ELECTRIC VEHICLE SPOILER THAT OPENS TO STOR A CHARGING CABLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a spoiler (1) intended to be fixed to a flap of a vehicle propelled at least partially by electrical energy, the spoiler (1) comprising a compartment (4) housing a charging device (5) intended to be connected to an electric charging station, a fixed part (7) fixed to the flap, and a movable part (8) rotatable relative to the fixed part (7) between a closed position in which the compartment (4) is closed and an open position in which an opening is formed between the fixed part (7) and the movable part (8) to allow access to the charging device (5) in the compartment (4). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Opening electric vehicle spoiler for storing a charging cable Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of vehicles powered at least partially by electrical energy and capable of being recharged by an external power source.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to the storage of these electric charging devices in vehicles.

[0003] A vehicle powered at least partially by electrical energy is understood to mean a motor vehicle with electric or hybrid traction or propulsion, comprising an electric machine (traction or propulsion) powered by one or more battery modules connected to a power network. Prior art

[0004] Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles include a charging device comprising a charger (or transformer) connected to a charging cable including a connector intended to be connected to an external power supply such as an electric charging station, for example, to recharge the battery modules.

[0005] Currently, the charging cables and charger do not have a dedicated storage space. At best, they are stored in a bag and placed in the trunk or passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0006] Charging cables can be difficult to find when needed, especially if there are other items in the trunk that may hide or block access to the charging cable.

[0007] To overcome these inconveniences, we know of document US20110163141 which describes a charging cable positioned in a tilting element positioned inside a flap (or tailgate) of the vehicle, in order to facilitate access to the cable and to secure its storage.

[0008] Document DE102013219435 is also known, describing a spoiler positioned on the roof of a vehicle, near a flap. A charging cable is installed in an intermediate space between the spoiler and the roof of the vehicle. An extendable cable support can be deployed from the intermediate space to hold the electrical cable 4 at a certain distance from the vehicle.

[0009] However, these prior art solutions do not provide an ideal solution for storing the charging cable and charging device. The spoiler of the document DE102013219435 generates significant wind resistance and its access is too high for a small or even average-sized user. Description of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing in particular a solution to facilitate access to the charging cable of a vehicle powered at least partially by electric energy.

[0011] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a spoiler is proposed for attachment to a flap of a vehicle at least partially powered by electricity. The spoiler comprises a compartment housing a charging device intended to be connected to an electric charging station. The spoiler comprises a fixed part, attached to the flap, and a movable part, which rotates relative to the fixed part between a closed position in which the compartment is closed and an open position in which an opening is formed between the fixed and movable parts to allow access to the charging device in the compartment.

[0012] The invention thus provides an opening spoiler that facilitates access to the charging device, and more particularly to the charging cable of a vehicle powered at least partially by electrical energy. The user can easily and quickly deploy the charging cables from the spoiler.

[0013] This solution allows the complete charging cables (without disconnecting the charger) to be stored in a clean and easily accessible place.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the moving part is connected to the fixed part by at least one joint.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the moving part is positioned below the fixed part.

[0016] This configuration facilitates access to the charging device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the charging device includes a charger connected to at least one charging cable, a brake light being integrated into the charger.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the charging device includes two charging cables. The compartment includes a central housing containing the charger and two lateral housings positioned on either side of the central housing, each lateral housing containing a charging cable.

[0019] This allows the charger and two charging cables to be stored and thus provides a charger with charging cables permanently connected.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the movable part comprises a main wall and two opposing side partitions extending from the main wall towards the fixed part. The two side partitions partially delimit the central housing and the two side housings.

[0021] The two side partitions allow the charger to be guided during its assembly and to be locked laterally.

[0022] This solution also provides security for the electrical connection since lateral forces are blocked by the side partitions.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each side partition includes a notch through which the charging cable passes.

[0024] The notches facilitate the passage of charging cables.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the spoiler includes a locking device for locking the moving part to the fixed part when the moving part is in the closed position.

[0026] The moving part of the spoiler is thus secured and the risk of theft is reduced. Accidental opening of the moving part is also prevented.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the locking device is electrically connected to a central locking system of the vehicle.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a vehicle powered at least partially by electrical energy comprising a flap positioned at the rear of the vehicle and a spoiler as defined above.

[0029] The invention increases modularity for storing the charging cable without impacting the overall architecture of the vehicle. Available functions are increased while maintaining the same volume, and safety is improved. Indeed, the spoiler allows the charging device to be stored while also integrating the third brake light. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0031] [Fig.1]: a schematic view of a vehicle including a spoiler;

[0032] [Fig.2]: a schematic view of the spoiler comprising a fixed part and a part mobile ;

[0033] [Fig.3]: a view from below of the spoiler showing the movable part in transparency positioned above the fixed part;

[0034] [Fig.4]: a profile view of the spoiler showing the movable part in the closed position;

[0035] [Fig.5]: a profile view of the spoiler showing the movable part in the open position.

[0036] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by symbols identical reference points across all figures. Detailed description of an implementation method

[0037] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 3 powered at least partially by electrical energy comprising a spoiler 1 fixed on a flap 2 (or tailgate) of the vehicle 3.

[0038] A vehicle 3 powered at least partially by electrical energy is understood to mean an electric or hybrid traction or propulsion motor vehicle, comprising an electric machine (traction or propulsion) powered by one or more battery modules connected to a power network.

[0039] The front and rear directions are defined relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle when moving forward. The vehicle 3 comprises a front part including an electric motor and dipped headlights and a rear part including brake lights 24, 14 and a trunk 34.

[0040] The flap 2 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle 3 and allows the trunk 34 of the vehicle 3 to be closed. The flap 2 is movable in rotation in order to allow the trunk 34 of the vehicle 3 to be opened.

[0041] The spoiler 1 is fixed to an upper part 21 of the flap 2 which is adjacent to a rear end 33 of the roof 22 of the vehicle 3. The spoiler 1 extends towards the rear of the vehicle 3 and is contiguous with a window 29 of the flap 2.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the spoiler 1 includes a brake light 14 connected to a secondary vehicle electrical system 3 which can be powered by 12 volts. This brake light 14 is commonly called the "third brake light" because it complements two other side brake lights 24. This third brake light is centered with respect to a main axis of the vehicle 3.

[0043] The spoiler 1 includes a compartment 4 housing a charging device 5 intended to be connected to an electric charging terminal (or station), as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0044] The charging device 5 includes at least one charging cable 13, 23 connected to a charger 12 (or transformer) at a first end 30 of the charging cable 13, 23 and to a connector 32 at a second end 31 of the charging cable 13, 23. The connector 32 is intended to be connected to an external power supply source, such as an electrical charging terminal or station or box or socket, for example, to charge the battery modules.

[0045] Preferably, the charging device 5 comprises two charging cables 13, 23, one dedicated to normal charging and the other to fast charging. The charging cables 13, 23 are connected to the charger 12.

[0046] Alternatively, the charging device 5 may include only a charger 12 and no charging cables 13, 23. The spoiler 1 then houses only the charger 12.

[0047] The charger 12 is electrically connected to the main electrical network, i.e. to the battery pack.

[0048] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the spoiler 1 comprises a fixed part 7 attached to the flap 2 and a movable part 8 that rotates relative to the fixed part 7 between a closed position in which the compartment 4 is closed ([Fig. 4]) and a position an opening 6 is formed between the fixed part 7 and the movable part 8 to allow access to the charging device 5 and the deployment of the charging cables 13, 23 out of the compartment 4 ([Fig. 5]). The user can thus access the charging device 5 easily and quickly.

[0049] Preferably, the brake light 14 and the charger 12 are fixed to the moving part 8, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0050] Alternatively, the brake light 14 and the charger 12 are fixed to the fixed part 7.

[0051] The brake light 14 is integrated into the charger 12 at the rear of the vehicle 3. The brake light 14 is positioned at a rear part 28 of the magazine 12, opposite a front part 27 of the magazine 12.

[0052] The brake light 14 is visible from the outside through an opening 36 formed in the movable part 8.

[0053] Alternatively, the brake light 14 may not be integrated into the charger 12 and may be integrated into the moving part 8 or the fixed part 7.

[0054] Preferably, the connection of the brake light 14 to the secondary on-board network of the vehicle 3 is asymmetrical. The asymmetry is configured in an approximately Y shape with respect to the central axis of the vehicle 3, in order to respect the + / - polarity of the power supply to the brake light 14. This prevents a reversal in the connection of an LED light, which could result in a lighting failure.

[0055] To connect the brake light 14 to the secondary on-board network, the charger 12 includes two first connection terminals 25 at the front part 27 of the charger 12 which connect to two second connection terminals 26 positioned on the fixed part 7 of the spoiler 1, when the movable part 8 is folded down onto the fixed part 7, the charger 12 being positioned on the movable part 8.

[0056] When the fixed part 7 is in the open position, the first connection terminals 25 are disconnected from the second connection terminals 26.

[0057] The first connection terminals 25 and the second connection terminals 26 form a disconnectable and reconnectable connection set depending on the pivoting of the movable part 8.

[0058] The compartment 4 can extend over the entire length and width of the spoiler 1. The movable part 8 forms a hood or hatch which closes when the charging device 5 is stored in the compartment 4.

[0059] The movable part 8 is connected to the fixed part 7 by at least one joint 11. The spoiler 1 may include several joints 11 such as hinges, for example.

[0060] Preferably, the movable part 8 is positioned below the fixed part 7. In other words, it is the movable part 8 that is closest to the glass 29 of the shutter 2.

[0061] Alternatively, the movable part 8 can be positioned above the fixed part 7.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the compartment 4 comprises a central housing 15 housing the charger 12 and two lateral housings 16, 17 positioned on either side of the central housing 15, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Each lateral housing 16, 17 houses one of the charging cables 13, 23.

[0063] Fig. 3 illustrates a view from below of the spoiler 1 showing the movable part 8 closed in transparency positioned above the fixed part 7.

[0064] The movable part 8 comprises a main wall 18 on which the charging device 5 rests. The movable part 8 comprises two opposing lateral partitions 9, 10 extending from the main wall 18 towards the fixed part 7. The two lateral partitions 9, 10 partially delimit the central housing 15 and the two lateral housings 16, 17.

[0065] The two side partitions 9, 10 are substantially perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal direction of the spoiler 1 and with respect to the main wall 18. They are substantially parallel to a main direction of the vehicle 3.

[0066] The two side partitions 9, 10 allow the charger 12 to be guided during assembly and to block its longitudinal movement.

[0067] Alternatively, each side partition 9, 10 includes a notch 19, 20 intended to be passed through by one of the charging cables 13, 23.

[0068] Alternatively, the spoiler 1 also includes locking means to block the movement of the loader 12 towards the rear and bottom of the vehicle 3, i.e. towards the window of the flap 2, and to prevent it from falling when the movable part 8 is opened. The locking means block the movement of the loader 12 in the main direction of the vehicle 3.

[0069] The spoiler 1 includes locking means positioned at a rear end 35 of the spoiler 1 to lock the fixed part 7 to the movable part 8 when the fixed part 7 is in the closed position. This prevents the movable part 8 from opening unintentionally.

[0070] The spoiler 1 further includes a locking device for locking the movable part 8 to the fixed part 7 when the movable part 8 is in the closed position.

[0071] The locking device is an electronic locking device which is connected to a central locking system of the vehicle 3. Thus, when the user locks the doors of the vehicle 3, he also locks the spoiler 1.

[0072] The movable part 8 of the spoiler 1 is thus secured and the risks of theft are reduced.

[0073] To charge his vehicle 3, the user opens the spoiler 1, which is already unlocked with the central locking system. The movable part 8 pivots downwards, i.e. towards the window 29 of the flap 2. The charging cables 13, 23 and the charger 12 are supported by the movable part 8 and therefore pivot with it. The first connection terminals 25 are disconnected from the second connection terminals 26.

[0074] The user then has access to the charging cables 13, 23 and takes one out of the spoiler 1. The user connects the connector 32 of the charging cable 13, 23 to a charging station to charge the main battery of his vehicle 3. The charger 12 remains positioned on the movable part 8.

[0075] Once charging is complete, the user disconnects the connector 32 from the charging station, repositions it on the movable part 8 and then closes the movable part 8 against the fixed part 7. The charging cable 13, 23 is thus stored in the compartment 4 of the spoiler 1. The first connection terminals 25 are reconnected to the second connection terminals 26 to power the brake light 14.

[0076] A warning signal may be provided on the dashboard to warn the user that he has not closed or has incorrectly closed the movable part 8.

[0077] The spoiler 1 forms an envelope insulated from rain and dust.

[0078] Sealing means are provided between the moving part 8 and the fixed part 7.

[0079] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variations of the invention without going out of the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Spoiler (1) intended to be fixed to a flap (2) of a vehicle (3) moved at least partially by electrical energy, the spoiler (1) comprising a compartment (4) housing a charging device (5) intended to be connected to an electric charging station, characterized in that the spoiler (1) comprises a fixed part (7), fixed to the flap (2), and a movable part (8), positioned below the fixed part (7), and movable in rotation relative to the fixed part (7) between a closed position in which the compartment (4) is closed and an open position in which an opening (6) is formed between the fixed part (7) and the movable part (8) to allow access to the charging device (5) in the compartment (4).

2. Spoiler (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (8) is connected to the fixed part (7) by at least one articulation (H).

3. Spoiler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the charging device (5) comprises a charger (12) connected to at least one charging cable (13, 23), a brake light (14) being integrated into the charger (12).

4. Spoiler (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the compartment (4) comprises a central housing (15) housing the charger (12) and two lateral housings (16, 17) positioned on each side of the central housing (15), the charging device (5) comprising two charging cables (13, 23), each lateral housing (16, 17) housing one of the charging cables (13, 23).

5. Spoiler (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the movable part (8) comprises a main wall (18) and two opposing side partitions (9, 10) extending from the main wall (18) towards the fixed part (7), the two side partitions (9, 10) partially delimiting the central housing (15) and the two side housings (16, 17).

6. Spoiler (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each side partition (9, 10) includes a notch (19, 20) through which the charging cable (13, 23) passes.

7. Spoiler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a locking device for lock the moving part (8) to the fixed part (7) when the moving part (8) is in the closed position.

8. Spoiler (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking device is electrically connected to a central locking system of the vehicle (3).

9. Vehicle (3) powered at least partially by electrical energy comprising a flap (2) positioned at the rear of the vehicle (3), characterized in that it comprises a spoiler (1) as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the spoiler (1) being fixed to the flap (2).

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