Device comprising a protective structure supporting an electric charging means for an electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a wireless electric charging device (10) for a vehicle, such as an induction charger, the device (10) placed on the ground being able to be under an electric vehicle so as to electrically charge the batteries of the vehicle, the device comprising a supporting structure to which an induction circuit and a battery are attached, the supporting structure being able to withstand potential damage caused by the vehicle. The device (10) further comprises a movement means for moving the device.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: DEVICE COMPRISING A PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE AND SUPPORTING AN ELECTRIC CHARGING MEANS FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2211958 filed on 17.11.2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to a device for wireless electrical charging of electric vehicle batteries.

[0003] Inductive charging of an electric vehicle is done by transferring energy from a device's charger to the electric vehicle which has a secondary inductive circuit, an AC / DC converter and a connection to the vehicle's battery.

[0004] Induction devices fixed to the ground above which an electric vehicle is placed are known from the prior art. These devices placed in collective car parks have the disadvantage of giving a specific parking space the role of a charging space and therefore of mobilizing this space. The driver of an electric vehicle must therefore wait for said space to become free, then position his electric vehicle in the exact location provided for this purpose and finally take his electric vehicle back as soon as the charging is finished so as to free said space for other users who are waiting.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a mobile charging device that moves under electric vehicles requiring charging, the device being designed to withstand a vehicle driving over it.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a wireless electric charging device for a vehicle, such as an induction charger, the device being able to be placed under an electric vehicle so as to recharge electrically via a secondary inductive circuit at least one battery of the electric vehicle.

[0007] The device comprises a supporting structure to which an induction charger is attached, the supporting structure being able to withstand potential damage caused by said electric vehicle or any other vehicle.

[0008] Advantageously, the device comprises a wheeled or tracked means of locomotion enabling the entire device to be moved on the ground under the electric vehicle to be charged, the supporting structure forming a protective shell for the means of locomotion.

[0009] In addition, the means of locomotion is integral with the supporting structure so that the entire device can be moved.

[0010] Thanks to the means of locomotion, the device can be moved, or move autonomously, from one electric vehicle to another without taking up parking space and without wasting time between users.

[0011] The device is further provided with a means for lifting the supporting structure, said lifting means being able to raise the supporting structure along a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the substantially horizontal ground. The structure can be moved between a raised position in which the device can move by means of locomotion and a lowered position in which the device cannot move.

[0012] More specifically, in the lowered position of the supporting structure the means of locomotion is immobilized, the supporting structure resting on the ground preventing the device from moving and in the raised position the supporting structure is distant from the ground the means of locomotion being released.

[0013] In another configuration, in the lowered position, the structure is close to the ground, without touching it, but, on the other hand, it rests on the means of locomotion and thus prevents it from moving.

[0014] The device is further provided with a lift allowing the induction charger to be moved along the vertical axis perpendicular to the ground between a stowed position and a high position so that, when the device is under the electric vehicle, the charger can be raised and brought closer to the secondary inductive circuit connected to the battery to be charged.

[0015] Preferably, the device is further provided with a position sensor arranged so that the charger in the high position is placed close to the secondary inductive circuit of the vehicle without coming into contact with it.

[0016] Preferably, when the charger is in the stowed position, it is housed in a housing in the structure so that it is protected from possible impacts.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method of charging an electric vehicle using the device, the method comprising the following steps: • a step of placing the device in a mobile state in which the supporting structure is in the raised position and the charger in the stowed position; • a step of moving the device under the electric vehicle to be charged, • a step of immobilizing the device once in position under the electric vehicle to be charged by lowering the supporting structure into the lowered position; • a step of preparing the device for an operational state by raising the charger to a high position so as to bring it close to the battery of the electric vehicle; • a step of activating the charging of the electric vehicle battery.

[0018] The method further comprises the following steps when the charging of the electric vehicle battery is complete: a step of moving the device away from the charged electric vehicle.

[0019] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: [Fig.1] schematically illustrates in top view the charging device of the invention which can move from one electric vehicle to another; [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in profile view the device which is the subject of the invention in mobile state; [Fig.3] schematically illustrates in profile view the device which is the subject of the invention in the rest state; [Fig.4] schematically illustrates in profile view the device which is the subject of the invention in operational condition; [Fig.5] schematically illustrates in profile view the device which is the subject of the invention under an electric vehicle before it begins charging; [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in profile view the device which is the subject of the invention in operational charging state. [Fig.7] schematically illustrates in top view the device which is the subject of the invention. [Fig. 8] illustrates the method of using the charging device.

[0020] Figure 1 shows schematically two electric vehicles V1 and V2 side by side. The object of the invention is a device 10 for electrical charging by induction, therefore without a wire connection with the electric vehicle. The device 10 can be placed under a first electric vehicle, V1 in Figure 1, to recharge it, then once the charging is finished, the device moves according to the arrows, or along another path, under a second electric vehicle, V2 in Figure 1. Thus it is not necessary to reserve a specific place for recharging electric vehicles and it is also not necessary to wait that the driver of the charged electric vehicle returns and moves his electric vehicle.

[0021] Like a turtle that can rest in its shell and then stick out its head and legs to move, the device 10 has a supporting and protective structure 20 protecting the components from shocks, damage and crushing that may be caused, for example, by a vehicle driving over the device 10.

[0022] The device 10 comprises, in addition to the supporting structure 20, an induction charger 30, a power supply battery 40 for said charger, a means of locomotion 50, a means 60 for lifting the structure (not shown), a lift 70 for the charger 30, and a position sensor 80.

[0023] For use in a smaller parking lot, a remote-controlled device could also be made without a battery supplying the charger 30, the charger being permanently connected to the mains by a long electrical cable connected to the electrical network. An automatic reel would act to properly store the cable. This remote-controlled device can eliminate the need to install a charging base for the robot.

[0024] In all of the figures, the means of locomotion 50 is represented by four wheels. A tracked system, or even an air cushion or any other known means such as robotic legs, could also be used for the same purpose. Furthermore, the means of locomotion 50 is directional so that the device can maneuver, change direction and move from one electric vehicle to another. The means of locomotion can also be motorized so that the device 10 can move autonomously between vehicles.

[0025] Similarly, the elevator 70 of the loader is shown as being a pantograph elevator. It could just as well be one or more vertical pistons, a crank rod system or an air cushion. Similarly, the lifting means 60 of the structure, which is not shown diagrammatically in the figures, can also be of any known technology, pistons verticals, air cushions, pantograph, levers, crank rod, etc.

[0026] The device 10 is of low height, capable of engaging under a car without touching it. When the lifting means 60 of the structure is actuated, the device is in the mobile state EM. The structure 20 is then raised, in a raised position SL, above the ground S by only a few centimeters so that the means of locomotion 50 can operate and move the device 10.

[0027] When the device 10 is at rest, Figure 3, the structure 20 is lowered into contact with the ground S. The device is then stationary. In order to protect the components of the device 10, like a "Berlin cushion", the structure 20 has rounded or beveled edges, so that a vehicle can drive over it at relatively low speed (less than 30 km / h) without suffering an impact as if the vehicle were to hit a sidewalk or a straight step of the same height as the device. In this stationary position, the structure rests on the ground. It can also be thought that the structure, before touching the ground S, rests on the wheels and brakes them so as to prevent any movement of the device 10.

[0028] When the device 10 must move, the structure 20 rises a few centimeters to the raised position SL, releasing the means of locomotion 50. Figure 2 illustrates this mobile state EM in which the device moves in the direction of an axis X on a substantially horizontal ground.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a diagram of an operational state EO of the device 10, a state in which the device is stationary, the structure 20 resting on the ground in the lowered position SB, or on the wheels, and in which, thanks to the elevator 70, the induction charger 30 is raised to the high position CH in the direction of an axis Z, substantially vertical, to be approached to the secondary inductive circuit to charge the battery. A sensor 80 provides information on the relative position of the charger 30 and the secondary inductive circuit of the electric vehicle so as to stop the rise of the charger at a position optimal. The sensor 80 can be of any known sensor technology: contact sensor, contactless sensor, proximity sensor, etc.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the device 10 under a vehicle, first (fig. 5) in mobile state EM, the device has just arrived under the vehicle, the structure 20 is raised to the raised position SL and the charger is lowered to a stowed position CR. Then (fig. 6), the device 10 is in operational state EO, the device is stationary, the structure 20 is lowered to a lowered position SB and the charger 30 is raised to a high position CH approached the vehicle battery.

[0031] Figure 7 illustrates, in a top view, the device 10 of a generally substantially square shape, with rounded corners and edges. As presented previously, all the edges of the structure are beveled or rounded so as to avoid, or at least minimize, damage caused to a vehicle which would roll over the device 10. The structure 20 is furthermore designed to withstand such an impact, and therefore protect the loader, the means of locomotion and other lifting means.

[0032] The device may have other general shapes such as a square. The device may, for example, be round, oval, rectangular.

[0033] A method 100 for using the device 10 is now described and schematically represented in FIG. 8. The device is ready for use, its power supply battery 40 is charged. The device 10 is at rest, the structure 20 is in the lowered position SB and the charger is also lowered to the stowed position CR.

[0034] The method 100 comprises the following steps: • a step 110 of placing the device 10 in a mobile state EM. In this mobile state EM, the supporting structure 20 is in the raised position SL and the charger 30 in the stowed position CR. This initial step takes place when the device 10 is informed that an electric vehicle V1 which needs to be recharged has arrived; • a step 120 of moving the device 10 under the electric vehicle V1 to be charged, • a step 130 of immobilizing the device 10 once in position under the electric vehicle to be charged. This immobilization is carried out by lowering the supporting structure 20 into the lowered position SB; • a step 140 of preparing the device 10 to an operational state EO. This operational state EO is reached by raising the charger 30 to the high position CH so as to bring it close to the secondary inductive circuit of the battery of the electric vehicle V1; • a step of activating the charge 150 of the electric vehicle battery.

[0035] The method further comprises the following step performed once the electric charging of the vehicle V1 is complete: • a step 160 of moving the device 10 away from the charged electric vehicle V1.

[0036] References used

[0037] 10 charging device

[0038] 20 supporting structure

[0039] 30 induction charger

[0040] 40 power battery

[0041] 50 means of transport

[0042] 60 means of lifting the structure

[0043] 70 elevator

[0044] 80 position sensor

[0045] 100 process

[0046] 110 step of putting into a mobile state

[0047] 120 moving step

[0048] 130 immobilization step

[0049] 140 preparation step

[0050] 150 charge activation step

[0051] 160 movement step

[0052] X Horizontal axis of movement of the device

[0053] Z Vertical axis

[0054] SL Raised position of the structure

[0055] SB Lowered structure position

[0056] CR Stored position of the charger

[0057] CH High charger position

[0058] EO Operational Status

[0059] EM Mobile State

[0060] V1 electric vehicle 1

[0061] V2 electric vehicle 2

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Wireless electric charging device (10) for a vehicle, such as an induction charger, the device (10) being able to be placed under an electric vehicle so as to electrically recharge via a secondary inductive circuit at least one battery of the electric vehicle, the device (10) comprising a supporting structure (20) to which an induction charger (30) is fixed, the supporting structure (20) being able to withstand potential damage caused by said electric vehicle or any other vehicle, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a means of locomotion (50) with wheels or tracks making it possible to move the entire device (10) on the ground under the electric vehicle to be charged, the supporting structure (20) forming a protective shell of the means of locomotion (50).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that the locomotion means (50) is integral with the supporting structure (20) so as to be able to move the entire device (10).

3. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the device is further provided with a means (60) for lifting the supporting structure (20), said lifting means (60) being able to raise the supporting structure (20), along a substantially vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the substantially horizontal ground, between a raised position (SL) in which the device (10) can move using the means of locomotion and a lowered position (SB) in which the device (10) cannot move.

4. Device (10) according to claim 3 characterized in that in the lowered position (SB) of the supporting structure (20) the means of locomotion is immobilized and in the raised position (SL) the supporting structure (20) is distant from the ground and the means of locomotion is released.

5. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the device (10) is further provided with an elevator (70) making it possible to move along the vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the ground, the induction charger (30), between a stowed position (CR) and a raised position (CH) so that, when the device (10) is under the electric vehicle, the charger (30) can be raised and approached the secondary inductive circuit connected to the battery to be charged.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5 characterized in that the device is further provided with a position sensor (80) arranged so that the charger (30) in the high position (HC) is placed close to the secondary inductive circuit of the vehicle without coming into contact with it.

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 or 6 characterized in that when the charger (30) is in the stored position (CR), it is housed in a housing of the structure so that it is protected from possible impacts.

8. Method (100) for charging an electric vehicle using a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - a step (110) of placing the device (10) in a mobile state (EM); - a step of moving (120) the device (10) under the electric vehicle to be charged; - a step of immobilizing (130) the device (10) once in position under the electric vehicle to be charged; - a step of preparing (140) the device (10) to an operational state (EO) - a step of activating the charge (150) of the battery of the electric vehicle.

9. Method (100) according to claim 8, the method further comprising the following step when the charging of the battery of the electric vehicle is completed: - a step of moving (160) the device (10) away from the charged electric vehicle.

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