Locking and unlocking device for a charging plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking and unlocking device (1) for a charging plug connector (2) of an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising an actuator arrangement (3) having a blocking element (4), wherein the actuator arrangement (3) is designed to move the blocking element (4) into a locking position, which locks a corresponding charging plug connector (5) to the charging plug connector (2), and an unlocking position, which releases the corresponding charging plug connector (5), and comprising an emergency actuating element (6), wherein the emergency actuating element (6) having a cable (7) for transmission of a tensile force to be transmitted to the actuator arrangement (3) along an effective direction is connected to the actuator arrangement (3) in such a way that actuation of the emergency actuating element (6) moves the blocking element (4) into the unlocking position, wherein a funnel (8) surrounding the cable (7) is arranged between the actuator arrangement (3) and the emergency actuating element (6), and a tapering funnel outlet (9) of the funnel (8) faces the actuator arrangement (3) in the effective direction, and wherein the funnel (8) is provided with a hinge (14) such that the funnel (8) can be folded open along the cross section. In this way, a locking and unlocking device (1) having improved positioning of an emergency actuating element (6) is provided.

Description

[0001] STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0002] P24023.1WO 1 December 2, 2025

[0003] Kieke rt AG

[0004] Locking and unlocking device for a charging connector

[0005] The invention relates to a locking and unlocking device for a charging connector of an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising an actuator arrangement with a locking element, wherein the actuator arrangement is configured to move the locking element into a locking position which locks a corresponding charging connector to the charging connector and into an unlocking position which releases the corresponding charging connector, and comprising an emergency actuation element.

[0006] Electric and hybrid vehicles have a rechargeable energy storage system, usually a high-voltage battery, which provides energy to an electric drive motor during operation. The storage capacity of these high-voltage batteries is limited, so they must be recharged regularly at a charging station. The battery is charged via a charging cable located between the charging station and the vehicle. This charging cable, for example according to the European standard IEC 62196 Type 2, has a charging plug on one end that can be inserted into a charging socket provided at the charging station, and a charging coupler on the other end that can be connected to a charging connector installed in the electric or hybrid vehicle. For the purposes of this document, charging sockets, charging plugs, charging couplers, and charging connectors are collectively referred to as "charging connectors."Charging sockets and charging couplings have contact sleeves as charging contacts, and charging plugs as well as charging plugs that can be installed in electric or hybrid vehicles have contact pins as charging contacts which can be inserted into the contact sleeves.

[0007] In today's charging technology for electric and hybrid vehicles, it is standard practice to securely lock charging connectors and their corresponding connectors during the charging process to ensure uninterrupted power transmission. This is achieved using a locking element that is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0008] P24023.1WO 2 2 December 2025

[0009] Kieke rt AG's corresponding charging connector, which is attached to or plugged into the vehicle's charging connector, is held in the inserted position. This locking mechanism ensures that the charging process is not unintentionally interrupted by preventing the charging connectors from disconnecting. Furthermore, only a fully inserted charging connector can be locked, thus guaranteeing a secure connection between the charging connectors.

[0010] These locking mechanisms are typically operated by actuators such as electric motors. These actuators move the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position to release the corresponding charging connector once charging is complete. However, in the event of a power supply failure or a defect in the electric motor, the locking mechanism may not move to the unlocked position as intended. To allow manual unlocking, an emergency release mechanism is often provided, enabling the locking mechanism to be moved to the unlocked position by manual operation.

[0011] This emergency release mechanism typically requires a force transmitter, such as a cable, that acts on the actuator or locking element in a specific orientation to move the locking element into the unlocked position. This necessary orientation, also known as the direction of action, is crucial for the functionality of the emergency release mechanism. However, it also severely limits the placement of the emergency release, as it must be positioned at a specific angle to the actuator. This limitation restricts the use of such locks to vehicle types where the required orientation of the emergency release is feasible, or necessitates different model variants for different vehicle types. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0012] P24023.1WO 3 2 December 2025

[0013] Kieke rt AG

[0014] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a locking and unlocking device that enables improved positioning of an emergency actuating element.

[0015] This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further details are found in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, a locking and unlocking device for a charging connector of an electric or hybrid vehicle is provided, comprising an actuator arrangement with a locking element, wherein the actuator arrangement is configured to move the locking element into a locking position that locks a corresponding charging connector to the charging connector and into an unlocking position that releases the corresponding charging connector, and an emergency actuating element, wherein the emergency actuating element is connected to the actuator arrangement by a cable for transmitting a tensile force to be transmitted along a direction of action to the actuator arrangement such that actuation of the emergency actuating element moves the locking element into the unlocking position, wherein a funnel enclosing the cable is arranged between the actuator arrangement and the emergency actuating element.and a tapered funnel outlet of the funnel of the actuator arrangement faces in the direction of action and wherein the funnel is provided with a hinge so that the funnel can be opened along its cross-section.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention relates to a locking and unlocking device for a charging connector of an electric or hybrid vehicle. A charging connector can be understood as a device that establishes and secures an electrical connection between a vehicle and a charging station. The locking and unlocking device ensures that the charging connector remains firmly connected to the corresponding charging port during the charging process to guarantee safe current transmission. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0018] P24023.1WO 4 2 December 2025

[0019] Kieke rt AG

[0020] According to the invention, the device comprises an actuator arrangement with a locking element. An actuator arrangement is an arrangement in which an actuator—such as an electric motor—controls the movement or actuation of mechanical components to move the locking element. The locking element is configured, upon actuation by the actuator arrangement, to assume a locking position in which the corresponding charging connector is locked to the charging plug, and an unlocking position in which the corresponding charging plug is released. An advantage of this embodiment is that the locking element provides a mechanical lock that prevents the corresponding charging plug from unintentionally disconnecting.

[0021] Furthermore, the device is provided with an emergency actuating element. An emergency actuating element enables manual or automatic force transmission to move the locking element into the unlocked position. The emergency actuating element is connected to a cable designed to transmit a tensile force acting along a defined direction to the actuator assembly. This allows the locking element to be moved into the unlocked position when necessary. The emergency actuating element is operated by an operator of the locking and unlocking device. In this case, the actuation corresponds to applying a tensile force to the emergency actuating element. By pulling on the emergency actuating element, the tensile force is transmitted to the cable.

[0022] The direction of action is the specific direction along which the cable's tensile force must act on the actuator assembly to move the locking element into the unlocked position. This direction is crucial for the correct and efficient transmission of force from the emergency release element via the cable to the actuator assembly.

[0023] According to the invention, a funnel is provided between the actuator assembly and the emergency actuating element, which encloses the cable. A funnel can be described as a STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0024] P24023.1WO 5 2 December 2025

[0025] Kieke rt AG

[0026] The component is understood to be one that features a gradual narrowing from a wide opening or funnel inlet to a narrow funnel outlet and, in this case, serves to guide and align a flexible element, the cable. One advantage of the funnel is that it precisely aligns the cable in the desired direction of action towards the actuator assembly, thus reliably actuating the locking element into the unlocked position, even if the emergency release element is not positioned exactly in the direction of action relative to the actuator assembly.

[0027] Furthermore, the funnel's tapered outlet is designed to align with the direction of action towards the actuator assembly. Forces acting on the cable outside this direction are absorbed by the funnel, allowing only the portion of the tensile force acting along the direction of action to pass through. An advantage of this arrangement lies in the flexibility of positioning the emergency release element. Because the funnel's outlet always guides the cable in the direction of action towards the actuator assembly, the emergency release element can be positioned almost independently of the actuator assembly's location. This facilitates integration into various vehicle types and increases the versatility of the locking and unlocking device.

[0028] When a corresponding charging connector is mentioned in the present text, this refers, on the one hand, to a charging connector that has the same mating face as the charging connector according to the invention, wherein one mating face has contact pins while the other mating face has contact sleeves, and vice versa. The set consisting of the charging connector and the corresponding charging connector can therefore be plugged together. On the other hand, the term "corresponding charging connector" is also used here when the mating faces in the aforementioned sense only partially correspond, i.e., the corresponding charging connector does not have all the contacts that are present in the charging connector according to the invention. The existing contacts are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0029] P24023.1WO 6 2 December 2025

[0030] Kieke rt AG of the corresponding charging connector, however, corresponds to the charging connector according to the invention in terms of the plug face, so that the charging connector according to the invention and the corresponding charging connector can also be plugged together in this case.

[0031] One such case is a charging coupling for DC charging connected to a charging cable according to the European standard IEC 62196 Type 2. Such a charging coupling can be plugged into a charging plug installed in the body of an electric or hybrid vehicle and suitable for both AC and DC charging, whereby the AC plug face of the DC charging coupling only has the communication contacts and the protective contact, but no contacts for live conductors and a neutral conductor for AC charging.

[0032] According to a further development of the invention, the surface of the funnel facing the cable is concavely curved in cross-section along the cable from the funnel outlet to a funnel inlet opposite the outlet. A concavely curved surface can be understood as a bulge that curves inwards towards the cable, thus enabling the cable to be guided in a stable position within the funnel. An advantage of this arrangement is that the concave shape distributes the tensile force of the cable evenly and directs it in a controlled manner to the actuator assembly, contributing to more precise and reliable actuation of the locking element. The cable rests against the contour of the funnel or is guided by the contour of the funnel towards the funnel outlet.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the surface of the funnel inlet of the funnel is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the funnel outlet in the cross-section. A perpendicular arrangement can be understood as an orthogonal orientation of the surface of the funnel inlet with respect to the funnel outlet of the funnel. The emergency actuation element can therefore be arranged in a STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL manner.

[0034] P24023.1WO 7 2 December 2025

[0035] Kieke rt AG

[0036] The hemisphere is placed around the center of the funnel. Due to the vertical surface at the funnel inlet, it is even possible to position the emergency release element perpendicular to an opening formed by the funnel outlet.

[0037] One embodiment of the invention provides that the funnel opening of the funnel is folded over. A folded funnel opening can be understood as a section of the funnel that is bent back so that no circumferential edge is formed. Instead, the funnel opening has a smooth and sliding contour. An advantage of this folded funnel opening lies in the additional stability and protective function, which securely holds the cable in its guide and protects it from abrasion at the edges, thus contributing to an increased service life of the device. At the same time, the spatial angle in which the emergency actuation element can be positioned is increased, since the cable can slide along the folded funnel opening without rubbing against an edge.

[0038] In a further development of the invention, it is intended that the locking and unlocking device comprises a housing surrounding the actuator assembly, wherein the housing has a through-opening, and the funnel is formed in the through-opening, with the funnel outlet facing the interior of the housing. A housing can be understood as a structure that encloses and protects the actuator assembly. An advantage of this arrangement is that the funnel is fixedly arranged in the housing, thereby ensuring stable cable guidance and keeping the funnel optimally aligned with the actuator assembly. Likewise, the housing protects the actuator assembly from external environmental influences.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the funnel is inserted into the through-opening with a snap fastener. A snap fastener can be understood as a releasable connection that allows for secure fastening while simultaneously enabling easy assembly and disassembly. [STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL]

[0040] P24023.1WO 8 2 December 2025

[0041] Kieke rt AG's snap closure feature allows for quick and tool-free installation of the funnel in the housing, which simplifies assembly processes and increases the ease of maintenance of the device.

[0042] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the funnel inlet of the funnel is offset from the housing. An offset funnel inlet can be understood as an arrangement in which the funnel inlet of the funnel is positioned at a distance from the housing. An advantage of this arrangement is the flexibility of the cable routing and the avoidance of friction points between the funnel and the housing, which supports the cable's durability. In particular, the spatial angle for positioning the emergency actuation element can be significantly increased if the funnel inlet is also folded over.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the funnel is provided with a hinge, allowing it to be opened along its cross-section. A hinge can be understood as a movable connection that enables the funnel to be opened. An advantage of the hinge is the simplified installation or maintenance of the cable inside the funnel, as the funnel can be opened to conveniently route or inspect the cable.

[0044] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the locking and unlocking device comprises an annular sealing element, wherein the annular sealing element is attached to the funnel outlet and seals the housing against the cable. An annular sealing element can be understood as a seal that encloses a circle and prevents the ingress of dirt or moisture. The sealing element is designed to provide a seal both in the through-opening and against the cable. The seal against the cable, in conjunction with the sealing element, is accordingly a sliding seal. An advantage of the sealing element is the protection of the actuator assembly from environmental influences, which improves the functionality and longevity of the device. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0045] P24023.1WO 9 2 December 2025

[0046] Kieke rt AG

[0047] One embodiment of the invention provides that the cable has a sheath that encloses the cable in such a way that the cable is movable within the sheath. A sheath can be understood as a protective covering around the cable that allows independent movement of the cable within the sheath. This effectively creates a Bowden cable. An advantage of this sheath is the reduced wear on the cable, since the sheath absorbs friction while the cable remains flexible and the tensile force is efficiently transmitted to the actuator assembly.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the funnel is made of a plastic or the surface of the funnel facing the cable is coated with a plastic. A plastic can be understood as a durable, non-metallic material with good sliding properties. An advantage of the plastic coating lies in the reduction of friction between the cable and the funnel, which minimizes power loss, improves the efficiency of power transmission to the actuator assembly, and reduces cable wear.

[0049] One embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator arrangement comprises an electric motor and a gearbox with a shaft, wherein the electric motor is positively connected to the locking element via the gearbox, so that the locking element is moved into the locking position or the unlocking position by a rotation of the shaft, and the cable is attached tangentially to a disk arranged on the shaft.

[0050] A shaft can be understood as a rotating axis that transmits movements or forces. Naturally, the gearbox can also have additional shafts for converting the torque generated by the electric motor. According to the invention, however, a disc is arranged on at least one shaft of the gearbox. The disc can be fixed to the shaft by means of a shaft-hub connection with a keyway. The electric motor causes the shaft to rotate in two different directions. During rotation in one direction, STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0051] P24023.1WO 10 2 December 2025

[0052] Kieke rt AG

[0053] The direction of rotation causes the locking element to move into the locked position. Conversely, rotating the shaft in the opposite direction causes the locking element to move into the unlocked position. Since the cable is now tangentially attached to the disc, actuating the emergency release mechanism in the event of an electric motor failure also causes the disc, and consequently the shaft, to rotate in the direction that moves the locking element into the unlocked position.

[0054] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cable is arranged so that, in the locked position of the locking element, it rests circumferentially against the disc and is guided tangentially in the direction of action from the disc to the funnel outlet of the hopper. An advantage of this guidance is the reduction of friction losses, since the cable is always held in the optimal direction and the force flow to the actuator assembly remains continuous and efficient. At the same time, this defines a maximum length that the emergency actuating element can travel until the smallest possible distance between the point of attachment of the cable to the disc and the funnel outlet of the hopper is reached.

[0055] A further embodiment of the invention provides that, in the locked position, the cable rests against the disc along half its circumference. An advantage of this arrangement is the stable mounting of the cable on the disc, which prevents twisting and effectively directs the tensile force along the desired path. For this purpose, a groove is provided in the disc running around its circumference, in which the cable can be received.

[0056] One embodiment of the invention provides that the emergency release element, cable, and disc are integrated as a single unit in the form of a return lever. An advantage of this one-piece design is the simplicity of the design and the increased robustness of the emergency release element, which enables quick and reliable unlocking. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0057] P24023.1WO 11 2 December 2025

[0058] Kieke rt AG

[0059] In a further development of the invention, it is intended that the funnel outlet has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cable. This ensures that the cable is guided precisely through the funnel outlet. Forces that do not act along the direction of action on the cable are absorbed by the funnel.

[0060] Finally, the invention comprises a charging connector with the locking and unlocking device described above.

[0061] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. However, it is important to note that these exemplary embodiments do not limit the invention but merely represent different configurations. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features described in the patent claims.

[0062] The drawings show

[0063] Fig. 1a shows a charging connector with a locking and unlocking device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0064] Fig. lb shows a charging connector corresponding to the charging connector from Fig. 1a.

[0065] Charging connectors,

[0066] Fig. 2a shows a locking and unlocking device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0067] Fig. 2b shows a locking and unlocking device according to a further

[0068] Exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a return lever according to an embodiment of the invention, STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0070] P24023.1WO 12 2 December 2025

[0071] Kieke rt AG

[0072] Fig. 4 shows a section of the return lever from Fig. 3 and a funnel according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0073] Fig. 5a-c Funnel according to various embodiments of the invention.

[0074] Figure 1a shows a front view of a charging connector 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. This is a charging connector for installation in the body of an electric or hybrid vehicle. The present charging connector 1 is essentially, and with regard to its mating face, a charging connector according to the European standard IEC 62196 Type 2. A locking and unlocking device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 2a or Figure 2b, is arranged laterally on the charging connector. The locking and unlocking device 1 is designed to engage a locking element 4 in corresponding receptacles 23 of a charging connector 5 corresponding to Figure 1b.

[0075] The charging connector 2 can therefore be coupled to the corresponding charging connector 5, which is shown in Fig. 1b. This is a charging coupling that can be attached to a charging cable and plugged into the charging plug. To secure the corresponding charging connector 5 to the charging plug in the connected state, the locking element 4 with the locking and unlocking device 1 is inserted into the receptacles 23 of the corresponding charging connector 5.

[0076] Figure 2a shows the locking and unlocking device 1. This device is provided with a housing 11, which includes an actuator assembly 3 with an electric motor 17, a gearbox 18, and a locking element 4. The electric motor 17 is connected to the gearbox 18 to transmit the torque generated by the electric motor 17 to the locking element 4. The locking element 4 is designed as a bolt, which is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0077] P24023.1WO 13 2 December 2025

[0078] Kieke rt AG can be moved in a linear motion from the housing 11 into a locking position. For this purpose, the electric motor 17 is connected to a control unit 22 for signal transmission. Upon receiving a signal from the control unit 22, the locking element 4 can be moved from an unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa.

[0079] The gearbox 18 has at least one shaft 19. A return lever 21 with a shaft-hub connection is arranged on this shaft 19. The return lever 21 is shown in Fig. 3 and has a disc 20, a cable 7 attached to the disc 20, and an emergency actuating element 6. The emergency actuating element 6 from Fig. 3 is designed as a kind of knob that can be actuated by an operator of the locking and unlocking device 1 by pulling on the knob. The pulling force exerted on the emergency actuating element 6 is then transmitted along the cable 7. The same applies to the emergency actuating element 6 in Fig. 2a, which, together with the cable 7, is designed as a Bowden cable. A sheathing for the cable 7 is not shown in Fig. 2a. The emergency actuation element 6 in Fig. 2a is designed in such a way that another Bowden cable can be attached to this emergency actuation element 6.

[0080] In order for the locking element 4 to be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position in the event of a failure of the electric motor 17, the shaft 19 must be rotated in the gearbox 18 until the locking element 4 reaches the unlocked position. For this to occur, the tensile force must act tangentially on the disk 20. To guide the cable 7 to the disk 20 in a direction that allows the tensile force to act tangentially on the disk 20, a funnel 8 is provided between the actuator assembly 3 and the emergency actuating element 6, or between the disk 20 and the emergency actuating element 6.

[0081] A through-opening is required to receive and securely position the funnel 8.

[0082] 12 is formed in the housing 11. The funnel 8, with its tapered funnel outlet 9, is aligned in the direction of action towards the disk 20, so that the STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0083] P24023.1WO 14 2 December 2025

[0084] Kieke rt AG

[0085] Cable 7 is received through a wide funnel inlet 10 opposite the funnel outlet 9 and guided along the contour of the funnel 8 to the funnel outlet 9. One diameter of the funnel outlet 9 corresponds to one diameter of the cable 7. The funnel 8 is set off from the housing 11 and has a surface that is concave in cross-section along the cable 7. The cable 7 is guided along the surface or contour of the funnel 8 to the funnel outlet 9 by the concave surface of the funnel 8, which extends from the funnel inlet 10 to the funnel outlet 9. Funnels 8 with such concave surfaces can be seen in Figures 5a to c. The funnel 8 then distributes the tensile force applied to the cable via the emergency release element 6.

[0086] 7 is transferred, regardless of the position of the emergency actuating element 6 to the position of the actuator arrangement 3, in the direction of action required for actuating the actuator arrangement 3, to the actuator arrangement 3, specifically to the disk 20.

[0087] The further embodiment of the locking and unlocking device 1 from Fig. 2b shows a cable 7 without sheathing and with a knob instead of the Bowden cable. The funnel

[0088] 8 in this embodiment is provided with a hinge 14 and is also shown in Fig. 5a.

[0089] Figure 4 shows a section of the locking and unlocking device 1 from Figure 2a. The funnel 8 is provided with a snap lock 13, which allows for easy mounting in the housing 11 of the actuator assembly 3. A sealing element 15 is attached to the funnel outlet 9, which seals the housing 11 both at the through-opening 12 and at the cable 7.

[0090] Figures 5a to c show various embodiments of the funnel 8. The funnel 8 in Figure 5a is, as already mentioned, set off from the housing 11 and has a concave surface. The funnel 8 in Figure 5b is shown in a cross-sectional view along the cable 7 and has a surface at the funnel inlet 10 that is perpendicular to the surface of the funnel outlet 9. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0091] P24023.1WO 15 2 December 2025

[0092] Kieke rt AG

[0093] The funnel 8 in Fig. 5c is also shown in a cross-sectional view and has a folded funnel inlet 10.

[0094] STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0095] P24023.1WO 16 2 December 2025

[0096] Kieke rt AG

[0097] Reference symbol list

[0098] 1 Locking and unlocking device

[0099] 2 charging connectors

[0100] 3 Actuator arrangement

[0101] 4 locking element

[0102] 5 corresponding charging connectors

[0103] 6 Actuating element

[0104] 7 cables

[0105] 8 funnels

[0106] 9 Funnel outlet

[0107] 10 Funnel inlet

[0108] 11 cases

[0109] 12. Passage opening

[0110] 13 Snap fastener

[0111] 14 hinge

[0112] 15 sealing element

[0113] 17 Electric motor

[0114] 18 gearboxes

[0115] 19th wave

[0116] 20 slices

[0117] 21 Return lever

[0118] 22 Control unit

[0119] 23 recording

Claims

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL P24023.1WO 17 2. December 2025 Watch rt AG Patent Lawsuit 1. Locking and unlocking device (1) for a charging connector (2) of an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising an actuator arrangement (3) with a locking element (4), wherein the actuator arrangement (3) is configured to move the locking element (4) into a locking position that locks a corresponding charging connector (5) to the charging connector (2) and into an unlocking position that releases the corresponding charging connector (5), an emergency actuating element (6), wherein the emergency actuating element (6) is connected to the actuator arrangement (3) by a cable (7) for transmitting a tensile force to be transmitted along a direction of action to the actuator arrangement (3) such that actuation of the emergency actuating element (6) moves the locking element (4) into the unlocking position, wherein a funnel (8) enclosing the cable (7) is arranged between the actuator arrangement (3) and the emergency actuating element (6),and a tapered funnel outlet (9) of the funnel (8) of the actuator arrangement (3) is oriented towards the direction of action, characterized in that the funnel (8) is provided with a hinge (14) so ​​that the funnel (8) can be opened along its cross-section.

2. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the funnel (8) facing the cable (7) is concave in cross-section along the cable (7) from the funnel outlet (9) to a funnel inlet (10) opposite the funnel outlet (9) with respect to the cable (7).

3. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the The surface of the funnel inlet (10) of the funnel (8) runs in the cross-section perpendicular to the surface of the funnel outlet (9). STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL P24023.1WO 18 2 December 2025 Kieke rt AG 4. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel inlet (10) of the funnel (8) is flipped over.

5. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims with a housing (11) surrounding the actuator arrangement (3), wherein the housing (11) has a through-opening (12), wherein the funnel (8) is formed in the through-opening (12), and the funnel outlet (9) of the funnel (8) faces the interior of the housing (11).

6. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the funnel (8) is inserted into the through-opening (12) with a snap lock (13).

7. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the funnel inlet (10) of the funnel (8) is set off from the housing (11).

8. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an annular sealing element (15), wherein the annular sealing element (15) is attached to the funnel outlet (9) of the funnel (8) and seals the housing (11) with the cable (7).

9. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (7) has a sheathing which surrounds the cable (7) in such a way that the cable (7) is movable within the sheathing.

10. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel (8) is made of a plastic or the surface of the funnel (8) facing the cable (7) is coated with a plastic. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL P24023.1WO 19 2 December 2025 Kieke rt AG 11. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator arrangement (3) comprises an electric motor (17) and a gearbox (18) with shaft (19), the electric motor (17) is frictionally connected to the locking element (4) via the gearbox (18), so that the locking element (4) is moved into the locking position or the unlocking position by a rotation of the shaft (19), and the cable (7) is attached tangentially to a disk (20) arranged on the shaft (19).

12. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the cable (7) in the locking position of the locking element (4) is circumferentially in contact with the disk (20) and is guided tangentially in the direction of action from the disk (20) to the funnel outlet (9) of the funnel (8).

13. Locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel outlet (9) has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cable (7).

14. Charging connector (2) with the locking and unlocking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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