Connection system for motor vehicles protecting at least one connection zone by moving a flap.

Abstract

Title of the invention: Connection system for a motor vehicle protecting at least one connection zone by movement of a flap. The present invention relates to a connection system (24) comprising a body having at least a first connection zone (28) and a second connection zone (30) distinct from each other, the connection system (24) comprising at least one flap (32) configured to assume at least a first position in which the flap (32) notably prevents an electrical connection between at least one of said connection zones (28, 30) and a charging socket (2) and a second position in which the flap (32) allows an electrical connection between said connection zone (28, 30) and the charging socket (2), the flap (32) comprising an actuation zone (36) configured to be in contact with the charging socket (2) when the flap (32) moves from its first position to its second position. (Figure 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Connection system for a motor vehicle protecting at least one connection zone by moving a flap.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical charging systems, and more particularly to such electrical charging systems for electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are vehicles capable of transporting passengers and / or goods. These vehicles comprise an electric motor capable of converting electrical energy stored in energy storage equipment, such as batteries, into mechanical energy capable of setting the vehicle in motion, for example by setting the vehicle's wheels in rotation.

[0003] During vehicle operation, the energy stored in the batteries decreases, and the latter then need to be recharged by the user. Charging equipment, such as wall terminals, allows the vehicle batteries to be recharged. This charging equipment may include a charging cable intended to connect with a vehicle connection system for recharging the batteries.

[0004] According to various standards, such as standard NF C61-314, and to protect the user from the risk of electrocution, these connection systems comprise a sealing device at the connection zones intended to be connected with a connection terminal of the charging cable. This sealing device makes it possible, on the one hand, to protect the user from the risk of electrocution by preventing the user from coming into contact with connection elements of the connection zones and, on the other hand, to protect the connection elements from the risk of oxidation.

[0005] Existing solutions are not satisfactory because they require the user to first remove them and then connect the charging equipment to the vehicle's connection system. Such handling requires the user to hold the closure device with one hand and connect the charging equipment with the other. Such handling requires the user to have two hands free, which can be inconvenient for the user when the user needs to recharge their electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0006] The present invention proposes to overcome at least this drawback of the prior art by means of a connection system intended to supply electrical energy to a motor vehicle, the connection system comprising a body which comprises at least a first connection zone and a second connection zone. connection distinct from each other, at least one of said connection zones being configured to be electrically connected with at least one charging socket, the connection system comprising at least one flap configured to take at least a first position in which the flap prohibits an electrical connection between at least one of said connection zones and the charging socket and a second position in which the flap authorizes an electrical connection between said connection zone and the charging socket, the connection system being configured so that the flap translates between the first position and the second position, the flap comprising an actuation zone configured to be in contact with the charging socket when the flap moves from its first position to its second position.

[0007] The first connection area and the second connection area each comprise complementary connection pins of electrical terminals of the charging socket. In other words, the connection system forms a female socket in which the electrical terminals of the charging socket, which is a male socket, are housed so as to allow an electrical connection between the connection system and the charging socket.

[0008] The flap is able to move between its first position and its second position so that depending on the position in which the flap is located, the charging socket can be introduced into said connection zone or the charging socket cannot be introduced into the connection zone by being blocked by the flap. The blocking of the introduction of the charging socket into one of said connection zones is done by coming into abutment against the flap which is then interposed between the charging socket and the connection zone.

[0009] In the first position of the flap, the flap protects at least one of the connection areas against the accumulation of dust in at least one of said connection areas, while prohibiting an electrical connection between at least one of said connection areas and the charging socket. Indeed, the prohibition of the electrical connection between at least one of said connection areas and the charging socket is achieved by sealing this connection area in order to prohibit the accumulation of dust therein.

[0010] The actuation zone of the shutter allows the user of the connection system to move the shutter in translation by means of the load socket. This actuation zone is a support zone forming a support to allow the user to drive the shutter in translation so as to free access to a connection zone of the connection system.

[0011] According to a characteristic of the invention, the actuation zone is an edge upper part of the shutter. The connection system includes two connection areas, the first connection area and the second connection area. The shutter is arranged in its first position opposite the second connection area. The actuation area is arranged at a part of the flap closest to the first connection area when the flap is arranged opposite the second connection area.

[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, the shutter extends in a main elongation plane, the actuation zone is a stop formed by projecting from said main elongation plane in a direction opposite to said connection zone. This stop makes it possible to provide support to the user to be able to drive the shutter in translation.

[0013] According to a characteristic of the invention, the flap is opposite the connection zone when said flap is in its first position and the flap is offset relative to said connection zone when said flap is in its second position. It is understood that “offset” means that the flap is not opposite the connection zone so that the electrical connection between the connection zone and the charging socket is possible. In other words, the flap moves so as to no longer clutter the space located in front of the connection zone.

[0014] More specifically, the flap is offset in an area distinct from the projection of the connection area, said projection being defined along the connection pins of the connection area. The flap is therefore offset relative to the projection of the connection pins along an axis along which at least one of said connection pins extends.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the shutter is configured to translate along a translation axis. The translation of the shutter allows it to move from its first position to its second position and vice versa. It is understood that the change in position of the shutter is not carried out by a rotation of the shutter around an axis of rotation. In other words, the shutter moves from its first position to its second position and from its second position to its first position while remaining in the same plane.

[0016] According to a characteristic of the invention, the connection system comprises at least one guide element along which the flap translates between its first position and its second position. This guide element is carried by the body of the connection system and extends parallel to a plane of elongation of the flap.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, the flap translates along the guide element which is carried by the body and which extends along a straight line intersecting a direction of elongation of a connection pin of the connection zone. This connection pin constitutes a connection zone opposite the flap when the flap is in its first position.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first connection zone and the second connection zone are superimposed on each other along an axis of superposition, the guide element extending parallel to said superposition axis.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, the actuation zone extends perpendicular to the superposition axis.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the invention, the guide element forms a slide within which the flap translates between its first position and its second position. Such a shape taken by the guide element allows the latter to slide within the slide between its first position and its second position. It is understood that the slide shape taken by the guide element makes it possible to constrain the movements of the flap other than that of translation between the first position and the second position.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, the connection system comprises two guide elements arranged on either side of said connection zone, the actuation zone extending from one of said guide elements to the other. Such an arrangement of the guide elements makes it possible to eliminate degrees of freedom of the shutter, and in particular to prevent rotation of the shutter around an axis of rotation or a point of rotation. In addition, such a characteristic of the actuation zone makes it possible to ensure that said actuation zone extends over a sufficient distance to allow the user to actuate the translation of the shutter. In other words, the actuation zone thus has sufficient dimensions to allow the user to drive the shutter in translation by means of the load grip.It should be noted that it is understood that the actuation zone is not directly in contact with the guide elements but at a space from the latter only allowing to prevent wear of the actuation zone by frictional forces against the guide elements. It is understood that the actuation zone extends between one guide element and the other guide element over at least 80% of the distance of the flap joining said guide elements, this distance being measured along the shortest segment joining said guide elements.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the invention, the connection system comprises at least one return member configured to return the flap from its second position to its first position.

[0023] According to a characteristic of the invention, the return member is housed within the guide element.

[0024] According to a characteristic of the invention, the return member is secured by one end to the guide element and by an opposite end to the flap.

[0025] The return member is a tension spring housed within the guide element so as not to obstruct the insertion of the charging socket into the connection system when the shutter is in its second position.

[0026] The invention also relates to a connection assembly which comprises a charging socket and a connection system conforming to any one of the aforementioned characteristics, the charging socket is intended to electrically connect with the connection system, the flap is opposite one of said connection zones when said flap is in its first position and the flap is offset from said connection zone when said flap is in its second position, the charging socket being electrically connected with the connection system when the flap is in its second position and the charging socket being electrically disconnected from the connection system when the flap is in its first position. The electrical connection between the charging socket and the connection system is made by plugging the charging socket into the connection system, i.e. by inserting the charging socket into the connection system.For this purpose, the connection system is complementary to the charging socket to allow such insertion.

[0027] When the flap is in its first position, the charging socket cannot electrically connect with the connection system, the charging socket is then disconnected from the connection system.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first connection zone is an alternating electric current supply zone and the second connection zone is a direct electric current supply zone, the shutter being opposite the direct electric current supply zone when the shutter is in its first position.

[0029] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] represents a general view of a charging socket intended to connect with a connection system according to the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] represents a connection system according to the present invention, in which a flap is in a first position preventing an electrical connection between the charging socket represented by [Fig.l] and the connection system;

[0032] [Fig.3] represents the connection system visible in [Fig.2], in which the flap is in a second position allowing an electrical connection between the charging socket represented by [Fig.l] and the connection system;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents a side view of the connection system represented by figures 2 and 3 when the shutter is in its first position;

[0034] [Fig.5] represents a side view of the connection system represented by figures 2 and 3 when the shutter is in its second position.

[0035] The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of The invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

[0036] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0037] Furthermore, in the description which follows, reference will be made to an orientation which is a function of the Longitudinal, Vertical and Transverse axes as they are arbitrarily defined by the trihedron L, V, T shown in Figures 2 to 5, the longitudinal direction corresponding to the main elongation direction of the connection system. The choice of names for these axes is not limiting of the orientation which the connection system can take in its application.

[0038] [Fig. 1] illustrates a charging socket 2 intended to connect to a connection system according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the charging socket 2 is a plug-in device of a charging terminal capable of being connected to an electric or hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the charging socket 2 is intended to electrically connect to a connection system of an electric or hybrid vehicle in order to allow an electric current to flow from the charging terminal to an electrical energy storage means, such as batteries, or vice versa.

[0039] This charging socket 2 comprises a protective sheath 4 in which a plurality of electrical cables circulate, not shown here, connected by one end to the charging terminal and by an opposite free end to at least one electrical terminal. In the embodiment shown, the charging socket 2 comprises a first set of electrical terminals 6 and a second set of electrical terminals 8 superimposed on each other along a superposition axis.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the embodiment shown, the charging socket 2 is of the CCS Combo 2 connector type, without departing from the context of the present invention, the charging socket 2 may be, for example, of the IEC Type 2 connector type. The specificity of these connectors is well known from the prior art and will therefore not be developed here.

[0041] The first set of electrical terminals 6 here comprises a proximity pilot 10, a control pilot 12 and a ground 14. The second set of electrical terminals 8 comprises a positive phase connector 16 and a negative phase connector 18. It is understood that the charging socket 2 is capable of delivering a direct electric current by means of the second set of electrical terminals 8. Alternatively, the charging socket 2 may be capable of delivering an alternating electric current, if necessary, the charging socket 2 then comprises a single set of electrical terminals, here the first set of electrical terminals 6.

[0042] Furthermore, the protective sheath 4 is continued by a sleeve 20 extending from the free end to a stop wall 22. This stop wall 22 is intended to come into contact with a body of the vehicle connection system, which will be described in more detail in the description which follows, when the charging socket 2 is connected to the connection system.

[0043] [Fig. 2] illustrates a connection system 24 according to an embodiment of the invention. The connection system 24 extends in a longitudinal main elongation direction, i.e. parallel to the axis L. The connection system 24 comprises a body 26 within which a first connection zone 28 and a second connection zone 30 are provided, visible in [Fig. 3]. The first connection zone 28 and the second connection zone 30 are superimposed on each other in the longitudinal main elongation direction of the connection system 24.

[0044] As seen in more detail in [Fig. 3], the first connection area 28 and the second connection area 30 comprise a plurality of connection pins 31. Among the plurality of connection pins 31, the first connection area 28 comprises a pilot pin, a proximity pin, a grounding pin, three pins capable of circulating three-phase electrical energy and a neutral pin. Among the plurality of connection pins 31, the second connection area 30 comprises a positive pin and a negative pin.

[0045] Each of these connection pins 31 is complementary to an electrical terminal of the charging socket 2. More specifically, each connection pin 31 of the first connection area 28 is complementary to an electrical terminal of the first set of electrical terminals 6 and each connection pin 31 of the second connection area 8 is complementary to an electrical terminal of the second set of electrical terminals 8.

[0046] It is understood on the one hand that the first connection zone 28 is complementary to the first set of electrical terminals 6 and that the second connection zone 30 is complementary to the second set of electrical terminals 8. It is also understood that the first connection zone 28 is an alternating electric current supply zone and the second connection zone 30 is a direct electric current supply zone.

[0047] Each connection pin 31 extends in a direction of elongation perpendicular to the main direction of elongation of the connection system 24. More spec Specifically, this main elongation direction of the connection pins 31 is parallel to the elongation direction of the complementary electrical terminals of the associated set of electrical terminals.

[0048] Furthermore, [Fig.2] represents the connection system 24 when an electrical connection between the second connection area 30 and the charging socket 2 is prohibited and [Fig.3] represents the connection system 24 when an electrical connection between the second connection area 30 and the charging socket 2 is authorized.

[0049] The connection system 24 comprises a flap 32 extending in a main elongation plane and intended to prohibit or authorize an electrical connection between the second connection zone 30 and the charging socket 2, and more particularly with the second set of electrical terminals 8.

[0050] The flap 32 is able to take a first position, visible in [Fig. 2], in which the flap 32 prohibits an electrical connection between the associated connection zone, i.e. here the second connection zone 30, and the set of electrical terminals associated with said connection zone, i.e. here the second set of electrical terminals 8. The flap 32 is also able to take a second position, visible in [Fig. 3], in which the flap 32 authorizes an electrical connection between said associated connection zone and said set of electrical terminals. It is understood that in the first position of the flap 32 an electrical connection is permitted between the charging socket 2 and the connection system 24 and in the second position of the flap 32 an electrical connection is prohibited between the charging socket 2 and the connection system 24 by the flap 32.

[0051] More specifically, the flap 32 makes it possible to prohibit an electrical connection between the connection zone and the charging socket 2 by preventing the plugging, i.e. the insertion, of the charging socket 2 into the connection zone.

[0052] The flap 32 also makes it possible to create protection against the accumulation of dust at the unused connection zone when the other of the connection zones is connected to the charging socket 2. The flap 32 in the first position is arranged opposite the connection zone so that it can be likened to a partition or barrier intended to protect the connection zone against the deposition of dust.

[0053] In order to prevent the insertion of the charging socket 2 into the connection zone, in the first position of the flap 32, the latter is arranged opposite the connection zone so that the flap 32 is intersecting the direction of elongation of the connection pins 31 of the associated connection zone.

[0054] Furthermore, the connection system 24 comprises at least one guide element 34 in which at least a portion of the flap 32 translates along the main longitudinal elongation direction of the connection system 24. It is understood that the guide element 34 extends parallel to the main elongation direction. longitudinal of the connection system 24. More specifically, the guide element 34 forms a slide in which the flap 32 circulates.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the connection system 24 comprises two guide elements 34 arranged on either side of the first connection zone 28 and the second connection zone 30.

[0056] To allow the insertion of the charging socket 2 into said connection zone, that is to say in the second position of the flap 32, the flap 32 translates along the guide element 34 so as to be offset relative to the connection zone. In other words, the flap 32 moves so as to no longer occupy the space located in front of the connection zone.

[0057] It is understood that the flap 32 is offset in a zone distinct from the projection of the connection zone, said projection being defined along the connection pins 31 of the connection zone. The flap 32 is therefore offset relative to the projection of the connection pins 31 along an axis along which at least one of said connection pins 31 extends.

[0058] Furthermore, the flap 32 comprises an actuation zone 36 allowing the user to move the flap 32 from its first position to its second position. This actuation zone 36 is configured to be in contact with the charging socket 2 when the flap 32 moves from its first position to its second position.

[0059] For this purpose, the actuation zone 36 is a stop formed by projecting from the plane of elongation of the flap 32 in a direction opposite the connection zone opposite which the flap 32 is arranged in its first position.

[0060] More specifically, as seen in Figures 4 and 5, the actuation zone 36 extends beyond the guide element 34. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the actuation zone is an upper edge of the flap 32, here the edge of the flap 32 closest to the first connection zone 28.

[0061] To actuate the flap 32 and move it from its first position to its second position, the user of the charging socket 2 brings the sleeve 20 of the charging socket 2, and more precisely a lower edge of the sleeve 20, into contact with the actuation zone 36 and lowers the flap 32 so as to move the flap 32 from its first position to its second position.

[0062] Once this movement has been carried out, the user has freed access to the second connection zone 30 and can insert the charging socket 2 into the connection system 24.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the actuation zone 36 extends from one guide element 34 to another guide element 34. Of course, the actuation zone 36 is not in contact with the guide elements 34 so as not to generate friction forces between the guide elements 34 and the actuation zone 36. The fact that the actuation zone 36 extends from one guide element 34 to another guide element 34 makes it possible to avoid friction forces between the guide elements 34 and the actuation zone 36. guide 34 to the other makes it possible to generate a surface large enough to allow a support zone to be formed for the load socket 2 without the user having difficulty positioning the load socket 2 relative to the actuation zone.

[0064] As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the connection system 24 comprises at least one return member 38 configured to return the flap 32 from its second position to its first position.

[0065] This return member 38 is housed within the guide element 34. In addition, this return member 38 is connected by one end to the guide element 34 and by an opposite end to the flap 32.

[0066] More specifically, the return member 38 is a tension spring which is in a rest configuration when the flap 32 is in its first position. When the flap 32 passes from its first position to its second position, the return member 38 lengthens, which generates return stresses on the latter. The flap 32 is held in its second position by the load socket 2 which is introduced into the connection system 24.

[0067] When the user removes the charging socket 2 from the connection system 24, the flap 32 is no longer retained by the charging socket 2 and by the return force of the return member 38, the flap 32 is returned from its second position to its first position.

[0068] Furthermore, the return member 38 is housed in the guide element 34 so that the return member 38 does not come into contact with the first connection zone 28 and the second connection zone 30. It is understood that by housing the return member 38 in the guide element 34 the latter does not hinder the connection of the charging socket 2 with the connection system 24 independently of the position of the flap 32.

[0069] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the flap 32 may also be associated with the first connection zone 28 by operating in a similar manner to what has just been described. In such an embodiment, the flap 32 may, for example, extend in its first position opposite the first connection zone 28 and the second connection zone 30.

[0070] It appears from the preceding description that the invention achieves the aim it set itself by proposing a connection system capable of sealing, prohibiting or authorizing an electrical connection, the operation of which allows a single hand to be used during charging.

[0071] The invention as just described cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to all equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means or configurations. 11

Claims

Claims

1. Connection system (24) intended to supply electrical energy to a motor vehicle, the connection system (24) comprising a body (26) which comprises at least a first connection zone (28) and a second connection zone (30) distinct from each other, at least one of said connection zones (28, 30) being configured to be electrically connected with at least one charging socket (2), the connection system (24) comprising at least one flap (32) configured to take at least a first position in which the flap (32) prohibits an electrical connection between at least one of said connection zones (28, 30) and the charging socket (2) and a second position in which the flap (32) allows an electrical connection between said connection zone (28, 30) and the charging socket (2), the connection system (24) being configured so that the flap (32) translates between the first position and the second position,the flap (32) comprising an actuation zone (36) configured to be in contact with the charging socket (2) when the flap (32) moves from its first position to its second position.,

2. Connection system (24) according to the preceding claim, in which the actuation zone (36) is an upper edge of the flap (32).

3. Connection system (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flap (32) extends in a main elongation plane, the actuation zone (36) being a stop formed by projecting from said main elongation plane in a direction opposite to said connection zone (28, 30).

4. A connection system (24) according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one guide element (34) along which the flap (32) translates between its first position and its second position.

5. Connection system (24) according to the preceding claim, in which the guide element (34) forms a slide within which the flap (32) translates between its first position and its second position.

6. Connection system (24) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, comprising two guide elements arranged on either side of said connection zone (28, 30), the actuation zone extending from one of said guide elements to the other.

7. Connection system (24) according to any one of the claims previous, comprising at least one return member (38) configured to return the flap (32) from its second position to its first position.

8. Connection system (24) according to the preceding claim, in which the return member (38) is housed within the guide element (34).

9. Connection assembly comprising a charging socket (2) and a connection system (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, the charging socket (2) being intended to come into electrical connection with the connection system (24), the flap (32) being opposite one of said connection zones (28, 30) when said flap (32) is in its first position and the flap (32) being offset relative to said connection zone (28, 30) when said flap (32) is in its second position, the charging socket (2) being electrically connected with the connection system (24) when the flap (32) is in its second position and the charging socket (2) being electrically disconnected relative to the connection system (24) when the flap (32) is in its first position.

10. Connection assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the first connection zone (28) is an alternating current supply zone and the second connection zone (30) is a direct current supply zone, the flap (32) being opposite the direct current supply zone when the flap (32) is in its first position.

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