ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING CONNECTION DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection device (10, 200, 301) configured for mounting on an electric vehicle or a charging station for charging an electric vehicle. The connection device (10, 200, 301) includes a locking mechanism (28, 204, 280) adjustable between a closed and an open position. The change in position of the locking mechanism (28, 204, 280) from the closed to the open position is automatically triggered by the insertion of a charging cable plug into the housing (12, 202, 304) at the current interface (AC, DC) in a direction (D) oriented towards the interior of the electric vehicle or charging station. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: CONNECTION DEVICE FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device configured to be mounted on an electric vehicle, or a charging terminal, in order to charge an electric vehicle.

[0002] An example of an electric vehicle and that of a charging station are illustrated in [Fig.l]. The electric vehicle 1 of [Fig.l] comprises a connection device 3 by means of which the battery (not visible in [Fig.l]) of the electric vehicle 1 can be recharged by means of a charging cable 5 and a charging station 7. The charging cable 5 comprises at a first end 9 provided with a power plug 11 and a handle 13. The power plug 11 is pluggable into the connection device 3 of the electric vehicle 1. A second end 15 of the charging cable 5, opposite its first end 9, is pluggable into a connection device 17 of the charging station 7. The charging station 7 may be a domestic terminal, for example in the garage of a house, a terminal accessible on the public highway or that of a car garage.The connection device 3 of the electric vehicle 1, or even the connection device 17 of the terminal 7, may comprise two interfaces: an interface for alternating current AC and an interface for direct current DC. Each AC, DC interface is, in a known manner, provided with connector pins, more commonly called "terminal" or "pin" in English, and which are not visible in the schematic view of [Fig.l]. When charging with alternating current (AC), the charging cable 5 must be plugged into the AC interface of the connection device. For charging with direct current (DC), the charging cable 5 must be plugged into the DC interface of the connection device.

[0003] There are several connection device standards adapted depending on the geographical area where the vehicle is marketed. The combined charging system (CCS) is the charging standard established for the European Union. In Japan, a "CHAdeMO" type charging socket is used for direct current (DC) charging.

[0004] It is possible to charge an electric vehicle with direct current (DC) in about 30 minutes because the CCS standard is capable of providing a power of at least 150 kW and up to 350 kW, with a voltage of more than 400 V, thus allowing rapid recharging of the electric vehicle battery. The main advantage of charging an electric vehicle with direct current (DC) compared to charging with alternating current (AC) is therefore the higher power and the associated time savings.

[0005] However, direct current (DC) charging is not always possible, especially at home where only an AC outlet is usually available. Since one of the AC or DC interfaces is not necessarily used during charging, it is recommended to prevent access to the unused interface, both for user safety (in the presence of a water leak, a leakage current could form at the unused interface even if the pins are not powered, since they are connected to the battery) and to protect the interior of the connection device from dust or water splashes. It is known to protect the AC and / or DC interface by means of a removable cover or an elastomer plug 19, as shown in view (A) of [Fig.l], or by means of one, or even two, protective flaps 21 mounted on hinges so as to be able to pivot, as illustrated in view (B) of [Fig.l].

[0006] These known solutions, however, require the use of both hands by the user: one to hold the charging cable 5, in particular at the handle 13, and the other to remove the cap 19 or turn the protective flap 21.

[0007] An eight-meter 5 charging cable weighing approximately 5 kilograms, holding it with one hand may not be easy for some users. It would therefore be advantageous for the user to have both hands available to handle the charging cable and plug it into the connection device. Furthermore, it would be even more advantageous if a user could connect the charging cable to the connection device using only one hand, particularly to make charging more accessible to people with disabilities.

[0008] Another disadvantage of the known solutions is that the hood or cap is not correctly replaced after loading, or even that the user forgets to replace it. In both cases, there is then a risk of water entering the connection device and the interior of the vehicle.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the present invention aims to make it easier for a user to handle the charging of an electric vehicle. An objective of the present invention is also to better secure the connection device, for example by further preventing water from penetrating into the interior of the vehicle via the connection device.

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by a connection device configured to be mounted on an electric vehicle, or a charging terminal, in order to charge an electric vehicle, comprising: a housing provided with at least one current interface (AC, DC), an outer wall of the current interface is pluggable with a current plug of a charging cable, and the current interface (AC, DC) comprises at least one passage passing through the housing, the passage being adapted to receive a connector pin positioned inside the electric vehicle or the charging station, and the current interface (AC, DC) comprises a closing means, in particular a sealed closing means, adjustable between a closed position and an open position such that: in the closed position of the closing means, the closing means is configured to close the opening towards the outside of said passage, in particular in a sealed manner, and in the open position of the closing means, the closing means releases the opening towards the outside of said passage so as to allow electrical contact with the connector pin received in the passage,and the change of position of the closing means from the closed position to the open position is automatically triggered by inserting a current plug of a charging cable into the housing at the current interface in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0011] Since the opening of the closure means results automatically from the insertion of the charging cable, an opening step specifically dedicated to the opening of the closure means, preceding the step of inserting the charging cable, does not need to be performed. A user can thus more quickly connect the charging cable into the connection device according to the invention because it allows connection with one less step (the step of opening the closure means) compared to the state of the art described above. Having another hand free to remove the protective cap or to pivot the protective flap, as in a known device from the prior art, is no longer necessary thanks to the connection device according to the invention. Thus, the user can use both hands to handle and carry the charging cable. Alternatively, the user can connect the charging cable to the connection device with one hand. The plug-in operation is also made more instinctive and user-friendly because the user only needs to insert the power plug into the housing, without having to worry about how to remove the closure means, for example without having to worry about which axis the flap should be pivoted.

[0012] A method according to the present invention for plugging a current plug of a charging cable, in order to charge an electric vehicle, into a current interface (AC, DC) of the connection device according to the present invention, may comprise: a step of inserting the current plug into the corresponding interface in a direction oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal, said insertion step automatically causing the passage to open so as to allow electrical contact to be made between the conductor of the plug and the pins of the device.

[0013] The plugging operation is thus also made easier for a person with a visual impairment or vision problems, since simply inserting the cable is sufficient to change the position of the closing means.

[0014] The change of position of the closing means from the closed position to the open position can be triggered solely mechanically by inserting a current plug of a charging cable into the housing. Thus, the plugging of the charging cable into the housing does not require any motorized system, which reduces the cost and complexity of the connection device.

[0015] The change of position of the closing means from the open position to the closed position can be automatically triggered by removing the current plug of the charging cable from the housing at the current interface in an opposite direction inside the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0016] The closing means is in particular configured to seal the passage of the current interface. The sealing of the passage obtained by the closing means may include dustproofing and / or watertightness, sealing and / or protection against the insertion of a finger. The level of protection is usually defined with the “protection index (IP)” which is a standard validated by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is taken up by the European standard EN 60529. The IP 54 protection rating refers to electrical equipment protected against limited dust infiltration and liquid projections (splash type). The closure means can also be configured to seal the current interface passage according to the IP55 protection rating. The IP55 protection rating provides protection against dust and water spray, regardless of the projection angle and whether the connector pin(s) are energized or not. The IP 54 protection rating, as well as the IP 55 protection rating, are suitable for the protection of a connection device configured to be mounted on an electric vehicle, or a charging station, in order to charge an electric vehicle. In other words, the closing means according to the present invention may be a sealed closing means according to the protection index IP 54 or IP 55, and may be configured to close the opening to the outside of said passage in a sealed manner according to the protection index IP 54 or IP 55.

[0017] The present invention, relating to a connection device, can be further improved by the following embodiments.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the connection device may be characterized in that said closing means is the only means provided to the housing for closing the opening to the outside of said passage.

[0019] In other words, the outer wall of the housing of the connection device can be ca characterized by the absence of a manually operable protective cover or cap, such as those known from the prior art. This helps to further reduce the number of components of the connection device and to simplify the interface of the connection device for a user.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the closure means, or at least one cover of the closure means, can be detachably mounted to the housing.

[0021] The closing means, or at least one element of the closing means such as a cover or a flap, can thus advantageously be replaced without requiring the replacement of the entire connection device. As a result, a closing means which is defective can thus be easily replaced, in particular without damaging the rest of the connection device. The closing means can thus be replaced, reused or recycled.

[0022] The closing means, or at least one cover of the closing means, may be snap-mounted to the housing. A snap-fit ​​connection is also known as a "snap fit connection" in English. The snap-fit ​​connection preferably refers to a connection created by interlocking a locking means of the closure means with a mating locking means of the housing. The interlocking of the respective locking means may create a click. The interlocking may be in a direction oriented towards the interior of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0023] The closing means, or at least one cover of the closing means, may be mounted by form-fitting connection to the housing. The closure means and the housing can only be connected to each other by positive fit. The surfaces that touch at the contact interface maintain their connection by themselves and by the transmitted forces.

[0024] The closing means, or at least one cover of the closing means, may be screw-mounted to the housing. The closing means and the housing may each be provided with a tapped hole into which the same fixing screw may be inserted and screwed in order to hold the closing means to the housing. The screw-on attachment provides a detachable, reliable hold that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0025] The closing means, or at least one cover of the closing means, can be mounted by a combination of at least two connecting means from among: snap-fastening, form-fitting connection and screwing. Thus, better mechanical retention of the closing means to the housing can be achieved by the redundancy of the connections.

[0026] According to a first embodiment, the closing means may comprise a deformable membrane provided with at least one main orifice, the main orifice of the membrane may be configured to receive a connector pin, in particular in a sealed manner, in the closed position of the closing means, the membrane being deformable from the closed position to the open position of the closing means by inserting a current plug of a charging cable into the housing at the current interface in a direction oriented towards the interior of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal; and the membrane being deformable from the open position to the closed position of the closing means by releasing the current plug of the charging cable from the housing in an opposite direction inside the electric vehicle or the charging terminal.

[0027] The membrane feature provides both a sealing means and a means that can be automatically deformed by inserting the power plug. In addition, the membrane offers reversible deformation: it returns to its initial state in the closed position when the stresses due to the insertion of the plug are eliminated. Thus, the membrane can be an elastic membrane. In particular, the membrane is suitable for tolerating a resistance of several thousand plug-in cycles. Preferably, the membrane is advantageously water resistant.

[0028] The shape and size of the main orifice of the membrane are defined according to the structure of the connector pin. The seal between the connector pin and the membrane may be ensured by a tight fit of the connector pin in the main orifice of the membrane so as not to allow water to pass through, for example. Inside the passage, a portion of the connector pin may protrude from the main orifice from the membrane and towards the outside of the connection device. This portion of the connector pin which protrudes may be covered with a cap formed from an electrically insulating material, in particular an elastomer.

[0029] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the membrane can rest partially against the internal wall of the passage in the open position of the closing means.

[0030] Insertion of the plug-in connector exerts a thrust force on a front face of the membrane. Since the membrane is deformable, a rear face of the membrane presses against the inner wall of the passage. The membrane is arranged between said inner wall and an outer wall of the plug-in connector in the open position. In this position of the membrane, access to the passage is no longer closed and therefore allows a connection with the connector pin.

[0031] According to a variant of the first embodiment, at least one of the faces of the membrane may comprise one or more recesses arranged radially by relative to the main orifice of the membrane.

[0032] The radial recesses facilitate the deformation of the membrane by providing lines of weakness. The radial recesses allow the thickness of the membrane to be reduced in certain regions of the membrane so that it can be housed, in the open position, in the space delimited between said internal wall and an external wall of the plug-in connector.

[0033] According to a variant of the first embodiment, an internal wall of the passage may comprise one or more projecting ribs of shape and size complementary to the recesses of the membrane.

[0034] The membrane can thus be accommodated between the internal wall of the passage and a connector pin.

[0035] The protruding ribs also make it possible to form fixing pads for the membrane.

[0036] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the membrane may further comprise at least one fixing orifice for a connection by form complementarity with the housing, in particular with a corresponding fixing stud of the housing.

[0037] The assembly of the membrane to the housing can thus be easily implemented, and at lower cost. A length of the projecting ribs provided on the inner wall of the passage may extend longitudinally outwardly of the passage to form fixing studs around the circumference of the opening of the passage.

[0038] The membrane is preferably flexible enough to be able to deform without too much resistance when inserting the power plug. The membrane is preferably hard enough so that the closing means does not open unintentionally. The membrane can thus have a Shore A hardness of between 20 and 80.

[0039] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the membrane can be made of elastomer, in particular silicone or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM).

[0040] Both a silicone membrane and an EPDM membrane are suitable for overmolding. The choice of these materials thus makes it possible to manufacture the closure means by overmolding.

[0041] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the closing means may further comprise a cover, the cover comprising at least one orifice for receiving an electrical conductor of a current plug of a charging cable, and the membrane being arranged between said cover and an external wall of the current interface of the housing.

[0042] The cover allows the deformable membrane to be maintained, in particular against the housing. The cover is preferably formed from a harder material than the membrane. The cover may be made of plastic. The cover may be formed by injection molding.

[0043] According to a variant of the first embodiment, an edge of the cover facing the membrane may be provided with a plurality of notches to guide and evacuate water towards a drainage conduit of the housing.

[0044] The cover of the closing means is therefore suitable for drainage and evacuation of water. An ingress of water into the passage can thus be avoided.

[0045] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the housing may comprise at least one centering pin configured to be housed in a corresponding recess of the cover, the cover comprising at least one such recess.

[0046] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the membrane and the cover are formed in a single piece, in particular by overmolding.

[0047] Thus, the number of parts forming the closure means can be advantageously reduced. The closure means can be formed from a single overmolded part. Overmolding is a technique which uses a chemical and / or mechanical bond to join two parts irreversibly.

[0048] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the cover may be welded, in particular by ultrasonic welding, or glued to the housing. The cover and the housing may be assembled by hot welding. The cover and the housing may be assembled by cold welding. In particular, the cover and the housing may be assembled by ultrasonic welding.

[0049] Disengagement, especially involuntary, of the hood can thus be prevented. One advantage of ultrasonic welding is that heat is self-generated between the materials, so there is no need for external heat. Another advantage of ultrasonic welding is its speed. Another advantage of ultrasonic welding is that the resulting bond is effective at sealing. Another advantage of ultrasonic welding is that it is suitable for plastic materials, from which the housing and cover are made.

[0050] A method of manufacturing the closure means according to the first embodiment may comprise forming a single piece by overmolding the cover and the membrane.

[0051] A method of assembling the connection device according to the first embodiment may comprise a step of assembling the overmolded closure means to the housing and a step of fixing the overmolded closure means to the housing. The assembly step may include guiding and centering the closing means using centering pins on the housing. The fixing step may include ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or in combination, the fixing step may comprise additive bonding (i.e. by means of an adhesive). Alternatively, for a reversible attachment, the attachment step may include a connection by interlocking, snap-fastening, form-fitting or screwing.

[0052] Another method of manufacturing the closure means according to the first embodiment may comprise a step of forming the cover, in particular by injection molding and a step of forming the membrane. Optionally, this method may comprise a step of assembling the cover with the membrane, in particular by form-fitting connection, to form the closure means.

[0053] A method of assembling the connection device according to the first embodiment may comprise a first step of assembling the membrane to the housing, in particular by the complementary shape connection of fixing studs of the housing in fixing orifices of the membrane. The method may comprise a second step of assembling the cover to the assembly formed by the housing and the membrane. The second assembly step may comprise guiding and centering the cover using centering pins on the housing. The method may comprise a third step of attaching the cover to the assembly formed by the housing and the membrane. The third attachment step may comprise ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or in combination, the third attachment step may comprise additive bonding (i.e. by means of an adhesive). Alternatively, for a reversible attachment, the third attachment step may include a connection by interlocking, snap-fastening, form-fitting or screwing.

[0054] According to the first embodiment or a second embodiment, the closing means can be moved longitudinally towards the inside of the passage by an elastic means, in particular by at least one spring, between: the closed position, when the elastic means is in its rest state, and the open position, when the elastic means is in a deformed state, in particular compressed or stretched.

[0055] Thus, the closing means can be partially or completely arranged inside the housing, in particular the corresponding passage of the housing, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the connection device.

[0056] Furthermore, the fact that the elastic means is in a state at rest, in particular with minimal or zero potential energy, in the closed position contributes to the stability of the closing means in said closed position.

[0057] According to the second embodiment, the closing means may comprise a closing element of a shape complementary to the passage provided with an orifice main, the main hole of the closure member is configured to receive a connector pin, and a front face of the closure member is configured to be pushed into the passage so as to compress or stretch the elastic means when a current plug of a charging cable is inserted into the housing at the current interface in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0058] Thanks to the second embodiment, a simplified mechanism, because it can be engaged in the manner of a push button, is specifically designed to ensure the sealing of the passage of the current interface.

[0059] Furthermore, thanks to the elastic means, the withdrawal of the current plug from the housing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction automatically causes the position of the closing means to change from the open position to the closed position. Indeed, in the absence of constraints, in particular in the absence of the thrust forces exerted by the current plug on the closing element, the elastic means returns to its initial state, also called "rest", which defines the closed position of the closing means.

[0060] Thus, both the connection and the disengagement of the charging cable from the connection device according to the second embodiment can be carried out simply and quickly for a user.

[0061] According to a variant of the second embodiment, the closure means may further comprise at least two seals, in particular two O-rings, the first seal being placed along the circumference of the main orifice of the closure element so as to be arranged between the closure element and a connector pin of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal, and the second seal is placed along the outer circumference of the closure element so as to be arranged between the closure element and an inner wall of the passage. The gaskets further improve the seal on both sides of the closure element, which separates the inside of the passage from the outside. The presence of the gaskets is all the more advantageous since they are positioned at the edges of the closure element which are intended to translate respectively along a connector pin and along the internal wall of the housing passage, and where therefore a risk of leakage could be higher.

[0062] According to a third embodiment, the closing means may comprise an actuating mechanism arranged on the housing and connected to at least one flap for closing the opening towards the outside of the passage in the closed position of the closing means, the flap being pivotally mounted between the closed position and the open position of the closing means, the actuating mechanism being configured to cause the flap to pivot from the closed position to the open position. by inserting a power plug of a charging cable into the housing at the power interface in a direction facing the inside of the electric vehicle or charging station.

[0063] Thus, the third embodiment provides a solution that does not require the insertion or arrangement of closure means inside the passage. Such a construction makes it possible, for example, to facilitate inspection of the closure means.

[0064] According to all embodiments, the housing may comprise an alternating current (AC) interface and a direct current (DC) interface, and the closing means is arranged at the direct current (DC) interface, in particular to seal the direct current (DC) interface at least according to the IP54 standard.

[0065] The invention will now be described in more detail using advantageous embodiments in an exemplary manner and with reference to the figures. The described embodiments are merely possible configurations and it should be borne in mind that the individual features described may be combined with each other or provided independently of each other.

[0066] The connection devices according to the three embodiments illustrated and described below are respectively suitable for an electric vehicle. They can also be suitable for a charging station. In all cases, the connection devices according to the three embodiments are suitable for being plugged into a power plug of a charging cable, in particular with a charging cable commonly available on the market. The implementation of the present invention does not require modification of the pre-existing charging cable. The connection device according to the present invention also does not require modification of the connector pins of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0067] Different closing means are described separately below with reference to the figures. However, the present invention also covers a connection device combining at least two closing means according to different embodiments. The redundancy of closing means for the same passage makes it possible to further improve the protection of the interior of the passage.

[0068] The invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail below by means of preferred embodiments and with particular reference to the following accompanying figures, in which:

[0069] [Fig.l] represents an electric vehicle comprising a connection device, of which the example of view (A) and the example of view (B) are part of the state of the art;

[0070] [Fig.2] represents an exploded view (A) of a connection device according to a first embodiment and a view (B) of the same connection device in which the closing means is assembled to the housing;

[0071] [Fig.3] represents a sectional view of [Fig.2] partially showing the interior of a passage of the housing;

[0072] [Fig.4] schematically represents a front face (A) and a rear face (B) of the membrane of the closing means according to the first embodiment;

[0073] [Fig.5] represents a variant of the closing means for a connection device according to the first embodiment, including: view (A) of [Fig.5] shows an exploded view of the connection device, view (B) of [Fig.5] shows a view of the connecting device in a partially assembled state, and view (C) of [Fig.5] shows a view of the connecting device in an assembled state;

[0074] [Fig.6A] represents one of the three successive steps when inserting a current plug into a connection device according to the first embodiment, in which the closing means is in a closed position.

[0075] [Fig.6B] shows one of the three successive steps when inserting a current plug into a connection device according to the first embodiment, in which the closing means is in an open position.

[0076] [Fig.6C] represents one of the three successive steps when inserting a current plug into a connection device according to the first embodiment, in which the closing means is in an open position.

[0077] [Fig.7] represents an exploded view (A) of a connection device according to a second embodiment and a partial and sectional view (B) of the same connection device in which the closing means is assembled to the housing;

[0078] [Fig.8] represents three successive steps when inserting a current plug into a connection device according to the second embodiment;

[0079] [Fig.9] schematically represents a connection device according to a third embodiment, of which: view (A) of [Fig.9] shows a closed position of the closing means, view (B) of [Fig.9] shows a partially open position of the closing means, and view (C) of [Fig.9] shows an open position of the closing means. Detailed description of the figures

[0080] [Fig.l] shows an electric vehicle 1 on which a connection device according to the present invention can be mounted. A device according to the present invention could also be mounted on a charging terminal intended to charge an electric vehicle. First embodiment

[0081] [Fig. 2] represents an exploded view (A) of a connection device 10 according to a first embodiment. [Fig. 2] also represents a view (B) of the same connection device 10 in which the closing means is assembled to the housing.

[0082] The connection device 10 comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 is formed from an electrically insulating material. The housing 12 is preferably made of plastic. The housing 12 can be formed by injection molding. The housing 12 can therefore be manufactured simply, in large quantities and inexpensively.

[0083] The housing 12 is intended to be mounted to the body of a vehicle. The housing 12 may be attached to the body of the vehicle by mechanical fastening, in particular by screwing. For this purpose, the housing 12 comprises holes 14 adapted to receive a fastening means, in particular a fastening screw.

[0084] The housing 12 delimits an internal receptacle (not visible in [Fig. 2] due to the orientation of the housing) which is arranged on the side of the interior of the vehicle, when the connection device 10 is mounted on the vehicle. This internal receptacle makes it possible in particular to receive the pins of connectors arranged inside the vehicle or the charging terminal (not shown in [Fig. 2], which only illustrates the connection device itself). The housing 12 comprises a front face 16 which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle, when the connection device 10 is mounted on the vehicle. The front face 16 of the housing 12 is visible and accessible to a user.

[0085] The housing 12, in particular the front face 16, comprises two current interfaces: an alternating current (AC) interface and a direct current (DC) interface.

[0086] A space 20 for receiving a charging cable plug is delimited between each AC, DC current interface and a wall 22. The wall 22 projects perpendicularly from the front face 16. The wall 22 is essentially in the shape of a figure eight. The space 20 also allows water to be evacuated, in particular towards a drainage conduit of the housing 12.

[0087] Each AC, DC current interface comprises a plurality of passages 18 respectively adapted to receive a connector pin positioned inside the electric vehicle (not shown in [Fig. 2], which only illustrates the connection device itself). Each passage 18 passes through the housing 12 from an opening 26 in the front face 16 and opens at the rear of the housing 12, onto the internal receptacle of the housing 12. Each passage 18 has a substantially tubular shape. Each passage 18 has a circular cross-section. The passages 18 of the DC current interface have a larger diameter than that of the passages of the AC current interface.

[0088] The outer wall 24 of each AC, DC current interface is pluggable with a power plug of a charging cable. A charging cable is shown in view (A) of [Fig.5].

[0089] When a charging cable is not plugged into at least one of the AC, DC current interfaces of the connection device 10, it is recommended, or even required, to protect the unused AC, DC current interface. The purpose of protecting the AC, DC current interface is to prevent contact with a finger. It is also appropriate to protect the interior of the passages 18, in particular in order to protect the connector pins received in the passages 18, from water and dust which could enter through the opening 26. For this purpose, it is appropriate to plug the opening 26 of the passages 18 in a reversible manner, in order to still allow plugging with the connection device 10. The connection device 10 may thus comprise a closing means 28.

[0090] In the example of [Fig.2], the closing means 28 is designed for the direct current DC interface.

[0091] However, in all embodiments, the closure means may also be designed for the AC alternating current interface.

[0092] In the example of [Fig.2], the closure means 28 is formed in a single piece, for example by overmolding. The design of the closure means 28 in a single piece therefore makes it possible to advantageously reduce the number of parts of the connection device 10.

[0093] The closure means 28 according to the first embodiment consists of a membrane 30 and a cover 32. The cover 32 intended for the DC current interface has the shape of an oblong parallelepiped. The thickness of the cover 32 is represented by the reference sign 34 in [Fig. 2]. The cover 32 comprises two orifices 36, in particular circular. The circular orifices 36 of the cover 32 are each dimensioned to receive an electrical conductor of a current plug of a charging cable (not shown in [Fig. 2]). The diameter of each orifice 36 of the cover 32 therefore corresponds substantially to the diameter of the passage 28 of the housing 12 with which it is intended to be aligned in an assembled state of the connection device 10.

[0094] More clearly visible in the sectional view of [Fig.3] and [Fig.5], an oblong edge 38 of the cover 32 facing the membrane 30 is provided with a plurality of notches 40. The notches 40 of the cover 32 make it possible to guide and evacuate the water towards the space 20 then a drainage conduit of the housing 12.

[0095] In order to facilitate the assembly of the closure means 28 to the housing 12, the housing 12 comprises two centering pins 42. As illustrated in view (A) of [Fig.2] and in [Fig.3], each centering pin 42 projects from the external wall 24 of the DC current interface. The number of centering pins 42, as well as their shape and size, are not limiting. Each centering pin 42 is configured to be housed in a corresponding recess 44 of the cover 32. The recesses 44 of the cover 32 are visible in the sectional view of [Fig.3].

[0096] In the example of [Fig. 3], the closure means 28 is fixedly attached, as opposed to being detachably attached, to the housing 12. The cover 32 is welded to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding. The cover 32 may be welded to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding at the connection of the cover 32 with each centering pin 42, i.e. in the recess 44 of the cover 32.

[0097] Alternatively, the cover 32 could be glued to the housing 12 using an adhesive, for example an Epoxy adhesive.

[0098] As mentioned previously, the closing means 28 according to the first embodiment consists of a cover 32 and a membrane 30. The membrane 30 is described below with reference to [Fig.4].

[0099] [Fig.4] schematically represents a front face (view A) and a rear face (view B) of the membrane 30. The membrane 30 has the shape of an oblong parallelepiped. The thickness of the membrane 30 is represented by the reference sign 46 in [Fig. 4]. The membrane 46 may have a thickness of the order of a millimeter. In particular, the membrane 46 may have a thickness of between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few millimeters. The thickness 46 of the membrane 30 is smaller than the thickness 34 of the cover 32 (see [Fig. 3]), in particular approximately ten times smaller.

[0100] The membrane 30 is made of elastomer, in particular silicone or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM). The membrane 30 is elastically deformable.

[0101] The membrane 30 comprises two main orifices 48 each configured to receive a connector pin, in particular a protective cap for the connector pin (not shown in [Fig. 4], see [Fig. 6B]). The main orifices 48 of the membrane 30 are circular in shape, like the cross-section of the connector pins and their caps (visible in [Fig. 6B]). The diameter of each main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 therefore corresponds substantially to the diameter of the portion of the connector pin which is received in said orifice. This tight fit makes it possible to ensure sealing at the contact between the connector pin (or the protective cap of the pin) and the membrane 30.

[0102] The membrane 30 further comprises two secondary orifices 50. The secondary orifices 50 are circular in shape and have a smaller diameter than the main orifices 48, in particular approximately five times smaller. The secondary orifices 50 have a shape and dimension complementary to the centering pins 42 of the housing 12. The secondary orifices 50 of the membrane 30 allow the centering pins 42 to extend through the membrane 30 into the recess 44 of the cover 32 (see [Fig.3]).

[0103] The membrane 30 further comprises a plurality of fixing holes 52. In the example illustrated by [Fig. 4], the fixing holes 52 have an oblong hole shape. The fixing holes 52 are positioned in the shape of a circle whose center would be each main hole 48. The fixing holes 52 have a shape complementary to corresponding fixing studs 54 of the housing 12. The fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 are visible in view (A) of [Fig. 2]. The membrane 30 can be assembled to the housing 12 by a form-fit connection between the fixing studs 54 and the fixing holes 52. The tight fit between the fixing studs 54 and the fixing holes 52 can generate forces which make it possible to hold the membrane 30 to the housing 12.Furthermore, between the fixing studs 54 of the housing, a rear face 58 of the membrane 30 can be directly flattened against the surface of the wall 24 of the housing 12 in an assembled state of the connection device 10. This improves the retention of the membrane 30 by friction and the sealing between the closure means 28 and the housing 12.

[0104] The membrane 30 of the closure means 28 may have a substantially flat front face 56, as shown in view (A) of [Fig.4].

[0105] In an alternative, the front face 56 of the membrane 30 may comprise recesses, ribs or grooves.

[0106] The rear face 58, opposite the front face 56, is provided with several recesses 60 arranged radially relative to each main orifice 48 of the membrane 30. In the example illustrated by [Fig. 4], the recesses 60 extend respectively, in particular in a rectilinear manner, between a main orifice 48 and a fixing orifice 52. The recesses 60 are formed by a removal of material from the rear face 58 in the thickness 46 of the membrane 30. The recesses 60 do not pass through the membrane 30 on either side, but only form grooves.

[0107] These recesses 60 of the membrane 30 have a shape complementary to projecting ribs 62 provided on an internal wall 64 with passages 18 at the level of their respective opening 26.

[0108] The projecting ribs 62 of the inner wall 64 of the housing 12 are visible in view (A) of [Fig.2] and [Fig.3]. The length of each projecting rib 62 extends parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the passage 18. The ribs 62 project from the inner wall 64 of the passage 18. In the example illustrated, the projecting ribs 62 are arranged on the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 at an equal distance from each other. The portion (54) of the projecting ribs 62 which extends outwardly and beyond the wall 24 respectively forms the fixing studs 54 of the housing 12. The shape, size and number of ribs 62 and fixing studs 54 are not limiting.

[0109] In an assembled state of the connection device 10, these fixing pads 54 of the housing 12 are received respectively in mounting recesses 66 of the cover 32, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Each mounting recess 66 of the cover 32 corresponds to a removal of material of complementary shape to a fixing pad 54 from an edge 68 of the orifice 36 of the cover 32. Said edge 38 has a circular shape like the orifice 36 of the cover 32. The cover 32 can be welded to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding at the connection of the cover 32 with each fixing pad 54, that is to say in each recess 66 of the cover 32.

[0110] The assembly of the overmolded closure means 28 to the housing 12 is illustrated by [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], The closure means 28 is positioned so that the rear face 58 of the membrane 30 faces the external wall 24 of the housing 12, as in the position illustrated in view (A) of [Fig. 2]. The centering of the closure means relative to the DC interface can be guided by the centering pins 42 of the housing 12. The closure means 28 is assembled to the DC interface so that each centering pin 42 is housed in a recess 44 of the corresponding cover 32 (see [Fig. 3]). Furthermore, in the assembled state, as shown in view (B) of [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 respectively pass through the fixing holes 52 of the membrane 30. The fixing studs 54 are respectively received in the mounting recesses 66 of the cover 32. In the example shown, the cover 32 is fixed to the housing 12 by ultrasonic welding.In an alternative not shown, another technique for attaching the cover 32 to the housing 12 may be used.

[0111] In the assembled state of the connection device 10 according to the first embodiment, the membrane 30 is arranged between the cover 32 and an external wall 24 of the DC current interface of the housing 12. This allows in particular the membrane 30 to be firmly held between the cover 32 and the housing 12.

[0112] Furthermore, in the assembled state of the connection device 10 according to the first embodiment, for each passage 18, the longitudinal central axis of the passage 18 is aligned with a longitudinal central axis of the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 and with a longitudinal central axis of the orifice 36 of the cover 32.

[0113] In a variant of the first embodiment, the closing means may consist of two pieces, in particular only two pieces. This variant is illustrated by [Fig. 5], which represents in view (A) an exploded view of a closure means 280 comprising a membrane 300 and a cover 320 as two separate parts. In this variant of the first embodiment, the housing 12 is the same as that shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0114] In the following, elements bearing the same reference signs as those described previously will not be described again and reference is made to their description made in the preceding paragraphs.

[0115] The membrane 300 has the same structure as the membrane 30 illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The membrane 300 therefore comprises main orifices 48, secondary orifices 50 and fixing orifices 42, as described with respect to [Fig. 4].

[0116] The cover 320 has a structure identical to that of the cover 32 previously described and to which reference is made.

[0117] In this variant of the first embodiment, as illustrated in view (B) of [Fig. 5], the membrane 300 is first assembled to the housing 12 in a direction D oriented towards the internal receptacle of the housing 12, in particular by means of a connection by form complementarity between the fixing studs 54 of the housing 12 and the fixing orifices 52 of the membrane 300. The fixing studs 54 respectively pass through the fixing orifices 52. The centering pins 42 of the housing 12 respectively pass through the secondary orifices 50 of the membrane 300.

[0118] Then, the cover 320 is assembled to the assembly formed by the housing 12 and the membrane 300 in the direction D.

[0119] The cover 320 is then attached to the housing 12 to form a connection device. The closure means 280 can be attached in the same manner as the closure means 28. Reference is therefore made to the preceding paragraphs regarding the attachment of the closure means 28, 280 to the housing 12.

[0120] The manner of operation of the closing means 28 and the closing means 280 being substantially the same, the plugging method described below with reference to [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B] and [Fig.6C] applies both to the connection device 10 and to the connection device according to the variant of the first embodiment illustrated by [Fig.5].

[0121] [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B] and [Fig.6C] represent three successive steps when plugging a current plug 11 into a connection device according to the first embodiment.

[0122] The closing means 28, 280 is in a closed position in [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B], and in an open position in [Fig.6C].

[0123] In the following, the elements bearing the same reference signs as those described previously will not be described again and reference is made to their description made in the preceding paragraphs.

[0124] [Fig.6A] illustrates the elements that are assembled together when connecting (plugging in) to charge an electric vehicle. On the left of [Fig.6A], a charging cable 5 is partially shown in that only one of its ends is illustrated.

[0125] Such a charging cable 5 is known to those skilled in the art. The connection device according to any of the embodiments of the present invention does not require no modifications to the charging cable known from the state of the art. The structure of the charging cable 5 shown in [Fig.6A] will therefore only be briefly described.

[0126] The charging cable 5 comprises at one end 9 a current plug 11 and a handle 13. The current plug 11 is provided with two sets 19, 21 of tubular chimneys. The current plug 11 comprises a first set 19 of two tubular chimneys 23 which are dedicated to direct current (DC). The power plug 11 includes a second set 21 of tubular chimneys 25 which are dedicated to alternating current (AC). The second set 21 may include 3 to 7 tubular chimneys 25 depending on the type of charging cable. In each of the sets 19, 21, the tubular chimneys 23, 25 are defined by a circular wall 27 of thickness T surrounding a tubular passage 29. The chimneys 23 of the first set 19 respectively have a tubular passage 29 of larger diameter than that of the chimneys 25 of the second set 21. The tubular chimneys 23, 25 are respectively pluggable into the corresponding passages 18 of the housing 12 of the connection device 10. The passage 29 of each tubular chimney 21, 25 is sized so as to be able to receive a connector pin of the vehicle to be charged (or of the charging terminal).

[0127] Furthermore, the first set 19 of tubular chimneys 23 for the direct current DC is surrounded by an oblong-shaped wall 31. A receiving space 33 is thus delimited between said oblong wall 31 and the external face of the circular walls 27 of the tubular chimneys 23.

[0128] To the right of [Fig.6A] is shown a connection device 10 according to the first embodiment which is mounted on a vehicle or a charging terminal (not shown). Connector pins of the vehicle (or of the charging terminal) are respectively positioned in each passage 18 of the housing.

[0129] In [Fig.6A], the connector pins of the AC current interface are not shown.

[0130] Each passage 18 of the DC current interface receives a DC connector pin 35 respectively. These DC pins 35 are more visible in the sectional views of [Fig.6B] and [Fig.6C]. In the example of [Fig.6B], the respective distal ends 37 of the DC pins 35 are covered by a cap 39. The cap 39 may be made of an electrically insulating material. The cap 39 is preferably mounted fixedly to the pin, i.e. in a non-detachable manner. As illustrated by [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B], in a so-called closed position of the closure means 28, each cap 39 projects outwardly through the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30. Thus, in a closed position of the closing means 28, the tight fit of the main orifice 48 of the membrane 30 at the level of the cap 39 of the DC pin 35 prevents access to the interior of the passage 18, in particular to a splash of water and dust. Therefore, in the closed position of the closing means 28, the closing means 28 is configured to close the opening 26 to the outside of said passage 18, in particular in a sealed manner.

[0131] [Fig.6B] illustrates a plugging step during which the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially inserted into the connection device 10 in an insertion direction D oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal. The oblong wall 31 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the space 20 (see view (A) of [Fig.2]) of the housing 12. Each tubular chimney 23 of the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the orifice 36 of the cover 32 of thickness 34. The cover 32 is partially received in the receiving space 33 of the first DC assembly 19. In the insertion state of [Fig.6B], the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is not sufficiently inserted into the connection device 10 to be able to cause the change of position of the closing means 28. Thus, in the insertion state of [Fig.6B], the closing means 28 is in the closed position.

[0132] In [Fig.6C], the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is sufficiently inserted into the connection device 200 along the insertion direction D to deform the membrane 30 to a so-called open position of the closing means 28. In its open position, the closing means 28 releases the opening 26 towards the outside of the passage 18 of the housing so as to allow electrical contact between the DC connector pin 35 received in the passage 18 and the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5, in particular with a conductor (not shown) positioned in the tubular chimney 23 of the current plug 11.

[0133] According to the present invention, the change of position of the closing means 28 from the closed position to the open position is automatically triggered by the insertion of the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 into the housing 12 at the DC current interface in the direction D oriented towards the interior of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the front face 56 of the membrane 30 is pushed by the tubular chimney 23 of the charging cable 5 in the direction D towards the inside of the passage 18, when the current plug 11 is inserted into the connection device 10. The pushing of the tubular chimney 23 in the direction D causes the membrane 30 to fold against the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 of the housing 12. Thus, in the open position, as illustrated by [Fig.6C], the membrane 30, in particular its rear face 28, rests partially against the inner wall 64 of the passage 18.

[0135] The portion 70 of the membrane 30 which is sandwiched between the cover 32 and the external wall 24 of the housing 12 is not folded towards the inside of the passage 18 because it is fixedly held between the cover 32 and the housing 12.

[0136] In the open position of the closure means 28, the portion 72 of the membrane 30 which is folded back inside the passage 18 is sandwiched between the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 and the outer circular wall face 27 of the tubular chimney 23. The portion of the passage 18 along which the membrane 30 can be folded back to a diameter suitable for receiving both the tubular chimney 23 and the portion 70 of the membrane 30.

[0137] In the open position of the closing means 28, the rear face 58 of the membrane 30 is positioned against the internal wall 64 of the passage 18. The projecting ribs 62 of the passage 18 are respectively received in the recesses 60 of the rear face 58 of the membrane 30.

[0138] Since the opening of the closing means 28 results automatically from the insertion of the charging cable 5 into the connection device 10, an opening step specifically dedicated to the opening of the closing means, preceding the step of inserting the charging cable, no longer needs to be performed. A user can thus more quickly plug the charging cable 5 into the connection device 10.

[0139] Furthermore, the membrane 30 being elastically deformable, the withdrawal of the current plug 11 from the housing 12 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D automatically causes the position of the closing means 28 to change from the open position to the closed position. Indeed, in the absence of constraints, in particular in the absence of the thrust forces exerted by the tubular chimney 23, the membrane 30 returns to its initial state, also called "rest", which defines the closed position of the closing means 28. This also ensures that the closing means automatically and correctly repositions itself in the closed position.

[0140] Thus, both the connection and the disengagement of the charging cable 5 from the connection device according to the present invention can be carried out simply and quickly for a user.

[0141] Furthermore, the closing means 28 is the only means provided to the housing 12 for closing the opening 26 to the outside of said passage 18. Second embodiment

[0142] [Fig.7] a connection device 200 according to a second embodiment and DC 35 connector pins.

[0143] The connection device 200 comprises a housing 202 intended to be mounted to the body of a vehicle. Hereinafter only the differences with respect to the housing 12 according to the first embodiment will be described. For the elements of the housing 202 bearing the same reference sign as in the housing 12, reference is made to the description of the first reference mode.

[0144] As in the first embodiment, an AC current interface and a DC current interface of the housing 202 are surrounded by a wall 22 in the shape of a figure 8.

[0145] The closing means 204 according to the second embodiment comprises an elastic means 206, in particular a compression spring 206, for each passage 18 of the housing 202. In a variant, an elastic means other than a compression spring can be used.

[0146] The compression spring 206 may have coils of diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the passage 18 of the housing. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the closing means 204, especially during changes in position of the closing means 204.

[0147] The closure means 204 according to the second embodiment comprises a closure element 208. The closure element 208 has a complementary shape and dimension inside the passage 18 of the housing 202.

[0148] In the illustrated example, the closure element 208 is a disc 208 pierced with a central orifice 210. The central orifice 210 of the closure element 208 is sized to receive a vehicle connector pin, such as the DC pin 25 shown in [Fig.7].

[0149] The disc 208 may be formed by assembling two washers 212, 214 (see view (B) of [Fig.7]). The two washers 212, 214 may be held together by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the two washers 212, 214 may be held together by gluing or a mechanical connection (screwing or snap-fastening for example).

[0150] The closure element 208 comprises two O-rings 216, 218. The first seal 216 is arranged along a circumference of the central orifice 210 of the disc 208. The second seal 218 is arranged along an outer circumference of the disc 208. Thus, in an assembled state of the connection device 200, as illustrated by view (B) of [Fig. 7], the first seal 216 is arranged between the closure member 208 and the DC connector pin 35 so as to ensure sealing at this first interface. Furthermore, the second seal 218 is arranged between the closure member 208 and the inner wall 64 of the passage 18 so as to ensure sealing at this second interface.

[0151] The O-rings 216, 218 provide sealing, particularly according to the protection index IP54 or IP55, without causing sufficient friction which would block or prevent the movement of the closure element 208 along of a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the passage 18 of the housing 202 when a charging plug 11 of a charging cable 5 is inserted into the housing 202.

[0152] According to a variant of the second embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the housing 202 may further comprise a cover 220.

[0153] The DC current interface of the housing 202 (according to the second embodiment) differs from the DC current interface of the housing 12 (according to the first embodiment), in that the portion of the passage 18 provided with the protruding ribs 62 of the first embodiment is replaced by the cover 220 in the second embodiment.

[0154] The cover 220 for the DC interface has the shape of an oblong parallelepiped. The thickness of the cover 220 is represented by the reference sign 224 in view (A) of [Fig.7]. The cover 220 comprises two orifices 222, in particular circular ones. The circular orifices 222 of the cover 220 are each sized to receive a tubular chimney 23 of the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 (visible in [Fig.8]). The diameter of each orifice 222 of the cover 220 therefore corresponds substantially to the diameter of the tubular chimney 23. The cover 220 can be fixed to the housing 202 by a mechanical connection. In the example illustrated, the cover 220 is screwed to the housing 202. For this purpose, the external wall 24 of the DC current interface comprises a tubular screw chimney 226, in particular provided with a tapped hole, to receive a fixing screw 228. The number of tubular screw chimneys 226 is identical to that of the number of corresponding fixing screws 228. Advantageously, a mechanical washer 230, more commonly called a "washer" in English, is arranged between the head of the fixing screw 228 and the cover 220. The mechanical washer 230 improves the distribution of stresses after tightening of the fixing screw 228. The mechanical washer 230 makes it possible to preserve the surface of the cover 220 by preventing direct contact between the head of the fixing screw 228 and the cover 220.

[0155] According to the second embodiment, the closing means 204 therefore comprises at least the elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) and the closing element 208 (disc 208). As shown in view (B) of [Fig.7], the compression spring 206 is arranged between a rear face 232 of the closing element 208 (disc 208) and a bottom wall 234 of the housing 202. The elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) is attached to the rear face 232 of the closing element 208 (disc 208). The elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) is attached to the bottom wall 234 of the housing 202. Thus, the elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) and the closure element 208 (disc 208) are retained to the housing 202. This prevents the loss of the elastic means 206 (compression spring 206) or the closure element 208 (disc 208). It should be emphasized that the elastic means 206 (compression spring pressure 206) and the closing element 208 (disc 208) are movably retained inside the passage 18 of the housing 202, which allows the opening and closing of the closing means 204 according to the second embodiment. Both the elastic means 206 and the closing element 208 are arranged inside the passage 18 of the housing 202 whether in an open position or in a closed position of the closing means 204. The open position and the closed position of the closing means 204 are further described below with reference to [Fig. 8].

[0156] [Fig.8] represents three successive steps of plugging a current plug 11 into a connection device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0157] View (A) of [Fig.8] illustrates a plugging step during which the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially inserted into the connection device 200 in an insertion direction D oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal. The oblong wall 31 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the space 20 (this space is also shown in view (A) of [Fig.2]) of the housing 202. Each tubular chimney 23 of the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is partially received in the corresponding orifice 22 of the cover 220 of thickness 224. In the insertion state of view (A) of [Fig. 8], the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is not sufficiently inserted into the connection device 200 to be able to cause the change of position of the closing means 204. Thus, in the insertion state of view (A) of [Fig. 8], the closing means 28 is still in the closed position.

[0158] In the closed position, the elastic means 206 of the closing means 204 is in its initial state, called “at rest”, that is to say in a state where its potential energy is the lowest, or even zero. The elastic means 206, in particular the compression spring 206, has a dimension in its initial state which makes it possible to position the closing element 208, in particular the disc 208, at the level of the cap 39 of the DC pin 35. In the closed position of the closure means 204, the closure element 208, in particular the disc 208, is arranged inside the passage 18 flush with the outer wall 24 of the housing (shown in view (A) of [Fig. 7]). Thus, in the closed position of the closure means 204, the closure element 208, in particular the disc 208, is not received in the orifice 222 of the cover 220. This cover 220 is mounted on the outer wall 24 of the housing 202.

[0159] In the closed position of the closing means 204, the opening 26 towards the outside of the passage 18 is protected by the closing element 208, in particular the disc 208, which closes the opening 26.

[0160] According to the present invention, the change of position of the closing means 204 from the closed position to the open position is automatically switched on by inserting the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 into the housing 202 at the DC current interface in the direction D facing the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

[0161] In view (B) of [Fig. 8], the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is sufficiently inserted into the connection device 200 in the insertion direction D to move the disc 208 towards the back wall 234 of the passage 18 by compressing the compression spring 206. Indeed, by compression, the successive gap between the turns of the spring 206 is reduced which moves the disc 208 towards the inside of the passage 18. In view (B) of [Fig. 8], the closing means 204 is no longer in a closed position. The closing means 204 is however not yet in a completely open position. The completely open position is described with reference to view (C) of [Fig. 8].

[0162] In view (C) of [Fig.8], the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 is inserted as far as it will go into the connection device 200 in the insertion direction D. In view (C) of [Fig. 8], the closure means 204 is in an open position. In the open position, the closure means 204 releases the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18 of the housing 202 so as to allow electrical contact between the DC connector pin 35 received in the passage 18 and the power plug 11 of the charging cable 5, in particular with a conductor (not shown) positioned in the tubular chimney 23 of the power plug 11.

[0163] In the fully open position shown by view (C) of [Fig.8], the tubular chimney 23 of the current plug 11 pushes the front face of the disc 208 towards the bottom wall 234 of the passage 18 so as to further compress the spring 206. In particular, the spring 206 may be in a state of maximum compression in the open position of the closing means 204. The restoring force of the spring 206 is sufficiently weak to prevent automatic ejection of the current plug 5 from the connection device 200. In the fully open position shown by view (C) of [Fig. 8], the disc 208 is far enough back toward the back wall 234 of the passage 18 that the DC connector pin 35 is sufficiently inserted into the passage 29 of the tubular chimney 23 of the power plug 11 to allow electrical contact.

[0164] Since the opening of the closing means 204 results automatically from the insertion of the charging cable 5 into the connection device 200, an opening step specifically dedicated to the opening of the closing means, preceding the step of inserting the charging cable, no longer needs to be performed. A user can thus more quickly plug the charging cable 5 into the connection device 200.

[0165] Furthermore, the compression spring 206 being elastically deformable, the removal of the power plug 11 from the housing 202 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D automatically causes the position of the closing means 204 to change from the open position to the closed position. Indeed, in the absence of constraints, in particular in the absence of the thrust forces exerted by the tubular chimney 23 on the front face of the disc 208, the compression spring 206 returns to its initial state, also called "rest", which defines the closed position of the closing means 204. This also ensures that the closing means 204 automatically and correctly repositions itself in the closed position.

[0166] Thus, both the connection and the disengagement of the charging cable 5 from the connection device according to the present invention can be carried out simply and quickly for a user.

[0167] Further, as in the first embodiment, the closure means 204 is the only means provided to the housing 202 for closing the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18.

[0168] In an embodiment not shown, the closure means 28, 280 according to the first embodiment and the closure means 204 according to the second embodiment can be combined in the same connection device, in particular for the same passage 18 of the housing. In this case, the opening 26 of the passage 28 can be protected by the membrane 30, 300 as well as by the disc 208. The disc 208 can be arranged in the passage 18 and behind the rear face 28 of the membrane 30, 300. The stroke of the compression spring 206 in this embodiment can be smaller than that in the second embodiment. The redundancy of the closure means makes it possible to further improve the sealing of the connection device.

[0169] Third embodiment [Fig. 9] schematically represents a connection device 301 according to a third embodiment, of which view (A) of [Fig. 9] shows a closed position of the closing means, view (B) of [Fig. 9] shows a partially open position of the closing means, and view (C) of [Fig. 9] shows an open position of the closing means. Only the DC current interface of the housing 304 of the connection device 301 is shown in [Fig. 9].

[0170] In the following, the elements bearing the same reference signs as those described previously will not be described again and reference is made to their description made in the preceding paragraphs.

[0171] The closing means according to the third embodiment comprises an actuating mechanism 306 arranged on a wall of the housing 304. The actuating mechanism 306 is mechanically connected to two flaps 310. The flaps 310 are designed to close the opening 26 to the outside of the passage 18 in the closed position of the closing means.

[0172] Each flap 310 is pivotally mounted between the closed position and an open position of the closing means. The actuating mechanism 306 is configured to cause each flap 310 to pivot, in particular simultaneously, from the closed position to the open position by inserting the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 (not shown) into the housing 304 at the DC current interface in the direction D oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging terminal. More specifically, the actuating mechanism 306 is configured to cause each flap 310 to pivot, in particular simultaneously, when the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 abuts the actuating mechanism 306 in the direction D.

[0173] The actuation mechanism 306 may comprise a cam assembly. Alternatively or in combination, the actuation mechanism 306 may comprise one or more shafts. Alternatively or in combination, the actuation mechanism 306 may comprise one or more gears.

[0174] Grooves 312 are provided in the wall of the housing 304 to allow the pivoting of the flaps 310.

[0175] Each flap 310 is held in rotation around a rod 314. The rotational movement of the flaps 310 is indicated in views (B) and (C) of [Fig. 9] by an arrow around the rod 314. The flaps 310 have a shape which allows them to obstruct the entire inlet 26 of the passage 18 in the closed position of the closure means. The flaps 310 each have a shape allowing simultaneous rotational movement of the flaps 310. For example, as illustrated by [Fig. 3], each flap 310 may have a portion of substantially circular shape sized to cover the passage 18, this portion comprising a recessed edge, in particular a concave recess.

[0176] Unlike the shutter systems known from the state of the art, such as that illustrated by view (B) of [Fig.l], the pivoting of the shutters 310 of the connection device 301 is automatically generated by the plugging in of the charging cable 5, without requiring the intervention of the user to manually manipulate the shutter, before being able to insert the current plug 11 of the charging cable 5 into the connection device 301.

[0177] In an embodiment not shown, the closure means 28, 280 according to the first embodiment and the closure means according to the third embodiment can be combined in the same connection device, in particular for the same passage 18 of the housing. In such a connection device, the flaps 310 according to the third embodiment can be arranged in front of the closure means 28, 208 according to the first embodiment in the insertion direction D.

[0178] In another embodiment not shown, the closing means 204 according to the second embodiment and the closing means according to the third embodiment can be combined in the same connection device, in particular for the same passage 18 of the housing.

[0179] In yet another embodiment not shown, the closing means 28, 280 according to the first embodiment, the closing means 204 according to the second embodiment and the closing means according to the third embodiment can be combined in the same connection device, in particular for the same passage 18 of the housing.

[0180] The redundancy of the closing means makes it possible to further improve the sealing of the connection device.

[0181] Reference signs 1: electric vehicle 3: Electric vehicle connection device 5: Charging cable 7: charging station 9: first end of the charging cable 11: Charging cable power plug 13: Charging cable handle 15: second end of the charging cable 17: charging terminal connection device 19: first set of DC tubular chimneys 21: second set of AC tubular chimneys 23: DC tubular chimneys 25: AC tubular chimneys 27: circular wall of tubular chimney 29: tubular passage 31: oblong wall 33: reception area 35: DC connector pin 37: distal end of the pin 39: hood 10: connection device according to the first embodiment of the invention 12: case 14: hole 16: front of the case 18: passage 20: space 22: wall 24: external wall of the current interface 26: opening of the passage to the outside 28, 280: means of closure 30, 300: membrane 32, 320: hood 34: thickness of the hood 36: hood hole 38: edge of the hood 40: hood notch 42: housing centering pin 44: hood recess 46: membrane thickness 48: main membrane orifices 50: secondary membrane orifices 52: membrane fixing holes 54: housing mounting studs 56: front face of the membrane 58: rear face of the membrane 60: membrane recess 62: protruding rib of the passage 64: internal wall of the passage 66: hood mounting recess 68: edge of the hood hole 70: portion of the membrane not deformed in the open position 72: portion of the membrane deformed in the open position 200: connection device according to the second embodiment 202: housing according to the second embodiment 204: closing means according to the second embodiment 206: elastic medium, compression spring 208: closing element, disc 210: central orifice 212, 214: washer 216, 218: O-ring 220: hood according to the second embodiment 222: hood hole 224: hood thickness 226: screw tubular chimney 228: fixing screw 230: mechanical washer 232: rear face of the closing element 234: back wall of the case 301: connection device according to the third embodiment 304: case 306: actuating mechanism 310: shutter 312: groove 314: stem AC: alternating current DC: direct current D: direction T: thickness of tubular chimney

Claims

Claims

1. A connection device (10, 200, 301) configured to be mounted on an electric vehicle, or a charging station, in order to charge an electric vehicle, comprising: a housing (12, 202, 304) provided with at least one current interface (AC, DC), an outer wall (24) of the current interface (AC, DC) is pluggable with a current plug of a charging cable, and the current interface (AC, DC) comprises at least one passage (18) passing through the housing (12, 202, 304), the passage (18) being adapted to receive a connector pin positioned inside the electric vehicle or the charging station, and the current interface (AC, DC) comprises a closing means (28, 204, 280), in particular a sealed closing means, adjustable between a closed position and an open position such that: in the closed position of the closing means (28, 204, 280), the closing means (28, 204,280) is configured to close the opening (26) towards the outside of said passage (18), in particular in a sealed manner, and in the open position of the closing means (28, 204, 280), the closing means (28, 204, 280) releases the opening (26) towards the outside of said passage (18) so as to allow electrical contact with the connector pin received in the passage (18), and the change of position of the closing means (28, 204, 280) from the closed position to the open position is automatically triggered by the insertion of a current plug of a charging cable into the housing (12, 202, 304) at the current interface (AC, DC) in a direction (D) oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.,

2. The connecting device (10, 200, 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that said closing means (28, 204, 280) is the only means provided to the housing (10, 200, 300) for closing the opening (26) to the outside of said passage (18).

3. The connection device (10, 200, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure means (28, 204, 280), or at least one cover (32, 220, 310) of the closure means (28, 204, 280), is detachably mounted to the housing (12, 202, 304), in particular by snap-fastening or by form-fitting connection or by screwing or by a combination of these.

4. The connection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure means (28, 280) comprises a deformable membrane (30, 300) provided with at least one main orifice (48), the main orifice (48) of the membrane (30, 300) is configured to receive a connector pin, in particular in a sealed manner, in the closed position of the closure means (28, 280), the membrane (30) being deformable from the closed position to the open position of the closure means (28) by inserting a current plug of a charging cable into the housing (12) at the current interface (AC, DC) in a direction (D) oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station;and the membrane (30, 300) being deformable from the open position to the closed position of the closing means (28, 280) by the release of the current plug of the charging cable from the housing (12) in an opposite direction inside the electric vehicle or the charging terminal.;

5. The connecting device (10) according to claim 4, the membrane (30, 300) of which rests partially against the inner wall (64) of the passage (18) in the open position of the closing means (28, 280).

6. The connection device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of the faces (58) of the membrane (30, 300) comprises one or more recesses (60) arranged radially relative to the main orifice (48) of the membrane (30, 300).

7. The connection device (10) according to claim 6, wherein an inner wall (64) of the passage (18) comprises one or more projecting ribs (62) of shape and size complementary to the recesses (60) of the membrane (30, 300).

8. The connection device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, the membrane (30, 300) of which further comprises at least one fixing orifice (52) for a form-fitting connection with the housing (12), in particular with a corresponding fixing stud (54) of the housing (12).

9. The connection device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 8, the membrane (30, 300) of which is made of elastomer, in particular silicone or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM).

10. The connection device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the closure means (28, 280) further comprises a cover (32, 320), the cover (320) comprising at least one orifice (36) for receiving an electrical conductor of a current plug of a charging cable, and the membrane (30, 300) being arranged between said cover (32, 320) and an external wall (24) of the current interface (AC, DC) of the housing (12).

11. The connection device (10) according to claim 10, wherein an edge (38) of the cover (32, 320) facing the membrane (30, 300) is provided with a plurality of notches (40) for guiding and discharging water towards a drainage conduit of the housing (12).

12. The connection device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, the housing (12) of which comprises at least one centering pin (42) configured to be housed in a corresponding recess (44) of the cover (32), the cover (32) comprising at least one such recess (44).

13. The connection device according to one of claims 10 to 12, in which the membrane (300) and the cover (320) are formed in a single piece (280), in particular by overmolding.

14. The connection device (10) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the cover (30, 300) is welded, in particular by ultrasonic welding, or glued to the housing (12).

15. The connecting device (10, 20, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing means (28, 204, 280) is longitudinally movable towards the inside of the passage (18) by an elastic means (30, 206, 300), in particular by at least one spring (206), between: the closed position, when the elastic means (30, 206, 300) is in its rest state, and the open position, when the elastic means (30, 206, 300) is in a deformed state, in particular compressed or stretched.

16. The connection device (200) according to claim 15, wherein the closure means (204) comprises a closure element (208) of complementary shape to the passage provided with a main orifice (210), the main orifice (210) of the closure element (204) is configured to receive a connector pin, and a front face of the closure element (204) is configured to be pushed into the passage (18) so as to compress or stretch the elastic means (206) when a current plug of a charging cable is inserted into the housing at the current interface in a direction (D) oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

17. The connection device (200) according to claim 16, wherein the closure means (204) further comprises at least two seals (216, 218), in particular two O-rings, the first seal (216) being placed along the circumference of the main opening (210) of the closure element (204) so as to be arranged between the closure element (204) and a connector pin of the electric vehicle or the charging station, and the second seal (218) is placed along the outer circumference of the closure element (204) so as to be arranged between the closure element (204) and an inner wall (64) of the passage (18).

18. The connection device (301) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing means comprises an actuating mechanism (306) arranged on the housing (302) and connected to at least one flap (310) for closing the opening (26) to the outside of the passage (18) in the closed position of the closing means, the flap (310) being pivotally mounted between the closed position and the open position of the closing means, the actuating mechanism (306) being configured to cause the flap (310) to pivot from the closed position to the open position by inserting a current plug of a charging cable into the housing (304) at the current interface (DC) in a direction (D) oriented towards the inside of the electric vehicle or the charging station.

19. The connection device (10, 200, 301) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the housing (12, 202, 304) comprises an alternating current (AC) interface and a direct current (DC) interface, and the closing means (28, 204, 280, 302) is arranged at the direct current (DC) interface.

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