ADAPTABLE COUPLING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A VEHICLE'S SECONDARY COIL TO A PRIMARY COIL
The coupling device with adjustable arms and a trolley mechanism addresses the inefficiencies of manual alignment in induction charging by precisely positioning the primary coil under the secondary coil, enhancing charging efficiency and adaptability across different vehicle types.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2019013095
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-11-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle charging systems face inefficiencies and challenges in precise positioning of primary coils relative to secondary coils for induction charging, leading to energy loss and increased complexity due to manual alignment requirements and the use of expensive, bulky, and fragile autonomous mobile cases.
A coupling device with adjustable arms and a transportable case that positions a primary coil precisely under a secondary coil, using adjustable extensions and a trolley mechanism for alignment, allowing for efficient induction charging regardless of vehicle type.
Ensures precise and efficient energy transfer by aligning the primary coil with the secondary coil, reducing energy loss and simplifying the charging process, while being adaptable to various vehicle types and reducing manual alignment complexities.
Smart Images
Figure 00000011_0000 
Figure 00000011_0001 
Figure 00000012_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: ADAPTABLE COUPLING DEVICE FOR COUPLING A SECONDARY COIL OF A VEHICLE TO A PRIMARY COIL Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to wheeled vehicles comprising a battery rechargeable by transfer of electrical energy by induction, and more precisely the recharging of these batteries.
[0002] It will be noted that the invention relates both to vehicles with a “hybrid powertrain” (and therefore comprising a first thermal motor and a second electric motor and using electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery), and to vehicles with an “all-electric powertrain” (and therefore comprising at least one electric motor and using electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery).
[0003] Here, the term “drive machine” means a machine arranged to provide torque to move a vehicle. State of the art
[0004] Some vehicles include at least one train, comprising right and left wheels, and a battery, rechargeable by transfer of electrical energy by induction via a secondary coil installed under their floor (for example between these wheels).
[0005] More precisely, the secondary coil is part of a secondary circuit equipping the vehicle and is responsible for transforming electrical energy transferred by a primary coil placed under it into recharging current for the battery of this vehicle.
[0006] The primary coil is part of a primary circuit which is supplied with current by a power cable connected to an electrical power source which may be a wall box connected to an electrical power supply network (or mains) and responsible for the distribution of electrical energy and protection (circuit breakers, fuses, differential protection), or an electrical power supply network (or mains).
[0007] The primary coil can be either fixed and installed on or in a rolling surface on which the vehicle can move, or mobile when it is part of a mobile housing, possibly autonomous.
[0008] Here, the term “autonomous mobile box” means a box comprising movement means responsible for moving it on a rolling surface autonomously (i.e., being controlled internally by a computer), for example by analyzing images of the environment acquired by at least one on-board sensor. It will be understood that this autonomous movement is intended to allow the positioning of the mobile box under the secondary coil of a temporarily immobilized vehicle whose battery needs to be recharged.
[0009] When the primary coil is fixedly installed on or in a driving surface, this requires relatively expensive initial work and maintenance, and causes the emission of high-intensity magnetic fields due to the relatively large distance separating the primary coil from the secondary coils. In addition, this requires the driver of the vehicle to be able to precisely position his vehicle relative to the primary coil, otherwise the efficiency of the recharge is low (which increases its duration) and some of the energy is unnecessarily lost.
[0010] When the primary coil is part of a non-autonomous mobile housing, the latter must be positioned manually and precisely under the secondary coil by the user of the vehicle. However, the position of the secondary coil often varies from one vehicle to another both transversely and longitudinally, and therefore precise manual positioning proves difficult to achieve by the user of the vehicle. In addition, since the mobile housing is simply placed on the driving surface, under the floor of the vehicle, as soon as its power cable (placed on the driving surface) is accidentally moved or pulled, its primary coil is offset relative to the secondary coil, which reduces, or even makes zero, the efficiency of the recharge and causes a loss of energy.
[0011] When the primary coil is part of a self-contained mobile housing, the latter proves to be expensive and relatively bulky and fragile due to its means of movement and its means of image acquisition. In addition, the self-contained mobile housing must be subject to regular maintenance.
[0012] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0013] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a coupling device intended to be coupled to a vehicle comprising at least one train, comprising right and left wheels contacting a rolling surface, and a battery rechargeable by transfer of electrical energy by induction via a secondary coil installed between these wheels.
[0014] This coupling device is characterized by the fact that it comprises a transportable housing, intended to be placed on the rolling surface between the wheels, and comprising, on the one hand, two opposite arms with adjustable extensions in the same direction (called transverse) in order to contact the wheels respectively, and, on the other hand, a carriage comprising a primary coil intended to be supplied with recharging current and mounted in translation in this transverse direction in order to position the primary coil under the secondary coil.
[0015] The wedging provided by the arms and the translation of the carriage (allowing the primary coil to be precisely positioned under the secondary coil) make the operations that the user must carry out less restrictive, whatever the wheeled vehicle he is using, and make it possible to guarantee that the recharging efficiency will be good.
[0016] The coupling device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0017] - each of the arms may comprise a first fixed part and comprising a end rotatably mounted on the housing, and a second part movable relative to this first part and comprising an end intended to contact one of the wheels (to participate in the wedging);
[0018] - the arms can respectively define, at least partially, two opposite sides of the housing, perpendicular to the transverse direction, when placed in a folded position;
[0019] - it may comprise two screws screwed respectively into two threaded holes of the housing and respectively immobilizing, when tightened, the first parts of the arms either in a folded position or in a coupling (or deployed) position suitable for recharging;
[0020] - the arms can be rotated independently of each other during their deployment;
[0021] - its housing may include an electric motor driving a screw in rotation end, to which the carriage is coupled, in order to translate the latter in the transverse direction to position the primary coil under the secondary coil;
[0022] - the trolley may comprise a lifting mechanism on which is fixedly installed the primary coil and intended to bring the latter vertically closer to the secondary coil;
[0023] - the trolley may include an electric motor ensuring vertical deployment and a vertical folding of the lifting mechanism.
[0024] The invention also proposes a vehicle comprising, on the one hand, at least one train, comprising right and left wheels intended to contact a rolling surface, and a battery rechargeable by transfer of electrical energy by induction via a secondary coil installed between the wheels, and, on the other hand, a coupling device of the type presented above.
[0025] For example, this vehicle may be of the automobile type and may include a storage space temporarily housing the coupling device when the latter is not in use. Brief description of the figures
[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:
[0027] [fig.l] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a top view, a rolling surface on which a vehicle comprising a rechargeable battery and a floor is temporarily immobilized and under which an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention is temporarily placed deployed,
[0028] [fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, an example of producing a coupling device according to the invention, not deployed and without its elevation mechanism carrying its primary coil, and
[0029] [fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the device coupling according to the invention, deployed and with its elevation mechanism carrying its primary coil. Detailed description of the invention
[0030] The invention aims in particular to propose a DC coupling device intended to allow the induction recharging of a rechargeable battery BR of a vehicle V comprising at least one train comprising right and left wheels R.
[0031] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V, whose battery BR must be recharged by induction, is of the automobile type. This is for example a car, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 1. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact relates to any type of vehicle comprising at least one train having wheels and at least one battery rechargeable by induction. Consequently, it also relates to utility vehicles, coaches (or buses), trucks, construction machinery, agricultural vehicles, road machinery, and aircraft (and in particular ULMs (“Ultra Light Motorized”) and drones).
[0032] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V comprises a powertrain of the all-electric type. But the vehicle V could comprise a powertrain of the rechargeable hybrid type, that is to say comprising at least one thermal motor and at least one electric motor coupled to at least one rechargeable battery. It is recalled that the term "motor" here means a machine arranged so as to provide torque to move a vehicle.
[0033] In Figures 1 to 3, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.
[0034] Figure 1 schematically shows a rolling surface SR, by example of a garage or a parking lot, on which a vehicle V is temporarily immobilized, comprising two sets of wheels R, right and left, and a rechargeable battery BR being recharged by a DC coupling device according to the invention.
[0035] This rechargeable battery BR is coupled to a secondary circuit CS equipping the vehicle V and comprising a secondary coil BS responsible for transforming into recharging current the electrical energy transferred by induction by a primary coil BP, temporarily placed under it and forming part of the DC coupling device. This secondary coil BS is fixedly installed on the external face of the floor of the vehicle V, oriented towards the rolling surface SR, here between the right and left front wheels R (but this could be between the right and left rear wheels).
[0036] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, a DC coupling device, according to the invention, comprises at least one transportable BT box and comprising at least two arms BC and a carriage CT comprising at least the primary coil BP which is part of a primary circuit CP to which is connected a power supply cable CA, itself intended to be temporarily connected to an electrical power supply source SA.
[0037] The electrical power source SA may be a wall box connected to an electrical power supply network (or mains) and responsible for the distribution of electrical energy and protection (circuit breakers, fuses, differential protection), or an electrical power supply network (or mains).
[0038] The primary coil BP is intended to be supplied with current and to transform the latter into electrical energy which it transfers by induction to the secondary coil BS, when it is placed precisely and temporarily under the latter (BS).
[0039] The BT box (or case) is compact so that it can be transported by hand and can be easily stored in the vehicle V, for example in a storage space such as a trunk. In order to facilitate its transport, the BT box may, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, comprise a handle PT fixedly secured to a front wall PV.
[0040] As illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 1, this BT box is intended to be placed on the rolling surface SR between the wheels R, being wedged between the latter (R) by its two arms BC. For this purpose, the two arms BC are opposite each other with respect to the BT box and have extensions adjustable in the same direction (here the transverse direction Y) in order to contact the wheels R respectively. Thanks to these adjustable extensions, it is possible to wedge the BT box between two wheels R which are spaced by a variable distance, between a minimum distance corresponding to two minimum extensions of the two arms BC and a maximum distance corresponding to two maximum extensions of the two arms BC. Consequently, the device DC coupling is therefore adaptable so that it can be coupled to many types of wheeled vehicles.
[0041] The carriage CT comprises at least the primary coil BP and is mounted in translation along the transverse direction Y in order to position the primary coil BP under the secondary coil BS. It may also comprise the primary circuit CP.
[0042] In other words, the user places the BT box, “approximately” along the transverse direction Y but precisely along the longitudinal direction X, under the area of the vehicle V which includes the secondary coil BS, by deploying its two arms BC to wedge it between the wheels R, then the carriage CT is positioned precisely along the transverse direction Y so that the primary coil BP which it supports is precisely placed under the secondary coil BS.
[0043] Thanks to the wedging provided by the arms BC and the translation of the carriage CT which allows the primary coil BP to be precisely positioned under the secondary coil BS, the operations that the user must carry out are less restrictive, whatever the wheeled vehicle he is using, and one is certain to have a good recharging efficiency. In addition, the wedging provided by the arms BC makes it possible to prevent the primary coil BP from being offset relative to the secondary coil BS when the power cable CA (laid on the rolling surface SR) is inadvertently moved or pulled.
[0044] As illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, each of the arms BC may comprise first PI and second P2 parts coupled together. The first part PI is fixed and comprises an end which is rotatably mounted on the housing BT (here on one of the two opposite ends of the rear wall PR which is opposite the front wall PV). The second part P2 is movable relative to the first part PI and comprises an end which is intended to contact one of the wheels R. In fact, each second part P2 can translate relative to the associated first part PI in order to allow adaptation of the extension of its arm BC to the distance which separates its side of the housing BT from the neighboring wheel R. The arms BC therefore have extensions which are adjustable independently of each other.
[0045] In order to reduce the size of the DC coupling device, the BC arms can take a folded position (or not deployed or even stored) and a deployed position.
[0046] In the folded position, illustrated in Figure 2, the arms BC advantageously and respectively define, at least partially, two opposite sides of the housing BT, perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. These two sides are here parallel to the longitudinal direction X and perpendicular to the front walls PV and rear walls PR.
[0047] In the deployed position, illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the arms BC are aligned along the transverse direction Y, and for example and as illustrated extend the two opposite ends of the rear wall PR. In this case, the distance separating the two wheels R of the vehicle V considered is equal to the sum of the length of the rear wall PR and the current extensions of the two arms BC deployed in the transverse direction Y. The deployment of the arms BC is obtained by rotating them through 90° respectively around the two opposite ends of the rear wall PR, then adjusting their respective extensions so that they contact the two wheels R respectively for wedging.
[0048] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in FIG. 2, that the DC coupling device may comprise two screws VI screwed respectively into two threaded holes of the BT housing (and more precisely here into the two opposite ends of the rear wall PR) and respectively immobilizing, when they are tightened, the first parts PI of the BC arms either in the folded position or in the coupling position (or deployed position) suitable for recharging.
[0049] It will also be noted that the BC arms can be driven in rotation independently of each other during their deployment, manually or motorized via independent electric motors. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, it is possible to envisage that the two BC arms are coupled and therefore that a single operation, manually or motorized via an electric motor, causes them to be driven in rotation simultaneously.
[0050] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3, that the BT housing can comprise an electric motor ME driving in rotation an endless screw VS, to which the CT carriage is coupled, in order to translate the latter (CT) in the transverse direction Y to position the primary coil BP precisely under the secondary coil BS.
[0051] The control of this electric motor ME can be provided by the user via a control box coupled to the BT box in a wired or wireless manner, or by a computer equipping the BT box and operating autonomously according to information provided by at least one sensor. In the latter case, any technique known to those skilled in the art and making it possible to precisely position the carriage CT under the secondary coil BS can be implemented. Thus, it is possible to use a sound guidance technique or by light beam(s) or by analysis of images of the environment or by magnetism or even by electromagnetism.
[0052] But it is also possible to envisage the user manually moving the CT trolley, possibly via a cord.
[0053] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in Figure 3, the electric motor ME (possibly of the geared motor type) can rotate a system of bevel gears SE, possibly with a ratio of one (1), which rotates the worm screw VS around two ball bearings PB in order to reduce friction and gain precision. This system of bevel gears SE is used to transmit the motor torque without degrading the reduction ratio of the electric motor ME. The worm screw VS can drive a ball nut EB which is fixedly attached to the carriage CT and intended to avoid degradation of precision and to provide reliability. The carriage CT can also be guided in translation by a ground axis AR (attached to the housing BT), via a ball bushing DB, in order to reduce friction and gain reliability.
[0054] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in Figure 3, that the carriage CT may comprise a lifting mechanism MV on which the primary coil BP (as well as possibly its primary circuit CP) is fixedly installed and intended to bring this primary coil BP vertically (along Z) closer to the secondary coil BS. This makes it possible to further optimize the positioning of the primary coil BP relative to the secondary coil BS and therefore to further improve the recharging efficiency.
[0055] Any type of MV lifting mechanism known to those skilled in the art can be used here, and in particular a jack, a telescopic element or a scissor lift.
[0056] For example, the CT trolley may comprise an electric motor ensuring vertical deployment and vertical folding of the MV lifting mechanism. The control of this electric motor may be provided by the user via the aforementioned control box (coupled to the BT box in a wired or wireless manner), or by the aforementioned computer (operating autonomously based on information provided by at least one sensor).
[0057] In the presence of a computer, when the latter has completed the precise positioning of the carriage CT and the possible lifting mechanism MV, it can, for example, trigger the emission of an audible signal by means of a small loudspeaker HP or a small buzzer.
Claims
Claims
1. Coupling device (DC) for a vehicle (V) comprising at least one train, comprising right and left wheels (R) contacting a rolling surface (SR), and a battery (BR) rechargeable by transfer of electrical energy by induction via a secondary coil (BS) installed between said wheels (R), characterized in that it comprises a transportable housing (BT), intended to be placed on said rolling surface (SR) between said wheels (R), and comprising i) two opposite arms (BC) with adjustable extensions in the same direction in order to contact respectively said wheels (R), and ii) a carriage (CT) comprising a primary coil (BP) intended to be supplied with recharging current and mounted in translation in said direction in order to position said primary coil (BP) under said secondary coil (BS).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said arms (BC) comprises a first part (PI) fixed and comprising an end rotatably mounted on said housing (BT), and a second part (P2) movable relative to said first part (PI) and comprising an end intended to contact one of said wheels (R).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said arms (BC) respectively define, at least partially, two opposite sides of said housing (BT), perpendicular to said direction, once placed in a folded position.
4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises two screws (VI) screwed respectively into two threaded holes of said housing (BT) and respectively immobilizing, when tightened, said first parts (PI) of the arms (BC) either in a folded position or in a coupling position suitable for recharging.
5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said arms (BC) are driven in rotation independently of each other during their deployment.
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said housing (BT) comprises an electric motor (ME) driving in rotation an endless screw (VS), to which said carriage (CT) is coupled, in order to translate the latter (CT) in said direction to position said primary coil (BP) under said secondary coil (BS).
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said carriage (CT) comprises a lifting mechanism (MV) on which said primary coil (BP) is fixedly installed and intended to vertically bring the latter (BP) closer to said secondary coil (BS).
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said carriage (CT) comprises an electric motor ensuring vertical deployment and vertical folding of said lifting mechanism (MV).
9. Vehicle (V) comprising at least one train, comprising right and left wheels (R) intended to contact a rolling surface (SR), and a battery (BR) rechargeable by transfer of electrical energy by induction via a secondary coil (BS) installed between said wheels (R), characterized in that it further comprises a coupling device (DC) according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type and comprises a storage space temporarily housing said coupling device (DC) when the latter (DC) is not in use.