Cable management for vehicle charging stations

Abstract

Device (100) for providing a charging cable (101) for a vehicle (150), comprising the device (100), a support structure (103) which can be fixed at a distance from a ground (115), a charging cable (101) which can be connected to an electricity source and has a charging plug (102) for connecting to a vehicle (150) to be charged, wherein the charging cable (101) is attached to the support structure (103), a first cable pulling device (110) which is attached to the support structure (103), wherein the first cable pulling device (110) has a first support cable (111) which is attached between a first suspension point (112) of the charging cable (101) and the support structure (103), and a second cable pulling device (120) which is attached to the support structure (103) spaced apart from the first cable pulling device (110), wherein the second cable pulling device (120) has a second support cable (121) which is attached between a second suspension point (122) of the charging cable (101), which is spaced apart from the first suspension point (112), and the support structure (103), and wherein the first cable pulling device (110) and the second cable pulling device (120) are each designed such that the lengths of the first support cable (111) and the second support cable (121) are independently adjustable such that a distance of the first suspension point (112) and the second suspension point (122) to the ground (115) is adjustable, wherein the support structure (103) has a crossbeam (104) on which the first cable pulling device and the second cable pulling device (120) are arranged, wherein the crossbeam (104) can be attached to a ceiling structure (301) or at least to the floor (115) at a distance on one side by means of a floor support (105), characterized by the fact that the support structure (103) has a boom (106) on which the first cable pulling device (110) and / or the second cable pulling device (120) is arranged, wherein the boom (106) is attached to the crossbeam (104) and extends laterally in the direction of extension of the crossbeam (104).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for providing a charging cable for a vehicle.

[0002] The device comprises a support structure that can be mounted at a distance from the ground, and a charging cable that can be connected to a power source (for example, via a power distribution box) and has a charging plug for connecting to a vehicle to be charged. The charging cable is attached to the support structure.

[0003] The device comprises a first cable pulley system attached to the support structure. The first cable pulley system has a first support cable, which is attached between a first suspension point of the charging cable and the support structure. Furthermore, the device comprises a second cable pulley system, which is attached to the support structure at a distance from the first cable pulley system. The second cable pulley system has a second support cable, which is attached between a second suspension point of the charging cable, located at a distance from the first suspension point, and the support structure. The first cable pulley system and the second cable pulley system are each designed such that the lengths of the first and second support cables are independently adjustable, allowing for adjustment of the distance between the first and second suspension points and the ground.

[0004] The support structure includes a crossbeam to which the first and second cable-operated devices are attached. Alternatively, the crossbeam can be fixed to the ground at least on one side by means of a floor support. Alternatively, the crossbeam can be attached to a ceiling structure, particularly the ceiling of a building.

[0005] Such devices are known from the prior art.

[0006] From DE 10 2017 113 224 A1, a charging station for electric vehicles is known, comprising a housing with charging electronics, a charging cable leading out of the housing, a mast, and a ground foundation. The base plate is arranged between the housing and the ground foundation, and the mast can be flexibly used for various installation types.

[0007] US 2022 / 0410737A1 concerns an arrangement for handling charging cables that is configured to extend and retract a charging cable from a vehicle to a charger. Background of the invention

[0008] In addition to the electrification of smaller vehicles, such as passenger cars, the electrification of commercial vehicles, such as trucks, is also possible. Operating commercial vehicles is very cost-driven, which is why additional downtime due to charging breaks for the high-voltage battery must be avoided when electrifying them. For this reason, it is advantageous to install charging infrastructure, for example, at truck loading and unloading areas. Since there is often little space for maneuvering in truck and bus depots, it is difficult to position charging stations or charge distributors (dispensers) in such a way that they disrupt depot operations as little as possible. There is also a risk of damage to charging stations or dispensers during maneuvering, and thus of these charging points failing.

[0009] One way to reduce the risk of damage is to mount the dispenser at a sufficient distance above the roadway. However, cable management for the charging cables presents a particular challenge in this case, as the charging plug or the cable itself must not be damaged by maneuvering trucks. Description of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous charging cable device for charging a vehicle.

[0011] The problem is solved by a device and a method for providing a charging cable for a vehicle according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] According to the invention, the support structure has a cantilever on which the first cable pulling device and / or the second cable pulling device is arranged. The cantilever is attached to the crossbeam and projects laterally in the direction of extension of the crossbeam.

[0013] For example, loading components, such as a load distributor (dispenser), can be arranged on the crossbeam, with the cable pulling devices attached to the boom at intervals. The boom can, for example, consist of a solid material or be a truss girder.

[0014] According to another aspect, a method for providing a charging cable for a vehicle with the aforementioned device is described. According to this method, the lengths of the first support cable and the second support cable are adjusted independently of each other to set the distance between the first and second suspension points and the ground.

[0015] The vehicle can be an electrically powered vehicle, such as a fully electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, equipped with a rechargeable battery. In particular, the vehicle has a charging port into which the charging cable's plug can be inserted. The vehicle could be, for example, an electric passenger car or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, bus, construction machine, or agricultural machinery.

[0016] The support structure serves to attach the device components to a building or floor. In particular, the support structure carries the cable pulley system and the charging cable. The charging cable is connected to, or can be connected to, a power source. For example, electrical charging components, such as a charging distributor (dispenser), can be attached to the support structure so that current can be transferred from the distributor to the charging cable.

[0017] The first cable pulley device is attached to the support structure. This device has the first support cable, which attaches the charging cable to the first suspension point. In other words, the charging cable hangs from the support structure by the support cable. The first support cable can be attached to the charging cable at the first suspension point, for example, either permanently or with a detachable connection. Similarly, the second cable pulley device, with its second support cable, is attached to the charging cable at the second suspension point, either permanently or with a detachable connection, so that the charging cable is suspended from the support structure by the second support cable. The suspension points define the section or point where the respective support cables are attached to the charging cable.

[0018] According to the present invention, the support cables are spaced apart and attached to the support structure, holding corresponding sections of the charging cable at spaced-apart suspension points. Each support cable can individually adjust the distance between its corresponding suspension point and the support structure, resulting in adjustable heights for the suspension points above the ground. In an arrangement with two cable pulleys, the charging cable initially runs from a coupling point on the support structure to the first cable pulley, or to a coupling at the first suspension point. From there, the charging cable runs to the second cable pulley, or to the second suspension point on the second support cable. From the second suspension point, the charging cable continues to its end, where the charging plug is located.In further exemplary embodiments, as described below, additional cable pulley devices with further suspension points can be provided after the second suspension point.

[0019] The support cables can be made, for example, from wire, plastic, or natural materials such as hemp. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, a chain, for example made of metal, or a band or strap can also constitute a support cable.

[0020] The distance between the suspension points and the ground is individually adjusted by changing the length of the support cables. This allows the suspension points to be positioned towards the support structure when the device is inactive and no vehicle is attached, keeping the charging cable close to the ground. Once a vehicle has maneuvered under the support structure and is in a predetermined charging position relative to it, the length of the support cables can be extended to allow the user to grasp the charging plug and insert it into the vehicle's charging port.

[0021] Due to the flexible storage of the charging cable on two spaced-apart cable pulleys or suspension points above the ground, the charging plug can be positioned near the vehicle's charging socket without requiring the user to bear the weight of the cable. In addition to precise height adjustment, a horizontal position—that is, a position between the coupling point, the first suspension point, and the second suspension point at a predefined height—can also be flexibly set. The cable pulleys can also be arranged vertically above the coupling point, allowing the charging plug to reach positions beyond this point using the cables. With a simply hanging charging cable, horizontal adjustment of the coupling point between the charging plug and the charging socket is difficult because the cable is heavy and the user has to carry or pull it.Due to the horizontally spaced suspension points of the cable pulley devices, which are also height-adjustable, flexibility in the horizontal direction is possible. Precise positioning of the vehicle at a predetermined position relative to the device is therefore unnecessary, as the charging plug's position can also be adjusted flexibly in the horizontal direction.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the charging cable is configured such that the charging cable runs from a coupling point with the support structure to the first suspension point and then to the second suspension point, wherein the charging cable is arranged on the support structure, the first cable pulling device and the second cable pulling device such that along a horizontal directional component the coupling point is located between the first suspension point and the second suspension point.

[0023] In other words, the charging cable initially hangs from the coupling point on the support structure. It then runs to the first suspension point, forms a loop, and continues in the opposite direction to the second suspension point. The section of the charging cable between the coupling point and the second suspension point thus forms a C-shaped path. The loop at the first suspension point can be flexibly adjusted towards the ground. Similarly, the section at the charging plug or the second suspension point can also be flexibly adjusted towards the ground. Depending on the length ratios between the first and second support cables, the shape of the charging cable's path can be adjusted. Since the support cables are fixed against displacement, i.e.,Since the suspension points are not adjustable along the charging cable, a different adjustment of the support cable lengths changes not only the vertical position of the suspension points above the ground, but also the horizontal position of the suspension points and, consequently, the charging plug. With the described embodiment, a horizontal position of the charging plug can therefore be set in addition to a vertical position, without requiring significant physical effort from the user and without the vehicle having to be positioned precisely at a predetermined charging location.

[0024] In the first alternative, the supporting structure forms an independent structure in which the crossbeam is attached to the ground via the floor support, for example, made of steel or concrete. Specifically, the floor support can be located at one end of the crossbeam. The floor support or the crossbeam can be made of a solid material (e.g., a T-beam) or form a truss girder. Furthermore, another floor support can be located at the opposite end of the crossbeam, so that a corresponding floor support is provided at both ends of the crossbeam.

[0025] In particular, the boom can form a right angle, or a 90° angle, between its extension direction and the extension direction of the crossbeam. The vehicle can, for example, drive into the device along a predetermined entry direction. The crossbeam extends, for example, perpendicular to the entry direction, allowing the vehicle to be positioned beneath it. The boom, which extends at a right angle to the crossbeam, thus runs parallel to the entry direction and therefore along a side of the positioned vehicle. The cable pulleys, spaced apart along the boom, thus run along the side of the positioned vehicle. By adjusting the lengths of the corresponding support cables, the position of the charging plug can be set along the side of the vehicle.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment, the boom can be pivotally attached to the crossbeam. This allows, for example, the position of the cable-operated devices attached to the boom to be adjusted transversely to the direction of travel. For instance, the boom can also be pivoted in an inactive state so that it runs parallel to the crossbeam, and extended in an active state so that it runs perpendicular to the crossbeam.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment, the boom is arranged to be displaceable in the extension direction of the crossbeam. Alternatively, the boom can be moved along the crossbeam via guide rails. This allows, for example, the different widths of the vehicles to be charged to be taken into account, so that the charging cable can be hung down precisely along the sides.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment, the boom has a reinforcing beam between two boom ends, which projects from the boom (essentially vertically upwards, opposite the ground), with at least one tensioned reinforcing cable connecting the boom ends and the reinforcing beam to stabilize the boom. Thus, bending moments induced in the boom by the weight of the loading cable and the arranged cable pulling devices can be reduced or compensated for by the reinforcing cables and the reinforcing beam.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first cable pulling device and / or the second cable pulling device includes a winch. The winch is, in particular, a driven winch capable of winding and unwinding the corresponding support cable. The winch of the first cable pulling device and the winch of the second cable pulling device can, for example, be coupled to a common control unit. The control unit can transmit corresponding control signals to the winches to control them and adjust the cable lengths of the support cables accordingly. The control unit can be centrally controlled from a control center located at a distance from the device, or, as described in an exemplary embodiment, it can be controlled by the user.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, the winch is an electric winch for adjusting the length of the corresponding support cable. The winch has, for example, an electric drive motor that drives the winch accordingly.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment, a control element for controlling the electric winch is arranged in the charging cable, particularly at the charging plug. The control element is coupled to the winch(es), preferably wirelessly or via a wired connection, for the exchange of control data. In the wired embodiment, a signal cable can be routed along the charging cable from the control element to the dispenser or to the winch. The user can thus directly control the corresponding position of the charging plug by controlling the winches and adjusting the lengths of the support cables, without having to exert any pulling force on the charging cable.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, the winch for adjusting the length of the corresponding support cable has a spring-based retraction device with a return spring, in particular a coil spring, which is configured such that a preload can be generated in the return spring when the corresponding support cable is pulled out of the winch. The user can thus pull the charging cable into the desired position and connect the charging plug to the vehicle's charging socket. After the charging process is complete, the spring-based preload force allows the support cables to be wound up by the corresponding spring-based retraction device with minimal effort from the user. Furthermore, the spring-based retraction device can have a locking mechanism which engages the winch when the corresponding support cable is pulled out, thus preventing further winding due to the spring force.A further brief pull by the user on the corresponding support cable releases the locking mechanism, allowing the support cable to be wound up by the spring-loaded retraction device. This enables control of the cable winches and the length of the support cables without requiring an electrical power supply for the winches.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the winch is arranged on the support structure or at the corresponding suspension point. If the winch is arranged on the support structure, the structure is stationary, and the suspension point on the corresponding support cable adjusts or moves relative to the winch. If the winch is arranged at the suspension point itself, the support cable can be fixed to the support structure, and the winch moves relative to the support structure, traveling towards the ground along with the suspension point.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment, a control cord is attached to the charging cable, positioned such that the charging cable is accessible to a user via the control cord. The control cord can be attached, in particular, near or at the second suspension point, or at the suspension point closest to the charging plug. The control cord is lightweight and flexible so that it does not damage a passing vehicle. Even if the support cords are set short and the charging cable is positioned at a sufficient distance from the ground, the user can still grasp the end of the control cord and pull the charging cable towards them until they can grasp it.

[0035] The device according to the invention can also be used to provide a plurality of cable-pulling devices. Accordingly, in a further exemplary embodiment of the device, a third cable-pulling device can be included, which is attached to the support structure at a distance from the first cable-pulling device and from the second cable-pulling device. The third cable-pulling device has a third support cable, which is attached between a third suspension point of the charging cable, which is located at a distance from the first suspension point and the second suspension point, and the support structure. The third cable-pulling device is designed such that the length of the third support cable is adjustable.

[0036] In particular, the charging cable can run from the coupling point to the first suspension point, then to the second suspension point, and finally to the third suspension point. The coupling point is located between the first and second suspension points. Specifically, the third cable pulley system is arranged such that its coupling point is also located between the second and third suspension points. In other words, the charging cable initially hangs from the support structure at the coupling point. It then runs to the first suspension point, forms a loop, and continues in the opposite direction to the second suspension point. There, the charging cable forms another loop and runs to the third suspension point. The section of the charging cable between the coupling point and the third suspension point thus forms an S-shaped path. Due to the adjustable length of three or more support cables, the flexibility can be adjusted.The adjustment options for the charging plug's position can be increased. The additional cable pulleys reduce sagging of the charging cable. This also allows for a shorter length of the crossbeam or arm on which the cable pulleys are mounted, as the charging cable can then be folded multiple times.

[0037] According to a further exemplary embodiment, additional cable pulley devices can be arranged on the support structure, each carrying a further charging cable for charging multiple vehicles. Such a device includes a further charging cable that can be connected to a power source and has a further charging plug for connecting to another vehicle to be charged, the further charging cable being attached to the support structure. Furthermore, the device includes a further first cable pulley device attached to the support structure, the further first cable pulley device having a further first support cable that is attached between a further first suspension point of the further charging cable and the support structure.Furthermore, the device comprises a second cable pulley system, which is attached to the support structure at a distance from the first cable pulley system. This second cable pulley system includes a second support cable, which is attached between a second suspension point of the second charging cable (which is spaced apart from the first suspension point) and the support structure. Both the first cable pulley system and the second cable pulley system are designed such that the lengths of the first support cable and the second support cable are independently adjustable, allowing for adjustment of the distance between the first and second suspension points and the ground.

[0038] If the support structure has a crossbeam, the first and second cable pull devices are arranged along the crossbeam at intervals from the other first and second cable pull devices. This allows, for example, two vehicles to be positioned side by side under the crossbeam, with one vehicle being charged with one charging cable and the other with the other.

[0039] For example, another boom can be positioned on the crossbeam, spaced apart from the other boom. This additional boom can then have the first cable pulling device and the second cable pulling device.

[0040] Accordingly, in another exemplary embodiment, a large number of separate first and second cable pulling devices can be arranged, and thus a corresponding large number of vehicles to be loaded can be positioned.

[0041] All charging cables can be connected, for example, to a common charge distributor (dispenser) that is attached to the support structure.

[0042] In summary, the invention describes a cable management device consisting of two or more cable pull devices that ensure that the unused section of the charging cable is suspended at a safe distance from the roadway or the ground. If more cable is needed, it can either be pulled down mechanically or lowered using a controlled cable pull (e.g., electrically).

[0043] The device according to the invention is robust due to its few moving parts and can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. By folding the charging cable once or multiple times, it can achieve a considerable cable length, thus enabling charging for a wide variety of vehicles and vehicle lengths. At the same time, the cable does not obstruct maneuvering vehicles.

[0044] It should be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments are considered to be obviously disclosed to a person skilled in the art with the embodiments explicitly described here. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons of male, female, or other gender identities are included. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device with two cable pull devices, wherein a charging plug is coupled in a charging socket of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the device. Fig. 1, wherein the charging cable is held at a distance from the ground, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a device with a support structure attached to a ceiling, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a device with three cable pull devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0046] Identical or similar components are identified by the same reference numbers in the figures. The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 100 with two cable pull devices 110, 120, wherein a charging plug 102 is coupled in a charging socket of a vehicle 150. Fig. Figure 2 shows the device 100 from Fig. 1, wherein the charging cable 101 is held at a distance from the ground 115.

[0048] The device 100 has a support structure 103 which can be mounted at a distance from a base 115, a charging cable 101 which can be connected to a power source and a charging plug 102 for connecting to a vehicle 150 to be charged. Furthermore, the device 100 has a first cable pulling device 110, which is attached to the support structure 103, wherein the first cable pulling device 110 has a first support cable 111, which is attached between a first suspension point 112 of the charging cable 101 and the support structure 103, and a second cable pulling device 120, which is attached to the support structure 103 spaced apart from the first cable pulling device 110, wherein the second cable pulling device 120 has a second support cable 121, which is attached between a second suspension point 122 of the charging cable 101, which is spaced apart from the first suspension point 112, and the support structure 103.The first cable pulling device 110 and the second cable pulling device 120 are each designed such that the lengths of the first support cable 111 and the second support cable 121 can be adjusted independently of each other so that a distance of the first suspension point 112 and the second suspension point 122 to the ground 115 can be adjusted.

[0049] The support structure 103 serves to attach the device components to the floor 115. The support structure 103 has a crossbeam 104 on which the first cable pulley device 110 and the second cable pulley device 120 are arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbeam is attached to the floor 115 by means of two floor supports 105, for example made of a steel structure or of concrete, so that a corresponding floor support 105 is provided at both ends of the crossbeam 104.

[0050] The support structure 103 has a boom 106 on which the first cable pulling device 110 and the second cable pulling device 120 are arranged. The boom 106 is attached to the crossbeam 104 and projects laterally in the direction of extension of the crossbeam 104. For example, loading components, such as a load distributor (dispenser) 114, can be arranged on the crossbeam 104, with the cable pulling devices 110 and 120 being attached to the boom 106 at a distance from each other. The boom 106 can, for example, consist of a solid material or be a truss girder.

[0051] In particular, the boom 106 is designed perpendicular to the direction of extension of the crossbeam 104. The vehicle 150 can, for example, enter the device 100 along a predetermined entry direction. The crossbeam 104 extends, for example, transversely to the entry direction, so that the vehicle 150 can be positioned under the crossbeam 104. The boom 106, which extends perpendicularly to the crossbeam 104, thus runs parallel to the entry direction and therefore along a side surface of the positioned vehicle 150. The cable pull devices 110, 120, which are spaced apart on the boom 106, thus run along the side surface of the positioned vehicle 150. By adjusting the lengths of the corresponding support cables 111, 121, the position of the charging plug 102 can thus be adjusted along the side surfaces of the vehicle 150.

[0052] The first cable pulling device 110 has the first support cable 111, which attaches the charging cable 101 to the first suspension point 112. In other words, the charging cable 101 hangs from the boom 106 by the support cable 111. The first support cable 111 can be attached to the charging cable 101 at the first suspension point 112, for example, either detachably or permanently. Similarly, the second cable pulling device 120 is attached to the charging cable 101 by the second support cable 121 at the second suspension point 122, either detachably or permanently, so that the charging cable 101 is suspended from the boom 106 by the second support cable 121.

[0053] Each of the support cables 111, 121 can individually adjust the distance between the corresponding suspension point 112, 122 and the support structure 103. In an arrangement with two cable pulleys 110, 120, the charging cable 101 initially runs from a coupling point 116 on the support structure 103, always, for example, on the crossbeam 104 or the boom 106, to the first cable pulley 110, or to a coupling at the first suspension point 112. From there, the charging cable 101 runs to the second cable pulley 120, or to the second suspension point 122 on the second support cable 121. From the second suspension point 122, the charging cable 101 continues to its end, where the charging plug 102 is located.

[0054] The distance between the suspension points 112, 122 and the ground 115 is individually adjusted by changing the lengths of the support cables 111, 121. This allows for adjustment in an inactive state, when no vehicle 150 is positioned at the device 110 (see Fig. 2) The suspension points 112, 122 are adjusted towards the support structure 103 so that the charging cable 101 is located away from the ground and near the support structure 103. After a vehicle 115 has maneuvered, particularly under the crossbeam 104, and is positioned at a predetermined position or charging position relative to the support structure 103, the cable lengths of the support cables 111, 121 can be extended so that a user can grasp the charging plug 102 and insert it into the charging socket of the vehicle 115.

[0055] The charging cable 101 is configured such that it runs from the coupling point 116 to the first suspension point 112 and then to the second suspension point 122. The charging cable 101 is arranged on the support structure 103, the first cable pulley device 110, and the second cable pulley device 120 such that the coupling point 116 is located between the first suspension point 112 and the second suspension point 122 along a horizontal directional component h. The charging cable 101 initially hangs from the support structure 103 at the coupling point 116. It then runs to the first suspension point 112, forms a loop, and continues in the opposite direction to the second suspension point 122. The section of the charging cable 101 between the coupling point 116 and the second suspension point 122 thus forms a C-shaped path. The area of ​​the loop at the first suspension point 112 can be flexibly adjusted towards the ground 115.Accordingly, the area at the charging plug 102 or at the second suspension point 122 can also be flexibly adjusted towards the floor 115. Depending on the length ratios between the first support cable 111 and the second support cable 121, the shape of the cable path of the charging cable 101 can be adjusted.

[0056] The boom 106 can, for example, be pivotally attached to the crossbeam 104. This allows, for instance, the position of the cable pull devices 110, 120 attached to the boom 106 to be adjusted transversely to the direction of entry.

[0057] The boom 106 has a reinforcing beam 107 between its two ends, which projects vertically upwards from the boom 106, opposite the ground 115. A tensioned reinforcing cable 108 connects the boom ends and the reinforcing beam 107 to stabilize the boom 106.

[0058] The first cable-pulling device 110 and the second cable-pulling device 120 each have a cable winch 109. The cable winch 109 is, in particular, a driven cable winch that can wind and unwind the corresponding support cable 111, 121. The corresponding cable winch 109 of the first cable-pulling device 110 and the cable winch 109 of the second cable-pulling device 120 can, for example, be coupled to a common control unit. The control unit can transmit corresponding control signals to the cable winches 109 in order to control them and adjust the cable lengths of the support cables 111, 121 accordingly. The cable winches 109 can be electric cable winches with an electric drive motor. In the charging cable 101, in particular at the charging plug 102, a control element 113 for controlling the electric winch 109 is arranged, wherein the control element 113 is in particular wirelessly coupled to the winch 109 for the exchange of control data.The user can therefore directly control the corresponding position of the charging plug 102 by controlling the winches and according to the lengths of the support cables 111, 121, without the user having to exert any pulling forces on the charging cable 101.

[0059] Furthermore, the winch 109 can be mechanically controlled by a spring-based retraction device and can form a return spring, in particular a coil spring, which is configured such that a preload of the return spring can be generated when the corresponding carrier cable 111, 121 is pulled out of the winch 109. A control cable 201 is also attached to the charging cable 101, which is arranged such that the charging cable 101 can be operated by a user by means of the control cable 202, in particular in the position spaced from the ground 115 as shown in Fig. 2 shown, is accessible. The operating cable 201 can be positioned particularly near the charging plug. If the support cables 111, 121, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, set briefly and the charging cable 101 is positioned at a corresponding distance from the ground 115, the user can still grasp the end of the control rope 201 and pull the charging cable 101 towards him until he can grasp it.

[0060] The winches 109 are fixedly attached to the boom 106. Alternatively, the winches 109 can be arranged at the corresponding suspension points 112, 122 and move relative to the boom 106.

[0061] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 with a support structure 103, which is attached to a ceiling structure 301, e.g. to a ceiling of a building.

[0062] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 3 shows a winch 302 of the second cable pulling device 120, which is arranged at the second suspension point 122 itself. The support cable 121 is fixed to the crossbeam 104 and the winch 302 moves relative to the crossbeam 104 and travels together with the suspension point 122 towards the ground 115.

[0063] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a device with three cable pull devices 110, 120, 401. Similar to the embodiment shown in Fig.1 The device 100 has a support structure 103 which can be mounted at a distance from a floor 115, a charging cable 101 which can be connected to a power source and has a charging plug 102 for connecting to a vehicle 150 to be charged. Furthermore, the device 100 has a first cable pull device 110 which is attached to the support structure 103, wherein the first cable pull device 110 has a first support cable 111 which is attached between a first suspension point 112 of the charging cable 101 and the support structure 103, and a second cable pull device 120 which is attached to the support structure 103 spaced apart from the first cable pull device 110, wherein the second cable pull device 120 has a second support cable 121 which is attached between a second suspension point 122 of the charging cable 101, which is spaced apart from the first suspension point 112, and the support structure 103.The first cable pulling device 110 and the second cable pulling device 120 are each designed such that the lengths of the first support cable 111 and the second support cable 121 can be adjusted independently of each other so that a distance of the first suspension point 112 and the second suspension point 122 to the ground 115 can be adjusted.

[0064] Furthermore, the device 100 includes a third cable pulley device 401, which is attached to the support structure 103 or the crossbeam 104 at a distance from the first cable pulley device 110 and the second cable pulley device 120. The third cable pulley device 401 has a third support cable 402, which is attached between a third suspension point 403 of the charging cable 101, which is located at a distance from the first suspension point 112 and the second suspension point 122, and the support structure 103. The third cable pulley device 401 is designed such that the length of the third support cable 402 is adjustable.

[0065] In particular, the charging cable 101 runs from the coupling point 116 to the first suspension point 112, then to the second suspension point 122, and finally to the third suspension point 403. The coupling point 116 is located between the first suspension point 112 and the second suspension point 122. Specifically, the third cable pulley device 401 is arranged such that the coupling point 116 is also located between the second and third suspension points 122 and 403. In other words, the charging cable 101 initially hangs from the support structure at the coupling point 116. The charging cable 101 then runs to the first suspension point 112, forms a loop, and runs in the opposite direction to the second suspension point 122. There, the charging cable 101 forms another loop and runs to the third suspension point 403. The section of the charging cable 101 between the coupling point 116 and the third suspension point 403 thus forms an S-shaped path.Due to the length adjustment of three support cables 111, 121, 402, the flexibility or adjustment options of the position of the charging plug 102 can be increased.

[0066] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. Reference symbol list 100 Device 101 charging cables 102 charging plugs 103 Support structure 104 crossbeams 105 Floor support 106 booms 107 reinforcement beams 108 Reinforcement rope 109 Winch 110 first cable pulling device 111 first support cable 112 first suspension point 113 Control element 114 charging distributors 115 floor 116 Coupling point 120 second cable pull device 121 second support cable 122 second suspension point 150 vehicles 201 Operating rope 301 Ceiling construction 302 Winch at the suspension point 401 third cable pull device 402 third support cable 403 third suspension point h horizontal directional component

Claims

[1] Device (100) for providing a charging cable (101) for a vehicle (150), comprising the device (100), a support structure (103) which can be fixed at a distance from a ground (115), a charging cable (101) which can be connected to an electricity source and has a charging plug (102) for connecting to a vehicle (150) to be charged, wherein the charging cable (101) is attached to the support structure (103), a first cable pulling device (110) which is attached to the support structure (103), wherein the first cable pulling device (110) has a first support cable (111) which is attached between a first suspension point (112) of the charging cable (101) and the support structure (103), and a second cable pulling device (120) which is attached to the support structure (103) spaced apart from the first cable pulling device (110), wherein the second cable pulling device (120) has a second support cable (121) which is attached between a second suspension point (122) of the charging cable (101), which is spaced apart from the first suspension point (112), and the support structure (103), and wherein the first cable pulling device (110) and the second cable pulling device (120) are each designed such that the lengths of the first support cable (111) and the second support cable (121) are independently adjustable such that a distance of the first suspension point (112) and the second suspension point (122) to the ground (115) is adjustable, wherein the support structure (103) has a crossbeam (104) on which the first cable pulling device and the second cable pulling device (120) are arranged, wherein the crossbeam (104) can be attached to a ceiling structure (301) or at least to the floor (115) at a distance on one side by means of a floor support (105), characterized by , that the support structure (103) has a boom (106) on which the first cable pulling device (110) and / or the second cable pulling device (120) is arranged, wherein the boom (106) is attached to the crossbeam (104) and extends laterally in the direction of extension of the crossbeam (104). [2] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the charging cable (101) extends from a coupling point (116) with the support structure (103) to the first suspension point (112) and then to the second suspension point (122), wherein the charging cable (101) is arranged on the support structure (103), the first cable pull device (110) and the second cable pull device (120) such that along a horizontal directional component (h) the coupling point (116) is located between the first suspension point (112) and the second suspension point (122). [3] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom (106) can be pivotably attached to the crossbeam (104). [4] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom (106) is displaceable in the extension direction of the crossbeam (104). [5] Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom (106) has a reinforcing beam (107) between two boom ends, which protrudes from the boom (106), wherein at least one tensioned reinforcing cable (108) connects the boom ends and the reinforcing beam (107) to stabilize the boom (106). [6] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cable pulling device (110) and / or the second cable pulling device (120) comprises a cable winch (109). [7] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the winch (109) is an electric winch (109) for adjusting the length of the corresponding support rope (111, 121, 402). [8] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein a control element (113) for controlling the electric winch (109) is arranged in the charging cable (101), in particular at the charging plug (102), wherein the control element (113) is coupled, in particular wirelessly or via a wired connection, to the winch (109) for the exchange of control data. [9] Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the winch (109) for adjusting the length of the corresponding support cable (111, 121, 402) has a spring-based retraction device with a return spring, in particular a coil spring, which is configured such that a preload of the return spring can be generated when the corresponding support cable (111, 121, 402) is pulled out of the winch (109). [10] Device (100) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the winch (109) is arranged on the support structure (103) or on the corresponding suspension point (112, 122, 403). [11] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control rope (201) is attached to the charging cable (101), which is arranged such that the charging cable (101) is accessible to a user by means of the control rope (201). [12] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a charging distributor (114) which is coupled to the charging cable (101) is arranged on the support structure (103). [13] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third cable pulling device (401) which is attached to the support structure (103) spaced apart from the first cable pulling device (110) and from the second cable pulling device (120), wherein the third cable pulling device (401) has a third support cable (402) which is attached between a third suspension point (403) of the charging cable (101), which is spaced apart from the first suspension point (112) and the second suspension point (122), and the support structure (103), wherein the third cable pulling device (401) is designed such that the length of the third support cable (402) is adjustable. [14] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further charging cable which can be connected to an electricity source and has a further charging plug for connecting to another vehicle to be charged, wherein the further charging cable is attached to the support structure, another first cable pulley device that is attached to the support structure, wherein the further first cable pulling device has a further first support cable which is attached between a further first suspension point of the further charging cable and the support structure (103), and a further second cable pulling device, which is attached to the support structure (103) spaced apart from the further first cable pulling device, wherein the further second cable pulling device has a further second support cable which is attached between a further second suspension point of the further charging cable, which is spaced apart from the further first suspension point, and the support structure (103), and wherein the further first cable pulling device and the further second cable pulling device are each designed such that the lengths of the further first support cable and the further second support cable are independently adjustable from each other in such a way that a distance of the further first suspension point and the further second suspension point to the ground (115) is adjustable. [15] Method for providing a charging cable (101) for a vehicle (150) with a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the method of adjusting the lengths of the first support cable (111) and the second support cable (121) independently of each other in order to adjust a distance of the first suspension point (112) and the second suspension point (122) to the ground (115).

Images