.

[0046] Furthermore, the holding device 100 for adjusting a position of the charging cable section 210, in particular a position of the charging cable section 210 in the direction of the actuation direction X, comprises a first guide unit 110 and a second guide unit 120, which are each movably mounted and coupled to one another.

[0047] The first guide unit 110 and / or the mounting unit 130 is / are designed, at least in sections, as at least one guide rail or comprises, at least in sections, at least one guide rail which extends substantially in and / or along the actuation direction X. The at least one guide rail can be designed, with respect to a cross-section, at least in sections, to be L-shaped, U-shaped, H-shaped and / or T-shaped, as well as semi-open and / or closed. The at least one guide rail is not visible in the figures. The first guide unit 110 can comprise a cover plate and / or a bellows which is substantially variable in shape in the actuation direction X, in order to preferably cover the at least one guide rail at least in sections and, for example, to prevent or at least significantly reduce the ingress of dirt.

[0048] The first guide unit 110 is mounted on and / or in the mounting unit 130 so as to be translationally displaceable, i.e., linearly displaceable, essentially in the actuation direction X and is thereby coupled to the mounting unit 130. The mounting can preferably be implemented by a rolling bearing with rolling elements in the form of rollers, barrels, or balls between the first guide unit 110 and the mounting unit 130 in and / or on respective bearing sections of the first guide unit 110 and the mounting unit 130. Alternatively, a plain bearing would also be conceivable, for example.

[0049] Alternatively, it is also possible that at least one rack and at least one pinion, which engages in the at least one rack, are used to realize the translationally displaceable mounting of the first guide unit 110 relative to the mounting unit 130.

[0050] The first guide unit 110 and / or the mounting unit 130 can preferably comprise a plurality of and / or further guide rails, which are essentially inserted into one another in the actuation direction X and / or mounted so as to be translationally movable relative to one another. With a plurality of and / or further guide rails of the first guide unit 110 and / or the mounting unit 130, respective rolling bearings as disclosed herein can also be used.

[0051] It is possible for at least one spring element to be arranged between the mounting unit 130 and the first guide unit 110 for returning, preferably for automatic and / or self-actuating return, the first guide unit 110 from an operating state BZ to the parking state PZ, in order to apply a defined first restoring force to the first guide unit 110 essentially in the actuation direction X by means of the at least one spring element, which brings about an actuation and thus an adjustment of the first guide unit 110 relative to the mounting unit 130 in the actuation direction X under appropriate conditions. The at least one spring element can, for example, be designed as a helical spring or comprise a helical spring. As a result, an independent return mechanism for the first guide unit 110 to the parking state PZ can be realized, for example with respect to the first guide unit 110 and the mounting unit 130.

[0052] The first guide unit 110 is further designed, at least in sections, as a guide element 131 in the form of a guide rail 131 or comprises a guide element 131 in the form of a guide rail, which in turn is configured for the movable mounting of the second guide unit 120.

[0053] The second guide unit 120 is mounted on and / or in the first guide unit 110 and thus the guide rail 131 so as to be translationally displaceable (rolling device) essentially in the actuation direction X. In the present embodiment, the second guide unit 120 comprises a carriage element 121 for translational movement on and / or in the first guide unit 110. A rolling bearing with rolling elements in the form of rollers, barrels, or balls can be formed between the carriage element 121 and the first guide unit 110.

[0054] The first guide unit 110 is configured to be adjustable in the actuation direction X depending on a defined adjustment and / or upon formation of a defined adjustment of the second guide unit 120 as a result of actuation of the second guide unit 120 by means of the charging plug 300 and / or the charging cable 200. For this purpose, the first guide unit 110 comprises a first stop element 111 and a second stop element 112. The slide element 121 of the second guide unit 120 is arranged and / or configured to make contact with the first stop element 111 of the first guide unit 110 and with the second stop element 112 of the first guide unit 110 substantially in the actuation direction X.

[0055] When the second guide unit 120 is actuated and / or adjusted from the parking state PZ to an operating state BZ during actuation of the charging plug 300 and / or the charging cable 200, the slide element 121 is displaced in the direction of the first stop element 111. As soon as the slide element 121 has reached the first stop element 111 during actuation and / or adjustment of the second guide unit 120 and contacts it, further actuation and / or adjustment of the second guide unit 120 results in an additional adjustment of the first guide unit 110 in the actuation direction X by the second guide unit 120, i.e. by the slide element 121.In other words, the actuation of the second guide unit 120 and thus an adjustment of the second guide unit 120 and the first guide unit 110 causes a change in the shape of the holding device 100, which in turn leads to a change in the shape of the charging cable 200 towards an operating state BZ.

[0056] The actuation of the second guide unit 120 is in turn carried out by a manual actuation, preferably by pulling, of the charging plug 300 and / or the charging cable 200 (in the immediate vicinity of the charging plug 300) essentially in the actuation direction X by a user of the cable management device 1 as a result of handling.

[0057] In order to actuate the second guide unit 120 and, furthermore, the first guide unit 110 by means of the second guide unit 120, the second guide unit 120 comprises a receiving element 122 with a receiving section 123 for the charging cable section 210 for holding the charging cable section 210. The receiving element 122 is in turn coupled to the slide element 121 and will be explained in more detail below.

[0058] Fig. 1B shows the cable management device 1 from Fig. 1A in the front view (main view), wherein the cable management device 1 is now in an operating state BZ after corresponding actuation. Likewise, the charging cable 200 is in an operating state BZ, which is characterized by a modified, extended shape of the charging cable 200. For reasons of clarity, Fig. 1B a section of the charging cable 200 is hidden.

[0059] In Fig. 1B shows, on the one hand, the adjusted second guide unit 120 and, on the other hand, the first guide unit 110 adjusted by means of the second guide unit 120 via the first stop element 111 and the slide element 121. The holding device 100 is located in the illustration in Fig. 1B in an extended or pulled-out state in the actuating direction X.

[0060] The holding device 100 comprises a reset unit 140 or is at least configured for connection to a reset unit 140, preferably by means of the second guide unit 120. The reset unit 140 is configured for returning the second guide unit 120, preferably in a defined orientation, and for returning the first guide unit 110 by means of the second guide unit 120 from an operating state BZ to the parking state PZ. The defined orientation of the second guide unit 200 can be an orientation in which the second guide unit 120 is adjustable through the opening of the shaft 411.

[0061] In other words, the reset unit 140 is configured to adjust the first guide unit 110 and the second guide unit 120 from an operating state BZ to the parking state PZ.

[0062] The receiving element 122 comprises a receiving section 123 for a substantially positive and / or substantially non-positive connection to the charging cable section 210. Preferably, the receiving section 123 is arcuate or bow-shaped and is characterized by a sufficient curvature with respect to the charging cable 210.

[0063] Fig. 1C shows the cable management device 1 from Fig. 1B in a perspective view and Fig. 1D shows a section of the cable management device 1 from Fig. 1C (section Z) in an enlarged view.

[0064] As can be seen from Fig. 1C and especially from Fig. 1D, the receiving element 122 is formed at least in two parts and comprises, to form the receiving section 123 for connection to the charging cable section 210, a first receiving shell 124 and a second receiving shell 125, which in Fig. 1D. The receiving element 122 can be formed from a plastic-based material and / or manufactured by at least one casting process and / or by at least one injection molding process. Alternatively, the receiving element 122 can be formed from a metal-based or metal-alloy-based material, or from a combination of a metal / metal alloy and a plastic.

[0065] The receiving element 122 is preferably formed at least in sections substantially mirror-symmetrically to a defined or definable center plane.

[0066] The receiving element 122 is rotatably mounted via and / or by means of the slide element 121 to the first guide unit 110. Thus, the position, i.e. the orientation of the receiving element 122 and thus also the orientation of the charging cable section 210 can be adjusted accordingly. For example, the receiving element 122 can be pivotably or deflectably mounted on the slide element 121 within a range of up to approximately ±30 degrees from an initial orientation, which leads, for example, to an improvement in the handling of the charging cable 200 (see in particular the illustration in Fig. 1D).

[0067] The receiving element 122 comprises a recess 126, for example in the form of a through-hole or a through-bore with a substantially circular cross-section. The recess 126 is configured for connection to a traction means 141 of the return unit 140, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0068] The return unit 140 comprises a pulling means 141 for connection to the second guide unit 120, preferably to the recess 126 of the receiving element 122, in order to apply a defined second return force F_Z as a pulling force to the second guide unit 120 essentially in the actuation direction X by means of the pulling means 141 and / or to adjust the receiving element 122 into the defined position, that is to say into the defined orientation, by means of the pulling means 141, in order to subsequently realize the adjustment of the second guide unit 120 and the first guide unit 110 and thus of the charging cable 200 through the opening of the shaft 411 into the parked state PZ.

[0069] The traction means 141 is preferably configured to be variable in shape and can preferably be designed as a cable, for example, as a wire rope. A traction body 143, preferably a solid traction body 143, for example, a cylindrical metal body, can be used to generate the defined second restoring force F_Z, which results in a resulting weight force, preferably in the assembled state of the cable management device 1. The traction body 143 is connected to the free end of the traction means 141. The resulting weight force of the traction body 143 essentially corresponds to the defined second restoring force F_Z and is sufficiently large to return the holding device 100 to the parked state PZ.

[0070] The return unit 140 may comprise a deflection element 142, for example in the form of a deflection pulley or a deflection wheel. The deflection element 142 is configured for rotationally movable mounting in the housing 410 of the charging station 400 and for guiding, i.e., deflecting, the traction means 141 and thus the resulting weight force.

[0071] The tension body 143 can be movably mounted within a guide element 144 or on a guide element 144. In the present embodiment, the guide element 144 is designed as a tube with a substantially circular cross-section, in which the tension body 143 is movably, i.e., displaceably, mounted.

[0072] In other words, the return unit 140 in the present embodiment represents a cable pull mechanism configured for the automatic and / or self-actuated return of the second guide unit 120 and the first guide unit 110, and thus of the charging cable 200, to the parking state PZ. For this purpose, the slide element 121 can contact the second stop element 112 and thus actuate the first guide unit 110 and / or move it to the parking state PZ.

[0073] Fig. Figure 2A shows an embodiment of a charging station 400 according to the present invention in a partially sectional side view, which shows the Fig. 1A to 1D, wherein the cable management device 1 is in the parking state PZ.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment of the charging station 400, the housing 410 and in particular the shaft 411 are essentially cuboid-shaped, with the shaft 411 being characterized by a comparatively small width relative to its depth and height in order to save installation space. This is evident, for example, from the synopsis of the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2C, from which it can be seen that the shaft 411 comprises a relatively narrow opening of small width for receiving and subsequently accommodating the charging cable 200 and the cable management device 1.

[0075] The holding device 100 of the cable management device 1 is mounted in an upper region of the shaft 411 by means of the mounting unit 130. The reset unit 140 is mounted within the shaft 411 on a wall opposite the opening of the shaft 411, wherein the charging station connection device 500 is also connected to the charging station 400 in this region.

[0076] The front view in Fig. 2A as well as in Fig. 1A, the charging cable 200 in the parking state PZ is characterized in sections by an eight-shaped contour or by an eight-shaped course due to the suspension and arrangement.

[0077] Fig. 2B shows the charging station 400 and the cable management device 1 from Fig. 2A in a side view and Fig. 2C shows the charging station 400 with the cable management device 1 from Fig. 2B in a perspective view.

[0078] The comparatively narrow opening of the shaft 411 for accommodating the charging cable 200 and the cable management device 1 in the parked state PZ is clearly visible. The opening of the shaft 411 is characterized by a substantially rectangular cross-section. The shaft 411 extends substantially from a bottom of the housing 410 to a ceiling of the housing 410.

[0079] It is self-evident and partly follows from the presentation in Fig. 2C shows that the charging station 400 comprises further devices, devices, units and / or elements, for example a charging control device, a communication interface device, an operating device, a measuring device, a residual current device, etc.

[0080] Fig. 3A shows the charging station 400 and the cable management device 1 from Fig. 2A, wherein the cable management device 1 is in an operating state BZ in which the first guide unit 110 and the second guide unit 120 are adjusted accordingly as a result of an actuation of the charging plug 300 and / or the charging cable 200.

[0081] The holding device 100 is thus in a more or less deformed, extended state, which also entails a change in the shape of the charging cable 200. By routing the charging cable section 210 outside the charging station 400, i.e. outside the housing 410, a free space F is maintained in front of the charging station 400 even in an operating state BZ, which continues to ensure, for example, access to an operating device of the charging station 400. The free space F is in Fig. 3A is indicated by a dashed line. For reasons of clarity, Fig. 3A a section of the charging cable 200 is hidden.

[0082] Fig. 3B shows the charging station 400 and the cable management device 1 from Fig. 3A in a side view, wherein the tension element 141 of the return unit 140 is hidden. Furthermore, again for reasons of clarity, Fig. 3B a section of the charging cable 200 is hidden.

[0083] The present invention provides a cable management device 1 and, furthermore, a charging station 400 having a cable management device 1, which is characterized, for example, by improved handling and safety. By receiving and accommodating the charging cable 200 within the housing 410 of the charging station 400 in a parked state PZ due to the cable management device 1, weather-related wear damage to the charging cable 200 can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. The design of the holding device 100 with a first guide unit 110 and a second guide unit 120 as disclosed herein also enables, for example, simplified maintainability, which is characterized by the cable management device 1 according to the present invention.

[0084] The concept of multi-stage actuation and / or adjustment of the holding device 100 as a holding and / or alignment and / or retraction mechanism for the charging cable 200 enables optimized guidance of the charging cable section 210 and thus of the charging cable 200 inside and outside the charging station 400 during a charging process of an electric vehicle.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiment. Rather, numerous variants and modifications are possible, which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims, independent of the claims referenced. List of reference symbols 1 cable management device 100 holding device 110 first command unit 111 first stop element 112 second stop element 120 second command unit 121 Slide element 122 receiving element 123 Recording section 124 Holder 125 receiving tray 126 recess 130 assembly unit 131 Guide element 132 mounting element 140 reset unit 141 traction devices 142 deflection element 143 tensile bodies 144 Guide element 200 charging cables 210 Charging cable section 300 charging plugs 400 charging stations 410 housing 411 Shaft 500 charging station connection devices F Free space F_Z restoring force PZ parking status BZ operating status X Actuating direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2021 002 728 U1

[0006] DE 20 2022 107 290 U1

[0007] DE 10 2019 213 451 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Cable management device (1) for a charging station (400) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable (200) and a charging plug (300), comprising: a holding device (100) which is configured to guide a charging cable section (210) of the charging cable (200) between a parking state (PZ) and an operating state (BZ) in an actuating direction (X), wherein the holding device (100) is configured for mounting in a housing (410) of the charging station (400), and wherein the holding device (100) for adjusting a position of the charging cable section (210) comprises a first guide unit (110) and a second guide unit (120), which are each movably mounted and coupled to one another, and wherein the first guide unit (110) is configured to be adjustable depending on a defined adjustment of the second guide unit (120). [2] Cable management device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second guide unit (120) is mounted on the first guide unit (110) in a translationally displaceable manner in the actuating direction (X), preferably by means of a rolling bearing. [3] Cable management device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding device (100) comprises a mounting unit (130) for fastening the cable management device (1) within a shaft (411) of the housing (410), preferably by means of a screw connection, and wherein the first guide unit (110) is mounted on the mounting unit (130) so as to be translationally displaceable in the actuating direction (X), preferably by means of a rolling bearing. [4] Cable management device (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least one spring element is arranged between the mounting unit (130) and the first guide unit (110) for returning the first guide unit (110) from an operating state (BZ) to the parking state (PZ), in order to apply a defined first restoring force to the first guide unit (110) in the actuating direction (X) by means of the at least one spring element, wherein preferably the at least one spring element is designed as a helical spring or comprises a helical spring. [5] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide unit (110) comprises a first stop element (111) in order to adjust the first guide unit (110) by means of the second guide unit (120) in the actuation direction (X) and to transfer the charging cable section (210) into an operating state (BZ) when the second guide unit (120) contacts the first stop element (111) as a result of an actuation. [6] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide unit (110) comprises a second stop element (112) in order to adjust the first guide unit (110) by means of the second guide unit (120) in the actuation direction (X) and to transfer the charging cable section (210) into a parking state (PZ) when the second guide unit (120) contacts the second stop element (112) as a result of an actuation. [7] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second guide unit (120) comprises a slide element (121) for translational movement on the first guide unit (110), wherein the slide element (121) is arranged and / or configured for contact with a first stop element (111) of the first guide unit (110) and with a second stop element (112) of the first guide unit (110) in the actuation direction (X). [8] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second guide unit (120) for holding the charging cable section (210) comprises a receiving element (122), wherein the receiving element (122) comprises a receiving section (123) for a positive and / or non-positive connection to the charging cable section (210), wherein the receiving section (123) is preferably arcuate or bow-shaped; and / or wherein the receiving element (122) is formed at least in two parts and has a first receiving shell (124) and a second receiving shell (125) to form a receiving section (123) for a positive and / or non-positive connection to the charging cable section (210); and / or wherein the receiving element (122) is rotatably mounted relative to the first guide unit (110), preferably by means of a slide element (121) of the second guide unit (120) for the translational movement of the second guide unit (120) on the first guide unit (110); and / or wherein the receiving element (122) is configured for connection to a traction means (141) of a return unit (140) for returning the holding device (110) to the parking state (PZ) and / or for adjusting an orientation of the receiving element (122). [9] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second guide unit (120), preferably a receiving element (122) of the second guide unit (120) for holding the charging cable section (210), is formed mirror-symmetrically to a center plane. [10] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (100) comprises a reset unit (140), and / or wherein the second guide unit (120), preferably a receiving element (122) of the second guide unit (120) for holding the charging cable section (210), is configured for connection to a reset unit (140), wherein the reset unit (140) is configured for returning the second guide unit (120) and for returning the first guide unit (110) by means of the second guide unit (120) from an operating state (BZ) to the parking state (PZ). [11] Cable management device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the restoring unit (140) comprises a pulling means (141) for connection to the second guide unit (120), preferably to a receiving element (122) of the second guide unit (120) for holding the charging cable section (210), in order to apply a defined second restoring force (F_Z) to the second guide unit (120) in the actuating direction (X) by means of the pulling means (141) and / or in order to adjust the receiving element (122) into a defined orientation by means of the pulling means (141), wherein the pulling means (141) is preferably configured to be variable in shape. [12] Cable management device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the defined second restoring force (F_Z) is preferably a tensile force and the restoring unit (140) for generating the defined second restoring force (F_Z) comprises at least one tensile body (143) with a resulting weight force or at least one spring element. [13] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide unit (110) is designed at least in sections as a guide rail (131) or comprises a guide rail (131) which is configured for the movable mounting of the second guide unit (120), preferably a carriage element (121) of the second guide unit (120). [14] Cable management device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a charging cable (200) which is arranged and / or received with a charging cable section (210) on the holding device (100), wherein the charging cable (200) is connected to a charging plug (200), and wherein the charging cable (200) is designed to be dimensionally stable at least in sections and / or has sufficient rigidity to adjust the holding device (100) by means of the charging cable (200) by actuating the charging plug (200) in order to guide the charging cable section (210) between the parking state (PZ) and an operating state (BZ) by means of the holding device (100). [15] Charging station (400) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals by means of a charging cable (200) and a charging plug (300) which is connected to the charging cable (200), wherein the charging station (400) comprises a housing (410), wherein a shaft (411) is formed within the housing (410), in which shaft a cable management device (1) is mounted, wherein the cable management device (1) is configured according to one of the preceding claims. [16] Charging station (400) according to claim 15, wherein the charging cable section (210) is located in a middle region of a total length of the charging cable (200), and / or wherein the charging cable (200) in a parked state (PZ) is characterized in a front view of the shaft (411) at least in sections by a figure-eight shape, and / or wherein a reset unit (140) of the holding device (100) is mounted within the shaft (411) on a side opposite the opening of the shaft (411).

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