Electrical socket for charging the accumulators of a vehicle, in particular, an electric or hybrid electric vehicle

Abstract

An electrical socket (1) for charging the accumulators of an electric vehicle, the electrical socket (1) being adapted to be mounted in the electric vehicle and being provided with at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3'), in particular, adapted to heat the electrical socket (1); the electrical socket (1) comprising 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') which allows the insertion of a charging plug into the electrical socket (1); wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged so as to heat said body (4, 4'); wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged between said body (4, 4') and said cover element (5, 5').

Description

[0001] ELECTRICAL SOCKET FOR CHARGING THE ACCUMULATORS OF A VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR, AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of electric or hybrid vehicles, e.g., such as a car, a scooter, or a motorcycle.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to an electrical socket for charging the accumulators for vehicle propulsion, the electrical socket being adapted to be mounted in the vehicle, in particular aboard the vehicle.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Electric vehicles, e.g., such as electric or hybrid electric cars, are provided with accumulators, in particular batteries, for vehicle propulsion, which must be charged.

[0007] Therefore, electric or hybrid cars (like other electric vehicles) are provided with an electrical socket to which a charging plug can be connected, e.g., the plug of a charging station.

[0008] The electrical sockets mounted aboard electric or hybrid cars can be of various types. For example, one type of electrical socket is of the type according to CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, which comprises two distinct electrical connectors, of which a first electrical connector is for DC charging and a second electrical connector is for AC charging. Another type of electrical socket, for example, comprises only one electrical connector, in particular for AC charging.

[0009] Disadvantageously, ice may form between the electrical socket and the charging plug when it is connected to the electrical socket, in particular at the interface between the electrical socket and the charging plug. The ice sticks the electrical socket and the plug to each other and therefore does not allow the charging plug to be detached from the electrical socket, thereby preventing the use of the vehicle. This condition may occur, for example, in colder countries, in particular during nighttime charging under given temperature and humidity conditions.

[0010] Similarly, ice may disadvantageously form, blocking the pin (which is part of the electrical socket) which acts as a lock to prevent the accidental unplugging of the charging plug. Again, in this case, the ice prevents the charging plug from being disconnected from the electrical socket, thereby preventing the vehicle from being used.

[0011] Therefore, the need to solve this problem is felt.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical socket which allows to solve the problem of the undesired sticking of the charging plug to the electrical socket of the car caused by the formation of ice.

[0014] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical socket which allows a charging plug to be detached quickly from the electrical socket when they are stuck together due to ice.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical socket which is easy to manufacture and easy to maintain.

[0016] The present invention achieves at least one of such objects and other objects which will be apparent in light of the present description by means of an electrical socket, according to claim 1 , for charging the accumulators of an electric vehicle, the electrical socket being adapted to be mounted on the electric vehicle and being provided with at least one electrical heater, in particular adapted to heat the electrical socket; the electrical socket comprising a body provided with at least one electrical connector; a cover element provided with at least one opening, which allows the insertion of a charging plug into the electrical socket; wherein said at least one electrical heater is arranged so as to heat said body; wherein said at least one electrical heater is arranged between said body and said cover element.

[0017] Said cover element, in particular, is a cover or housing.

[0018] The invention further relates to a vehicle according to claim 14.

[0019] Advantageously, by having said at least one electrical heater between said body and said cover element, the electrical socket can be manufactured easily and cost- effectively. Furthermore, in case of failure, said at least one electrical heater can be easily replaced or repaired, without having to replace other components, such as the cover element.

[0020] Furthermore, this arrangement offers the possibility of making an electrical socket according to claim 1 by retrofitting an existing electrical socket.

[0021] Advantageously, if necessary, said at least one electrical heater can be activated so that the ice, which makes the charging plug and the electrical socket stick to each other, can be melted quickly. Therefore, the rapid use of the vehicle, from which the charging plug can be released, is allowed.

[0022] Said at least one electrical heater may advantageously be able to thaw any ice, which might block the pin (which is part of the electrical socket), which acts as a lock to prevent the accidental unplugging of the charging plug.

[0023] To further facilitate manufacturing and maintenance, it is particularly preferable that said at least one electrical heater comprises a metal body in which at least one electrical heating device is arranged, the electrical heating device being preferably a sheathed resistor or a sheathed cartridge; or that said at least one electrical heater comprises an electrically conductive track embedded in an electrically insulating layer, said at least one electrical heater being preferably substantially flat.

[0024] These types of electrical heaters further offer other advantages over, for example, a resistive heating wire.

[0025] In particular, it is preferable that said at least one electrical heater comprises a metal body in which at least one sheathed resistor or at least one sheathed cartridge is arranged; or that said at least one electrical heater is of the etched foil type.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the light of the detailed description of exemplary but not exclusive embodiments. The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

[0027] Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a first example of an electrical socket according to the invention, in which one component is shown separate from the other components of the electrical socket; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a component of the electrical socket in Fig. 1 , in which one body is shown in partial transparency;

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of some components of the electrical socket in Fig. 1 ;

[0031] Fig. 4 shows another perspective view of the components in Fig. 3, in which some parts are shown in exploded view;

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of some components of a second example of electrical socket according to the invention;

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of other components of the second example of electrical socket according to the invention;

[0034] Fig. 7 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of some components of a third example of the electrical socket according to the invention.

[0035] The same elements or components have the same reference numerals.

[0036] Description of example embodiments of the invention

[0037] Non-limiting examples of embodiments of an electrical socket 1 according to the invention are described with reference to the figures.

[0038] The electrical socket 1 serves for charging one or more electrical accumulators of an electric vehicle.

[0039] The electrical socket 1 is adapted to be mounted in the electric vehicle, in particular, it is adapted to be mounted aboard the electric vehicle.

[0040] In particular, "electric vehicle” means any electrically powered vehicle, in particular at least partially electric. For example, the electric vehicle may be a car, a scooter, or a motorcycle.

[0041] In particular, the electrical socket 1 is configured to be connected to a charging plug (not shown), or charging gun, e.g., of an electric vehicle charging station.

[0042] In all embodiments, the electrical socket 1 is advantageously provided with at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” (i.e. , one or more electrical heaters), in particular adapted to heat the electrical socket 1 .

[0043] In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” is adapted to generate heat when it is electrically supplied. In other words, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” can generate heat by Joule effect. Preferably, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” is adapted to be electrically supplied by the electrical system of the vehicle, for example by means of an appropriate switch.

[0044] In particular, the electrical socket 1 comprises a body 4, 4‘ provided with at least one electrical connector 42, 43. In particular, the body 4, 4‘ is made of plastic.

[0045] In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” is arranged so that it can heat said body 4, 4‘.

[0046] The electrical socket 1 comprises, in particular, a cover element 5, 5‘, 5“ or cover or housing. In particular, said cover element 5, 5‘, 5“ is provided with at least one opening 50, 50‘, 50“, which allows the insertion of a charging plug into the electrical socket 1 , in particular into the at least one electrical connector 42, 43.

[0047] In particular, the opening 5, 5‘, 5“ is arranged at the one or more electrical connectors 42, 43 of the electrical socket 1 .

[0048] In particular, the cover element 5, 5’, 5” is made of plastic.

[0049] Said body 4, 4‘ and said cover element 5, 5‘, 5“ are fixed to each other, e.g., by screws.

[0050] In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” is arranged between said body 4, 4‘ provided with at least one electrical connector 42, 43 and said cover element 5, 5’, 5”.

[0051] In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is arranged outside, in particular completely outside, said cover element 5, 5‘; and, in particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is arranged outside, in particular completely outside, said body 4. In other words, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is not embedded in the cover element 5, 5‘ and is not embedded in the body 4.

[0052] Preferably, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is fixed to an outer surface of the body 4, 4‘ and / or to an outer surface of the cover element 5, 5‘.

[0053] Said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is preferably removable from the electrical socket; in particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is dismountable from said body 4, 4‘ and / or from said cover element 5, 5‘.

[0054] Preferably, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2‘, 3‘ is in contact, in particular directly in contact, with both the body 4, 4‘ and said cover element 5, 5‘. Preferably, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2”, 2”’ is arranged at least partially around (i.e., surrounds at least partially) at least one electrical connector 42, 43 of the electrical socket 1 . In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2”, 2”’ preferably extends at least partially, along or around a curved axis.

[0055] In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 3’, 2”, 2”’, 3” is arranged inside the electrical socket 1 .

[0056] In the illustrated embodiments, by way of non-limiting example only, the electrical socket 1 is provided with two distinct electrical connectors 42, 43, of which a first electrical connector 42 is for DC charging and a second electrical connector 43 is for AC charging. In particular, the electrical socket 1 is according to CCS (Combined Charging System) standard.

[0057] However, it is apparent that the electrical socket can also be of another type, e.g., having only one electrical connector, e.g., for AC charging.

[0058] A first non-limiting example of electrical socket 1 according to the invention is shown with particular reference to Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 4.

[0059] In this example, said at least one electrical heater 2, 3 comprises a metal body or block 21 , 31 in which at least one electrical heating device 6, 7 is arranged. In Fig. 2, the metal body 21 is shown in partial transparency, so as to better illustrate the electrical heating device 6 arranged inside it.

[0060] Said at least one electrical heating device 6, 7 can generate heat, in particular by Joule effect. The heat generated by said at least one electrical heating device 6, 7 is transmitted to the metal body 21 , 31 , which in turn can transmit heat.

[0061] For example, said at least one electrical heating device 6, 7 can have a metal casing (or sheath). For example, the electrical heating device 6, 7 is a sheathed resistor or a sheathed cartridge, in particular a tubular sheathed cartridge. Preferably, the electrical heating device 6, 7 comprises one or more resistive elements (e.g., one or more resistive wires) embedded in an insulating material (e.g., magnesium oxide), and a metal casing (or sheath) in which the one or more resistive elements and the insulating material are arranged.

[0062] Said metal body 21 , 31 is preferably made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0063] Preferably, said metal body 21 , 31 is overmolded, in particular by die casting, on said at least one electrical heating device 6, 7. Some of the advantages of this first example are provided hereafter.

[0064] Advantageously, the metal body 21 , 31 can diffuse heat where ice could form.

[0065] Said at least one electrical heater 2, 3 can be perfectly integrated inside the electrical socket 1 with minimal footprint.

[0066] Said at least one electrical heater 2, 3 can be mass produced at low cost, preferably by means of a die-casting process.

[0067] Advantageously, it is not necessary to electrically insulate the electrical heater 2, 3, in particular the metal body 21 , 31 . Indeed, the electrical heater 2, 3 is perfectly electrically insulated and does not create problems with high voltages, e.g., up to 800V.

[0068] There is excellent heat exchange between said at least one electrical heating device 6, 7 and the metal body 21 , 31. Indeed, in the die-casting process which forms the metal body 21 , 31 , it solidifies about the electrical heating device 6, 7, in particular about its metal casing, avoiding air layers which would reduce heat transfer. In particular, the pressure inside the mold prevents the formation of air bubbles which can decrease thermal efficiency.

[0069] Preferably, to improve heat diffusion, the metal body 21 , 31 is provided with a plurality of fins 211 , 311 or protrusions adapted to diffuse the heat generated by said at least one electrical heating device 6, 7.

[0070] In the example shown in Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 4, the electrical socket 1 is provided with two separate electrical heaters 2, 3, each arranged at least partially about a respective electrical connector 42, 43 of the electrical socket 1 . In an example not shown, the electrical socket has a single electrical heater arranged at least partially around both electrical connectors 42, 43 of the electrical socket.

[0071] Another non-limiting example of an electrical socket according to the invention is shown with particular reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0072] In this example, said at least one electrical heater 2’, 3‘is or comprises an etched foil heater.

[0073] In particular, in this example, said at least one electrical heater 2‘, 3‘ comprises an electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘ embedded in an electrically insulating layer 21 *, 31 ‘. In Fig. 5, the electrically insulating layer 21 ‘, 311is illustrated in partial transparency, so that the electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘ can be seen. In particular, the electrically insulating layer 21 31 ‘ is polymeric, e.g., made of Polyamide or Polyimide (e.g. Kapton ®) or silicone. Said at least one electrical heater 2’, 3 ’ is preferably thin. Said at least one electrical heater 2’, 3 ’ is preferably substantially flat. Preferably, said at least one electrical heater 2‘, 3‘ has a thickness from 0.1 to 5 mm. In particular, the electrical heater 2‘, 3‘ is much thinner than it is wide or long.

[0074] For example, the electrically conductive track 20’, 30’ is made of metal.

[0075] The electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘ is preferably flat.

[0076] For example, the electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘ is made by etching a metal foil.

[0077] The electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘ is adapted to generate heat, in particular by Joule effect. The heat generated by the electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘ is transmitted to the electrically insulating layer 21 *, 31 ‘, which in turn can transmit heat.

[0078] Preferably, said at least one electrical heater 2‘, 3’ is flexible before being fixed to the electrical socket.

[0079] The electrical heater 2’, 3’ is preferably substantially a heating sheet.

[0080] Optionally, a metal body (not shown), e.g., an aluminum or aluminum alloy, can be provided, fixed to the electrically insulating layer 21 *, 31 ‘. In particular, said metal body is adapted to diffuse the heat generated by the electrically conductive track 20‘, 30‘. For example, said metal body can be a foil. Preferably, said foil has a greater surface extent than the surface extent of the electrically insulating layer 21 ‘, 31 ‘, and has a portion in contact with a body (e.g., the body 4‘ or the cover element 5‘) of the electrical socket.

[0081] The electrical socket may comprise an electrical heater 2‘ fixed to said body 4‘ and / or an electrical heater 3‘ fixed to said cover element 5‘. In the example shown, the electrical socket comprises both an electrical heater 2‘ fixed to the body 4‘ and another electrical heater 3‘ fixed to said cover element 5‘.

[0082] In particular, the electrical heater 2‘ is fixed to an outer surface of the body 4‘, preferably facing toward the cover element 5‘; and electrical heater 3‘ is fixed to an outer surface of the cover element 5‘, preferably facing towards the body 4‘. Fig. 7 shows some components of a third example of the electrical socket according to the invention. In particular, an electrical heater 2“ and / or an electrical heater 2”’ and / or an electrical heater 3” is provided. Each electrical heater 2“, 2“’, 3“ comprises a respective electrically conductive track embedded in a respective electrically insulating layer. Each electrical heater 2“, 2“’, 3“ can have one or more of the characteristics of the electrical heaters in the second example of the electrical socket.

[0083] The electrical heater 2“ is bent and arranged to extend about a connector (not shown in Fig. 7) of the electrical socket, and the electrical heater 21’1is bent and arranged to extend about another connector (not shown in Fig. 7) of the electrical socket.

[0084] The electrical heater 3“ is substantially flat and has a through-hole. In particular, the electrical heater 3“ is fixed to the cover element 5“, or cover or housing of the electrical socket.

[0085] Some of the advantages of the second and third examples are given.

[0086] Advantageously, said at least one electrical heater 2‘, 2“, 2"‘, 3‘, 3“ can diffuse heat where ice may form.

[0087] Said at least an electrical heater 2‘, 2“, 2"‘, 3‘, 3“ can fit neatly inside the electrical socket with a minimal footprint.

[0088] In particular, said at least one electrical heater 2’, 2”, 2”’, 3’, 3” being preferably flexible, in particular thin and flexible, can advantageously cover a quit large area and possibly can cover a curved surface.

[0089] Advantageously, it is not necessary to electrically insulate the electrical heater 2’, 2”, 2”’, 3’, 3”. Indeed, the electrical heater 2’, 2”, 2”’, 3’, 3” is perfectly electrically insulated and does not create problems with high voltages, e.g., up to 800V.

[0090] The electrical heater 2’, 2”, 2”’, 3’, 3” is energy efficient.

[0091] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular electric or hybrid electric, provided with an electrical socket 1 , the vehicle being in particular a car, a scooter, or a motorcycle. The vehicle is preferably configured so that it can electrically supply said at least one electrical heater 2, 3, 2’, 2”, 2”’, 3’, 3” so that it can generate heat.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electrical socket (1 ) for charging the accumulators of an electric vehicle, the electrical socket (1 ) being adapted to be mounted in the electric vehicle and being provided with at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3'), in particular adapted to heat the electrical socket (1); the electrical socket (1) comprising 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‘) which allows the insertion of a charging plug into the electrical socket (1); wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged so as to heat said body (4, 4'); wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2', 3') is arranged between said body (4, 4') and said cover element (5, 5').

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

3. An electrical socket (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one electrical heating device (6, 7) is provided with a metal casing; the electrical heating device (6, 7) being preferably a sheathed resistor or a sheathed cartridge.

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

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

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

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

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

9. An electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2‘, 3‘) is removable from said electrical socket; in particular wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2‘, 3‘) is removable from said body (4, 4‘) and / or from said cover element (5, 5‘).

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

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

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

13. An electrical socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electrical heater (2, 3, 2’, 3’) is arranged inside the electrical socket (1)-14. A vehicle, in particular electrical or hybrid electrical, provided with an electrical socket (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vehicle being in particular a motorcar, or a scooter, or a motorcycle.

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