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 motor vehicle protecting at least one connection area by moving a flap.

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

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are vehicles capable of transporting passengers and / or goods. These vehicles include 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 rotating the vehicle's wheels.

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

[0004] According to various standards, such as NF C61-314, and to protect the user from the risk of electric shock, these connection systems include a sealing device at the connection points intended to be connected to a charging cable terminal. This sealing device protects the user from the risk of electric shock by preventing contact with the connection points and also protects the connection points from the risk of oxidation.

[0005] Existing solutions are unsatisfactory because they require the user to first remove the locking device and then connect the charging equipment to their vehicle's charging system. This requires the user to hold the locking device with one hand and connect the charging equipment with the other. This necessitates the user having both hands free, which can be inconvenient when charging their electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome at least this drawback of the prior art by means of a connection system for supplying electrical power to a motor vehicle, the connection system comprising a body having at least a first connection zone and a second zone of separate connections, 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 shutter configured to take at least a first position in which the shutter prohibits an electrical connection between at least one of said connection zones and the charging socket and a second position in which the shutter permits an electrical connection between said connection zone and the charging socket, the connection system being configured so that the shutter translates between the first position and the second position, the shutter comprising an actuation zone configured to be in contact with the charging socket when the shutter moves from its first position to its second position.

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

[0008] The flap is capable of moving between its first and second positions such that, depending on the flap's position, the charging plug can either be inserted into the connection zone or it cannot be inserted, being blocked by the flap. The insertion of the charging plug into one of the connection zones is blocked by the flap coming against the end of the plug, which is then interposed between the charging plug 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 preventing an electrical connection between at least one of said connection areas and the charging socket. Indeed, the prevention 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 prevent the accumulation of dust.

[0010] The shutter actuation zone allows the user of the connection system to move the shutter translationally by means of the load-bearing grip. This actuation zone is a support zone that provides a bearing to allow the user to move the shutter translationally in order to free access to a connection zone of the connection system.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the actuation zone is an edge upper part of the shutter. The connection system includes two connection zones, the first connection zone and the second connection zone. The shutter is arranged in its first position opposite the second connection zone. The actuation zone is located at the part of the shutter closest to the first connection zone when the shutter is positioned opposite the second connection zone.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, the shutter extends in a principal plane of extension, and the actuation zone is a stop formed projecting from said principal plane of extension in the opposite direction to said connection zone. This stop provides support to the user to enable translation of the shutter.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the flap is aligned with the connection zone 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. It is understood that "offset" means that the flap is not aligned with the connection zone in such a way that the electrical connection between the connection zone and the load socket is possible. In other words, the flap moves so as not to obstruct the space in front of the connection zone.

[0014] More specifically, the flap is offset in a distinct area 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 one feature 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 effected 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 one feature of the invention, the connection system comprises at least one guide element along which the flap translates between its first and second positions. This guide element is supported by the body of the connection system and extends parallel to a plane of flap extension.

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

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the first connection zone and the second connection zone are superimposed relative to each other along an axis of superposition, the guiding element extending parallel to said superposition axis.

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

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the guide element forms a slide within which the flap translates between its first and second positions. This shape of the guide element allows the flap to slide within the slide between its first and second positions. It is understood that the slide-like shape of the guide element constrains the flap's movements other than its translation between the first and second positions.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the connection system comprises two guide elements arranged on either side of said connection zone, the actuating 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 the shutter from rotating about an axis of rotation or a point of rotation. Furthermore, such a feature of the actuating zone makes it possible to ensure that said actuating zone extends over a sufficient distance to allow the user to actuate the translation of the shutter. In other words, the actuating zone thus has sufficient dimensions to allow the user to move the shutter in translation by means of the load-bearing mechanism.It should be noted that the actuation zone is understood to be not in direct contact with the guide elements, but at a distance from them sufficient to prevent wear of the actuation zone from frictional forces against the guide elements. It is understood that the actuation zone extends between one guide element and the other for 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 one feature of the invention, the connection system includes at least one return member configured to return the flap from its second position to its first position.

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

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the return member is joined at one end to the guide element and at an opposite end to the flap.

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

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

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

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

[0029] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying 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 prohibiting an electrical connection between the charging socket represented by [Fig.1] and the connection system;

[0032] [Fig.3] represents the connection system visible on [Fig.2], in which the flap is in a second position allowing an electrical connection between the charging socket represented by [Fig.1] and the connection system;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents a side view of the connection system shown in Figures 2 and 3 when the flap is in its first position;

[0034] [Fig.5] represents a side view of the connection system shown in Figures 2 and 3 when the flap is in its second position.

[0035] The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of The inventions can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

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

[0037] Furthermore, in the following description, reference will be made to an orientation based on the Longitudinal, Vertical, and Transverse axes as arbitrarily defined by the L, V, T trihedron shown in Figures 2 to 5, the longitudinal direction corresponding to the principal elongation direction of the connection system. The choice of names for these axes does not limit the orientation that the connection system may adopt in its application.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a charging socket 2 for connecting 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 station suitable for connection to an electric or hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the charging socket 2 is designed to connect electrically to a connection system of an electric or hybrid vehicle in order to allow an electric current to flow from the charging station to an electrical energy storage device, such as batteries, or vice versa.

[0039] This charging socket 2 comprises a protective sheath 4 through which run a plurality of electrical cables, not shown here, connected at one end to the charging terminal and at the 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 one on the other along an axis of superposition.

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

[0041] The first set of electrical terminals 6 here comprises a proximity driver 10, a control driver 12, and an earth connection 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 load socket 2 is capable of delivering a direct electric current by means of the second set of electrical terminals 8. Alternatively, the load socket 2 may be suitable for delivering alternating electric current, in which case the load socket 2 then comprises a single set of electrical terminals, here the first set of electrical terminals 6.

[0042] In addition, 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 following description, when the charging socket 2 is connected to the connection system.

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

[0044] As shown in more detail in [Fig. 3], the first connection zone 28 and the second connection zone 30 each comprise a plurality of connection pins 31. Among the plurality of connection pins 31, the first connection zone 28 comprises a pilot pin, a proximity pin, a grounding pin, three pins suitable for carrying three-phase electrical energy, and a neutral pin. Among the plurality of connection pins 31, the second connection zone 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 understood on the other hand that the first connection zone 28 is an alternating current power supply zone and the second connection zone 30 is a direct current power supply zone.

[0047] Each connecting pin 31 extends along an elongation direction perpendicular to the main elongation direction of the connecting system 24. More specifically Specifically, this main elongation direction of the connection pins 31 is parallel to the elongation direction of the complementary electrical terminals of the associated electrical terminal set.

[0048] In addition, [Fig.2] represents the connection system 24 when an electrical connection between the second connection zone 30 and the charging socket 2 is prohibited and [Fig.3] represents the connection system 24 when an electrical connection between the second connection zone 30 and the charging socket 2 is permitted.

[0049] The connection system 24 includes a flap 32 extending in a main elongation plane and intended to prohibit or permit 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 capable of assuming a first position, visible in [Fig. 2], in which the flap 32 prevents 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 capable of assuming a second position, visible in [Fig. 3], in which the flap 32 permits 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 means of the flap 32.

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

[0052] The flap 32 also makes it possible to create protection against the accumulation of dust at the level of the unused connection area when the other of the connection areas is connected to the charging socket 2. The flap 32 in the first position is arranged with regard to the connection area so that it is comparable to a partition or barrier intended to protect the connection area against the deposition of dust.

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

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

[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, i.e., into the second position of the flap 32, the flap 32 translates along the guide element 34 so as to be offset from the connection zone. In other words, the flap 32 moves so as not to obstruct the space in front of the connection zone.

[0057] It is understood that the flap 32 is offset in a distinct area from the projection of the connection area, said projection being defined along the connection pins 31 of the connection area. 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 shutter 32 includes an actuation zone 36 allowing the user to move the shutter 32 from its first position to its second position. This actuation zone 36 is configured to be in contact with the load socket 2 when the shutter 32 moves from its first position to its second position.

[0059] For this purpose, the actuation zone 36 is a stop formed in projection from the extension plane of the flap 32 in a direction opposite to the connection zone opposite which the flap 32 is disposed in its first position.

[0060] More specifically, as seen in Figures 4 and 5, the actuation zone 36 extends beyond the guide element 34. Moreover, 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 into contact, and more specifically a lower edge of the sleeve 20, against the actuation area 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 plug 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. Naturally, the actuation zone 36 is not in contact with the guide elements 34 so as not to generate frictional forces between the guide elements 34 and the actuation zone 36. The fact that the actuation zone 36 extends from one guide element to The guidance 34 to the other allows to generate a surface large enough to allow to form a support area for the load socket 2 without the user experiencing difficulties in positioning the load socket 2 in relation to the actuation area.

[0064] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the connection system 24 includes 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. Furthermore, this return member 38 is connected at one end to the guide element 34 and at the opposite end to the flap 32.

[0066] More specifically, the return member 38 is a tension spring that is in its rest position when the flap 32 is in its first position. When the flap 32 moves from its first to its second position, the return member 38 extends, which generates return forces on the latter. The flap 32 is held in its second position by the load-bearing lug 2, which is inserted 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 held 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 interfere with the connection of the charging socket 2 with the connection system 24 regardless of the position of the flap 32.

[0069] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the flap 32 can also be associated with the first connection zone 28 by functioning similarly to that just described. In such an embodiment, the flap 32 can, 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 its objective by proposing a connection system capable of sealing, prohibiting or authorizing an electrical connection whose operation allows the use of a single hand 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

Demands

1. Connection system (24) for supplying electrical power to a motor vehicle, the connection system (24) comprising a body (26) which has at least one 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 assume 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) permits 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 load socket (2) when the flap (32) moves from its first position to its second position.

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

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

4. Connection system (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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, wherein 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 disposed 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 ones, including at least one return device (38) configured to return the flap (32) from its second position to its first position.

8. Connection system (24) according to the preceding claim, wherein 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 connect electrically with the connection system (24), the flap (32) being opposite one of said connection areas (28, 30) when said flap (32) is in its first position and the flap (32) being offset from said connection area (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 from the connection system (24) when the flap (32) is in its first position.

10. Connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the first connection area (28) is an AC power supply area and the second connection area (30) is a DC power supply area, the flap (32) being opposite the DC power supply area when the flap (32) is in its first position.