Device for deploying a double-wound electrical cable, and associated charging station

Abstract

Deployment Device for a Double-Wound Electric Cable and Associated Charging Station. The present invention relates to a deployment device (10) for an electric cable (12), particularly for charging an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. The deployment device (10) comprises an electric cable (12) and a first pulley assembly (14) including at least one first pulley (38) and a second pulley assembly (16) including at least one second pulley (46). The electric cable (12) alternately passes around the first pulley (38) and the second pulley (46). The first pulley assembly (14) and the second pulley assembly (16) are spaced along a longitudinal axis (X) and are free to translate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (X). The invention further relates to an associated charging station. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for deploying a double-wound electrical cable, and associated charging station

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for deploying an electric cable, in particular for charging an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, the deployment device comprising an electric cable and a first pulley assembly comprising at least one first pulley. The present invention further relates to an associated charging station.

[0002] There are spring-loaded electric cable reels or unwinders, in which the cable winds itself.

[0003] However, winding a cable around itself in a reel produces an effect similar to that which occurs in a spool, as the cable naturally heats up. Temperature switches, or thermal circuit breakers, are installed to cut off the current when the temperature exceeds a threshold, for example, set at 65°C. However, it is not always easy to reset the circuit breaker, particularly if it is mounted high up and / or in an unmanned self-service station.

[0004] Furthermore, the charging power, if the cable is not fully unwound, is lower than advertised. This then results in a longer charging time.

[0005] Furthermore, the force encountered increases as the cable is distributed. Thus, it is particularly physically difficult to fully unwind the cable.

[0006] Moreover, these winders are fragile because they are equipped with a spring.

[0007] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose a device for deploying an electric cable allowing for fast, easy and safe charging of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a deployment device of the aforementioned type, in which the deployment device comprises a second set of pulleys including at least one second pulley, the electric cable alternately going around the first pulley or one of the first pulleys and the second pulley or one of the second pulleys, the first set of pulleys and the second set of pulleys being spaced along a longitudinal axis, the first set of pulleys and the second set of pulleys being movable in translation relative to each other along the longitudinal axis.

[0009] Winding the cable around the two pulley sets, which are spaced apart from each other, prevents the coiling effect. This therefore allows for faster and safer charging.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the deployment device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0011] - the deployment device includes a housing, the first pulley assembly being fixed relative to the casing, the second pulley assembly being mobile in translation relative to the casing along the longitudinal axis;

[0012] - the deployment device includes at least one guide rail extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the set of first pulleys and / or the set of second pulleys being mounted on a trolley or a respective trolley mounted mobile in translation on at least one guide rail;

[0013] - the first pulley assembly comprises a plurality of first pulleys, the second pulley system comprising a plurality of second pulleys, the number of second pulleys being preferably equal to the number of first pulleys, or equal to the number of first pulleys less one or plus one, the electric cable going around each of the first pulleys and the second pulleys only once;

[0014] - the first pulleys have a first common axis of rotation, the second pulleys with a second common axis of rotation;

[0015] - each first and second pulley has a groove designed to receive a passage of the electrical cable, the electrical cable passing only once through each groove;

[0016] - the deployment device includes a recall element, the recall element exerting a force that separates the first set of pulleys and the second set of pulleys from each other along the longitudinal axis;

[0017] - the return element comprises a jack including a cylinder and a rod, the cylinder comprising a fluid, the rod being adapted to slide tightly in the cylinder, one of the cylinder or rod being fixed relative to the first pulley set, the other of the cylinder or rod being fixed relative to the second pulley set, the cylinder being arranged to compress when the first pulley set and the second pulley set approach each other along the longitudinal axis;

[0018] - the deployment device includes a housing in which the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly, the housing having an inlet opening for the passage of the electrical cable and an outlet opening for the passage of the electrical cable, the deployment device comprising a system for fixing the electrical cable to the housing at the inlet opening and / or the electrical cable having a stop element outside the housing, the stop element being able to come to a stop in the event of a given maximum distance between the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly; and / or

[0019] - the deployment device includes a system for blocking the deployment of the electrical cable in position, the locking system advantageously including a ratchet wheel.

[0020] The invention also relates to a charging station for an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle comprising a location for the vehicle and a device for deploying an electric cable as described above, the device for deploying an electric cable being arranged above the location for the vehicle.

[0021] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0022] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of a device deployment of an electrical cable according to an example of the invention, the cable being stored,

[0023] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the deployment device of [Fig.1], without the housing, with the cable stowed,

[0024] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the deployment device of [Fig.1], without the housing, with the cable uncoiled, and

[0025] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic side view of a charging station with the deployment device of [Fig.1].

[0026] The terms "vertical", "superior" and "inferior" are defined with respect to the vertical of the place, considered as the perpendicular to the ground.

[0027] An example of an electrical cable deployment device 10, in particular for charging an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, according to the invention, is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0028] The deployment device 10 includes an electrical cable 12, a first set of pulleys 14, and a second set of pulleys 16.

[0029] The deployment device 10 further includes a housing 18.

[0030] The electrical cable 12 extends between an upstream end and a downstream end.

[0031] The upstream end is adapted to be connected to an electrical source, for example in a charging station.

[0032] The downstream end is intended for connection to a vehicle, for the electrical charging of said vehicle.

[0033] In particular, the electrical cable 12 is provided at its downstream end with a connection fitting 20 for a vehicle.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the electrical cable 12 is further provided with a strap 22 at its downstream end.

[0035] The strap 22 is, for example, flexible.

[0036] The strap 22 has a length between 50 cm and 2 m, more particularly between 70 cm and 1.2 m.

[0037] The strap allows, in particular, the electrical cable to be pulled when it is fixed at a height, as will be described in more detail later.

[0038] The strap 22 is, for example, made of an electrically insulating material.

[0039] The housing 18 is adapted to receive the rest of the deployment device 10 with the exception of portions of the electrical cable 12, in particular a downstream portion and an upstream portion.

[0040] The housing 18 here forms a rectangular housing.

[0041] The housing 18 has, for example, a height of less than 30 centimeters, in particular less than 20 cm.

[0042] The housing 18 is, for example, made of galvanized steel or stainless steel.

[0043] The housing 18 has, for example, a removable cover so as to allow a access to the inside of the case.

[0044] The cover is, for example, arranged on a lower surface of the housing.

[0045] The housing 18 has an inlet opening 24 for the passage of the electrical cable and an exit opening 26 for the passage of the electrical cable.

[0046] The inlet opening 24 and the outlet opening 26 are arranged on the same side of the housing 18.

[0047] More particularly, the electrical cable 12, from its upstream end to its downstream end, extends outside the housing, for example from a charging station, enters the housing at the inlet opening 24, extends within the housing, in particular as will be described below, then exits the housing at the outlet opening 26, so that the connecting end 20 extends outside the housing.

[0048] The deployment device 10 further includes a fixing system 28 for the electrical cable 12 to the housing 18 at the level of the entry opening 24.

[0049] The fastening system 28 holds the electrical cable 12 in position at the level of the inlet opening 24.

[0050] The fastening system 28 is, for example, a cable gland arranged at the inlet opening 24 and through which the electrical cable 12 passes.

[0051] Advantageously, the device 10 is here provided with at least one guide element 30 for the electrical cable 12 at the exit opening 26.

[0052] The at least one guide element 30 here comprises a plurality of rollers 32, here four rollers, arranged at the exit opening 26 of the housing 18, more particularly outside the housing 18.

[0053] The rollers are adapted to rotate when the cable enters or exits at the exit opening 26, and thus guide the cable.

[0054] The rollers 32 are arranged on either side of the outlet opening 26 along the vertical.

[0055] In the example shown, the housing 18 is further provided with a fixing system 34, in particular to an external structure, for example a ceiling, a wall, a post or the upper part of a charging station.

[0056] In the example shown, the fixing system 34 is intended to fix the housing 18 to a ceiling.

[0057] The fastening system 34 is arranged here on a top surface of the housing.

[0058] The fastening system 34 is, for example, suitable for allowing rotation of the housing on itself over a given angular amplitude, for example of at least 90°, for example of at least 180°, for example of 300°.

[0059] In the example shown, the fastening system 34 is, for example, provided with a rotating base 36.

[0060] The stop angles of the rotating base 36, defining the given angular amplitude, are, for example, adjustable.

[0061] The first pulley assembly 14 comprises at least one first pulley 38, more particularly here a plurality of first pulleys, more particularly at least three pulleys.

[0062] The first pulleys 38 here present a first common axis of rotation dl.

[0063] Each first pulley includes a respective axis of rotation, around which it rotates.

[0064] The respective axes of rotation of the first pulleys are thus aligned along the first common axis of rotation dl, more particularly one after the other.

[0065] The first pulleys 38 are capable of rotating independently of each other.

[0066] Each first pulley is capable of entering into rotation around its respective axis of rotation, without causing the rotation of the axes of rotation of the other first pulleys.

[0067] The first pulleys 38 are identical to each other here.

[0068] The first pulleys 38 are superimposed on each other along an axis of superposition. The superposition axis is here, for example, the first common rotation axis dl.

[0069] The first common axis of rotation dl is vertical here.

[0070] Each first pulley 38 has a groove provided to receive a passage, more particularly a single passage, of the electrical cable 12.

[0071] The groove is provided on a periphery of the first pulley 38, around the first common axis of rotation dl.

[0072] The first pulleys are held by a bracket 40.

[0073] The stirrup 40 comprises a base and at least two, here three, lateral supports 42.

[0074] The base extends from one side of the superposition of the first pulleys 38.

[0075] More specifically here, the base extends under the first pulleys 38 according to the first common axis of rotation dl.

[0076] Each lateral support 42 extends from the base.

[0077] Each lateral support 42 extends parallel to the first common axis of rotation dl next to the first pulleys.

[0078] More particularly, the stirrup 40 includes two lateral supports arranged on either side of the first pulleys 38 in a direction perpendicular to the first common axis of rotation dl, called the transverse direction, and a third lateral support arranged on one side of the first pulleys 38 in a direction perpendicular to the first common axis of rotation dl and to the longitudinal direction.

[0079] The third lateral support is arranged on the side of the first pulleys 38 opposite the second pulley assembly 16, that is to say on the side furthest from the second pulley assembly 16.

[0080] The first pulleys are fixed to a plate 44, more particularly by the stirrup 40 and by the first common axis of rotation dl.

[0081] The first pulleys are arranged here under the plate 44 along the first common axis of rotation dl.

[0082] The first pulleys are held between the plate 44 and the stirrup 40, more particularly the base of the stirrup, along the direction of the first common axis of rotation dl.

[0083] The stirrup 40 is attached to the plate 44 by the lateral supports 42.

[0084] The lateral supports 42 extend over the entire height of the superposition of the first pulleys.

[0085] The tray 44 is fixed to the housing 18, to a surface above inside the housing 18. The tray 44 extends below the upper surface of the housing.

[0086] The first pulley assembly 14 here includes the first pulleys 38, the stirrup 40 and the plate 44.

[0087] The first pulley assembly 14 is fixed relative to the housing 18.

[0088] The second pulley assembly 16 comprises at least one second pulley 46, more particularly here a plurality of second pulleys 46, more particularly one more pulley than first pulleys 38.

[0089] The second pulleys 46 have a second common axis of rotation d2.

[0090] Each second pulley has a respective axis of rotation, around which it rotates.

[0091] The respective axes of rotation of the second pulleys are thus aligned along the second common axis of rotation d2, more particularly one after the other.

[0092] The second pulleys 46 are capable of rotating independently of each other.

[0093] Each second pulley is capable of entering into rotation around its respective axis of rotation, without causing the rotation of the axes of rotation of the other second pulleys.

[0094] The second pulleys 46 are identical to each other here.

[0095] The second pulleys 46 are superimposed on each other along a superposition axis. The superposition axis is here, for example, the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0096] The second common axis of rotation d2 is parallel to the first common axis of rotation dl.

[0097] The second common axis of rotation d2 is vertical here.

[0098] Each second pulley 46 has a groove provided to receive a passage, more particularly a single passage, of the electrical cable 12.

[0099] The groove is provided on a periphery of the second pulley 46, around the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0100] The second pulleys 46 are held by a stirrup 48.

[0101] The stirrup 48 comprises a base and at least two, here three, lateral supports 50.

[0102] The base extends from one side of the superposition of the second pulleys 46.

[0103] More specifically here, the base extends under the second pulleys 46 according to the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0104] Each lateral support 50 extends from the base.

[0105] Each lateral support 50 extends parallel to the second common axis of rotation d2 next to the second pulleys 46.

[0106] More particularly, the stirrup 48 comprises two lateral supports arranged on either side of the second pulleys 46 in a direction perpendicular to the second common axis of rotation d2, corresponding here to the transverse direction, and a third lateral support arranged on one side of the second pulleys 46 in a direction perpendicular to the second common axis of rotation d2 and to the longitudinal direction.

[0107] The third lateral support is arranged on the side of the second pulleys 46 opposite the first pulley assembly 14, that is to say on the side furthest from the first pulley assembly 14.

[0108] The second pulleys 46 are fixed to a carriage 52, more particularly by the stirrup 48 and by the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0109] The second pulleys 46 are arranged here under the carriage 52 along the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0110] The second pulleys 46 are held between the carriage 52 and the stirrup 48, more particularly the base of the stirrup, along the direction of the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0111] The stirrup 48 is attached to the carriage 52 by the lateral supports 50.

[0112] The lateral supports 50 extend over the entire height of the superposition of second pulleys.

[0113] The second pulley assembly 16 here includes the second pulleys 46, the stirrup 48 and the plate 52.

[0114] The first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis X.

[0115] The longitudinal axis X is here perpendicular to the first common axis of rotation dl and to the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0116] The transverse direction is, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0117] In the example shown, the first pulley assembly 14 is arranged between the second pulley assembly 16 and the inlet and outlet openings 24, 26 along the longitudinal axis X.

[0118] The first pulley assembly 14 and the second pulley assembly 16 are movable in translation relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X.

[0119] More particularly here, the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 are movable in translation relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X between a close configuration and a maximum spacing configuration.

[0120] In the present embodiment, the first pulley assembly 14 is fixed relative to the housing 18, the second pulley assembly 16 being movable in translation relative to the housing 18 along the longitudinal axis X.

[0121] The first pulley assembly 14 and the second pulley assembly 16 are also capable of taking intermediate configurations between the close configuration and the maximum spacing configuration.

[0122] In the close-coupled configuration, the distance between the first set of pulleys 14 and the second set of pulleys 16 is strictly less than the same distance in the maximum-spread configuration. In particular, said distance in the close-coupled configuration is less than half of said distance in the maximum-spread configuration.

[0123] More particularly here, the second pulley assembly 16 is movable in translation relative to the first pulley assembly 14, more particularly relative to the housing 18, along the longitudinal axis X.

[0124] More particularly, the carriage 52 is mounted to move in translation along the longitudinal axis X.

[0125] The deployment device 10 further includes at least one guide rail 54.

[0126] The at least one guide rail 54 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0127] At least one guide rail 54 is fixed to the housing 18, more particularly to the inside of the case on the top surface.

[0128] More particularly here, the deployment device 10 comprises two guide rails 54, each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The guide rails 54 are spaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, to the first common axis of rotation d1 and to the second common axis of rotation d2.

[0129] The carriage 52 is mounted to move in translation on at least one guide rail 54, for example by means of a bearing assembly.

[0130] The carriage 52 is mobile in translation between a spread-out position, visible on [Fig.2] and corresponding to the maximum spread configuration of the pulley assemblies, and a close-up position, visible on [Fig.3] and corresponding to the close configuration of the pulley assemblies.

[0131] The cable 12 alternately goes around one of the first pulleys 38 and one of the second pulleys 46, that is to say it goes around one of the first pulleys, then one of the second pulleys, and so on, in particular until it has been passed around each of the pulleys only once, or it goes around one of the second pulleys, then one of the first pulleys, and so on, in particular until it has been passed around each of the pulleys only once.

[0132] Here, the electric cable goes around one of the second pulleys, then around one of the first pulleys, and so on, until it has been passed around each of the pulleys only once.

[0133] The cable 12 does not cross, going from one of the first pulleys 38 to one of the second pulleys 46 and vice versa.

[0134] The cable makes turns around the second pulley assembly 16 and the first pulley assembly 14.

[0135] Each portion of cable between the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis X and to the common axes of rotation dl, d2.

[0136] More specifically, the portions of electrical cable 12 between the first pulley assembly 14 and the second pulley assembly 16 extend in a first plane parallel to the longitudinal axis X and the common axes of rotation d1, d2 and in a second plane parallel to the longitudinal axis X and the common axes of rotation d1, d2. The first plane is arranged on a first side of the pulley assemblies 14, 16 along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and the common axes of rotation d1, d2, the second plane extending from the side of the pulley assemblies 14, 16 opposite to the first plane along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the common axes of rotation dl, d2.

[0137] The cable 12 does not cross between the first pulley floors 38 or second pulley floors 46.

[0138] More particularly, the cable makes turns around the second pulley set 16 and the first pulley set 14, so that the turns are arranged successively along the common axes of rotation dl, d2, more particularly here from top to bottom or alternately from bottom to top.

[0139] The cable 12 is stretched between the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16.

[0140] Each of the first pulleys 38 and the second pulleys 46 receives the electrical cable 12 only once.

[0141] The electrical cable 12 passes only once through each groove of the pulleys.

[0142] This allows the electrical cable 12 to be completely insulated from itself, which This further limits the coil effect.

[0143] From upstream to downstream, the electric cable 12 enters through the inlet orifice 24, goes around alternately one of the first pulleys 38 and one of the second pulleys 46, as described previously, and finally exits through the outlet orifice 26.

[0144] More particularly here, from upstream to downstream, the electric cable 12 enters through the inlet port 24, is wound around a first of the second pulleys 46, then around a first of the first pulleys 38, then around a second of the second pulleys 46 different from the first of the second pulleys, then around a second of the first pulleys 38 different from the first of the first pulleys, then around a third of the second pulleys 46 different from the first and the second of the second pulleys, then around a third of the first pulleys 38 different from the first and the second of the first pulleys, then around the fourth of the second pulleys 46 different from the first, the second and the third of the second pulleys, and finally exits through the outlet port 26.

[0145] The first first pulley, the second first pulley, the third first pulley are aligned in that order along the first common axis of rotation dl, here from bottom to top or from top to bottom.

[0146] The first second pulley, the second second pulley, the third second pulley and the fourth second pulley are aligned in that order along the second common axis of rotation d2, more particularly in the same order as the first pulleys along the first common axis of rotation dl, here from bottom to top or from top to bottom.

[0147] Each lateral support 42, 50 of the stirrups 40, 48 here forms a cable guide to guide the cable between said lateral support and the pulley.

[0148] The lateral supports 42, 50 of the stirrups 40, 48 are arranged to prevent the electrical cable from exiting the corresponding groove.

[0149] When the first pulley assembly 14 and the second pulley element 16 move closer together along the longitudinal axis X, the amount of electrical cable wound between the two pulley assemblies decreases. The amount of electrical cable arranged outside the housing then increases. More specifically, the amount of electrical cable extended from the device's outlet increases.

[0150] Thus, in the maximum spacing configuration of the pulley assembly, the amount of electrical cable deployed is minimal, whereas it is maximal in the close configuration.

[0151] The difference in deployed cable length between the close configuration and the maximum spacing configuration is, for example, here between 3 meters and 5 meters.

[0152] The number of pulleys can be adapted according to the desired deployed cable length.

[0153] In particular, to increase the amount of deployable cable, the first pulley set is, for example, augmented with a given number of first pulleys, the second pulley set comprising the same number of additional second pulleys.

[0154] For example, a pulley is added to each of the pulley assemblies for each additional meter of deployable cable desired.

[0155] The electrical cable 12 has a stop element 56, for example an olive.

[0156] The stop element 56 is fixed to the electrical cable 12 on the outside of the housing 18.

[0157] The stop element 56 forms a local increase in diameter.

[0158] The stop element 56, more particularly its dimensions, prevents the passage of the electrical cable 12 at the level of a stop opposite the exit orifice 26.

[0159] The stop element 56 is able to come into contact with the outlet port in the maximum spacing configuration of the first pulley assembly 12 and the second pulley assembly 14, for example corresponding to the spread-out position of the carriage, visible in [Fig.2].

[0160] More particularly, the stop element 56 comes into contact with the housing 18 around the outlet opening 26 or the guide element 30, as appropriate, in the maximum spacing configuration of the first pulley set 12 and the second pulley set 14.

[0161] The deployment device 10 further includes, here, a recall element 58.

[0162] The return element 58 exerts a force separating the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 from each other along the longitudinal axis X, in particular towards the maximum separation configuration.

[0163] More particularly here, the return element 58 includes a cylinder 60 comprising a cylinder 62 and a rod 64.

[0164] The cylinder 60 extends, here, parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0165] Cylinder 62 comprises a fluid, more particularly a gas, more particularly nitrogen.

[0166] The rod 64 is adapted to slide tightly into the cylinder 62, for example through a sealing ring.

[0167] One of the cylinder or rod, here the cylinder, is fixed relative to the first pulley assembly 14. More particularly, one of the cylinder or rod extends between a first end fixed relative to the first pulley assembly 14, for example fixed to the housing 18 or the plate 44, and a second end.

[0168] The first end is, for example, fixed on the side of the first pulley assembly 14 opposite the second pulley assembly 16 along the longitudinal axis X. More particularly here, the first end is fixed between the first pulley assembly 14 and the outlet port 26 along the longitudinal axis X.

[0169] The other end of the cylinder or rod, here the rod, is fixed relative to the second pulley assembly 16. More particularly, the other end of the cylinder or rod extends between a first end fixed relative to the second pulley assembly 14, for example fixed to the carriage 52, and a second end.

[0170] The second end of the rod enters the cylinder at its second end.

[0171] The cylinder 60 is arranged to compress when the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 come together along the longitudinal axis X, i.e. the rod 60 slides in the cylinder 62 and compresses the fluid contained in the cylinder 62.

[0172] In the close-set configuration of the pulley assemblies, the cylinder 60 is, for example, in its most compact position, for example the rod 64 being entirely arranged within the cylinder 62.

[0173] When the cylinder 60 is compressed, the cylinder 60 exerts a force tending to cause the rod 60 to come out of the cylinder 62, so as to release the pressure of the fluid.

[0174] Thus, when the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 approach each other along the longitudinal axis X, the cylinder 60 exerts a force tending to move them apart.

[0175] The cylinder offers an almost flat force curve, even for very long strokes, compared to a traditional mechanical spring.

[0176] In a particular embodiment, the deployment device includes a system for blocking (not shown) the deployment of the electrical cable in position.

[0177] The locking system is adapted to block the deployment or storage of the electrical cable from or to the box.

[0178] The locking system is adapted to lock the movement of the first set of pulleys 12 and the second set of pulleys 14 between them.

[0179] The locking system has an active locking position and a passive unlocked position.

[0180] The locking system includes, for example, a ratchet wheel mounted on the first common axis of rotation dl, more particularly between the first pulleys 38 and the plate 44.

[0181] In an alternative embodiment, the second pulley assembly and the first pulley assembly are reversed, i.e. the pulley assembly mounted on the moving carriage is arranged on the side of the inlet and outlet openings, so this pulley assembly has one less pulley.

[0182] The pulley assembly closest to the inlet and outlet openings has one less pulley than the other pulley assembly.

[0183] In an alternative embodiment, the inlet opening is arranged on an opposite side of the outlet opening along the direction of the longitudinal axis X. The two pulley assemblies then have, for example, the same number of pulleys.

[0184] In an alternative embodiment, the two pulley assemblies are movable in translation about the longitudinal axis, in particular relative to the housing. For example, each pulley assembly is mounted on a respective movable carriage. The respective movable carriages are movable in translation on the same guide rail(s) or on one or more respective guide rails, each guide rail extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0185] In an alternative embodiment, the pulleys of a pulley assembly are not superimposed such that their respective axes of rotation are aligned along a first common axis of rotation. They are, for example, slightly offset from one another. Their respective axes of rotation are, for example, parallel to each other within each pulley assembly, and also between pulley assemblies.

[0186] The invention further relates to a charging station 100 for an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle 102 comprising a location 104 for the vehicle and a device for deploying an electric cable 106 as described above.

[0187] The deployment device for an electric cable 106 is arranged above the location 104 for the vehicle, for example at a distance greater than or equal to 1.90 meters from the ground.

[0188] The strap of the deployment device hangs from the electric cable, for example, to a distance less than or equal to 1.20 meters from the ground.

[0189] More specifically, the deployment device is fixed to the ceiling above location 104 in the vertical direction Z.

[0190] The deployment device 106 is fixed in the middle of the location 104 along a transverse direction Y corresponding to the transverse direction of a vehicle in the location 104.

[0191] The deployment device 106 is fixed to the front of the location along a longitudinal direction X corresponding to the longitudinal direction of a vehicle in the location.

[0192] A method of using a charging station as described above will now be described.

[0193] A user parks his vehicle 102 in the location 104 and grabs the strap 22 of the deployment device 106, so as to pull on the electrical cable 12.

[0194] Since the strap 22 is less than 1.20 meters from the ground, it is easy to grasp, including for people with reduced mobility.

[0195] By pulling on the electric cable, the user exerts a force on the electric cable, which in turn applies a force on the first set of pulleys 14 and the second set of pulleys 16 tending to bring them closer together.

[0196] The first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 move closer together along the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the second pulley set 16 moves in translation along the longitudinal axis X towards the first pulley set 14.

[0197] The deployment device is capable of rotating on itself so that the cable is oriented towards the vehicle's connection socket.

[0198] The user connects their vehicle via the connection nozzle, so as to recharge the vehicle.

[0199] When the user no longer wishes to charge his vehicle, he removes the connection tip from the vehicle and releases the electrical cable.

[0200] The return element exerts a force separating the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 from each other along the longitudinal axis X: this drives the first pulley set 14 and the second pulley set 16 into the maximum separation configuration.

[0201] The cylinder causes a gradual movement of the pulley assemblies to spread apart. Thus, the movement of the electrical cable is smooth and without jolt.

[0202] The movement of the first pulley assembly 14 and the second pulley assembly 16 is stopped here in the maximum separation configuration by the stop element.

[0203] Alternatively, this spreading movement is stopped when the return element reaches its maximum limit, for example here when the fluid contained in the cylinder of the cylinder is no longer compressed by the rod.

[0204] The spacing of the pulleys causes the electrical cable to be stored around the first set of pulleys and the second set of pulleys.

[0205] Such an electrical cable deployment device offers a clean and uncluttered appearance, is easy to use, ensures safety and cleanliness of the cable and end piece which are not in contact with the ground and possibly water, and provides greater longevity of the device.

[0206] In addition, this device is entirely mechanical, and does not require any special maintenance, for example, related to a motor, a spring or a thermal circuit breaker to be reset.

[0207] Furthermore, the arrangement of the cable within the deployment device makes it possible to avoid the need for a thermal circuit breaker, because the cable does not heat up.

Claims

Demands

1. A deployment device (10) for an electric cable (12), particularly for charging an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, the deployment device (10) comprising an electric cable (12) and a first pulley assembly (14) comprising at least one first pulley (38), characterized in that the deployment device (10) comprises a second pulley assembly (16) comprising at least one second pulley (46), the electric cable (12) alternately passing around one or more of the first pulleys (38) and one or more of the second pulleys (46), the first pulley assembly (14) and the second pulley assembly (16) being spaced along a longitudinal axis (X), the first pulley assembly (14) and the second pulley assembly (16) being translationally movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (X), the deployment device (10) comprising a housing (18),characterized in that the deployment device (10) comprises two guide rails (54) each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), the first set of pulleys (38) and / or the second set of pulleys (46) being mounted on a carriage (52) or a respective carriage mounted movably in translation on the guide rails (54), the guide rails (54) being fixed to the housing (18) inside the housing on the upper surface of the housing.

2. Deployment device according to claim 1, wherein the first pulley assembly (14) is fixed relative to the housing (18), the second pulley assembly (16) being movable in translation relative to the housing (18) along the longitudinal axis (X).

3. Deployment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pulley set (14) comprises a plurality of first pulleys (38), the second pulley set (16) comprises a plurality of second pulleys (46), the number of second pulleys (16) being preferably equal to the number of first pulleys (14), or equal to the number of first pulleys (14) less one or plus one, the electric cable (12) going around each of the first pulleys (38) and the second pulleys (46) only once.

4. Deployment device according to claim 3, wherein the first pulleys (38) have a first common axis of rotation (dl), the second pulleys (46) having a second common axis of rotation (d2).

5. Deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each first and second pulley (38, 46) has a groove provided for receiving a passage of the electrical cable (12), the electrical cable (12) passing only once through each groove.

6. Deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a return element (58), the return element (58) exerting a force separating the first pulley assembly (14) and the second pulley assembly (16) from each other along the longitudinal axis (X).

7. Deployment device according to claim 6, wherein the return element (58) comprises a cylinder (60) including a cylinder (62) and a rod (64), the cylinder (62) comprising a fluid, the rod (64) being adapted to slide tightly in the cylinder (62), one of the cylinder (62) or of the rod (64) being fixed relative to the first pulley assembly (14), the other of the cylinder (62) or of the rod (64) being fixed relative to the second pulley assembly (16), the cylinder (60) being arranged to compress when the first pulley assembly (14) and the second pulley assembly (16) approach each other along the longitudinal axis (X).

8. Deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a housing (18) in which the first pulley set (14) and the second pulley set (16) are arranged, the housing (18) having an inlet opening (24) for the passage of the electrical cable (12) and an outlet opening (26) for the passage of the electrical cable (12), the deployment device (10) comprising a fixing system (28) for the electrical cable (12) to the housing (18) at the inlet opening (24) and / or the electrical cable (12) having a stop element (56) outside the housing (18), the stop element (56) being able to come into contact in the event of a given maximum gap between the first pulley set (14) and the second pulley set (16).

9. Deployment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a system for locking the deployment of the electric cable (12) in position, the locking system advantageously comprising a ratchet wheel.

10. Charging station (100) for an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle (102) comprising a location (104) for the vehicle and a device for deploying an electric cable according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the device for deploying an electric cable (106) being arranged above the location (104) for the vehicle.

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