Connection device, charging device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for electrically connecting two electrical terminals, comprising at least a first cable (11) and at least a second cable (12), wherein a first end of the first cable (11) is rigidly connected to a first end of the second cable (12), and a winding device (13) which receives the first cable (11) and the second cable (12) at least partially, wherein the winding device (13) comprises at least one spool (S) which is rotatably mounted inside the winding device (13) about an axis of rotation (D), wherein the first cable (11) is arranged in or on the spool (S) in a cable chamber (131), and the second cable (12) is arranged in or on the spool (S) in a compensation chamber (132). The winding device (13) comprises several ventilation holes (133).Furthermore, at least one cooling device (14) is provided, wherein the cooling device (14) is fluidically connected to the winding device (13) via at least one of the ventilation holes (133). The invention further relates to a loading device with a connecting device (1) and a vehicle with a connecting device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection device for electrically connecting two electrical terminals, comprising at least a first cable and at least a second cable, wherein a first end of the first cable is rigidly connected to a first end of the second cable, and a winding device which accommodates the first cable and the second cable, at least partially. The winding device comprises at least one spool which is rotatably mounted inside the winding device about an axis of rotation, wherein the first cable is arranged in or on the spool in a cable chamber and the second cable is arranged in or on the spool in a compensating chamber. The winding device includes several ventilation holes. Furthermore, at least one cooling device is provided, wherein the cooling device is fluidically connected to the winding device via at least one of the ventilation holes.The invention further relates to a charging device with a connecting device and a vehicle with a connecting device.

[0002] Charging electric vehicles requires charging cables, which are connected between the vehicle and a charging device or charging station to transmit the charging current. These cables are often carried in the vehicle and, for charging, run to the charging station and connect to it. The distance between the vehicle and the charging station is not always the same, which is why a relatively long charging cable should be carried to ensure it can always bridge the gap. Such a long cable often lies on the ground between the vehicle and the charging station and gets dirty. Furthermore, after charging, the cable must be manually coiled up and stowed back in the vehicle.Connecting and disconnecting a vehicle from a charging station using a standard charging cable is therefore time-consuming and, especially in bad weather conditions, sometimes unpleasant for the driver of the vehicle.

[0003] CN 113696761 A describes a charging station for electric vehicles with a retractable charging cable. To prevent overheating due to electrical current, the charging cable is coiled inside the charging station using permanently installed spacers.

[0004] JP 2012147642 A describes a charging station which also includes a retractable charging cable. To prevent the charging cable from overheating during charging, the charging station has a control mechanism that reduces the charging current if the cable becomes too hot.

[0005] CN 101207269 A describes a power supply for a notebook. This power supply is integrated into a housing and includes a retractable cable that is retracted by a coil spring as needed. The power supply also includes a fan that directs an airflow through the housing for cooling purposes when required.

[0006] US Patent 2012 / 0126047 A1 describes a device for winding a cable. The device includes a mechanism that prevents the cable from being subjected to torsional stress during winding or unwinding. Furthermore, the device includes ventilation openings that dissipate heat from the interior of the device.

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose solutions that make it easier and more convenient to establish a safe electrical connection between a charging station and an electrically powered vehicle.

[0008] This problem of the invention is solved by a connecting device for the electrical connection of two electrical terminals, comprising - at least one first cable and at least one second cable, wherein a first end of the first cable is firmly connected to a first end of the second cable, - a winding device which accommodates the first cable and the second cable at least partially, wherein the winding device comprises at least one spool which is rotatably mounted inside the winding device about an axis of rotation, wherein the first cable is arranged in or on the spool in a cable chamber and the second cable is arranged in or on the spool in a compensating chamber, wherein the second end of the first cable is led through an opening in the winding device to the outside of the winding device and the second end of the second cable is connected to a connection point of the winding device which is fixedly, in particular not rotatably, arranged outside the spool, wherein the first cable is wound around a wall, in particular around a cylindrically shaped wall,in the cable chamber, the first cable is wound up and rests against the wall or itself, and the second cable is in a coiled state in the compensation chamber in at least one turn around the axis of rotation and is loosely arranged at least partially spaced away from two walls of the compensation chamber opposite each other in the radial direction to the axis of rotation, and the first cable is in an uncoiled state around the wall in the cable chamber only partially wound up and rests against it or itself and is arranged partially outside the winding device, and the second cable is in an uncoiled state in the compensation chamber in at least one turn around the axis of rotation and is loosely arranged at least partially spaced away from the walls of the compensation chamber opposite each other in the radial direction to the axis of rotation.wherein the winding device can be converted from the winding state to the unwinding state and vice versa by rotating the spool about the axis of rotation and, the winding device includes several ventilation holes which fluidically connect the exterior of the winding device with the cable chamber, the cable chamber with the compensation chamber and the compensation chamber with the exterior of the winding device, - at least one cooling device comprising at least one fan configured to generate an airflow at least as required, and wherein the cooling device is fluidically connected to the winding device via at least one of the ventilation holes.

[0009] The connection device according to the invention serves to electrically connect two electrical terminals. An electrical terminal is understood to be any type of terminal arranged on a device and used for the transmission of current or voltage signals. For example, one of the two electrical terminals could be a charging station and the other an electrically powered vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to this type of electrical terminal.

[0010] The connection device according to the invention comprises two cables permanently connected to one another, a winding device designed to receive and arrange the cables, at least partially, and a cooling device designed to cool the cables as needed during operation. A cable is understood to be an electrical conductor that is deformable and surrounded on its outer circumference by an electrically insulating layer. A first cable is designed to be pulled out of the winding device, at least partially. However, it is also possible for the first cable to be wound up completely or at least mostly within the winding device. The second cable always remains inside the winding device and serves to compensate for the rotational movement of a coil that occurs when the first cable is unwound, so that neither cable is damaged by torsion.The first cable is permanently connected to the second cable. Specifically, there are no slip rings or similar moving contacts between the first and second cables. It is also possible that the first cable is formed by a first section and the second cable by a second section of the same cable. For example, the first cable could be a round cable with one or more conductors. The second cable could be a flat cable, also with one or more conductors.

[0011] The winding device comprises a spool which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation inside the winding device, in particular inside a housing. The spool includes at least two chambers: the first cable is arranged in a cable chamber and the second cable is arranged in a compensating chamber. The first cable is led outwards through an opening in the winding device and can be drawn in and out of the device through this opening. A second end of the second cable, opposite the connection of the first end to the first cable, is connected to a fixed connection point in the winding device. The extendable first end of the first cable is provided for connection to a first electrical connection, and the connection point is provided for connection to a second electrical connection.When the coil rotates, the first cable and the second cable rotate together with the coil.

[0012] The first cable is wound around a wall in the cable chamber. A wound-up state is defined as a state in which the first cable is mostly or entirely wound within the winding device. Preferably, the wall on which the cable is wound is cylindrical and circumferentially encircles the axis of rotation. The first cable rests against this wall or against itself. With multiple windings, the first cable rests only against itself. The second cable in the compensation chamber serves to compensate for the movement generated by the rotation of the coil, preventing damage to either cable from torsion. For this purpose, the second cable rests loosely in the compensation chamber; that is, it is not pressed firmly against a wall or against itself.The second cable is wound around the axis of rotation in at least one turn and is spaced apart from two walls of the compensation chamber that are radially opposite each other to the axis of rotation. In this way, when the coil rotates, the second cable can move freely inside the compensation chamber and thereby counteract the rotational movement of the coil.

[0013] In the uncoiled state, a portion of the first cable is extended through the opening to the outside of the winding mechanism. A remaining section of the first cable may still be coiled within the cable chamber. In the uncoiled state, the second cable remains loose within the compensation chamber. However, the arrangement of the second cable inside the compensation chamber may change compared to the coiled state. This change causes the second cable to rotate, which is necessary to transition the coil or winding mechanism from the coiled to the uncoiled state. Even in the uncoiled state, the second cable remains loose within the compensation chamber and is not firmly against any boundary wall or against itself.In the described unrolled state, the first cable may be completely pulled out of the cable chamber or only partially pulled out of the cable chamber and still partially wound up on the spool.

[0014] The winding device includes numerous ventilation holes that connect the internal sections and the exterior of the device. The ventilation holes are arranged to allow a cooling airflow through the interior of the winding device to dissipate heat from the cables.

[0015] Finally, the connecting device includes a cooling device with at least one fan. The fan is configured to generate an airflow as needed, particularly when overheating occurs or threatens, which is then directed into the winding device through at least one ventilation hole.

[0016] The connection device according to the invention makes it easy to adjust its length to the distance between two electrical connections using the winding mechanism. For example, the connection device can be used to connect an electric vehicle to a charging station, with the length of the connection device being individually adjustable. This prevents part of the connection device from resting on the dirty ground and having to be cleaned after charging. Furthermore, the winding mechanism allows for neat and tidy winding of the first cable. In some embodiments, this winding can be automatic or assisted by a drive or similar device. This makes handling and using the connection device very simple and convenient.The provided cooling device ensures that the connection device does not overheat, even when a portion of the first cable and the second cable are located inside the winding device. This allows the connection device to be used safely, both electrically and thermally, even when a large portion of the first cable is coiled inside the winding device. Furthermore, the connection device according to the invention is easy and convenient to transport, as both cables are neatly arranged and protected from environmental influences inside the winding device when coiled. Another advantage of the connection device is the interaction between the first and second cables, which compensates for the rotational movement of the coil.Because the second cable in the compensation chamber counteracts this rotational movement to such an extent that the torsional stress on both cables is so low that no damage occurs, the connection device has a long service life. Damage to the cables that could lead to a reduction in current-carrying capacity is thus eliminated or significantly reduced, ensuring electrically safe operation of the connection device over a long period.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cooling device comprises a housing in or on which the fan is arranged, and the housing of the cooling device is connected to the winding device. Alternatively, the fan may be arranged in a device spaced apart from the winding device, and the cooling device may include an air duct connecting this spaced device to the winding device. The cooling device may also comprise a housing connected to the winding device. Furthermore, the cooling device may be integrated into the winding device. In this case, the fan is located inside the housing of the cooling device or in a section of the housing of the winding device. In this way, the fan is positioned close to the coil and the first and second cables, and can direct the generated airflow past the cables over a short path, thus efficiently dissipating waste heat.In an alternative embodiment, the fan can also be arranged in a device positioned at a distance from the winding mechanism. Such a device could, for example, be a cooling device, such as those used in a vehicle to cool the battery. In this case, the cooling device can include an air duct that directs the airflow generated by the fan in the spaced-away device to the winding mechanism, where it passes through the ventilation holes into the interior of the winding mechanism and to the first and second cables.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first cable and / or the second cable has several spacer elements, at least in certain areas, arranged on the outer sheath surface. These spacer elements project radially beyond the remaining outer sheath surface in relation to the direction of extension of the first cable and / or the second cable, and in particular, the spacer elements are formed by ribs or bumps. In a case where the first cable and / or the second cable is in contact with itself, the spacer elements create openings between the adjacent sections of the first cable and / or the second cable, through which the airflow generated by the cooling device can pass.In this embodiment, spacers are arranged on the outer surface of the first and / or second cable. These spacers create openings or gaps between the individual turns or layers of each cable when it is coiled. This allows the airflow generated by the cooling device to pass between the individual turns or layers of the cable, thus efficiently dissipating heat from the entire cable. For example, these spacers can be formed by ribs or bumps arranged on and projecting from the outer sheath. Alternatively, spacers can be provided in or attached to the coil, which position at least the first cable in the cable chamber during coiling to create gaps between the individual turns or layers.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the winding device includes an unwinding actuator arranged between the spool and the other parts of the winding device. The unwinding actuator is configured to rotate the spool about the axis of rotation as needed in at least one direction, and in particular, the unwinding actuator is formed by a spring or an electric motor. In this embodiment, an unwinding actuator is provided to rotate the spool inside the winding device as needed, in particular automatically. Providing such an unwinding actuator facilitates the winding and unwinding of the first cable, eliminating the need for manual rotation of the spool. The unwinding actuator can be formed by a spring that, as needed, draws the first cable into the winding device by spring force.In this embodiment, the first cable is manually pulled out of the winding device against the force of the spring. Alternatively, the unwinding actuator can be an electric motor, which rotates the spool in two opposite directions as needed. This embodiment has the advantage that both the winding and unwinding of the first cable from the spool are performed by the unwinding actuator, and no manual operation by the user is required to adjust the length of the first cable outside the winding device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the winding device comprises at least one locking mechanism located between the spool and the other sections of the winding device. This locking mechanism is configured to lock the spool in its relative rotational position about the axis of rotation, relative to the other sections of the winding device, as needed. A locking mechanism can be provided that fixes or locks the spool in a specific rotational position within the winding device. This ensures that the length of the section of the first cable located outside the winding device is fixed, thus guaranteeing the connection device has a defined and fixed overall length.This is advantageous for precisely adjusting the length of the connecting device to the distance between two electrical terminals that are to be connected by the device. The clamping mechanism can, for example, engage positively with a portion of the coil, such as via locking lugs, openings, or other positive-locking elements. The clamping mechanism can be configured to fix the coil in different rotational positions. This allows for the adjustment of the length of the portion of the first cable outside the winding device. Alternatively, the clamping mechanism can be configured to lock the coil only when the entire first cable has been unwound and is located outside the winding device.Such an embodiment is advantageous when it is necessary to ensure that the connecting device can only be operated when the first cable is completely unwound. This can be useful when very high electrical currents are to be transmitted via the connecting device, generating a significant amount of heat in the first or second cable. The clamping mechanism can be combined with the previously described unwinding actuator. For example, in an embodiment where the unwinding actuator is formed by an electric motor, a locking mechanism can be arranged on the electric motor, which automatically locks the rotational positions of the electric motor shaft, and thus the rotational positions of the coil, when the electric motor is deactivated.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the connecting device includes a main switch located in the first cable and / or the second cable, or at one end of the first cable and / or the second cable, which interrupts the electrical continuity of the cable as required when activated. Furthermore, an operating control unit is provided, which is connected to the main switch and the cooling device. The operating control unit is also connected to at least one input element and is configured to activate or deactivate the main switch and / or the cooling device based on a signal from the input element. In this embodiment, the connecting device includes a main switch designed to interrupt the flow of electrical current through the connecting device, and in particular between electrical connections connected thereto, if necessary.The term "main switch" refers, for example, to a relay or other circuit that interrupts the current flow. The main switch can be located at various points within the connection device. Its purpose is to interrupt the current flow in an operating condition that poses a safety risk. The main switch is connected to an operating control unit, which is also part of the connection device and can be located at different points within or on the connection device. The operating control unit, in turn, is connected to an input element, which can be, for example, a sensor. The operating control unit evaluates signals from the input element and activates or deactivates the main switch accordingly. Possible embodiments of the input element are described below.

[0022] In one embodiment, the input element is formed by a temperature sensor, and the operating control is configured to activate the main switch or control the cooling device such that the fan increases the generated airflow when the temperature detected by the sensor exceeds a temperature limit. In this embodiment, the input element is formed by a temperature sensor arranged in or on the winding device, which determines the current temperature. This current temperature value is transmitted to the operating control. The operating control is configured to initiate measures to lower the temperature in the winding device when the currently detected temperature exceeds a temperature limit.The operating control can be configured to control the cooling device in such a way that the airflow generated by the fan is increased, thereby reducing the temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the operating control can activate the main switch, completely interrupting the current flow through the connection device to prevent damage from overheating.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the input element is formed by a rotary sensor configured to determine the coil's rotational position about the axis of rotation. The operating controller is configured to activate the main switch when the rotary position of the coil, as determined by the rotary sensor, falls below a position threshold. In this alternative embodiment, the input element is formed by a rotary sensor that determines the current rotational position of the coil and transmits it to the operating controller. It is also possible to provide two input elements connected to the operating controller, with, for example, one input element being the previously described temperature sensor and another input element being a rotary sensor.The operating control can be configured to activate the main switch when a rotary sensor detects a coil position that is below or above a predefined position limit. This allows, for example, for current flow through the connection device to occur only when the first cable is at least partially unwound and located outside the winding mechanism. Such partial unwinding correlates with a rotary position of the coil, which can be compared to a position limit. It is possible to define the position limit based on the current temperature measured by a temperature sensor. For instance, it can be configured that at a high temperature, the first cable must be extended further than at a lower temperature.In another embodiment, it is possible that the connecting device can only be operated if the rotation sensor determines that the first cable is completely unwound and is located outside the winding device.

[0024] The object of the invention is further solved by a charging device for charging an at least partially electrically powered vehicle, comprising a provisioning module configured to provide the electrical current required for charging as needed, and at least one connection device according to one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the connection point of the connection device is electrically connected to the provisioning module and a charging plug is arranged at the second end of the first cable of the connection device, which is provided for connection to the electrically powered vehicle.

[0025] The charging device according to the invention is designed for charging an electrically powered vehicle. The charging device comprises a supply module that provides the necessary electrical current for charging the vehicle. For example, the supply module can be formed by a power connection with a charge controller. According to the invention, the supply module can be connected to the electrically powered vehicle via a connection device according to one of the previously described embodiments. The connection device is part of the charging device. It is also possible for the charging device to comprise more than one connection device, for example, to be able to charge several vehicles simultaneously. The charging device according to the invention makes it possible to provide an easy-to-use, safe, and convenient charging station for charging electrically powered vehicles.The convenient adjustability of the length of the connecting device ensures that the connecting device only bridges the distance between the charging device and the vehicle and is not unnecessarily exposed to dirt.

[0026] The object of the invention is finally achieved by a vehicle, in particular an at least partially electrically powered vehicle, comprising at least one connection device according to one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the connection point of the connection device is electrically connected to a connection point in or on the vehicle and a connector is arranged at the second end of the first cable of the connection device, which is provided for connection to a power source located outside the vehicle.

[0027] The vehicle according to the invention comprises a connecting device according to one of the previously described embodiments, which is designed to electrically connect the vehicle to a power source located outside the vehicle. This connection can be used, for example, to charge an electrically powered vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible to use this connection to supply power to electrical consumers in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can also be a motorhome, which is connected to a power source via the connecting device to supply electrical energy to devices and machines inside the motorhome.

[0028] The vehicle according to the invention makes it possible to establish a stable and safe electrical connection with a power source in a simple manner.

[0029] Features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the connecting device are also deemed disclosed in connection with the charging device and the vehicle. Conversely, features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the charging device and the vehicle are also deemed disclosed in connection with the connecting device.

[0030] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is further described with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 in a schematic, cutaway view an embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention, Fig. 2 in a schematic, cutaway view the compensation chamber of an embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention in a first state, Fig. 3 in a schematic, cutaway view the compensation chamber made of Fig. 2 in a second state.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic, cutaway view of an embodiment of a connecting device 1 according to the invention. The illustrated connecting device 1 serves to electrically connect two electrical terminals. A first electrical terminal can be connected to the second end of the first cable 11, which points to the left in the illustration. A second electrical terminal can be connected to the terminal AP shown at the top center.

[0032] The connecting device 1 comprises a winding device 13, which is arranged here in a housing. The connection point AP is located on the outside of the housing. Inside the housing is a coil S, which is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation D. The coil S comprises two chambers, which are cylindrical and ring-shaped and extend radially outwards from the axis of rotation D. One of the chambers, the cable chamber 131, is open at the radial outer edge of the coil S. The two chambers are: a cable chamber 131, located at the bottom, in which a portion of the first cable 11 is wound; and a compensating chamber 132, which is located adjacent to the cable chamber 131 in the direction of the axis of rotation D. A second cable 12 is arranged in the compensating chamber 132.A first end of the second cable 12 is guided through the partition between compensation chamber 132 and cable chamber 131 and is rigidly connected to a first end of the first cable 11 in cable chamber 131. The ends of the two cables can be connected, for example, by a soldered connection. A rigid connection between the first cable 11 and the second cable 12 means that no device for rotational or torsional compensation is provided between the cables. A rigid connection has the advantage of high current-carrying capacity and very durability. A second end of the second cable 12 is guided upwards through the hub of the coil S and connected to the connection point AP, which is located on a non-rotating, fixed section of the housing of the winding device 13.

[0033] The first cable 11 is partially wound up in the cable chamber 131 and partially rests against the radially outward-facing wall of the cable chamber 131. Because the first cable 11 is wound up in several layers, it also partially rests against itself. Furthermore, the first cable 11 also rests against the lateral boundary walls, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation D. A second end of the first cable 11 is led through the opening O in the outer wall of the housing to the outside of the winding device 13.

[0034] The second cable 12 is loosely arranged in the compensation chamber 132 and is located at least partially spaced apart from two walls of the compensation chamber 132 that are radially opposite each other to the axis of rotation D. The compensation chamber 132 is bounded externally by an annular wall, which can be inserted, for example, after the second cable 12 has been placed inside. This outer wall can also be formed only by individual wall sections with gaps in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation D. The function and movement of the second cable 12 in the compensation chamber 132 are described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown and described.

[0035] The connecting device 1 can assume a coiled state and an uncoiled state. The coiled state can be converted into the uncoiled state by a rotational movement of the coil S about the axis of rotation D. Furthermore, the connecting device 1 can also assume states that lie between the coiled and uncoiled states. Such states differ from the coiled and uncoiled states by a different rotational position of the coil S about the axis of rotation D. In the coiled state, the first cable 11 is completely coiled or wound up inside the winding device 13 in the cable chamber 131. Only the second end of the first cable 11 extends to the opening O in the housing of the winding device 13. In the uncoiled state, the first cable 11 is completely unwound or unwound from the coil S or the inner wall of the cable chamber 131 and lies mostly outside the winding device 13. Fig. Figure 1 represents a state between the roll-up state and the roll-out state. Fig. In the cable chamber 131, a portion of the first cable 11 is coiled, while another portion is already positioned outside the winding device 13. The overall length of the connecting device 1 can be individually adjusted by rotating the coil S. This allows the length of the connecting device 1 to be adjusted to correspond to the distance between two electrical terminals that are to be connected by the connecting device 1.

[0036] The winding device 13 includes several ventilation holes 133 in its housing and on or in the coil S, which fluidically connect the individual sections of the winding device 13. These ventilation holes 133 are designed to allow an airflow through the interior of the winding device 13. This airflow is used to dissipate waste heat generated by the current flow in the cables 11 and 12 from the winding device 13, thus preventing overheating of the cables 11 and 12 during operation.

[0037] To generate an airflow that is guided through the ventilation holes 133 of the winding device 13, the connecting device 1 further comprises a cooling device 14, which in the illustrated embodiment also includes a housing that is rigidly connected to the housing of the winding device 13. A fan 141 is arranged inside the housing of the cooling device 14 and generates an airflow that is directed parallel to the axis of rotation D. This airflow is guided into the housing of the winding device 13 through the ventilation holes 133 arranged in the downward-facing wall of the housing of the winding device 13. There, the airflow is guided through further ventilation holes 133 into the other sections inside the winding device 13. Finally, the airflow is directed out through further ventilation holes 133 on the side of the winding device 13 facing away from the cooling device 14.

[0038] To allow the airflow generated by the cooling device 14 to also flow between the adjacent sections of the first cable 11 and the second cable 12, the first cable 11 and the second cable 12, in the illustrated embodiment, have several spacer elements A. These spacer elements A are arranged on the outer sheath of the cables and project radially beyond the outer sheath in the direction of the cables' extension. However, the spacer elements A project only in a partial region of the outer sheath. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer elements A are formed by projecting ribs. In the coiled state of the first cable 11, as it is in the cable chamber 131 in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the spacers A rest against the adjacent layers of the first cable 11. This creates gaps or openings between the individual layers of the coiled first cable 11, through which air can flow. In this way, waste heat can also be dissipated from the coiled first cable 11 by design. The spacers A can be applied during cable manufacturing along with the insulation. Alternatively, spacers can be subsequently applied to an already insulated cable, for example by gluing or printing.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the winding device 13 comprises an unwinding actuator 134, which is formed here by an electric motor. The unwinding actuator 134 is arranged between the housing of the winding device and the coil S and is configured to rotate the coil S about the axis of rotation D in two directions as required. By activating the unwinding actuator 134, the first cable 11 can be wound up or unwound. In the illustrated embodiment, a rotation sensor DS is integrated into the unwinding actuator 134, which is designed as an electric motor. This sensor is configured to determine the rotational position of the coil S about the axis of rotation D and to transmit this information to an operating controller (not shown).Based on the rotational position determined by the rotation sensor DS, the operating control can, for example, activate a main switch (not shown) that interrupts the electrical connection between the second end of the first cable 11 and the connection point AP. This can be useful, for instance, to prevent the connection device 1 from being used for electrical current transmission when the entire first cable 11 is wound onto the spool S. It can be intended, for example, that the connection device 1 can only be used for electrical current transmission when at least a portion of the first cable 11 is unwound and located outside the winding device 13.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the winding device 13 comprises a locking mechanism 135, which is arranged between the coil S and the housing of the winding device 13. This locking mechanism is formed by an electromagnet, which, as required, pushes a pin into an opening in the circumferential surface of the coil S. This creates a positive fit between the pin and the opening in the coil S, which prevents further rotation of the coil S about the axis of rotation D. This is advantageous for fixing the extended or unwound length of the first cable 11 and preventing the first cable 11 from unintentionally unwinding or rewinding further. The locking mechanism 135 can be designed to be manually activated. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 135 can also be connected to an operating controller (not shown) and automatically activated or deactivated by this controller as required.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device 1 further comprises a temperature sensor TS, which is arranged inside the housing of the winding device 13. This temperature sensor TS determines the current temperature inside the winding device and transmits this value to an operating controller (not shown). The operating controller can, in turn, be configured to activate a main switch (not shown) when the current temperature exceeds a temperature limit, or to control the cooling device 14 such that an increased airflow is introduced into the winding device 13 in order to reduce the elevated temperature inside.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic, cutaway view of the compensation chamber 132 of an embodiment of a connecting device 1 according to the invention in a first state. Fig. 2 is a section through the compensatory chamber 132 of the in Fig. The embodiment shown in 1 is visible. The section plane, which is shown in Fig. 2 can be seen in Fig. 1. This is represented by a dashed line and arrows indicating the viewing direction. The one in Fig. The state shown in Figure 2 can, for example, correspond to the unwinding state in which the first cable 11 (not shown) is completely unwound from the spool S. As can be clearly seen, the second cable 12 is arranged in several turns around the axis of rotation D and does not touch any of the walls that radially define the compensation chamber 132. However, it is possible that the second cable 12 touches at least partially against one of these walls. If, starting from the unwinding state shown, the spool S is now rotated clockwise several times, the first cable 11 is drawn into the cable chamber 131 (not shown) and wound up there. The compensation chamber 132 (shown) rotates along with it. This rotational movement changes the position of the second cable 12 in the compensation chamber 132. The second cable 12 moves closer to the axis of rotation D.This compensating movement prevents or at least significantly reduces torsion of the second cable 12, particularly at its connection to the terminal point AP. This altered position after several clockwise rotations of the coil S is shown in . Fig. 3 shown.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic, cutaway view of the compensation chamber 132. Fig. 2 in a second state. The one in Fig. The second state shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the winding state, which is reached when the coil S, starting from the point shown in Figure 3, is wound up. Fig. The state shown in 2 is rotated several turns clockwise. In the state shown in Fig. In the state shown in Figure 3, the second cable 12 is also loosely arranged in several turns around the axis of rotation D. However, these turns are located closer to the axis of rotation D in the radial direction than in Figure 3. Fig. 2 shown in the rolled-out state. Also in the state shown in Fig. In the coiled state shown in Figure 3, the second cable 12 only partially rests against a limiting wall of the compensation chamber 132, namely against the wall that limits the compensation chamber 132 internally towards the hub of the coil S. The larger part of the second cable 12 is also in the state shown in Figure 3. Fig.The coiling state shown in Figure 3 is arranged at a distance from the bounded walls of the compensation chamber 132. The compensation chamber 132, with the second cable 12 arranged therein, enables the first cable 11 to be rigidly connected to the second cable 12, and the second cable 12 to the connection point AP. Such rigid connections enable a high current-carrying capacity of the entire connection device 1. The connection device 1 avoids sliding, movable contacts, which can also be used to transmit electrical current between a rotating part and a stationary part. As a result, the connection device 1 is simpler and more stable in the long term than solutions that use movable contacts to connect a rotating coil S in a coiling device 13. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 Connecting device 11 first cable 12 second cable 13. Winding device 131 Cable chamber 132 Compensation Chamber 133 Ventilation hole 134 Rollout actuator 135 Locking mechanism 14 Cooling device 141 fans A spacer element AP connection point D axis of rotation DS rotation sensor O Opening S coil TS temperature sensor QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 113696761 A

[0003] JP 2012147642 A

[0004] CN 101207269 A

[0005] US 2012 / 0126047 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Connecting device (1) for electrically connecting two electrical terminals, comprising - at least a first cable (11) and at least a second cable (12), wherein a first end of the first cable (11) is firmly connected to a first end of the second cable (12), - a winding device (13) which receives the first cable (11) and the second cable (12) at least partially, wherein the winding device (13) comprises at least one coil (S) which is rotatably mounted inside the winding device (13) about an axis of rotation (D), wherein the first cable (11) is arranged in or on the coil (S) in a cable chamber (131) and the second cable (12) is arranged in or on the coil (S) in a compensation chamber (132), wherein the second end of the first cable (11) is led through an opening (O) in the winding device (13) to the outside of the winding device (13) and the second end of the second cable (12) is connected to a connection point (AP) of the winding device (13) which is fixedly, in particular not rotatably, arranged outside the coil (S), wherein the first cable (11) is wound around a wall, in particular around a cylindrically shaped wall, in a wound statein the cable chamber (131) is wound up and rests against this wall or against itself, and the second cable (12) is in a wound-up state in the compensation chamber (132) in at least one turn around the axis of rotation (D) and is loosely arranged at least partially spaced away from two walls of the compensation chamber (132) opposite each other in the radial direction to the axis of rotation (D), and the first cable (11) is in an unwound state around the wall in the cable chamber (131) only partially wound up and rests against it or against itself and is arranged partially outside the winding device (13), and the second cable (12) is in an unwound state in the compensation chamber (132) in at least one turn around the axis of rotation (D) and is loosely arranged at least partially spaced away from the walls of the compensation chamber (132) opposite each other in the radial direction to the axis of rotation (D),wherein the winding device (13) can be converted from the winding state to the unwinding state and vice versa by a rotation of the coil (S) about the axis of rotation (D) and the winding device (13) comprises several ventilation holes (133) which fluidically connect the outside of the winding device (13) with the cable chamber (131), the cable chamber (131) with the compensation chamber (132) and the compensation chamber (132) with the outside of the winding device (13), - at least one cooling device (14) comprising at least one fan (141) configured to generate an airflow at least as required and wherein the cooling device (14) is fluidically connected to the winding device (13) via at least one of the ventilation holes (133). [2] Connecting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device (14) comprises a housing in which the fan (141) is arranged and the housing of the cooling device (14) is connected to the winding device (13), or the fan (141) is arranged in a device spaced apart from the winding device (13) and the cooling device (14) comprises an air duct which connects the device spaced apart from the winding device (13) to the winding device (13). [3] Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first cable (11) and / or the second cable (12) have at least partially several spacer elements (A) which are arranged on the outer sheath surface, wherein the spacer elements (A) project radially to the extension direction of the first cable (11) and / or the second cable (12) over the remaining outer sheath surface, in particular wherein the spacer elements (A) are formed by ribs or bumps, and through the spacer elements (A) in a case in which the first cable (11) and / or the second cable (12) rests against itself, openings are provided between the adjoining partial regions of the first cable (11) and / or the second cable (12) which are provided for the flow through which the airflow generated by the cooling device is directed. [4] Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the winding device (13) comprises an unwinding actuator (134) which is arranged between the coil (S) and the other parts of the winding device (13), wherein the unwinding actuator (134) is configured to rotate the coil (S) about the axis of rotation (D) as required in at least one direction of rotation, in particular wherein the unwinding actuator (134) is formed by a spring or an electric motor. [5] Connecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the winding device (13) comprises at least one locking mechanism (135) which is arranged between the coil (S) and the other parts of the winding device (13), wherein the locking mechanism (135) is configured to lock the coil (S) in its relative rotational position about the axis of rotation (D) relative to the other parts of the winding device (13) as required. [6] Connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection device (1) comprises a main switch which is arranged in the first cable (11) and / or in the second cable (12) or at one end of the first cable (11) and / or the second cable (12) and interrupts the electrical continuity of the respective cable as required when activated, and furthermore an operating control is provided which is connected to the main switch and the cooling device (14), wherein the operating control is further connected to at least one input element and is configured to activate or deactivate the main switch and / or the cooling device (14) based on a signal from the input element. [7] Connection device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the input element is formed by a temperature sensor and the operating control is configured to activate the main switch or to control the cooling device (14) in such a way that the fan (141) increases the generated airflow when the temperature determined by the temperature sensor (TS) is above a temperature limit. [8] Connecting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the input element is formed by a rotary sensor (DS) which is configured to determine the rotational position of the coil (S) about the axis of rotation (D) and the operating control is configured to activate the main switch when the rotational position of the coil (S) determined by the rotary sensor (DS) is below a position limit value. [9] Charging device for charging a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising a provisioning module configured to provide the electrical current required for charging on demand, and at least one connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection point (AP) of the connection device (1) is electrically connected to the provisioning module and a charging plug is arranged at the second end of the first cable (11) of the connection device (1) for connection to the electrically powered vehicle. [10] Vehicle, in particular a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising at least one connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connection point (AP) of the connection device (1) is electrically connected to a connection point in or on the vehicle and a connector is arranged at the second end of the first cable (11) of the connection device (1) which is provided for connection to a power source located outside the vehicle.

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