VEHICLE CHARGING CABLE RENTAL DEVICE

Abstract

A rental unit (RU) comprises an enclosure (EU) including: - a storage area (SA) storing charging cables (CC) for vehicles, - an interface area (IA) for dispensing or collecting a charging cable (CC), - a human-machine interface (HMI) allowing a user to select a stored charging cable (CC) and provide initial information for renting it, and - a conveyor device (CD) designed to take the rented charging cable (CC) from the storage area (SA) and transport it to the interface area (IA) for removal by the user, and to take the rented charging cable (CC) from the interface area (IA) and place it there by the user in order to transport it back to the storage area (SA). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE CHARGING CABLE RENTAL DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a battery rechargeable by direct current and / or alternating current by coupling a charging cable to an external power source, and more specifically the rental of such charging cables to users of such vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include a rechargeable battery coupled, via a contactor (and fuse) interface device, to a charging connector allowing it to be recharged in direct or alternating current when the latter is temporarily coupled to an external power source via a charging cable.

[0003] Generally, this rechargeable battery is notably responsible for powering an electric drive machine of the vehicle's powertrain (or PWM), and therefore constitutes a main (or traction) battery.

[0004] The charging cables that can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery of a vehicle can be of different types because not only can charging be done in direct or alternating current, but also for the same type of charging current there can be at least two different types of connector equipping the external power sources available to users.

[0005] Currently, some external power sources have their own charging cable equipped with a connector that can be directly connected to a vehicle's charging port. This is frequently the case for external power sources providing DC charging. This is advantageous because it allows drivers to avoid having to check, before starting a journey, whether their vehicle has at least one charging cable.

[0006] However, many external power sources (generally public) do not include (at least not continuously) a charging cable, to avoid any risk of vandalism or theft. As a result, most drivers are forced to store at least one charging cable in their vehicles. Such storage becomes increasingly cumbersome as the number of charging cables increases. Furthermore, the charging cable(s) may end up under objects and therefore be difficult to access. Finally, it can happen that a vehicle user unloads objects and the charging cable(s) and forgets to replace them in the... vehicle, so that the driver of this vehicle finds himself without charging cable(s) if he did not take the care to check if the latter were on board before starting his journey.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation of drivers whose vehicle does not store a charging cable or stores a charging cable that is difficult to access or not adapted to the external power source next to which it is parked. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it offers for this purpose a rental device comprising an enclosure including:

[0009] - a storage area suitable for storing charging cables for vehicles,

[0010] - an interface area for delivering or collecting a charging cable,

[0011] - a human-machine interface designed to allow a user to select a charging cable stored and to provide initial information for renting the latter, and

[0012] - a conveying device suitable for taking the cable into the storage area to take the rented charging cable and transport it to the interface area so that it can be removed by the user, and to take the rented charging cable from the interface area and put it in the latter by the user in order to transport it to the storage area.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, the driver of a vehicle can now rent a charging cable (which he must return at the latest at the expiry of the rental period) when he needs it, which avoids cluttering the vehicle with one or more charging cables of different types and having to think about checking before the start of a journey whether the vehicle actually carries at least one charging cable.

[0014] The rental device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - the storage area can be suitable for storing coupling interfaces each comprising two first connectors and each suitable for supporting a charging cable having two second connectors connected respectively to its first two connectors. In this case, the conveying device may be suitable for taking from the storage area a coupling interface supporting the rented charging cable and conveying it to the interface area so that the charging cable it supports can be disconnected from its first two connectors and removed by the user, and for taking from the interface area a coupling interface supporting a charging cable that has just been connected to its first two connectors by the user in order to convey it to the storage area;

[0016] - in the presence of the first option, the enclosure may also include a device for test specifically designed to test the operation of the charging cable placed by the user on a support interface with its two second connectors respectively connected to the first connectors of this support interface, before it reaches the storage area, and to deliver a test result representative of an operating state of this charging cable;

[0017] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the test device may be specific to check if the second connectors of the charging cable, placed by the user on a support interface, are correctly connected respectively to the first connectors of this support interface, and, if so, to perform the functional test of this charging cable;

[0018] - also in the presence of the first option, the support interface can include a tray having a top surface on which the first connectors are installed and arranged to support a charging cable;

[0019] - the enclosure may also include a cleaning device for cleaning each charging cable returned to the interface area by the user, before it reaches the storage area;

[0020] - the enclosure may also include a flap controlling access to the interface area. In this case, the human / machine interface can be designed to allow a user, returning a previously rented charging cable, to provide second information to return it, and, when this second information provided is valid, to control the flap to allow the user to place this charging cable in the interface area;

[0021] - each charging cable may be provided with an identification element comprising a specific identifier associated. In this case, the enclosure may include a detection device capable of determining the specific identifier of a charging cable placed in the interface area by the user, then determining whether this specific identifier is associated with a charging cable that has been rented, and, if so, providing the human / machine interface with a third piece of information representative of a current rental of the charging cable;

[0022] - in particular in the presence of the last two options, the human / machine interface can be arranged, in the event of receipt of a test result representative of a correct operating state of the returned charging cable, of second valid information provided and of the third information, to inform the user of a good return of the charging cable;

[0023] - the storage area may be suitable for storing charging cables of at least two different types. In this case, the human / machine interface can be designed to allow the user to select one of these types. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a perspective view on the front side, an example of an embodiment of a rental device according to the invention, and

[0026] [Fig.2] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane, the rental device of the [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to provide an AL rental device intended to store CR charging cables of at least one type for vehicles in order to allow their rental by vehicle users.

[0028] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that CR charging cables are intended to be connected to charging connectors of motor vehicles, such as cars. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising at least one rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector allowing it to be recharged by direct or alternating current when the latter is temporarily connected to an external power source via a charging cable.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an example of an embodiment of an AL rental device according to the invention.

[0030] This AL rental device can, for example, be installed near an external power source or a group of external power sources (for example in a gas station or in a parking lot).

[0031] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, a rental device AL, according to the invention, comprises an enclosure ES having at least one storage area ZS, an interface area ZI, a human / machine interface IH, and a conveying device DC.

[0032] The storage area ZS is arranged to store CR charging cables (of at least one type) for vehicles. It therefore constitutes a store for CR charging cables.

[0033] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the storage area ZS comprises storage compartments LSj, each designed to hold a CR charging cable for rent. It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the storage area ZS comprises four storage compartments LSI to LS4 (j = 1 to 4), each designed to hold a CR charging cable for rent. However, the number of storage compartments LSj in the storage area ZS can take any value greater than or equal to two. For example, each LSj compartment can be defined as a case (or receptacle) having at least one open face to allow the retrieval or replacement of a CR charging cable.

[0034] But in an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the CR charging cables could possibly be stacked one on top of the other on at least one column inside the storage area ZS.

[0035] The interface area ZI is arranged so as to deliver a CR charging cable that has just been rented by a user, or to collect a rented CR charging cable that has just been returned by a user.

[0036] For example, it (ZI) may be in the form of a housing (or receptacle) having at least two open faces (including a front face) to allow the retrieval or replacement (or return) of a CR charging cable rented by a user. The second open face is intended to allow the placement in, or extraction from, the interface zone ZI of a CR charging cable by the DC conveyor device, as described later. It should be noted that the open front face of the interface zone ZI may optionally have access controlled by a flap V, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1].

[0037] The human / machine interface (HMI) is arranged to allow a user to select a CR charging cable that is stored in the storage area (ZS) and to provide initial information for renting this CR charging cable.

[0038] For example, this human / machine interface HMI may include a digital (or touch) screen and / or scroll and / or selection keys, and an LC card reader having an FC slot for the insertion of a bank card (or a prepaid card) for payment, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 2.

[0039] Also, for example, the initial information may include the duration of the rental (which may optionally be chosen from a predefined list) and banking information relating to the transaction carried out using the bank card (or prepaid card).

[0040] The DC conveyor is arranged to pick up the CR charging cable rented by the user from the storage area ZS and transport this CR charging cable to the interface area ZI for removal by the user. Furthermore, this DC conveyor is arranged to pick up a rented CR charging cable placed (or returned) in the interface area ZI by a user and transport it to the storage area ZS.

[0041] Thus, if a vehicle driver does not have a suitable CR charging cable for the charging he wants to perform, or if such a CR charging cable is difficult to access, he can now rent one using an AL rental device (which constitutes an automatic dispenser of CR charging cables for rent). He will then be returned at the latest at the end of the rental period. This can advantageously avoid cluttering the vehicle (for example, its rear trunk) with one or more CR charging cables of different types and having to remember to check before starting a journey whether the vehicle actually carries at least one CR charging cable.

[0042] It should be noted that the DC conveying device can have any arrangement known to those skilled in the art, provided that it allows a CR charging cable (possibly with an IS support interface, as described later) to be transported between the storage area ZS (and possibly a selected sub-part thereof (ZS), such as a storage compartment LSj) and the interface area ZI. Thus, it can, for example, comprise an electromechanical chain or rack and pinion mechanism with associated gears and at least one electric motor, and a rod or plate that can be translated in at least one spatial direction (and preferably two) by at least one other electric motor. Alternatively, it can comprise a robotic articulated arm adapted for gripping.

[0043] It should also be noted that the rental procedure can be completed when the user has taken the rented CR charging cable and has been given a rental identifier associated with a rental expiry date and possible information relating to the bank transaction (such as the time and amount) for example via a ticket, issued at the request of the human / machine interface IH in a dedicated LT housing included in the enclosure (see [Fig.1]) and for example generated by a DT2 printing device equipping the ES enclosure (see figures 1 and 2).

[0044] It should also be noted that the procedure for returning a CR charging cable can begin with the user entering, via the human / machine interface (HMI), the previously provided rental identifier, and possibly inserting their bank card into the FC slot.

[0045] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the storage area ZS can also be adapted to store IS support interfaces, each comprising two first connectors Cl and each adapted to support a charging cable CR having two second connectors C2 connected respectively to its two first connectors Cl. In this case, the conveyor DC can be adapted to take from the storage area ZS an IS support interface that supports the rented charging cable CR and to transport it to the interface area ZI so that the charging cable CR it supports can be disconnected from its first two connectors Cl and removed by the user. The conveyor DC can also be adapted to take from the interface area ZI an IS support interface that supports a charging cable CR that has just been connected to its first two connectors Cl by the user, in order to transport it to the storage area ZS.

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the IS support interface may include a tray having an upper face on which the first connectors Cl are installed and arranged to support a CR charging cable. It will be understood that in this case, the DC conveying device moves (or transports) the IS tray supporting the CR charging cable to be rented, or the IS tray that supported the CR charging cable that has just been rented, or the IS tray supporting the CR charging cable that has just been returned.

[0047] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the ES enclosure may also include a DTI test device arranged to test the operation of a CR charging cable placed by the user on an IS support interface temporarily present in the interface zone ZI, and having its two second connectors C2 respectively connected to the first connectors Cl of this IS support interface, before it reaches the storage zone ZS. This DTI test device is then also arranged to deliver a test result that is representative of the operating state of the CR charging cable returned by the user. It will be understood that the test result is positive (correct operation) or negative (incorrect operation).

[0048] It will also be understood that this DTI test device is arranged to check the integrity of the returned CR charging cable, and therefore its proper functioning. In particular, the proper functioning of the second C2 connectors (and therefore of their male and / or female contacts) is checked, for example by passing one or more specific currents or by measuring voltages and / or phases. For this purpose, it may include at least one electronic circuit (possibly specialized) and / or electronic components (possibly power components).

[0049] It should also be noted that the DTI test device can also be arranged to verify whether the second C2 connectors of the CR charging cable, placed by the user on an IS support interface (temporarily present in the interface area ZI), are correctly connected respectively to the first Cl connectors of this IS support interface. In this case, if the connection is correct, the DTI test device then performs the functional test of the CR charging cable.

[0050] If the negative result is not achieved, the DTI test device does not perform the CR charging cable functionality test and may, for example, generate a message asking the user to check the connection of the second connectors C2 to the first connectors Cl. This message is provided to the user via the human-machine interface (HMI). It may be audible and / or textual. A further connection check is then performed. If the connection remains incorrect, the HMI may, by For example, generate another message asking the user to remove the returned CR charging cable and check that they haven't inserted the wrong one. This message can be audible and / or textual. If the user has no other charging cable to provide and their bank card has been inserted into the FC slot, then an additional compensation amount may be debited from the bank account associated with that card.

[0051] It will be understood that this sub-option advantageously avoids carrying out a functional test in the presence of a bad connection which would distort the result of the test.

[0052] For example, the verification can be done by injecting a specific current into the CR charging cable using the DTI test device and checking whether this current actually flows in the CR charging cable.

[0053] Preferably, the functional test and the possible connection check are carried out by the DTI test device in the interface area ZI.

[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to [Fig. 2], the ES enclosure may also include a DN cleaning device arranged to clean each CR charging cable handed over (or returned) to the interface area ZI by the user, before it reaches the storage area ZS. This option is intended to make the CR charging cable as clean as possible for the next user.

[0055] Preferably, when performing a functional test (possibly preceded by a connection check), cleaning is carried out when the test result is positive (correct operation).

[0056] Preferably, the cleaning is also performed by the DTI cleaning device in a dedicated cleaning zone ZN that is separate from the interface zone ZI, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2]. In this case, the charging cable CR (with its optional IS support interface) is transported by the conveyor device from the interface zone ZI to the cleaning zone ZN. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cleaning could be performed in the interface zone ZI.

[0057] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to in [Fig. 2] and mentioned above, the enclosure ES may also include a flap V controlling access to the interface zone ZI. In this case, the human-machine interface IH may be arranged to allow a user returning a previously rented CR charging cable to provide additional information for its return (CR). When this additional information is valid, the human-machine interface IH is then arranged to control the flap V, allowing the user to place the CR charging cable in the interface zone ZI. For example, the flap V may be locked in a closed position while a rental or return procedure is in progress. was not started by a user via the human / machine interface HMI, and as soon as the user has finished picking up the rented CR charging cable in the interface area ZI or has returned the rented CR charging cable in the interface area ZI.

[0058] It should also be noted that each CR charging cable can be equipped with an identification element bearing a specific associated identifier. In this case, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the enclosure ES can also include a detection device DD arranged to determine the specific identifier of a CR charging cable placed (or returned) in the interface zone ZI by the user, and then to determine whether this specific identifier is associated with a rented CR charging cable. If so (specific identifier associated with a rented CR charging cable), the detection device DD is arranged to provide the human-machine interface IH with a third piece of information that is representative of a current rental of the CR charging cable.

[0059] If no specific identifier is associated with a rented CR charging cable, the DD detection device can, for example, generate a message asking the user to remove the returned CR charging cable and check that they have not mistakenly taken the wrong one. This message is provided to the user via the human-machine interface (HMI). It can be audible and / or textual. A new connection check is then performed. If the user has no other charging cable to provide and their bank card has been inserted into the FC slot, then an additional compensation amount can be debited from the bank account associated with that bank card.

[0060] It will be understood that this option advantageously avoids having to retrieve a charging cable that is not part of the stock of CR charging cables for hire, and compensating the lessor of the CR charging cables.

[0061] Also, for example, the identification element with an associated specific identifier can, for example, be an alphanumeric code or a barcode or a radio tag (for example of the RFID type (“Radio Frequency IDentifier”)).

[0062] Preferably, the detection of the specific identifier is carried out by the DD detection device in the interface area ZI.

[0063] It should also be noted that the human-machine interface (HMI) can also be configured, upon receipt of a test result indicating correct operation of the returned CR charging cable, valid second information provided, and third information, to inform the user that the CR charging cable has been successfully returned. The rental of the CR to the user is then considered complete, and a rental end-of-ticket can optionally be generated by the DT2 printing device on command from the HMI and issued at the user's location. LT accommodation.

[0064] It should also be noted that the storage area ZS can be arranged to store CR charging cables of at least two different types. In this case, the human-machine interface (HMI) can be arranged to allow the user to select one of these types. For example, in the illustrated storage area ZS, the left side can be dedicated to storing CR charging cables of one type and the right side can be dedicated to storing CR charging cables of a second type. However, the CR charging cables could be stored anywhere, regardless of their type.

[0065] It should also be noted that a CR charging cable can always be stored in the same place LSj or can be stored in any place LSj previously empty of CR charging cables.

Claims

Claims

1. Rental apparatus (AL), characterized in that it comprises an enclosure (ES) comprising i) a storage area (ZS) suitable for storing charging cables (CR) for vehicles, ii) an interface area (ZI) for delivering or collecting a charging cable (CR), iii) a human / machine interface (IH) suitable for allowing a user to select a stored charging cable (CR) and to provide first information for renting the latter (CR), and iv) a conveying device (DC) suitable for taking said rented charging cable (CR) from said storage area (ZS) and conveying it to said interface area (ZI) so that it can be removed by said user, and for taking said rented charging cable (CR) from said interface area (ZI) and placing it in the latter (ZI) by said user in order to convey it to said storage area (ZS).

2. Rental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said storage area (ZS) is suitable for storing support interfaces (IS) each comprising two first connectors (Cl) and each suitable for supporting a charging cable (CR) having two second connectors (C2) connected respectively to its two first connectors (Cl), and in that said conveying device (DC) is suitable for taking from said storage area (ZS) a support interface (IS) supporting said rented charging cable (CR) and conveying it to said interface area (ZI) so that the charging cable (CR) which it supports is disconnected from its two first connectors (Cl) and removed by said user, and for taking from said interface area (ZI) a support interface (IS) supporting a charging cable (CR) which has just been connected to its two first connectors (Cl) by said user in order to convey it to said storage area (ZS).

3. Rental device according to claim 2, characterized in that said enclosure (ES) comprises a test device (DTI) capable of testing an operation of said charging cable (CR) placed by said user on a support interface (IS) with its two second connectors (C2) respectively connected to said first connectors (Cl) of this support interface (IS), before it reaches said storage area (ZS), and of delivering a test result representative of an operating state of said charging cable (CR).

4. Rental device according to claim 3, characterized in that said test device (DTI) is capable of verifying whether said second connectors (C2) of the charging cable (CR), placed by said user on a support interface (IS), are correctly connected respectively to said first connectors (Cl) of this support interface (IS), and, if so, of carrying out said operating test of said charging cable (CR).

5. Rental device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said support interface (IS) comprises a tray having an upper face on which said first connectors (Cl) are installed and arranged so as to support a charging cable CR.

6. Rental device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said enclosure (ES) comprises a cleaning device (DN) capable of cleaning each charging cable (CR) placed in said interface zone (ZI) by said user, before it reaches said storage zone (ZS).

7. Rental device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said enclosure (ES) comprises a flap (V) controlling access to said interface zone (ZI), and in that said man / machine interface (IH) is capable of allowing a user, returning a previously rented charging cable (CR), to provide second information to return the latter (CR), and, when this second information provided is valid, to control said flap (V) in order to allow said user to place this charging cable (CR) in said interface zone (ZI).

8. Rental device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each charging cable (CR) is provided with an identification element comprising an associated specific identifier, and in that said enclosure (ES) comprises a detection device (DD) capable of determining said specific identifier of a charging cable (CR) placed in said interface zone (ZI) by said user, then determining whether this specific identifier is associated with a charging cable (CR) having been rented, and, if so, providing said man / machine interface (IH) with a third piece of information representative of a current rental of said charging cable (CR).

9. Rental apparatus according to the combination of claims 3, 7 and 8, characterized in that said man / machine interface (IH) is arranged, in the event of receipt of a test result representative of a correct operating condition of said returned charging cable (CR), of second valid information provided and of said third information, to inform said user of a correct return of said charging cable (CR).

10. Rental device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said storage area (ZS) is suitable for storing charging cables (CR) of at least two different types, and in that said human / machine interface (IH) is suitable for allowing said user to select one of said types.

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