Electrical socket for charging battery of vehicle, in particular electric or hybrid vehicle

Abstract

An electrical socket (1) for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, the electrical socket (1) being adapted to be mounted in an electric vehicle and being provided with at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2 ', 3'), in particular adapted to heat the electrical socket (1). The electrical socket (1) comprises a body (4, 4 ') provided with at least one electrical connector (42, 43), a cover element (5, 5') provided with at least one opening (50, 50 ') enabling a charging plug to be inserted into the electrical socket (1), where the at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3 ') is arranged to heat the body (4, 4'), where the at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2 ', 3') is arranged between the body (4, 4 ') and the cover element (5, 5').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric or hybrid vehicles, such as cars, scooters or motorcycles.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an electrical socket for charging a battery for vehicle propulsion, which is adapted to be installed in a vehicle, in particular fixed inside the vehicle as part of the vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Electric vehicles (e.g., pure electric or hybrid cars) are equipped with a battery (in particular, a power battery) for vehicle propulsion, which must be charged.

[0004] Therefore, electric or hybrid cars (like other electric vehicles) are provided with an electrical socket to which a charging plug (e.g., the plug of a charging station) can be connected.

[0005] The electrical socket installed on an electric or hybrid car can be of various types. For example, one type of electrical socket is of the type according to the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, which includes two different electrical connectors, wherein the first electrical connector is for DC charging and the second electrical connector is for AC charging. For example, another type of electrical socket includes only one electrical connector, particularly for AC charging.

[0006] Unfortunately, when the charging plug is connected to the electrical socket, ice forms between the electrical socket and the charging plug (especially at the interface between the electrical socket and the charging plug). The ice sticks the electrical socket and the plug together, so that the charging plug cannot be detached from the electrical socket, thus preventing the use of the vehicle.

[0007] This situation may occur, for example, in colder countries, especially during night charging under given temperature and humidity conditions.

[0008] Similarly, ice may undesirably form and block the pin (which is part of the electrical socket), and the pin serves as a locking structure to prevent the accidental pulling out of the charging plug. Also, in this case, the ice prevents the charging plug from disconnecting from the electrical socket, thus preventing the use of the vehicle.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical socket that can solve the problem of the charging plug being undesirably stuck to the electrical socket of a car due to the formation of ice.

[0011] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical socket which enables a charging plug to be quickly detached from the electrical socket when the charging plug and the electrical socket are stuck together due to ice.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical socket that is easy to manufacture and maintain.

[0013] These and at least one of the other objects that are obvious in view of the present specification are achieved by an electrical socket for charging a battery of an electric vehicle according to claim 1, the electrical socket being adapted to be mounted on an electric vehicle and provided with at least one electric heater, the at least one electric heater being in particular adapted to heat the electrical socket;

[0014] The electrical socket comprises:

[0015] a body provided with at least one electrical connector;

[0016] a cover element provided with at least one opening through which a charging plug can be inserted into the electrical socket;

[0017] wherein the at least one electric heater is arranged to heat the body;

[0018] wherein the at least one electric heater is arranged between the body and the cover element.

[0019] The cover element is in particular a cover or a housing.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a vehicle according to claim 14.

[0021] Advantageously, by having the at least one electric heater between the body and the cover element, the electrical socket can be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

[0022] Furthermore, in the event of a fault, the at least one electric heater can be easily replaced or repaired without having to replace other components (e.g., the cover element).

[0023] Furthermore, such an arrangement provides the possibility of manufacturing the electrical socket according to claim 1 by retrofitting an existing electrical socket.

[0024] Advantageously, if required, the at least one electric heater can be activated so that the ice that causes the charging plug and the electrical socket to adhere to each other can be quickly melted. Thus, the present invention enables the vehicle to be used quickly and the charging plug can be released from the vehicle.

[0025] The at least one electric heater can advantageously melt any ice that may block the pins (the pins are part of the electrical socket), and the pins serve as a locking structure to prevent the charging plug from being accidentally pulled out.

[0026] For further facilitating manufacturing and maintenance, it is particularly preferred that the at least one electric heater includes a metal body, and at least one electric heating device is arranged in the metal body, and the electric heating device is preferably an armored resistor or an armored cartridge heater; or the at least one electric heater includes a conductive track embedded in an electrically insulating layer, and the at least one electric heater is preferably substantially flat.

[0027] These types of electric heaters also offer other advantages, such as being superior to resistance heating wires.

[0028] In particular, it is preferred that the at least one electric heater includes a metal body, and at least one armored resistor or at least one armored cartridge heater is arranged in the metal body; or the at least one electric heater is of the etched foil type.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary but non - exclusive embodiments.

[0030] The dependent claims describe specific embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non - limiting example, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a first example of an electrical socket according to the present invention is shown, in which one component of the electrical socket is shown separated from other components;

[0033] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of the electrical socket in

[0034] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of some components of the electrical socket in

[0035] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Another perspective view of the components in

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of some components of a second example of an electrical socket according to the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of other components of a second example of an electrical socket according to the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of some components of a third example of an electrical socket according to the present invention is shown.

[0039] Identical elements or components have the same reference numerals. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0040] A non-limiting example of an embodiment of an electrical socket 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The electrical socket 1 is used to charge one or more storage batteries of an electric vehicle.

[0042] The electrical socket 1 is adapted to be mounted in an electric vehicle, in particular, adapted to be mounted inside the electric vehicle as part of it.

[0043] In particular, an "electric vehicle" refers to any electrically driven vehicle, especially at least partially electric. For example, the electric vehicle can be a car, a scooter or a motorcycle.

[0044] In particular, the electrical socket 1 is configured to connect to a charging plug (not shown) or a charging gun, such as those of an electric vehicle charging station.

[0045] In all embodiments, the electrical socket 1 is advantageously provided with at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2', 3', 2'', 2''', 3'' (i.e., one or more electric heaters), which is especially adapted to heat the electrical socket 1.

[0046] In particular, the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2', 3', 2'', 2''', 3'' is adapted to generate heat when powered. In other words, the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2', 3', 2'', 2''', 3'' can generate heat by the Joule effect.

[0047] Preferably, the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2', 3', 2'', 2''', 3'' is adapted to be powered by the electrical system of the vehicle (e.g., through a suitable switch).

[0048] In particular, the electrical socket 1 includes a body 4, 4' provided with at least one electrical connector 42, 43. In particular, the body 4, 4' is made of plastic.

[0049] In particular, the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2', 3', 2'', 2''', 3'' is arranged such that it can heat the body 4, 4'.

[0050] The electrical socket 1 in particular includes cover elements 5, 5', 5" or a cover or a housing. In particular, the cover elements 5, 5', 5" are provided with at least one opening 50, 50', 50" which allows a charging plug to be inserted into the electrical socket 1, in particular allows the charging plug to be inserted into at least one of the electrical connectors 42, 43.

[0051] In particular, the openings 5, 5', 5" are arranged at one or more of the electrical connectors 42, 43 of the electrical socket 1.

[0052] In particular, the cover elements 5, 5', 5" are made of plastic.

[0053] The body 4, 4' and the cover elements 5, 5', 5" are fixed to each other, for example, by screws.

[0054] In particular, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3', 2", 2"', 3" is arranged between the body 4, 4' provided with at least one electrical connector 42, 43 and the cover elements 5, 5', 5".

[0055] In particular, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is arranged outside the cover elements 5, 5', in particular completely outside the cover elements 5, 5'; and in particular, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is arranged outside the body 4, in particular completely outside the body 4. In other words, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is not embedded in the cover elements 5, 5' nor in the body 4.

[0056] Preferably, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is fixed to the outer surface of the body 4, 4' and / or the outer surface of the cover elements 5, 5'.

[0057] At least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is preferably removable from the electrical socket; in particular, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is detachable from the body 4, 4' and / or the cover elements 5, 5'.

[0058] Preferably, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2', 3' is in contact with the body 4, 4' and the cover elements 5, 5' simultaneously, in particular in direct contact.

[0059] Preferably, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2", 2"′ is arranged at least partially around at least one of the electrical connectors 42, 43 of the electrical socket 1 (i.e., at least partially arranged around at least one of the electrical connectors 42, 43). In particular, at least one of the electrical heaters 2, 3, 2", 2"′ preferably extends at least partially along or around a bending axis.

[0060] In particular, the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2′, 3′, 2″, 2″′, 3″ is arranged inside the electrical socket 1.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, by way of non-limiting example only, the electrical socket 1 is provided with two different electrical connectors 42, 43, wherein the first electrical connector 42 is for DC charging and the second electrical connector 43 is for AC charging. In particular, the electrical socket 1 complies with the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard.

[0062] However, it is obvious that the electrical socket can also be of another type, for example having only one electrical connector, for example for AC charging.

[0063] Specific reference is made to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 which show a first non-limiting example of the electrical socket 1 according to the present invention.

[0064] In this example, the at least one electric heater 2, 3 comprises a metal body or metal block 21, 31, in which at least one electric heating device 6, 7 is arranged. In Figure 2 the metal body 21 is shown in a partially transparent manner so as to better show the electric heating device 6 arranged inside the metal body 21.

[0065] The at least one electric heating device 6, 7 can generate heat (in particular by the Joule effect). The heat generated by the at least one electric heating device 6, 7 is transferred to the metal bodies 21, 31, which in turn can transfer the heat.

[0066] For example, the at least one electric heating device 6, 7 can have a metal casing (or sheath). For example, the electric heating devices 6, 7 are armored resistors or armored cartridge heaters (in particular tubular armored cartridge heaters). Preferably, the electric heating devices 6, 7 include one or more resistance elements (for example, one or more resistance wires) embedded in an insulating material (for example, magnesium oxide), and a metal casing (or sheath) in which the one or more resistance elements and the insulating material are arranged.

[0067] The metal bodies 21, 31 are preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0068] Preferably, the metal bodies 21, 31 are overmolded on the at least one electric heating device 6, 7, in particular by die casting.

[0069] Some advantages of the first example are provided below.

[0070] Advantageously, the metal bodies 21, 31 can dissipate heat in places where icing may occur.

[0071] The at least one electric heater 2, 3 can be fully integrated inside the electrical socket 1 with a minimum footprint.

[0072] The at least one electric heater 2, 3 can be mass-produced at low cost (preferably by die-casting).

[0073] Advantageously, the electric heaters 2, 3 (in particular the metal bodies 21, 31) do not require additional electrical insulation. In fact, the electric heaters 2, 3 are fully electrically insulated and do not pose problems of high voltage (e.g., up to 800 V).

[0074] There is excellent heat exchange between the at least one electric heating device 6, 7 and the metal bodies 21, 31. In fact, during the die-casting process forming the metal bodies 21, 31, the metal bodies 21, 31 solidify around the electric heating devices 6, 7 (in particular around their metal housings), thus avoiding air layers that would reduce heat transfer. In particular, the pressure inside the mold prevents the formation of air bubbles that would reduce the thermal efficiency.

[0075] Preferably, in order to improve heat dissipation, the metal bodies 21, 31 are provided with a plurality of fins 211, 311 or protrusions adapted to dissipate the heat generated by the at least one electric heating device 6, 7.

[0076] In Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the electrical socket 1 is provided with two independent electric heaters 2, 3, each electric heater being at least partially arranged around the respective electrical connectors 42, 43 of the electrical socket 1. In an example not shown, the electrical socket has a single electric heater arranged at least partially around the two electrical connectors 42, 43 of the electrical socket.

[0077] Specific reference is made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 which shows another non-limiting example of an electrical socket according to the present invention.

[0078] In this example, the at least one electric heater 2', 3' is or comprises an etched foil heater.

[0079] In particular, in this example, the at least one electric heater 2', 3' comprises conductive tracks 20', 30' embedded in electrical insulation layers 21', 31'. In Figure 5 the electrical insulation layers 21', 31' are shown in a partially transparent manner so that the conductive tracks 20', 30' can be seen. In particular, the electrical insulation layers 21', 31' are polymers (e.g., made of polyamide or polyimide (e.g. (Kapton)) or made of silicone). The at least one electric heater 2', 3' is preferably thin. The at least one electric heater 2', 3' is preferably substantially flat. Preferably, the at least one electric heater 2', 3' has a thickness between 0.1 and 5 mm. In particular, the electric heaters 2', 3' are much thinner than their width or length.

[0080] For example, the conductive tracks 20', 30' are made of metal.

[0081] The conductive tracks 20', 30' are preferably flat.

[0082] For example, the conductive tracks 20', 30' are made by etching a metal foil.

[0083] The conductive tracks 20', 30' are adapted to generate heat, in particular by the Joule effect. The heat generated by the conductive tracks 20', 30' is transferred to the electrical insulation layers 21', 31', which in turn can transfer the heat.

[0084] Preferably, the at least one electric heater 2', 3' is flexible before being fixed to the electrical socket.

[0085] The electric heaters 2', 3' are preferably substantially heating sheets.

[0086] Optionally, the invention may provide a metal body (not shown) fixed to the electrical insulation layers 21', 31', such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In particular, the metal body is adapted to dissipate the heat generated by the conductive tracks 20', 30'. For example, the metal body may be a foil. Preferably, the foil has a larger surface area than the surface area of the electrical insulation layers 21', 31', and has a portion in contact with the body of the electrical socket (e.g., the body 4' or the cover element 5').

[0087] The electrical socket may include an electric heater 2' fixed to the body 4' and / or an electric heater 3' fixed to the cover element 5'. In the example shown, the electrical socket includes both an electric heater 2' fixed to the body 4' and another electric heater 3' fixed to the cover element 5'.

[0088] In particular, the electric heater 2' is fixed to the outer surface of the body 4', preferably facing the cover element 5'. The electric heater 3' is fixed to the outer surface of the cover element 5', preferably facing the body 4'.

[0089] Figure 7Shows some components of a third example of an electrical socket according to the present invention. In particular, an electric heater 2″ and / or an electric heater 2″′ and / or an electric heater 3″ are provided. Each of the electric heaters 2″, 2″′, 3″ includes a respective conductive track embedded in a respective electrically insulating layer. Each of the electric heaters 2″, 2″′, 3″ may have one or more features of the electric heaters in the second example of the electrical socket.

[0090] The electric heater 2″ is bent and arranged to extend around a connector of the electrical socket ( Figure 7 not shown in the figure), and the electric heater 2″′ is bent and arranged to extend around another connector of the electrical socket ( Figure 7 not shown in the figure).

[0091] The electric heater 3″ is generally flat and has a through hole. In particular, the electric heater 3″ is fixed to the cover element 5″ or the cover or housing of the electrical socket.

[0092] Some advantages of the second and third examples are given below.

[0093] Advantageously, the at least one electric heater 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ can dissipate heat in places where icing may occur.

[0094] The at least one electric heater 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ can be neatly installed in the electrical socket with a minimum footprint.

[0095] In particular, the at least one electric heater 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ is preferably flexible (especially thin and flexible), and can advantageously cover a relatively large area and possibly cover a curved surface.

[0096] Advantageously, the electric heaters 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ do not require additional electrical insulation. In fact, the electric heaters 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ are fully electrically insulated and do not pose problems of high voltage (such as up to 800V).

[0097] The electric heaters 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ are energy-efficient.

[0098] The present invention also relates to a vehicle (especially an electric or hybrid vehicle) provided with an electrical socket 1, which vehicle is especially an automobile, a moped or a motorcycle. The vehicle is preferably configured to be able to supply power to the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ so that the at least one electric heater 2, 3, 2′, 2″, 2″′, 3′, 3″ can generate heat.

Claims

1. An electrical socket (1) for charging a storage battery of an electric vehicle, the electrical socket (1) being adapted to be installed in an electric vehicle and provided with at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3'), the at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') being particularly adapted to heat the electrical socket (1); The electrical socket (1) comprises: a body (4, 4'), the body (4, 4') being provided with at least one electrical connector (42, 43); a cover element (5, 5'), the cover element (5, 5') being provided with at least one opening (50, 50') through which a charging plug can be inserted into the electrical socket (1); wherein the at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged to heat the body (4, 4'); wherein the at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged between the body (4, 4') and the cover element (5, 5').

2. The electrical socket (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2, 3) comprises a metal body (21, 31), and at least one electric heating device (6, 7) is arranged in the metal body (21, 31).

3. The electrical socket (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one electric heating device (6, 7) is provided with a metal casing; the electric heating device (6, 7) is preferably an armored resistor or an armored cartridge heater.

4. The electrical socket (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The metal body (21, 31) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and / or wherein the metal body (21, 31) is formed by overmolding on the at least one electric heating device (6, 7), in particular by die casting.

5. The electrical socket (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The metal body (21, 31) is provided with a plurality of fins (211, 311) or protrusions, the plurality of fins (211, 311) or protrusions being adapted to dissipate the heat generated by the at least one electric heating device (6, 7).

6. The electrical socket according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2', 3') comprises conductive tracks (30', 21') embedded in an electrically insulating layer (21', 31'); the at least one electric heater (2', 3') is preferably substantially flat; in particular, wherein the at least one electric heater (2', 3') is an etched foil heater.

7. The electrical socket according to claim 6, comprising an electric heater (2') fixed to the body (4') and / or an electric heater (3') fixed to the cover element (5').

8. The electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged outside the cover element (5, 5'), in particular completely outside the cover element (5, 5'); in particular, wherein the at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged outside the body (4), in particular completely outside the body (4).

9. The electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') can be removed from the electrical socket; in particular, wherein the at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') can be removed from the body (4, 4') and / or the cover element (5, 5').

10. The electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is fixed to the outer surface of the body (4, 4') and / or the outer surface of the cover element (5, 5').

11. The electrical socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2, 3) is arranged at least partially around at least one electrical connector (42, 43) of the electrical socket (1).

12. The electrical socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electrical socket (1) is provided with two different electric heaters (2, 3), each of the two electric heaters being arranged at least partially around a respective electrical connector (42, 43) of the electrical socket (1); or alternatively, the electrical socket is provided with a single electric heater arranged at least partially simultaneously around the two different electrical connectors (42, 43).

13. The electrical socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one electric heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged inside the electrical socket (1).

14. A vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle, is provided with an electrical socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vehicle in particular being a car, a moped or a motorcycle.

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