Device adaptable to an electric vehicle for charging

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (5) adaptable to an electrical appliance (4) for recharging, said device comprising: A storage unit (6) including a cable (8) having at its end an electrical plug (2), a cable drive assembly (9), first mechanical actuation means (62, 95) of said assembly, configured to actuate said assembly to release the cable (8) outwards from the storage unit (6) or to retract the cable into the storage unit (6), A storage case (71) in which said electrical plug (2) is housed when the cable (8) is retracted, said storage case (71) having a closing device which includes a flap (72) actuable to open or close. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device adaptable to an electric vehicle for its recharge Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device adaptable to an appliance such as an electric vehicle for its recharging.

[0002] The invention also relates to an electrical connection system including said device. State of the art

[0003] Various solutions have already been proposed for recharging an electric vehicle. By electric vehicle, we of course mean a 100% electric vehicle or a rechargeable hybrid type (for example electric and thermal or electric and hydrogen). Many patents have thus been filed on induction recharging systems. In these solutions, a primary coil connected to an electrical supply circuit and a secondary coil connected to the battery of the electric vehicle are positioned opposite each other so as to generate an induced recharging current in the secondary coil. These induction solutions are particularly advantageous because they do not involve any human intervention. However, they also have a certain number of drawbacks which make them difficult to deploy on a large scale. These drawbacks are as follows: They require perfect positioning of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil to maximize efficiency; They require a particularly heavy and costly infrastructure; Adjusting the positioning between the two coils may require the use of special means, which further increases the infrastructure and its cost; They emit high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which can potentially cause disturbances to surrounding electrical devices and damage to health;

[0004] It is therefore desirable to propose an electrical connection solution which has certain advantages of induction solutions, in particular the absence of human intervention, but which does not have all the disadvantages. Patent application WO2017 / 216458A1 thus describes an electrical connection device which is in the form of a plate integrating an electrical socket with magnetic attraction. The electrical socket is positioned in the center and the plate has a surface which extends around the periphery of the front connection face of the electrical socket. The electrical socket is provided with magnetic means allowing it to attract, by magnetic effect, a electrical plug provided with corresponding magnetic means. The electrical connection is made between the socket and the plug when the two elements are stuck together by the magnetic effect. The plug is connected to an electrical appliance, such as, for example, the power supply assembly of an electric vehicle. In a particular embodiment, the device comprises several annular coils which are integrated into the plate and positioned concentrically around the electrical socket. In operation, the plate integrating the electrical socket is, for example, placed on the ground and connected to the mains by an electrical cable. The plug is released from the appliance near the plate. The coils are controlled by a control sequence adapted to guide the plug towards the center of the plate and therefore towards the electrical socket. The connection is made by the magnetic attraction present between the respective magnetic means of the socket and the plug.

[0005] Two-part electrical connection systems that use a magnetic effect to attract a first part to a second part and make an electrical connection when the two parts are mated are well known in the state of the art. They are notably described in patent applications WO2014 / 202849A1, WO2012 / 032230A1, EP2595252A1 or EP1667459A1. This is also the case in patent EP2461429B1 which describes an electrical connection system in which a plug is attracted by a magnetic effect to a housing to make an electrical connection.

[0006] For the recharging of an electrical device such as an electric vehicle, it is essential to provide a device that can fit perfectly on the vehicle to be recharged, whether it is a vehicle already in circulation or a new vehicle manufactured on an existing or future platform. This device is advantageously intended to remain permanently in the vehicle or to be easily replaceable, in whole or in part. This device which carries the electrical plug must thus meet the following objectives: - Be sufficiently compact to be easily installed in the vehicle; - Allow the plug to extend when the presence of the socket is detected nearby; - Ensure the plug always has an identical final position, in order to ensure a reliable connection with the socket in all situations; - Be dust and waterproof; - Respect all the operating conditions of such a vehicle, in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), resistance to vibrations, shocks and temperature...

[0007] The aim of the invention is to propose a device capable of meeting one or more of the objectives listed above. Statement of the invention

[0008] One or more of the objectives listed above are achieved by a device adaptable to an electrical device for recharging it, the device comprising: - A storage unit comprising a cable carrying at its end an electrical plug, an assembly for moving the cable, first mechanical actuation means for said assembly, configured to actuate said assembly in order to release the cable towards the outside of the storage unit or to retract the cable inside the storage unit, - A storage box in which said electrical plug is housed when the cable is retracted, said storage box carrying a sealing device which includes a cover which can be opened or closed, - Second mechanical actuation means controlled to open or close said cover, - Means for controlling said first mechanical actuation means for releasing or retracting the cable (8) and said second mechanical actuation means for opening or closing said cover, said control means being configured to receive an electrical control signal from detection means or a control unit.

[0009] According to a particular feature, the device comprises a guide device comprising a cable guide conduit fixed to the storage unit and arranged to guide the cable, said conduit comprising a free end carrying said storage housing.

[0010] According to another feature, the storage box comprises a base and a bell that can be rotated relative to each other by said second actuating means.

[0011] According to another feature, the cover is composed of a flexible sealing sleeve having a first end and a second end, its second end being folded over the first end so as to have two coaxial lateral flanks connected by a fold, the first end being fixed to the base and the second end to the bell.

[0012] According to another particularity, said second actuating means comprise a wheel meshed with teeth made on said bell.

[0013] According to another particular feature, the storage box comprises a first end-of-travel sensor for closing the cover and a second end-of-travel sensor for opening the cover, each arranged to cooperate with a finger secured to said bell.

[0014] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the movement assembly comprises a reel on which the cable is intended to be wound.

[0015] According to a particular feature, the storage unit comprises a first sensor arranged to monitor the length of cable unwound from said reel.

[0016] According to another feature, the storage unit comprises a second sensor arranged to monitor the length of cable wound on the reel.

[0017] According to a second exemplary embodiment, the movement assembly comprises a carriage movable in translation on a slide mechanism.

[0018] The invention also relates to an electrical connection system comprising an electrical plug and an electrical socket which can be coupled together to make an electrical connection, said electrical plug being carried by a device as defined above.

[0019] According to a particular feature, the system comprises a tray comprising an envelope having a central part occupied by said electrical outlet.

[0020] According to another feature, the system comprises several guide coils housed in said casing of the tray and arranged concentrically around the electrical outlet, and control means configured to execute a control sequence in which each coil can be activated independently to bring said electrical plug closer to the electrical outlet by creating a magnetic field.

[0021] The invention also relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle, said vehicle comprising a chassis on which the device as defined above is fixed. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which: - [Fig.l] schematically represents the principle of an electrical connection system including the device of the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically represents the architecture of the device of the invention; - Figures 3A and 3B represent, seen from the side, a first example of embodiment of the device of the invention respectively in the disconnected state and in the connected state; - Figures 4 and 5 represent the storage unit of the device of the invention of Figures 3A and 3B, respectively seen in perspective and from the side; - Figures 6A and 6B represent, seen in perspective, a second exemplary embodiment of the device of the invention; - Figures 7A, 7B and 8A, 8B represent the storage box used in the device of the invention and illustrate the operating principle of its closure system between its closed position and its open position; - Figures 9A to 9C illustrate the operating principle of the device integrated into a motor vehicle;

[0023] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0024] The invention relates to a device 5 capable of being fixed to an electrical appliance 4, this device comprising an electrical plug 2 (hereinafter the plug 2) connected to the electrical power supply assembly of this appliance 4 by a cable and intended to be electrically connected to an electrical socket 1 (hereinafter the socket 1) connected to an electrical power supply network R. Advantageously, the appliance 4 may be the electrical power supply assembly of an electric vehicle V, this assembly including one or more batteries to be recharged. As indicated above, the vehicle may be 100% electric or a rechargeable hybrid.

[0025] In the present description, the electrical connection between the plug and the socket should be understood broadly. It includes a simple contact connection, for example using flat contacts, a plug-in type connection, for example by making a pin or prong cooperate with a socket or equivalent. Other electrical connection solutions could of course be envisaged.

[0026] In a non-limiting manner, the plug 2 is intended to mechanically couple with the socket 1 in order to establish mechanical connections between their respective electrical contacts and establish an electrical connection. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the mechanical coupling between the plug 2 and the socket 1 is achieved by magnetic effect. A suitable magnetic architecture thus makes it possible to ensure the bonding of the plug 2 against the socket 1. When the plug 2 is connected to the socket 1, the front part of the plug 2 thus comes into mechanical support against the front part of the socket 1.

[0027] For the remainder of the description, a main axial direction (A) is defined corresponding to a main direction in which the plug 2 is approached to the socket 1 and which thus corresponds to the axis of the socket 1 along which the electrical connection is made.

[0028] The system advantageously makes it possible to mechanically connect the plug 2 to the socket 1 automatically, without the intervention of an operator or a robot, using only magnetic and gravitational means.

[0029] In the remainder of the description, the terms "front" and "rear" as well as "top" and "bottom" and "upper" and "lower" are to be considered taking into account the longitudinal position along the main direction (A).

[0030] In a non-limiting manner, the socket 1 can be integrated into a plate 3 to be placed on a support (for example the ground S - the main direction (A) is then orthogonal to the ground). The plate 3 can comprise one or more connectors 30 allowing it to be connected to the electrical network R and to a communication system. Electrical connections integrated into the tray 3 make it possible to connect the electrical socket 1 to said connectors 30.

[0031] With reference to [Fig.l], the tray 3 comprises a closed envelope 31, the central part of which is occupied by the socket 1.

[0032] The electrical socket 1 has a front area 10 by which it mechanically couples with the plug 2. This front area 10 can be of any suitable shape, flat or curved, concave or convex.

[0033] The casing 31 is located at the periphery of the socket 1 and defines a front surface 310 extending at the periphery of the front area 10 of said socket 1. This front surface 310 extends beyond the front area 10 of the socket 1 and is not dedicated to the connection. Under this surface, the casing 31 may integrate magnetic and / or mechanical guiding means adapted to guide the plug 2 towards the socket 1 when the plug 2 is approaching. In a non-limiting manner, patent application No. WO2017 / 216458Al describes an operating principle in which the plug 2 is connected to the socket 1, by executing a sequence of control of concentric coils integrated into the casing.

[0034] The front area 10 of the socket 1 is oriented transversely to the main direction (A). The front surface 310 of the plate 3, around the socket 1, may be flat in the same plane as that formed by the front area 10 of the socket 1, or of a concave or convex curved shape (as in the attached figures).

[0035] The socket 1 may comprise a first housing, advantageously of circular section, carrying the front area 10. This first housing may be integrated into that forming the casing 31 of the plate 3.

[0036] The socket 1 is provided with first magnetic means housed in its housing allowing it to attract the plug 2, provided with corresponding second magnetic means. When the plug 2 is stuck by magnetic effect on the socket 1, an electrical connection is also made between first electrical contact members of the socket 1 and second electrical contact members of the plug 2.

[0037] The magnetic architecture used makes it possible to ensure the bonding of the plug 2 to the socket 1 by magnetic effect. Different magnetic architectures, allowing the bonding of the plug 2 to the socket 1, are described in particular in patent application EP3317926A1. These are applicable to the present invention but are to be considered in a non-limiting manner.

[0038] It should be noted that the plug 2 advantageously does not include any moving mechanical parts.

[0039] According to the invention, the device 5 carrying the plug 2 is intended to be fitted to the vehicle V and to remain permanently on the vehicle. It comprises fixing means for fixing to a part of the vehicle and electrical connection means for connect to the vehicle's electrical power supply assembly. It may also include: - Communication means configured to communicate with the central management system of the vehicle's electrical power supply assembly (commonly called BMS for "Battery Management System"); - Control means C, integrated or not into the central management system;

[0040] The device 5 can be placed in different places in the vehicle, at the front, at the rear, in a suitable housing or not. Its location will depend in particular on the architecture of the vehicle but also on the fact that the device is intended to be integrated into a vehicle already present on the market or during its manufacturing process.

[0041] In a non-limiting manner, the control means C can receive a first electrical control signal S0, S0' from detection means M1 or from a central unit UC (see in particular FIGS. 9A to 9C). Upon receipt of this signal, the control means C can activate the device 5.

[0042] With reference to [Fig.2], the device 5 mainly comprises the following elements: - A so-called storage unit 6 of a cable 8, the cable 8 carrying the plug 2 at its end; - A storage box 71 in which the plug 2 is housed and carrying a cover which can be opened or closed;

[0043] The storage unit 6 also comprises a movement assembly 9 for the cable 8, controlled to release the cable 8 towards the outside and remove the plug 2 from its storage housing 71 (plug-out position) or to retract the cable 8 in order to store the plug inside its storage housing 71 (plug-in position). These movement means 9 are of the mechanical type.

[0044] The cable 8 has a free end carrying the plug 2 and an opposite end intended to be connected to the electrical power supply assembly of the vehicle. The cable 8 cooperates with the movement assembly 9 to release itself towards the outside of the storage unit 6 or to retract towards the inside of the storage unit 6. First mechanical actuation means (62, 95) are provided to control the movement of said movable part and ensure the movement of the cable 8 and that of the plug 2 between at least two positions. These first means are configured to receive the control signal S2 from the control means C.

[0045] In a non-limiting manner, the device of the invention is arranged to lower the cable 8 in a substantially vertical direction, in the main direction (A). The two positions of the plug 2 are located directly above each other.

[0046] It will be seen that the cable 8 can be stripped so as to release all of the wires 81 which compose it. This solution with several wires 81 can possibly allow to mechanically soften the cable 8 and thus facilitate its curvature and reduce its height requirement inside the storage unit 6. This solution can be used in conjunction with the second example embodiment of the device ([Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B]) described below.

[0047] Advantageously, as shown in [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B], it will be seen that the device 5 can also comprise a device 7 for guiding said cable 8.

[0048] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the different elements of the device 5 are for example composed of modules which are easily assembled together, making it possible to adapt to the configuration of the reception housing in the vehicle.

[0049] Similarly, seen from the outside, the device 5 may take different forms, with or without a fairing. It may, for example, be made in the form of a parallelepiped block containing the different elements of the device. Its shape may depend on and be adapted to that of the receiving housing provided in the vehicle.

[0050] The storage unit 6 comprises a housing 60, 90 which can be composed of several elements which can be assembled together.

[0051] The storage unit 6 advantageously carries the fixing means allowing the device 5 to be fixed to the vehicle V, for example to its chassis, or to be housed in a suitable manner in a receiving housing of the vehicle. The storage unit 6 also comprises electrical connection means allowing the device to be electrically connected to the electrical power supply assembly of the vehicle. These fixing means can be formed on the housing 60.

[0052] It should be noted that it may be necessary to provide a specific electrical switching module, arranged in the vehicle to connect or disconnect the device to the electrical power supply assembly of the vehicle. This switching module may also be arranged and configured to select the power source of the electrical power supply assembly between different power sources, for example via the plate 3 mentioned above and the device 5 of the invention or via an electrical plug accessible on the vehicle and manually connectable by the user.

[0053] In a first embodiment, illustrated by [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B] and by [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the assembly 9 for moving the cable 8 comprises at least one winder 61 housed in its housing 60, on which the cable 8 is wound. The winder 61 may comprise a drum on which the cable 8 is wound. The housing 60 comprises an opening 67 through which the cable 8 is caused, on command, to move in both directions. Depending on the configuration of the drum and the length of the cable, the cable 8 may be wound on the drum in a single turn or in several turns.

[0054] The storage unit 6 also comprises first actuation means mechanical 62 of the drum of the reel 61, configured to actuate said drum in order to wind the cable 8 or to unwind the cable 8. The first mechanical actuating means 62 comprise a motor 620 having an output shaft arranged to drive the drum in rotation in one direction or the other to wind or unwind said cable 8.

[0055] The storage unit 6 may also comprise a tensioning device 63 for the cable 8 on the drum of the reel 61, a support roller 630 bearing against the cable 8 to hold it against the winding surface of the drum, as well as guide rollers 64 arranged to guide the cable 8 as it leaves the reel 61, when it is unwound or wound.

[0056] The storage unit 6 may also include a first sensor 65, for example of the optical type, housed in the housing 60 and arranged to monitor the length of cable 8 unwound. When a sufficient length of cable is unwound, the sensor 65 is configured to send an electrical signal to the control means C, so that the latter command the stopping of the motor.

[0057] The storage unit 6 may also comprise a second sensor 66, for example of the end-of-travel type, housed in the housing 60 and arranged to monitor the length of cable 8 wound. A protrusion 80 present on the cable 8 makes it possible to mark the end of the cable winding travel. During the winding of the cable, when the protrusion meets the end-of-travel sensor 66, the sensor 66 is configured to send an electrical signal to the control means C, so that the latter command the stopping of the motor.

[0058] A second exemplary embodiment is illustrated by [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B]. In this example, the cable 8 can be stripped so that all its wires 81 are separated and set in parallel motion. In terms of operation, the principle remains identical to that of a single cable 8 but has certain advantages, particularly in terms of size and mechanical stresses exerted on the cable 8.

[0059] In this example, the device also comprises a housing 90 (a support is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B - a cover being intended to be attached to the support to close the housing 90).

[0060] Advantageously, to adapt to the configuration of several wires 81 of the cable, the assembly 9 for setting in motion of the cable 8, housed in the housing 90, comprises a carriage 91 and a slide mechanism 92 receiving said carriage 91 and on which the carriage 91 can slide between at least two positions. By sliding, the carriage 91 pulls on the wires 81 of the cable 8 to retract them inwards or release them outwards.

[0061] Each wire 81 may have one end that connects directly to an electrical contact of the plug 2. The second end of each wire 81 is connected on an electrical contact intended to connect to the electrical power supply assembly of the vehicle. The carriage 91 may have several aligned guides 910 forming a distributor. A separate wire 81 may be wound around each guide 910, thus allowing the wires to be easily separated.

[0062] Said first mechanical actuation means 95 may comprise one or more motors arranged to actuate the carriage 91 in translation.

[0063] The translational movement is carried out in a plane transverse to the main direction (A).

[0064] Rollers 93 may be provided to guide the cable wires toward the outlet opening provided through the housing 90. A motor 930 may be provided to actuate a rotating roller 93 and facilitate the movement of the wires.

[0065] End-of-travel sensors 94 are added to detect the two end-of-travel positions of the carriage 91.

[0066] The control means C are for example housed in a housing fixed to the support. They are configured to control said first mechanical actuation means 95 by sending the control signal S2.

[0067] The translational movement could of course be achieved differently, for example using pistons.

[0068] For the two embodiments described above, the device 5 also comprises a storage box 71 for the plug 2.

[0069] When the cable 8 (or the wires 81) is retracted, the plug 2 is housed in this storage box 71. This storage box 71 can be closed in a sealed manner using a cover 72.

[0070] With reference to Figures 7A to 8B, the storage housing 71 comprises a cylindrical external base 73 and a cylindrical internal bell 74, inserted coaxially in said base. The base 73 and the bell 74 are rotatable relative to each other, around their axis. In a non-limiting manner, the bell 74 is rotatable relative to the base 73.

[0071] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the cover 72 is formed from a flexible closure sleeve with two ends, one end of which is folded over the other so as to have two coaxial lateral flanks connected by a fold. The first end of the sleeve is secured to the base 73 and the second end of the sleeve is secured to the bell 74, by suitable fixing means.

[0072] Second actuating means 75 of the device 5 are arranged to actuate the cover 72 upon opening or closing, respectively when the plug 2 must be released to be connected to the socket 1 and when the plug 2 is awaiting connection.

[0073] These second actuating means 75 cooperate with the bell 74 to drive it in rotation relative to the base 73, around their axis. The rotation of the bell 74 relative to the base 73 drives the sleeve in a twisting movement, ensuring the closure of the cover 72.

[0074] In a non-limiting manner, the second actuating means 75 may comprise a gear device comprising a wheel 750 that can be actuated in rotation by a motor 751 and notches 752, meshed with the wheel and arranged on the external lateral wall of the bell 74. To close the cover 72, the rotation of the wheel by the motor 751 drives the bell 74 in rotation relative to the base 73 to twist the sleeve.

[0075] The second actuating means 75 are controlled by the control means C, upon receipt of an electrical control signal.

[0076] Detection means, of the end-of-travel sensor type, may be housed in the storage housing 71 and arranged to mark the end of travel of the bell 74 relative to the base 73, at the end of opening or at the end of closing. The detection means are configured to send a stop signal to the motor 751 when the bell 74 has reached its end of travel, at opening and at closing. The bell 74 may thus carry a finger 740 arranged to cooperate with a first end-of-travel sensor 76 when the bell 74 has reached its end of travel for closing the cover ([Fig.7B]) and to cooperate with a second end-of-travel sensor 77 when the bell 74 has reached its end of travel for opening the cover ([Fig.8B]). The two sensors are fixed to the base 73 and positioned in a suitable manner to cooperate with the finger 740 when the bell reaches its end of travel when opening and its end of travel when closing.

[0077] In [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B], the cover is closed, sealing the storage box 71. In [Fig.8A] and [Fig.8B], the cover is open, allowing the cable 8 carrying the plug 2 to descend towards the tray 3.

[0078] The storage box can be fixed directly to the body of the storage unit 6. In an advantageous variant shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the device 5 can comprise a conduit 70 fixed to the storage unit 6 by a first end, called the fixing end. At this fixing end, the conduit 70 is connected to the output of the reel 61 and is crossed by the cable 8. Opposite its fixing end, the conduit 70 has a free end, carrying the storage box 71 of the plug 2. The conduit 70 can have a rigid structure that is little or not at all deformable.

[0079] According to a particular aspect of the invention, with reference to [Fig.9A], [Fig.9B] and [Fig.9C], in the context of recharging an electric vehicle, the operating sequence of the device produced according to the first exemplary embodiment is as follows: Platform 3 is placed on the ground S and vehicle V is moved forward to position itself above platform 3 ([Fig.9A]). - The presence of the vehicle V can be detected above the platform 3, by detection means Ml of the system. These detection means Ml send the first electrical control signal SO to the control means C ( [Fig.9B]). - Upon receipt of the first detection signal, the control means C activate the device of the invention. - The control means C send a second electrical control signal SI to control the second actuating means 75, for opening the cover 72 and a third electrical control signal S2 to control the first mechanical actuating means 62 in order to unwind the cable 8 from the reel 61. - By unrolling the cable 8, the plug 2 is extracted from the storage box 71 to go towards the tray 3. - By magnetic attraction, plug 2 is first guided by the magnetic means integrated into plate 3 then attracted by the magnetic means of socket 2 to connect to it ([Fig.9C]).

[0080] When the presence of the vehicle is detected, the control means C are thus configured to execute a cable extraction sequence which comprises: - Opening the cover 72 by activating the second actuating means 75. - Activation of the first mechanical actuation means 62 to rotate the reel 61 and unwind the cable 8 and therefore lower the plug 2. The movement is stopped upon receipt of the end-of-travel signal sent by the first sensor 65.

[0081] Similarly, when the plug 2 is disconnected from the socket 1, the control means are configured to execute a cable storage sequence which comprises: - Activation of the first mechanical actuation means 62 to rotate the reel 61 in order to raise the plug 2 into the storage housing 71. The movement is stopped upon receipt of the end-of-travel signal sent by the second sensor 66. - Closing the cover 72 by activating the second actuating means 75.

[0082] It should be noted that the detection means M1 used may be optional. The activation of the device may in fact be carried out manually by a user when the latter knows that the vehicle is correctly positioned relative to the platform 3. The control unit UC then sends the first electrical control signal S0' to activate the device 5.

[0083] In the case of use of detection means Ml adapted to automatic activation, these can be of any type. For example, it can be a radar type solution, RFID sensor or mechanical type for example via at least one wedge intended to cooperate with a wheel of the vehicle, said wedge carrying a presence sensor capable of emitting the first electrical control signal SO. In a non-limiting manner, this presence sensor can be a position switch, advantageously with autonomous operation in electrical energy, integrating a converter of mechanical energy (caused by the pressure of the vehicle) into electrical energy capable of powering a radio transmitter configured to emit the signal SO.

[0084] The sequence described above in connection with Figures 9A to 9C can of course be transposed in an identical manner to the second embodiment of the device. In this solution, all of the wires are released or retracted. The actuation of the winder 61 is replaced by the translational movement of the carriage 91 on the slide mechanism 92.

[0085] The invention thus presents numerous advantages, among which: - It offers a simple and easily adaptable solution to an electric vehicle to make it compatible with charging using the system described above; - It uses simple and reliable components; - Thanks to its waterproof architecture and its operation, the device 5 can remain permanently in the vehicle V;

Claims

Claims

1. Device (5) adaptable to an electrical appliance (4) for recharging it, characterized in that it comprises: - A storage unit (6) comprising a cable (8) carrying at its end an electrical plug (2), a cable movement assembly (9), first mechanical actuation means (62, 95) of said assembly, configured to actuate said assembly in order to release the cable (8) towards the outside of the storage unit (6) or to retract the cable inside the storage unit (6), - A storage case (71) in which said electrical plug (2) is housed when the cable (8) is retracted, said storage case (71) carrying a closure device which comprises a cover (72) operable to open or close, - Second mechanical actuation means (75) controlled to open or close said cover (72), - Control means (C) said first mechanical actuation means (62,92) to release or retract the cable (8) and said second mechanical actuation means (75) to open or close said cover (72), said control means (C) being configured to receive an electrical control signal (SO, SO') from detection means (Ml) or from a control unit (UC), - A guiding device (7) comprising a conduit (70) for guiding the cable (8) fixed to the storage unit (6) and arranged to guide the cable, said conduit comprising a free end carrying said storage box (71).,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage housing (71) comprises a base (73) and a bell (74) which can be actuated in rotation relative to each other by said second actuating means (75).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover (72) is composed of a flexible sealing sleeve having a first end and a second end, its second end being folded on the first end so as to present two coaxial lateral sides connected by a fold, the first end being fixed to the base (73) and the second end to the bell (74).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said second actuating means (75) comprise a wheel (750) meshed with teeth (752) produced on said bell (74).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage box (71) comprises a first sensor (76) for the end of travel for closing the cover and a second sensor (77) for the end of travel for opening the cover, each arranged to cooperate with a finger (740) secured to said bell (74).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the movement assembly (90) comprises a winder (61) on which the cable (8) is intended to be wound.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the storage unit (6) comprises a first sensor (65) arranged to monitor the length of cable (8) unwound from said reel.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the storage unit (6) comprises a second sensor (66) arranged to monitor the length of cable (8) wound on the reel.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the movement assembly comprises a carriage (91) movable in translation on a slide mechanism (92).

10. Electrical connection system comprising an electrical plug (2) and an electrical socket (1) which can be coupled together to make an electrical connection, characterized in that the electrical plug (2) is carried by a device as defined in one of claims 1 to 9.

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a tray (3) comprising an envelope (31) having a central part occupied by said electrical socket (1).

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises several guide coils housed in said casing (31) of the tray and arranged concentrically around the electrical socket (1), and control means configured to execute a control sequence in which each coil can be activated independently to bring said electrical plug (2) closer to the electrical socket (1) by creating a magnetic field.

13. Electric or hybrid vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a chassis on which the device as defined in one of claims 1 to 9 is fixed.

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