CABLE GUIDE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

Abstract

Cable management assembly designed for selective mounting on an electrified vehicle, comprising: a cable management structure; and an electromagnet designed to be selectively switched on to secure the cable routing structure to an outside of the electrified vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cable management assembly and an associated method for its use. In general, the cable management assembly is designed for selective mounting on the exterior of a vehicle and is particularly useful for controlling sag in a charging cable of an electric vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are selectively powered using one or more electric motors supplied with energy by a traction battery. These electric motors can power the vehicles instead of, or in addition to, an internal combustion engine. Examples of electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

[0003] Some electrified vehicles charge a battery pack using electricity from an external power source, such as a mains power supply. These electrified vehicles are connected to the external power source using an electric vehicle servicing system (EVSE). A wiring harness, including a power cable (sometimes called a "charging cable" or "cable") and a connector, is one example of an EVSE. Electricity travels from the mains power source through the wiring harness to the electrified vehicle. The electricity is used to charge the battery pack.

[0004] Document DE 10 2006 036 678 A1 describes the fastening of cables in or on vehicles using magnetic holders, in particular a potential distributor is attached to the vehicle body with holding magnets.

[0005] Document DE 20 2010 005 644 U1 discloses an arrangement of a cable with a cable holder, in particular an arrangement of a cable on a holding surface.

[0006] Document DE 101 17 012 A1 describes an engine compartment interior light suitable for all motor vehicles with a hood and which has magnetic mounts. SUMMARY

[0007] A cable management assembly designed for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle includes, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a cable management structure and an electromagnet designed to be selectively switched on to attach the cable management assembly to an outside of the electrified vehicle.

[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned cable management assembly, the assembly includes a battery electrically coupled to the electromagnet and a control module electrically coupled to the battery. The battery is configured to switch on the electromagnet in response to a command from the control module.

[0009] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of one of the aforementioned cable routing assemblies, the control module is designed to switch off the electromagnet only upon receiving a detected input.

[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of one of the foregoing cable routing assemblies, the assembly further includes a user interface which is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the detected input from an input to the user interface.

[0011] In another non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above cable management assemblies, the user interface is a keypad that includes a plurality of keys.

[0012] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of one of the aforementioned cable routing assemblies, the keys of the plurality of keys are alphanumeric keys.

[0013] In another non-restrictive embodiment of one of the above cable management assemblies, the user interface is a biometric scanner.

[0014] In another non-restrictive embodiment of one of the aforementioned cable management assemblies, the biometric scanner is a thumbprint scanner.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of one of the aforementioned cable management assemblies, the assembly also includes a transmitter / receiver that is electrically coupled to the control module. The control module is designed to detect the input from a signal received by the transmitter / receiver.

[0016] In another non-restrictive embodiment of one of the aforementioned cable routing assemblies, the signal received by the transmitter / receiver originates from a mobile device.

[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of one of the aforementioned cable management assemblies, the transmitter / receiver is configured to send a signal to the electrified vehicle indicating that the cable management assembly is still attached to the electrified vehicle. Furthermore, the electrified vehicle is configured to generate a corresponding input prompt.

[0018] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of one of the foregoing cable guidance assemblies, the cable guidance structure includes a hook designed to support a charging cable of the electrified vehicle.

[0019] A cable management assembly designed for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle, according to a further aspect of the present disclosure, includes, among other things, a cable management structure, an electromagnet that is selectively switched on to attach the cable management assembly to an outside of the electrified vehicle, a battery that is electrically coupled to the electromagnet, and a control module designed to instruct the battery to switch off the electromagnet only upon receiving a detected input.

[0020] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of the aforementioned cable management assembly, the assembly includes a user interface that is electrically coupled to the control module. The control module is designed to capture the recognized input from an input to the user interface.

[0021] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing cable management assemblies, the user interface comprises (1) a keypad and (2) a biometric scanner.

[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned cable management assemblies, the assembly includes a transmitter / receiver that is electrically coupled to the control module. The control module is designed to detect the input from a signal received by the transmitter / receiver.

[0023] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, attaching a cable guidance structure to the outside of an electrified vehicle by switching on an electromagnet.

[0024] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of the above method, the method includes switching off the electromagnet only upon receipt of a recognized input.

[0025] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the detected input includes (1) an input of a PIN code and (2) an input of biometric information.

[0026] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the detected input originates from a signal from a mobile device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents the powertrain of an electrified vehicle. Fig. 2 represents a cable management assembly that is attached to the outside of an electrified vehicle and carries a power cable. Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the cable routing assembly. Fig. Figure 4 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the cable routing assembly. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart that is representative of a process according to this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] This disclosure relates to a cable management assembly designed for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cable management structure, such as a hook, and is selectively attached to the exterior of an electrified vehicle by an electromagnet. The electromagnet is designed to be selectively switched on to secure the cable management structure to the exterior of the vehicle. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the assembly includes an anti-theft feature that prevents the electromagnet from being switched off except when a detected input is received. Accordingly, this disclosure maintains the sag of a power cable during charging and, in particular, raises the power cable above the ground, preventing damage to the power cable from nearby pedestrians or vehicles.Furthermore, the anti-theft feature provides a degree of convenience, especially when the vehicle is left unattended for an extended period of time while charging, by preventing an unauthorized person from detaching the assembly from the vehicle.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a powertrain 10 of an electrified vehicle 12. It is understood that although a battery electric vehicle (BEV) is depicted, the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and could extend to other electrified vehicles, including, but not limited to, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Therefore, although not shown in this embodiment, the electrified vehicle 12 could be equipped with an internal combustion engine, which can be used either alone or in combination with other energy sources to propel the electrified vehicle 12.

[0029] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electrified vehicle 12 is a fully electric vehicle propelled exclusively by electric current, such as by an electric machine 14, without any assistance from an internal combustion engine. The electric machine 14 can operate as an electric motor, a generator, or both. The electric machine 14 receives electric current and provides rotational output power. The electric machine 14 can be connected to a gearbox 16 to adjust the output torque and speed of the electric machine 14 by a predetermined gear ratio. The gearbox 16 is connected to a set of drive wheels 18 via an output shaft 20. A high-voltage bus 22 electrically connects the electric machine 14 to a battery pack 24 via an inverter 26.The electric machine 14, the gearbox 16 and the inverter 26 can be referred to collectively as a gearbox 28.

[0030] The battery pack 24 is an energy storage device and, in this example, an exemplary battery for an electrified vehicle. The battery pack 24 can be a high-voltage traction battery pack comprising a variety of battery assemblies 25 (i.e., battery groups or groupings of battery cells) capable of delivering electrical power to operate the electric machine 14 and / or other electrical consumers of the electrified vehicle 12. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices can also be used to electrically power the electrified vehicle 12.

[0031] The electrified vehicle 12 may also include a charging system 30 for periodically charging the cells of the battery pack 24. The charging system 30 may be connected to an external power source, such as an electrical grid, via a cable set for receiving and distributing power to the cells. In one embodiment, the charging system 30 includes an interface 32, which is a charging port located on board the electrified vehicle 12. The interface 32 is configured to selectively receive power from the external power source, such as a cable set (i.e., a power cable and connector) connected to the external power source, and then distribute the power to the battery pack 24 for charging the cells. An exemplary external power source is an electrified vehicle charging station, such as a publicly accessible electric vehicle charging station.In another example, the charging station for an electric vehicle is private, such as charging stations at homes or businesses.

[0032] The charging system 30 can also be equipped with power electronics used to convert alternating current energy received from the external power supply into direct current energy for charging the cells of the battery pack 24. The charging system 30 can also accommodate one or more conventional voltage sources from the external power supply (e.g., 110 volts, 220 volts, etc.). The in Fig. The powertrain shown in Figure 10 is highly schematic and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various additional components could be used alternatively or additionally within the scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 represents a cable management assembly 40 that is attached to an outer surface 42 of the electrified vehicle 12. In this example, the outer surface 42 of the electrified vehicle 12 is an outer vehicle body and, in particular, a driver's side door. However, the cable management assembly 40 is designed for selective attachment to other sections of the outer surface of the electrified vehicle 12.

[0034] In general, the cable management assembly 40 includes a cable management structure 44 designed to hold a power cable 46. The power cable 46 is part of a cable harness and is connected at one end to a connector 48 and at the other end to a charging station for an electrified vehicle (not shown). The connector 48 may have a standard connector design corresponding to that of interface 32, such as an SAE J1772 charging coupler design.

[0035] In this example, the cable management structure 44 includes an arm 50 and a hook 52. The arm 50 protrudes from a coupling unit 54, which is designed to selectively attach the cable management assembly 40 to the outside 42 of the electrified vehicle 12, and is shown below with regard to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is described in more detail. In this example, the hook 52 is semicircular and, viewed from above, concave. The hook 52 provides a holder for the power cable 46. Although a semicircular hook 52 is shown in the figures, this disclosure also extends to other structures, including structures of different shapes and designs, that are designed to hold a power cable. Furthermore, although an arm 50 is shown in this example, the cable guide structure 44 could also omit the arm. In such an example, the hook 52 would be attached directly to the coupling unit 54.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the power cable 46 can be wrapped around the hook 52 so that the sag in the power cable 46 is kept above a ground surface while the electrified vehicle 12 is "plugged in". "Plugged in" refers to periods in which the plug 48 is connected to the interface 32, for example when the electrified vehicle 12 is charging.

[0037] The coupling unit 54 is designed to enable selective fastening and detachment of the cable guide assembly 40 to or from the outside 42 of the electrified vehicle 12. Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary cable management assembly 40 and schematically depicts the detail of the coupling unit 54. In this example, the coupling unit 54 includes a control module 56, which is electrically coupled to a battery 58, which is electrically coupled to an electromagnet 60. The control module 56 is designed to instruct the battery 58 to switch the electromagnet 60 on or off. Thus, the electromagnet 60 is designed to be selectively switched on and off to attach and detach the cable management assembly 40, including the cable guide structure 44, from the outside 42 of the electrified vehicle 12.

[0038] As is known for electromagnets, the electromagnet 60 is a type of magnet in which a magnetic field is generated by an electric current. In this example, the electric current is selectively directed to the electromagnet 60 through the battery 58 in response to instructions from the control module 56. The passing of current through the electromagnet 60 switches it on, causing it to generate a magnetic field sufficient to secure the cable guide assembly 40 to the outer surface 42, which is made of a metallic material. The magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 60 is sufficient to allow the cable guide assembly 40 to support the power cable 46 without it moving or falling off.When it is switched off, the battery 58 does not conduct current through the electromagnet, and thus the electromagnet 60 does not generate a magnetic field, which allows a user to remove the cable guide assembly 40 from the electrified vehicle 12.

[0039] It is understood that the control module 56 can be programmed with executable instructions for establishing an interface with the various components of the cable management assembly 40 and for operating the latter. The control module 56 also includes a processing unit and non-volatile memory for executing the various control strategies and modes.

[0040] It is also understood that an advantage of the cable management assembly 40 is its portability. For this purpose, the electromagnet 60 is powered by a battery 58 rather than by a wired connection. The battery 58 can be selectively charged by a user when its state of charge (SOC) is low, and it can be selectively charged, in particular, within the electrified vehicle 12. The battery 58 can also provide the user with an estimated remaining charge and / or a "low charge" indication, if desired. The use of the battery 58 allows the user to selectively attach the cable management assembly 40 at any desired location on the exterior 42 of the electrified vehicle 12, which is advantageous because the power cable 46 can be located at various points relative to the vehicle (e.g., at the front, rear, or sides of the vehicle), depending on the charging station design.When a charging process is complete, the cable guide assembly 40 can be detached from the outside 42 of the electrified vehicle 12 and conveniently stored inside the electrified vehicle 12, for example in the trunk.

[0041] The cable management assembly 40 can be attached to the exterior 42 of the electrified vehicle 12 for extended periods and remain unattended during these times. To prevent theft of the cable management assembly 40, the control module 56 is designed to deactivate the electromagnet 60 only upon receiving a recognized input. In an example presented in this disclosure, the control module 56 is electrically coupled to a user interface 62, which allows a user to enter information such as a PIN code, password, or biometric data. The control module 56 is programmed to recognize this information and, upon receiving a recognized input, to deactivate the electromagnet 60.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the user interface 62 as a keypad 64 that includes a variety of keys, such as alphanumeric keys. Alternatively, the user interface 62 can include a biometric scanner, such as a thumbprint or retinal scanner. Although certain examples have been discussed above, this disclosure is not limited to a specific user interface.

[0043] It is understood that various components of the cable management assembly 40 are shown schematically in the figures. In particular, the control module 56, the battery 58, the electromagnet 60, and the user interface 62 are shown schematically for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, although the control module 56, the battery 58, the electromagnet 60, and the user interface 62 are shown separately in the figures, these components could be integrated into a single component in some examples.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 schematically depicts another cable management assembly 40. The cable management assembly 40 of Fig. 4 is similar to that of Fig. 3, except that the user interface 62 has been replaced by a transmitter / receiver 66 designed to send and receive wireless signals. The transmitter / receiver 66 is in Fig. 4 shown schematically and could be integrated into other components of the coupling unit 54. In Fig. 4. The control module 56 is electrically coupled to the transmitter / receiver 66 and is designed to detect an input from a signal received by the transmitter / receiver 66. For example, the transmitter / receiver 66 is designed to receive a wireless signal, such as a Bluetooth® signal, from a user's mobile device 68. The control module 56 is designed to recognize the signal from the user's mobile device 68 as an input and to enable the electromagnet 60 to be switched off upon receipt of this input.

[0045] The mobile device 68 can be a mobile phone, but this revelation is not limited to any particular type of mobile device. The mobile device 68 can be any other type of mobile electronic device, including a tablet, a smartwatch, etc. In another example, the mobile device 68 can be the ignition transponder key used to start the electrified vehicle 12.

[0046] To prevent a user from driving while the cable guide assembly 40 is still attached to the exterior 42 of the electrified vehicle 12, the transmitter / receiver 66 is also designed to send a signal to the electrified vehicle 12 indicating that the cable guide assembly 40 is attached to the exterior 42. The electrified vehicle 12, in turn, is designed to present a warning to the user indicating that the cable guide assembly 40 is still attached, or to prevent the electrified vehicle 12 from driving altogether. In another example, the control module 56 is designed to automatically switch off the electromagnet 60 when the electrified vehicle 12 starts up after a charging process.Although they are shown separately in the figures, it is understood that the coupling unit 54 could include both a user interface 62 and a transmitter / receiver 66, thus enabling the user to take advantage of the functionality of both arrangements.

[0047] Fig.Figure 5 is a flowchart representative of an exemplary procedure 100 for using the cable management assembly 40. In procedure 100, a user attaches the cable management assembly 40 to the electrified vehicle 12 by placing the coupling unit 54 on the outside 42 of the vehicle and switching on the electromagnet 60 at 102. The electromagnet 60 can be switched on automatically when it is pressed against a metallic surface, such as the outside 42, or it can be switched on manually, for example, by the user providing a suitable input via the user interface 62 or sending a signal via their mobile device 68.

[0048] Next, at 104, the user places the power cable 46 on the hook 52 to keep it above ground level during charging. This prevents nearby vehicles or pedestrians from crushing the power cable 46, thus preventing damage and extending its lifespan.

[0049] When attempting to detach the cable management assembly 40, the control module 56 is designed to deactivate the electromagnet 60 at 106 only upon receiving a detected input. Again, the detected input can take the form of, for example, a PIN code, biometric information, or a wireless signal. If the detected input is received, the control module 56 instructs the battery 58 at 108 to deactivate the electromagnet 60, thus enabling the user to detach the cable management assembly 40 from the outer surface 42.

[0050] Although the figures in this disclosure depict a specific component relationship, these representations are not intended to limit this disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components of the electrified vehicle 12 are shown schematically and could vary within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or reduced to show specific details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0051] It goes without saying that terms such as "approximately" and "essentially" should not be unlimited and should be interpreted as a professional would.

[0052] Although the various examples feature the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another of the examples.

[0053] It is understood by a person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are exemplary and not limiting. This means that modifications to this disclosure are within the scope of the patent claims. Accordingly, the following patent claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

[0054] According to the present invention, a cable guidance assembly designed for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle is provided, comprising a cable guidance structure and an electromagnet designed to be selectively switched on to attach the cable guidance structure to an outside of the electrified vehicle.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a battery that is electrically coupled to the electromagnet and a control module that is electrically coupled to the battery, wherein the battery is designed to switch on the electromagnet in response to an instruction from the control module.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the control module is designed to switch off the electromagnet only when a recognized input is received.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a user interface that is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the recognized input from an input into the user interface.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the user interface is a keypad that includes a large number of keys.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the keys of the plurality of keys are alphanumeric keys.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the user interface is a biometric scanner.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the biometric scanner is a thumbprint scanner.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a transmitter / receiver that is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the detected input from a signal received by the transmitter / receiver.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the signal received by the transmitter / receiver originates from a mobile device.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the transmitter / receiver is designed to send a signal to the electrified vehicle indicating that the cable routing assembly is still attached to the electrified vehicle, and the electrified vehicle is designed to generate a corresponding indication.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the cable guidance structure includes a hook designed to support a charging cable of the electrified vehicle.

[0066] According to the present invention, a cable management assembly designed for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle is provided, comprising a cable management structure, an electromagnet that is selectively switched on to attach the cable management assembly to an outside of the electrified vehicle, a battery that is electrically coupled to the electromagnet, and a control module designed to instruct the battery to switch off the electromagnet only upon receiving a detected input.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a user interface that is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the recognized input from an input into the user interface.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the user interface consists of (1) a keypad and (2) a biometric scanner.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a transmitter / receiver that is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the detected input from a signal received by the transmitter / receiver.

[0070] According to the present invention, a method is provided which includes attaching a cable guidance structure to an outside of an electrified vehicle by switching on an electromagnet.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by switching off the electromagnet only upon receipt of a recognized input.

[0072] Method according to claim 18, wherein the recognized input includes (1) an input of a PIN code and (2) an input of biometric information.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the detected input originates from a signal from a mobile device.

Claims

[1] Cable management assembly designed for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle, comprising: a cable management structure; and an electromagnet designed to be selectively switched on to secure the cable routing structure to an outside of the electrified vehicle. [2] Cable routing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery that is electrically coupled to the electromagnet; and a control module that is electrically coupled to the battery, the battery being designed to switch on the electromagnet in response to an instruction from the control module. [3] Cable routing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the control module is designed to switch off the electromagnet only when a detected input is received. [4] Cable routing assembly according to claim 3, further comprising: a user interface that is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the detected input from an input to the user interface. [5] Cable management assembly according to claim 4, wherein the user interface is a keypad and a biometric scanner. [6] Cable routing assembly according to claim 3, further comprising: a transmitter / receiver that is electrically coupled to the control module, wherein the control module is designed to capture the detected input from a signal received by the transmitter / receiver. [7] Cable routing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the signal received by the transmitter / receiver originates from a mobile device. [8] Cable guidance assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable guidance structure includes a hook designed to support a charging cable of the electrified vehicle. [9] Procedures, comprehensive: Attaching a cable management structure to the outside of an electrified vehicle by switching on an electromagnet. [10] The method of claim 9, further comprising: The electromagnet is only switched off upon receipt of a recognized input. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the recognized input includes (1) an input of a PIN code and (2) an input of biometric information. [12] Method according to claim 10, wherein the detected input originates from a signal from a mobile device.

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