SIGNED CHARGING CABLE FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging cable (1) for charging electric vehicles comprising at least two electrical conductors, the cable extending between a first end and a second end, the charging cable comprising at least one signaling device configured to emit audible and / or visual signals intended for human beings, including visually impaired individuals, the signaling device being arranged in an intermediate position between the first end and the second end in the vicinity of the two electrical conductors, the signaling device being electrically powered by a current flowing in the electrical conductors. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: SIGNALED CHARGING CABLE FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0001] The invention relates to a charging cable for charging electric vehicles.

[0002] Generally speaking, for various reasons, particularly ecological and climatological, we are seeing an increase in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in circulation.

[0003] In this type of vehicle, it is necessary to recharge the batteries from time to time, otherwise called here means of storing electrical energy.

[0004] Recharging is carried out from an electrical outlet available in the usual home of the user of the vehicle, or in the case which concerns us in particular for the present invention, from a recharging station located in the public domain.

[0005] Recently, we have seen a very strong increase in the number of charging stations in public or semi-public areas.

[0006] To recharge electric and hybrid vehicles, it is necessary to use an electric charging cable intended to connect, on the one hand, a charging base on the vehicle side and, on the other hand, a power supply socket on the opposite side, namely the station side or the household electrical socket.

[0007] In practice, it turns out that in certain charging configurations, there remains a certain distance between the public terminal (or respectively the domestic socket) and the vehicle being charged, and at this location there is a physical gap which allows a human individual to pass between the public terminal and the vehicle being charged.

[0008] Furthermore, in certain charging configurations, the physical interval between the terminal and the vehicle being charged is significant and the electric charging cable rests on the ground, at least in a middle portion of the cable between the vehicle and the charging terminal (or respectively the domestic socket).

[0009] It should also be noted that charging cables are often dark in color, the most common case being black.

[0010] Consequently, when a dark charging cable lies on the ground, it represents an obstacle for a pedestrian, i.e. a human individual passing by this location. For visually impaired individuals, the presence of such a charging cable on the ground represents a dangerous obstacle that is difficult to detect with a cane.

[0011] The inventors sought to improve the situation and reduce the risk posed by a charging cable lying on the ground.

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes a charging cable for charging electric vehicles comprising at least two electrical conductors, the cable extending between a first end and a second end, characterized in that the charging cable comprises at least one signaling device, configured to emit sound signals to human individuals, including certain visually impaired human individuals, the signaling device being arranged at an intermediate position between the first end and the second end, in the vicinity of the two electrical conductors.

[0013] Thanks to such an arrangement, the sound signal produced by the cable makes it possible to reduce the risk of a pedestrian passing over the area hitting said cable.

[0014] In particular, for visually impaired individuals, the audible signaling allows simple identification of the potential obstacle formed by the cable on the ground, without requiring special instrumentation on the white cane or other adaptation of equipment.

[0015] It should be noted that visually impaired people are already accustomed to being informed by sound signals at pedestrian crossings at traffic lights. Sound signals of the same type in terms of their spectral signature will therefore be considered intuitive by the people in question.

[0016] Advantageously, the position of the signaling device in an intermediate portion of the cable is optimal for the different scenarios and cable configurations connected on the one hand to a terminal and on the other hand to a vehicle, whether at the front or rear of the vehicle or even on the side.

[0017] With the signaling device in the middle position, it is most often on the ground and the signaling sound then comes from the portion (on the ground) which presents the greatest danger to passers-by (part most exposed to risk).

[0018] According to one embodiment, the signaling device is configured to further emit light signals.

[0019] Whereby, the sound signaling is supplemented by light signaling. For example, for people with hearing impairments, in night-time conditions, this light signaling is particularly beneficial to prevent certain people, e.g. the elderly and the hard of hearing, from the risk of falling by tripping over the cable.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the signaling device is electrically powered by a flow of electric current in at least one of the electrical conductors.

[0021] Thus, the signaling device is autonomous, it is powered locally without the need to provide a specific wire or cable to power it electrically.

[0022] Thus, it is not necessary to modify the essential characteristics of the charging cable, there is no impact on the two connection sockets of the charging cable. There is no need to redo the qualifications or approval of the charging cable. It should be noted that there is no direct electrical contact between the device signaling and conventional charging cable conductors.

[0023] In practice, a toroidal coil may be provided arranged around the conductors, the windings of the toroidal coil seeing an alternating magnetic flux passing through them. This makes it possible to inject current into a buffer capacitor in order to power the rest of the signaling device. The coil may also be arranged on one side of the conductors with an axis not parallel to the axis of the conductors.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the signaling device comprises a local electrical energy storage device.

[0025] As a result, the signaling device remains powered after the interruption of the flow of power current in the cable for recharging the vehicle. This may be a small supercapacitor or a conventional rechargeable battery.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the cable may comprise an outer sheath and the signaling device is contained in an envelope, the envelope being overmolded onto the outer sheath.

[0027] This solution provides good mechanical protection to the signaling device as well as protection against physicochemical attacks, in particular against aggressive fluids and liquids.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the signaling device installed on the cable has a long, elongated form factor. The overall diameter of the signaling device may, for example, be close to twice the diameter of the charging cable in a standard section without a signaling device.

[0029] According to one embodiment, it is advantageously provided that the sound signals are of a first type when an electrical recharge is in progress and are of a second type when a recharge is not in progress. For example, a first sound frequency can be chosen for the first type and a second sound frequency for the second type.

[0030] Thanks to this arrangement, the owner of the vehicle can know by listening whether the charging of the vehicle is complete. Optionally, the sound pattern of the second type can have a lower energy consumption than the first type so as to minimize the electrical consumption on the local storage capacity.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a number N of signaling devices is provided, configured to emit sound signals to human individuals, the number N being proportional to the length of the charging cable. If the cable has a certain length, then the number N can be greater than 1, which makes it possible to have sound signaling distributed along the cable.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the number N is between 1 + Ent(L / 5) and 1 + Ent(2L / 5), L being the length of the cable and Ent() being the integer part function.

[0033] We can have for example N=1 to 2 for L=3m, N=3 to 5 for 10m.

[0034] We can also have, for example, if N=1, the signaling device arranged halfway between the two ends of the cable, and if the charging cable comprises two signaling devices, each of the two devices is located 75 cm from the midpoint which is halfway between the two ends of the cable.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the signaling device may comprise a brightness sensor. Thanks to this brightness sensor, the signaling device can activate the light signals only when the ambient brightness is below a predefined threshold. This avoids unnecessarily activating the light signals in broad daylight, which incidentally makes it possible to reduce the electrical consumption of the device, in particular when it is no longer being recharged using the vehicle's charging currents.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the signaling device may comprise an electrical activity sensor configured to detect electrical activity on the signaling conductors of the charging cable. Thanks to this electrical activity sensor, it is possible to detect the cessation of any electrical activity and to deduce therefrom that the cable has been disconnected. Under these conditions, the signaling device may stop emitting sound signals.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the charging cable complies with the IEC62196.3 standard and comprises 7 conductors.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the charging cable comprises three conductors. According to another embodiment, the charging cable comprises three conductors in a first portion, a regulation module, two or three conductors in a second portion with a 7-pin type socket at this end.

[0039] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a vehicle being recharged at a public terminal with a charging cable connecting the vehicle to the terminal, [Fig.2] represents a partial schematic sectional view of the cable with a signaling device according to the present invention, [Fig.3] is a functional schematic representation of the signaling device, [Fig.4] shows an example of a charging cable including two signaling devices.

[0040] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For reasons of clarity of the description, certain elements are not necessarily represented to scale.

[0041] In [Fig.l], an electric vehicle 7 is shown in a recharging situation. near a charging station 6.

[0042] The vehicle is equipped with a main battery 71, a charge manager 74 and a connection base 72 for recharging.

[0043] In this document, these are electric vehicles with electric propulsion or traction, for example 100% electric vehicles (zero emissions) or rechargeable hybrid vehicles.

[0044] The vehicle 7 is connected to the charging terminal by means of a charging cable marked 1.

[0045] The charging cable 1 has a first end 62 comprising a socket for connecting the cable 1 to the connection base 72 of the vehicle. The charging cable comprises a second end 61, optionally comprising a socket, and allowing electrical coupling with an electrical charging source arranged in the charging terminal itself.

[0046] The distance D which separates the vehicle from the terminal is eminently variable depending on the configurations which arise. In certain cases, D is less than 1 meter, in other cases the distance D can be between 1 meter and 3 meters. Configurations where the distance D is greater than 3 meters also exist.

[0047] It is noted that the greater the distance D, the greater the length of the part of the cable which rests on the ground.

[0048] For domestic charging, the vehicle can be parked on a driveway and the socket can be located some distance away against a low wall or even inside a room of the house such as the garage. The part of the cable lying on the ground is very substantial in these cases.

[0049] There are therefore multiple situations where the charging cable rests on the ground and forms an obstacle to the passage of individuals in this location.

[0050] Advantageously, the charging cable comprises at least one signaling device 15, configured to emit sound signals intended for human individuals.

[0051] Generally, the signaling device is arranged at an intermediate position between the first end and the second end.

[0052] In the direction transverse to the axis of the cable, the signaling device is located in the vicinity of the two electrical conductors.

[0053] It should be noted here that in the detailed figures we have shown only two conductors 11, 12, the other conductors possibly present not being shown so as not to harm the clarity of the presentation.

[0054] In the illustrated case of a public charging station, the charging cable is typically type 2 with seven conductors, five large-section conductors and two small-section conductors. The large-section conductors carry the 3 phases and the neutral of a three-phase power supply as well as a protective earth. The small-section conductors carry communication signals between the vehicle's charge manager and the charging station controller. These two paths are called pilot paths, i.e. proximity pilot PP and control pilot CP.

[0055] It should be noted that the five large-section conductors are not necessarily present: in certain single-phase charging cables, two conductors are absent (this concerns the conductors of the second phase and the third phase).

[0056] In the context of home charging, at least a portion of the charging cable is made up of three conductors: phase, neutral and earth protection, in a single-phase power supply logic.

[0057] For certain types of charging cable, a regulation box is provided with the domestic single-phase power supply on one side and conductors on the other side and one end compatible with the type 2 socket.

[0058] It is noted here that a signaling device, or the equivalent function, can be integrated into said control box.

[0059] As regards the sound signals emitted by the signaling device, this may be a repeating pattern. This may be, for example, a type of ringing or “ding ding” sound.

[0060] As visible in [Fig.3], the signaling device 15 comprises a loudspeaker 41 or a beeper or even a buzzer, this element forming the organ for emitting the sound signals.

[0061] According to a particular characteristic, sound signals of a first type are emitted when an electrical recharge is in progress and of a second type are emitted when a recharge is not in progress. For example, the frequency, the tone or the timbre may differ between the first type and the second type.

[0062] According to a particular feature, the audible signals can be interrupted when the cable is physically disconnected and stored.

[0063] Furthermore, the signaling device 15 may be configured to further emit light signals. In this case, the signaling produced is both audible and visual.

[0064] In the example illustrated, the signaling device 15 comprises one or more light source(s) formed by one or more LEDs 42 (light-emitting diodes).

[0065] The signaling device 15 comprises a microcontroller type control unit 3, an element known per se and therefore not described in detail here.

[0066] The signaling device 15 comprises a local electrical energy storage device marked 5. This may be a small supercapacitor or a small conventional rechargeable battery.

[0067] In order to be able to charge the local battery 5, the signaling device 15 comprises a coil 4 arranged near the conductors 11, 12. The windings of the coil receive an alternating magnetic flux created by the alternating currents circulating in the conductors 11, 12.

[0068] In the example illustrated on the left of the figure, the axis of the coil is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the conductors.

[0069] One end of the coil is connected to a reference potential point 50 and the other end of the coil is connected to a diode 51. The diode makes it possible to rectify the alternations and to charge the capacitor or battery 5.

[0070] According to another example illustrated on the right of the figure as a variant, the signaling device 15 may comprise a toroidal coil 4' arranged in an annular position surrounding the conductors 11, 12 and the other conductors not shown.

[0071] According to a particular characteristic, the signaling device 15 comprises a brightness sensor 30 connected to the microcontroller 3. Thanks to the information from this sensor, the microcontroller 3 can activate the light signals only when the ambient brightness is below a predefined threshold.

[0072] When the daylight diminishes and the darkness reaches a certain level, then the microcontroller 3 activates the light signaling. Conversely, if the level of natural or artificial lighting is higher than a predetermined threshold, then the microcontroller deactivates the light signaling.

[0073] According to another particular characteristic, the signaling device 15 comprises an electrical activity sensor 32 configured to detect electrical activity on the signaling conductors of the charging cable.

[0074] The electrical activity sensor 32 may be formed as a small coil with an axis either parallel to the conductor or perpendicular to the conductor or inclined.

[0075] When the cable is connected to the vehicle and to the terminal, even if the recharging is finished, the charge manager 74 of the vehicle and the controller of the terminal exchange messages on the CP line (control pilot), these messages cause a slight modification of the electromagnetic field as they pass which can be detected by the activity detector 32.

[0076] If a recharge is in progress then the detected electrical activity is very significant. If the recharge is finished, the strong recharge currents are interrupted, and then the electrical activity is reduced to the messages passing on the signaling lines CP. When these messages cease, there is no longer any electrical activity on the conductors of the cable and then the microcontroller 3 can decide to stop the sound signaling as well as the light signaling.

[0077] The cable comprises an outer sheath 13 which envelops all the conductors of the cable, as known per se.

[0078] Furthermore, the signaling device is contained in an envelope 16. The envelope 16 is overmolded onto the outer sheath 13.

[0079] The casing 16 has a certain flexibility to transmit the sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker 41 to the outside of the signaling device so that said sound waves are audible to the surrounding individuals. The casing 16 may also have a translucent zone to allow the light rays produced by the LEDs 42 to pass through.

[0080] As illustrated in [Fig.2] in section, the signaling device is arranged radially outside the outer sheath 13 of the cable and radially inside its casing 16. The integrity of the charging cable is not modified here. The signaling device 15 simply takes a little electromagnetic energy without direct contact. It is noted that the casing 16 provides hermetic protection for the components of the signaling device 15.

[0081] Turning to [Fig.4], the center line PM materializes a position halfway between the first end 61 and the second end 62.

[0082] In the case where only one signaling device is arranged on the cable then its position is close to the PM line, in other words it is located substantially in the middle of the cable 1.

[0083] When the charging cable is equipped with two signaling devices illustrated by the references 151 and 152 in [Fig.4], each of the devices is located at a distance D1 from the center line PM.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance DI can be equal to 75 cm.

[0085] If the cable is longer, the number N of signaling devices can generally be proportional to the length of the charging cable.

[0086] In particular examples, the number N is between 1 + Ent(L / 5) and 1 + Ent(2L / 5), L being the length of the cable and Ent() being the integer part function. For example, we can have N=1 to 2 for L=3m, and N=3 to 5 for 10m.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the signaling device is olive-shaped around the charging cable in an annular arrangement and with an elongated form factor.

[0088] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the overall diameter of the signaling device is denoted D3 and the diameter of the charging cable in a current section without signaling device is denoted D2. The diameter D3 can be between 1.5 x D2 and 4 x D2. The diameter D3 can be between 2 x D2 and 2.6 x D2. In a particular example, the diameter D3 can for example be close to twice the diameter D2.

[0089] Thanks to this form factor, the charging cable 1 can be wound around itself for storage without the signaling devices causing significant inconvenience.

Claims

Claims

1. Charging cable (1) for charging electric vehicles comprising at least two electrical conductors (11, 12), the cable extending between a first end and a second end, characterized in that the charging cable comprises at least one signaling device (15), configured to emit sound signals intended for human individuals, among which certain visually impaired human individuals, the signaling device being arranged at an intermediate position between the first end and the second end, in the vicinity of the two electrical conductors.

2. Charging cable according to claim 1 characterized in that the signaling device is configured to further emit light signals.

3. Charging cable according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the signaling device is electrically powered by a flow of electric current in at least one of the electrical conductors.

4. Charging cable according to claim 3 characterized in that the signaling device comprises a local electrical energy storage device (5).

5. Charging cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an outer sheath and characterized in that the signaling device is contained in an envelope, the envelope being overmolded onto the outer sheath.

6. Charging cable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sound signals are of a first type when an electrical recharge is in progress and are of a second type when a recharge is not in progress.

7. Charging cable according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a number N of signaling devices is provided, configured to emit sound signals to human individuals, the number N being proportional to the length of the charging cable.

8. Charging cable according to claim 7, characterized in that the number N is between 1 + Ent(L / 5) and 1 + Ent(2L / 5), L being the length of the cable and Ent() being the integer part function.

9. A charging cable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, ca- characterized in that the signaling device comprises a brightness sensor (30).

10. Charging cable according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the signaling device comprises an electrical activity sensor (32) configured to detect electrical activity on signaling conductors (PP, CP) of the charging cable.

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