Device for controlling the power supply of an external connector temporarily coupled to a connector for recharging a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (DC) provided for a system (S) comprising a recharging connector (CR) temporarily coupled to an external connector (CE) having a detectable type, and comprising a control line (LC) connected to this recharging connector (CR) and enabling information to be exchanged with this external connector (CE). This device (DC) comprises a selection circuit (CS) which is installed on the control line (LC) and connected to a power supply circuit (C1) of the system (S), and which couples the recharging connector (CR) to the power supply circuit (C1) when the detected type is representative of a power supply requirement of at least one internal device (DIj) of the external connector (CE) which is able to be coupled to the control line (LC).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE POWER SUPPLY OF AN EXTERNAL CONNECTOR TEMPORARILY COUPLED TO A CHARGING CONNECTOR OF A SYSTEM

[0003] The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2204887 filed on 20.05.2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Technical field of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to systems comprising a charging connector which can be temporarily coupled to an external connector, and more specifically to the control of the electrical supply of such external connectors.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Some systems, such as for example certain vehicles (possibly of the automobile type), comprise a battery which is rechargeable under the control of an on-board charger, and a charging connector which is coupled to this battery and this charger and capable of being temporarily coupled to an external connector connected to an external power source during a charging phase of this battery.

[0008] It has recently been proposed to use this type of system as a power supply for at least one external (electrical) device, such as an electric bicycle, trailer, caravan, barbecue or lighting device. This is achieved by connecting the external (electrical) device to the charging connector of the system via a power supply cable and supplying it with electrical energy from the system's rechargeable battery via the charging connector.

[0009] When this electrical energy supply is to be secure, it is essential that at least one dedicated electrical (or electronic) device, providing at least one function related to this security, is present in the power supply chain. Consequently, this (each) dedicated electrical (or electronic) device can be installed in the external connector, the charging connector or between the charging connector and the on-board charger or the rechargeable battery.

[0010] Installing at least one such dedicated electrical (or electronic) device in a vehicle is advantageous because it allows for a power supply to this dedicated electrical (or electronic) device with electrical energy stored in the vehicle. However, this increases the cost of the vehicle and requires introducing diversity into the vehicle when the installation is optional. Installing at least one dedicated electrical (or electronic) device in an external connector avoids the need to adapt vehicles. However, it requires a power supply to each dedicated electrical (or electronic) device, which is currently done by means of at least one rechargeable battery or cell housed in the external connector. This not only increases the size but also the cost of the external connector. In addition, it requires the user to perform maintenance operations to replace the battery or recharge the battery.Furthermore, it may happen that the battery or rechargeable battery is discharged at the time when the user wants to use the power supply cable including the external connector, and if the user does not have a backup battery or a means to recharge the rechargeable battery, he cannot use this power supply cable and therefore cannot electrically power at least one external device.

[0011] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation.

[0012] Presentation of the invention

[0013] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a control device intended to equip a system comprising a charging connector capable of being temporarily coupled to an external connector having a detectable type, and a control line connected to this charging connector and allowing information exchanges with this external connector.

[0014] This control device is characterized by the fact that it comprises a selection circuit suitable for being installed on the control line and for being connected to an electrical supply circuit of the system, and suitable for coupling the charging connector to the electrical supply circuit when the detected type is representative of an electrical supply requirement of at least one internal device of the external connector, suitable for being coupled to the control line.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the external connector no longer needs to have a rechargeable battery or cell to power each of its internal devices, and therefore there is no longer any risk that the user will not be able to use it and its size is reduced, and if the power supply option for the external connector is not provided in the system, it is possible either not to equip it with a control device, or to configure the latter so that it can only allow recharging.

[0016] The control device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0017] - its selection circuit may be capable of coupling either the charging connector to the electrical supply circuit via a first sub-part of the control line in the event of receipt of a first command generated by a computer following the receipt of a first type information item generated by a detection circuit equipping the system, connected to the charging connector and capable of detecting the type of the external connector, or this first sub-part to a second sub-part of the control line in the event of receipt of a second command generated by this computer following the receipt of a second type information item generated by this detection circuit;

[0018] - in the presence of the first option, he can understand the calculator;

[0019] - its selection circuit may comprise a switch, on the one hand, having first and second terminals connected respectively to first and second sub-parts of the control line and a third terminal connected to the electrical supply circuit, and, on the other hand, capable of coupling the first terminal to the second or third terminal depending on the type detected.

[0020] The invention also proposes a system, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a charging connector suitable for being temporarily coupled to an external connector having a detectable type, and a control line connected to this charging connector and allowing exchanges of information with this external connector, and, on the other hand, an electrical power supply circuit suitable for providing a chosen supply voltage, and a control device of the type presented above and connected to this electrical power supply circuit.

[0021] For example, this system may also include a detection circuit connected to its charging connector and capable of detecting the type of external connector.

[0022] The invention also proposes an external connector having a detectable type and suitable for being connected to a charging connector equipping a system which comprises a control line connected to this charging connector and allowing exchanges of information with this external connector.

[0023] This external connector is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one internal device capable of ensuring at least one chosen internal function when it is powered by a chosen voltage supplied by the system via the charging connector on terminals associated with the control line.

[0024] For example, each internal function can be selected from a function for controlling the operation of at least a portion of the external connector, a function for monitoring at least a portion of the external connector, a function for protecting at least a portion of the external connector, a function for diagnosing the operation of at least a portion of the external connector, and a function for signaling at least one operating state of an internal device.

[0025] Also, for example, this external connector can constitute an adapter to which a cable can be temporarily connected to supply electricity to at least one external device.

[0026] The invention also proposes an electrical power supply cable suitable for electrically supplying at least one external device and comprising an external connector of the type presented above.

[0027] Brief description of the figures

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which: [Fig. 1] illustrates schematically and functionally an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle comprising a GMP, with an electric motor powered by a rechargeable main battery and coupled to a charging connector, and a control device according to the invention, and

[0029] [Fig. 2] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an external connector forming part of an electrical power supply cable and temporarily connected to a charging connector of a vehicle comprising an exemplary embodiment of a control device according to the invention.

[0030] Detailed description of the invention

[0031] The invention aims in particular to propose a DC control device intended to equip a system S comprising a charging connector CR coupled to a rechargeable battery BR and to which an external connector CE can be temporarily connected comprising at least one internal device Dlj to be electrically powered by this system S via its charging connector CR on terminals associated with a control line LC.

[0032] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the system S is a motor vehicle. This is for example a car, as illustrated in Figure 1. But the invention is not limited to this type of system. It relates in fact to any type of system comprising a charging connector making it possible to recharge a rechargeable battery when an external connector, coupled to an external power source, is connected to it. Consequently, the system can be a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), an electrical appliance (including household or consumer appliances), an installation (including industrial type), or a building.

[0033] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the system S (here a vehicle) comprises a powertrain (or GMP) of the all-electric type (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor MME). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (thermal and electric). Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the rechargeable battery BR of the system S, coupled to the charging connector CR, is responsible for powering the electric motor MME of the GMP, a service battery BS and an on-board network RB. This is therefore a main (or traction) battery. But the battery BR could provide electrical energy for only part of the aforementioned equipment and / or at least one other equipment of its system S.

[0034] Figure 1 schematically shows a system S (here a vehicle) comprising an electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore an electric motor MME), an on-board network RB, a service battery BS, a main (or traction) battery BR, a converter CV, a charging connector CR, and a DC control device according to the invention.

[0035] The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0036] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB, in addition to that supplied by the CV converter powered by the main battery BR, and sometimes instead of this CV converter. For example, this service battery BS can be arranged in the form of a very low voltage battery (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V). It is rechargeable at least by the (current) converter CV. In the following, as a non-limiting example, it is considered that the service battery BS is of the 12 V Lithium-ion type.

[0037] The electric motor MME is an electric machine arranged to provide torque to move the system S (here a vehicle) when it is supplied with electrical energy by the main battery BR, as well as possibly to recover torque in regenerative braking.

[0038] The CV converter is also responsible during the driving phases of the S system (here a vehicle) for converting part of the electrical current stored in the main battery BR to supply converted electrical current to the on-board network RB and the service battery BS (to recharge it).

[0039] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 1, that the CV converter can be part of a CH charger also comprising a CA recharge calculator responsible, at least, for controlling the recharges of the main battery BR.

[0040] The main (or traction) battery BR may, for example, include electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (for example, lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type). Also, for example, the main battery BR may be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustration purposes). But it could be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0041] It should also be noted that the main BR battery is associated with a BB battery box which notably includes a CB battery calculator.

[0042] The charging connector CR is coupled to the main battery BR and to the charger CH via a charging line (or circuit) LR. It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 1 the charging line (or circuit) LR is double in order to allow the main battery BR to be recharged in mode 2 or 3 as well as in mode 4. But the charging line (or circuit) LR can be single when only recharges in mode 2 or 3 are possible.

[0043] The CR charging connector is also coupled to an LC control line and a CD detection circuit of the S system.

[0044] The control line LC is arranged so as to allow information exchanges with an external connector CE which is temporarily connected to the charging connector CR. This may be what those skilled in the art frequently call a control pilot line (or in English “control pilot line” (CPL)). It is preferably coupled to the charger CH which controls the recharges, as illustrated non-limitingly in FIG. 1.

[0045] The detection circuit CD is arranged to detect the type of the external connector CE, and in particular whether it is suitable for charging in mode 2, 3 or 4 or for powering at least one internal device Dlj, as will be seen later. This may be what those skilled in the art frequently call a proximity line. In general, it is the specific value of a resistor, fitted to the external connector CE and temporarily coupled to the detection circuit CD, via the charging connector CR, which allows the detection circuit CD to determine the type of the external connector CE. In this case, each type is associated with a specific value of the resistor.

[0046] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, the external connector CE comprises at least one internal device Dlj and is responsible for ensuring the connection to the charging connector CR (of the system S) of an electrical power supply cable C2 which is also connected to an external (electrical) device DE to be supplied with electrical energy. Each internal device Dlj is capable of ensuring at least one chosen internal function when it is supplied with a chosen voltage.

[0047] For example, this external device DE could be an electric bicycle. But it could be any electrical device or equipment external to the S system, including a trailer, caravan, mobile home, barbecue, or lighting device.

[0048] Also for example, each internal function, provided by an internal device Dlj of the external connector CE, can be chosen from a function for controlling the operation of at least part of this external connector CE, a function for monitoring at least part of this external connector CE, a function for protecting at least part of this external connector CE, a function for diagnosing the operation of at least part of this external connector CE, and a function for signaling at least one operating state of an internal device Dlj. It will be understood that such internal functions are intended to participate in securing the supply of electrical energy (from the system S) to each external device DE coupled to the external connector CE, via the electrical power supply cable C2 (to which the latter (CE) possibly belongs).

[0049] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 2, the external connector CE comprises three internal devices DI1 to DI3 (j = 1 to 3) connected in parallel to the terminals of the external connector CE which are intended to be coupled to the terminals of the charging connector CR connected to the control line LC. But an external connector CE can comprise any number of internal devices Dlj, provided that this number is at least equal to one (1).

[0050] For example, the first internal device DI1 (j = 1) may provide a function of controlling the operation of at least part of the external connector CE. It may, for example, comprise at least one microcontroller.

[0051] Also for example, the second internal device DI2 (j = 2) can provide a monitoring function and a protection function for at least part of the external connector CE. It can for example comprise at least one electrical insulation controller and / or a temperature controller (thermal monitoring).

[0052] Also for example, the third internal device DI3 (j = 3) can provide a signaling function of at least one operating state of an internal device Dlj. It can for example comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED).

[0053] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 2, the external connector CE also comprises a specific resistor RC whose value makes it possible to define its type, and an information device DF which are connected in parallel to the terminal of the external connector CE which is intended to be coupled to the terminal of the charging connector CR connected to the detection circuit CD. This information device DF is for example responsible for providing the connection state of its external connector CE to the detection circuit CD as a function of information provided (here) by the first DI1 and second DI2 internal devices. It may, for example, comprise at least one switchable resistor.

[0054] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, the external connector CE is part of the electrical power cable C2. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the external connector CE can, for example, constitute an adapter to which a power cable capable of electrically supplying at least one external device DE can be temporarily connected.

[0055] The control device DC, which equips the system S, comprises at least one selection circuit CS which is suitable for being installed on the control line LC between the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of the latter (LC), as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. It is therefore interposed between the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of the control line LC.

[0056] This selection circuit CS is also connected to an electrical supply circuit C1 that comprises the system S, and which can provide at least one chosen supply voltage. It will be noted that the electrical supply circuit C1 can be supplied with electrical energy from the service battery BS or from the main battery BR. However, when the supply voltage is very low, it is preferable for the electrical energy to come from the service battery BS. But it could be envisaged that the electrical energy comes from the main battery BR, via the converter CV (which then ensures at least part of its conversion). It will be understood that the electrical supply circuit C1 is arranged so as to generate at least one chosen supply voltage from a voltage that it receives, for example from the on-board network RB or from the converter CV. It can therefore include a voltage converter, in particular.

[0057] It will also be noted that the power supply circuit C1 may possibly be arranged so as to be able to supply at least two different supply voltages, respectively adapted to different needs of internal devices Dlj belonging to different external connectors. In this case, the power supply circuit C1 receives different commands corresponding respectively to the different supply voltages that it can supply and generated by the CC calculator described later.

[0058] For example, each supply voltage can be of the very low voltage type and between 3 V and 12 V. Thus, each supply voltage can be equal, for example, to 3.3 V or 5 V or 9 V or even 12 V.

[0059] The selection circuit CS is arranged so as to couple the charging connector CR to the electrical supply circuit C1 when the detected type of the external connector CE is representative of an electrical supply requirement of at least one internal device Dlj of this external connector CE which is suitable for being coupled to the control line LC.

[0060] It will be understood that if the detected type of the external connector CE is representative of a recharge in mode 2, 3 or 4, the selection circuit CS is arranged so as to couple together the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of the control line LC so that the recharge can be carried out. On the other hand, if the detected type of the external connector CE is representative of a need for electrical power supply of at least one internal device Dlj, the selection circuit CS is arranged so as to couple the recharge connector CR to the electrical power supply circuit C1 so that each internal device Dlj of the external connector CE can be supplied with the chosen supply voltage so that the electrical power supply of at least one external device DE coupled to the external connector CE can be carried out in a secure manner.

[0061] This is particularly advantageous because the external connector CE no longer needs to have a rechargeable battery or cell to power each of its internal devices Dlj, and therefore there is no longer any risk that the user will not be able to use it (due to a discharge problem) and its size is reduced, and if the power supply option for the external connector CE is not provided in the system S, it is possible either not to equip it with a DC control device, or to configure the latter (DC) so that it permanently ensures the coupling between the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of the control line LC to only allow recharges of the main battery BR.

[0062] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 2, that the selection circuit CS can be suitable for coupling:

[0063] - either the charging connector CR to the electrical supply circuit C1 via the first sub-part SP1 of the control line LC in the event of receipt of a first command generated by a computer CC following the receipt of a first type information generated by the detection circuit CD,

[0064] - either the first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts of the control line LC in the event of receipt of a second command generated by the CC calculator following the receipt of a second type information generated by the CD detection circuit.

[0065] Each command can be of analog type (specific voltage or current) or digital (0 or 1), depending on the respective arrangements of the CS selection circuit and the CC calculator.

[0066] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, that the control device DC may comprise the computer CC. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the computer CC may be embedded in the system S and arranged so as to perform several functions, including the provision of a first or second command to the selection circuit CS depending on the type of the external connector CE detected by the detection circuit CD and therefore depending on whether the latter (CD) has generated a first or second type information. For example, the computer CC could be the charging computer CA or the battery computer CB associated with the main battery BR and located in the battery box BB.

[0067] The CC calculator comprises at least one processor, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP), and at least one memory. The memory is RAM in order to store instructions for the processor to carry out electrical or electronic operations. The processor may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to mean any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electrical or electronic operation.This CC calculator may also comprise a mass memory, in particular for storing the first and second type information and any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing, an input interface for receiving at least the first and second type information to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor, and an output interface in particular for delivering the first and second commands.

[0068] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 2, the selection circuit CS may comprise a switch having first B1, second B2 and third B3 terminals. The first terminal B1 is connected to the first sub-part SP1 of the control line LC. The second terminal B2 is connected to the second sub-part SP2 of the control line LC. The third terminal B3 is connected to the power supply circuit C1. This switch is arranged so as to couple the first terminal B1 to the second terminal B2 or to the third terminal B3 depending on the type detected.

[0069] It will be understood that if the selection circuit CS receives a first command it configures its switch so that it couples the first terminal B1 to the third terminal B3 so that the internal devices DI1 are supplied with electrical energy, and thus the power supply of at least one external device DE coupled to the external connector CE can be done safely. On the other hand, if the selection circuit CS receives a second command it configures its switch so that it couples the first terminal B1 to the second terminal B2 so that a recharge of the main battery BR can be carried out.

[0070] Such a three-terminal switch can be realized by means of at least one electronic component.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Control device (DC) for a system (S) comprising a charging connector (CR) suitable for being temporarily coupled to an external connector (CE) having a detectable type, and a control line (LC) connected to said charging connector (CR) and enabling information exchange with said external connector (CE), characterized in that it comprises a selection circuit (CS) suitable for being installed on said control line (LC) and for being connected to a power supply circuit (C1) of said system (S), and suitable for coupling said charging connector (CR) to said power supply circuit (C1) when said detected type is representative of a power supply requirement of at least one internal device (Dlj) of said external connector (CE), suitable for being coupled to said control line (LC).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said selection circuit (CS) is suitable for coupling either said charging connector (CR) to said power supply circuit (C1) via a first sub-part (SP1) of said control line (LC) in the event of receiving a first command generated by a computer (CC) following the receipt of a first type information generated by a detection circuit (CD) equipping said system (S), connected to said charging connector (CR) and suitable for detecting said type of external connector (CE), or said first sub-part (SP1) to a second sub-part (SP2) of said control line (LC) in the event of receiving a second command generated by said computer (CC) following the receipt of a second type information generated by said detection circuit (CD).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises said calculator (CC).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said selection circuit (CS) comprises a switch having first (B1) and second (B2) terminals connected respectively to first (SP1) and second (SP2) sub-parts of said control line (LC) and a third terminal (B3) connected to said power supply circuit (C1), and adapted to couple said first terminal (B1) to said second (B2) or third (B3) terminal according to the type detected.

5. System (S) comprising i) a charging connector (CR) suitable for being temporarily coupled to an external connector (CE) having a detectable type, and ii) a control line (LC) connected to said charging connector (CR) and enabling information exchange with said external connector (CE), characterized in that it further comprises a power supply circuit (C1) suitable for providing a selected supply voltage, and a control device (DC) according to any one of the preceding claims, installed on said control line (LC) and connected to said power supply circuit (C1).

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a detection circuit (CD) connected to said charging connector (CR) and adapted to detect said type of external connector (CE).

7. External connector (EC) having a detectable type suitable for connection to a charging connector (CR) equipping a system (S) comprising a control line (LC) connected to said charging connector (CR) and enabling information exchange with said external connector (EC), characterized in that it comprises at least one internal device (Dlj) suitable for ensuring at least one selected internal function when powered by a selected voltage supplied by said system (S) via said charging connector (CR) on terminals associated with said control line (LC).

8. External connector according to claim 7, characterized in that each internal function is selected from a function of controlling the operation of at least a part of said external connector (CE), a function of monitoring at least a part of said external connector (CE), a function of protecting at least a part of said external connector (CE), a function of diagnosing the operation of at least a part of said external connector (CE), and a function of signaling at least one operating state of an internal device (Dlj).

9. External connector according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it constitutes an adapter to which a cable (C2) suitable for electrically supplying at least one external device (DE) is adapted to be temporarily connected.

10. Power cable (C2) for powering the less an external device (ED), characterized in that it comprises an external connector (EC) according to claim 7 or 8.

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