LOAN CONTROL OF CHARGING CABLES FOR VEHICLES IN A CHARGING FACILITY

Abstract

A method controls a charging installation comprising N charging stations having first identifiers and capable of being coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables having second identifiers, and N lockers for storing the charging cables, having third identifiers associated with the second identifiers, and with access controlled by lockable doors. This method includes a step (10-30) in which, when a vehicle user selects a first identifier, the user is provided with the third identifier of a locker associated with the first selected identifier and the door of that locker is unlocked so that the user can retrieve the charging cable; then, when the user wants to return the charging cable, the second identifier of that charging cable is determined and the door of the locker associated with that second identifier is unlocked. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: CONTROL OF LOAN OF CHARGING CABLES FOR VEHICLES IN AN INS RECHARGE CALL Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to charging installations comprising charging stations allowing vehicles coupled to them by charging cables to recharge their rechargeable battery(ies), and more precisely to the control in these charging installations of the loan of charging cables to vehicle users. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise a rechargeable battery coupled, via an interface device with contactors (and fuses), to a charging connector allowing it to be recharged with direct and / or alternating current when the latter is temporarily coupled to an external power source via a charging cable.

[0003] Generally, this rechargeable battery is in particular responsible for powering an electric motor of the powertrain (or GMP) of the vehicle, 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 the charging be done in direct or alternating current, but in addition 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] Some external power sources are charging stations that are part of a public or private charging facility. To avoid any risk of vandalism or theft, some of these charging facilities do not have (at least continuously) charging cables connected to their charging stations. Therefore, for vehicle users to be able to charge in such charging facilities, it is essential that they remember to take at least one charging cable and sometimes several of different types into their vehicles, which can be cumbersome.

[0006] Sometimes the charging cable(s) are placed under objects and are therefore difficult to access. It can also happen that a vehicle user unloads objects and the charging cable(s) and forgets to replace the latter in the vehicle. In these two situations, when the user wants to recharge in a charging installation without charging cables, he is obliged to give up, which can be problematic if the rechargeable battery is very discharged.

[0007] It has recently been proposed to add to the charging facilities lockers for storing charging cables that can be loaned to users coming to recharge their vehicles in order to ensure the coupling between the latter and their charging stations. However, the lack of correspondence, on the one hand, between the different charging stations and the different lockers, and, on the other hand, between the different lockers and the different charging cables that can be loaned, poses problems, in particular unavailability, which can delay the start of recharging and annoy certain users.

[0008] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation when lending charging cables to users wishing to recharge. Presentation of the invention

[0009] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a method intended to control a charging installation comprising:

[0010] - N charging stations having respectively first identifiers and specific to be coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables having second identifiers respectively, with N > 2, and

[0011] - at least N lockers suitable for storing the charging cables respectively, having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with the second identifiers of the latter, and with access controlled by lockable doors.

[0012] This control method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which, when a user of a vehicle selects a first identifier of a charging station by means of a human / machine interface of the charging installation, this human / machine interface provides this user with the third identifier of a locker associated with the first selected identifier and triggers an unlocking of the door of this locker so that the user extracts the charging cable that he stores and uses the latter to couple his vehicle to the selected charging station in order to recharge its rechargeable battery, then, when the user has signaled that he wants to return the charging cable to the human / machine interface, the latter determines the second identifier of this charging cable and triggers an unlocking of the door of the locker associated with this second identifier so that the user returns the charging cable.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, correspondences (or associations) are available between the different charging stations and the different lockers, and between the different lockers and the different charging cables, and therefore there is no longer any risk of a charging cable being unavailable as long as the associated charging station is not already in use by another user.

[0014] The control method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - in its step, during a restitution, the man / machine interface can signal to the user the third identifier of the locker whose door was unlocked and which is associated with the second identifier determined;

[0016] - in its step, once the charging cable is returned to a locker associated with its second identifier determined, the human / machine interface can add an additional amount, corresponding to a loan of the returned charging cable, to a charging amount just paid by the user using a payment card;

[0017] - in its step, once the charging cable is returned to a locker associated with its second identifier determined, the human / machine interface can trigger a verification of a correspondence between a fourth identifier which includes an identification element carried by this charging cable and the second identifier of the latter, and, in the event of a correspondence, the human / machine interface can signal to the user that the return of the charging cable is complete;

[0018] - in the presence of the last two options, in its stage, the man / machine interface can notify the user that the additional amount will be added to the top-up amount;

[0019] - in its stage, in the event of non-return of the charging cable extracted after ex piration of a first chosen duration having started after an end of recharging with this recharging cable, the human / machine interface can trigger a transmission to a communication device of the user, by using a communication identifier of this communication device previously provided, of a message signaling that it must return this recharging cable, and, in the event of non-return of this extracted recharging cable after expiry of a second chosen duration having started after the end of recharging, the human / machine interface can add a chosen compensation amount to a recharging amount just paid by the user by means of a payment card;

[0020] - in its stage, in the event of non-return of the charging cable extracted after ex At the end of the second period, the human / machine interface can trigger a transmission to the user's communication equipment of a message indicating that the compensation amount has been added to the recharge amount.

[0021] The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a control method of the type presented above, in a charging installation comprising, on the one hand, N charging stations having respectively first identifiers and capable of being coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables having respectively second identifiers tifiers, with N > 2, and, on the other hand, at least N lockers suitable for respectively storing these charging cables, respectively having third identifiers associated respectively with the second identifiers of the latter, and with access controlled by lockable doors, to control the loan of a charging cable to a user of a vehicle to recharge the rechargeable battery of the latter at a charging station.

[0022] The invention also proposes a control device intended to equip a recharging installation comprising:

[0023] - N charging stations having respectively first identifiers and specific to be coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables having second identifiers respectively, with N > 2, and

[0024] - at least N lockers suitable for storing the charging cables respectively, having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with the second identifiers of the latter, and with access controlled by lockable doors.

[0025] This control device is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when a user of a vehicle selects a first identifier of a charging station by means of a man / machine interface of the charging installation, in triggering a supply to this user, by the man / machine interface, of the third identifier of a locker associated with the first selected identifier, and an unlocking of the door of this locker so that the user extracts the charging cable that he stores and uses the latter to couple his vehicle to the selected charging station in order to recharge its rechargeable battery, then, when the user has signaled to the man / machine interface that he wants to return the charging cable lent,to determine the second identifier of this charging cable and to trigger a determination of the second identifier of this charging cable and an unlocking of the locker door associated with this second identifier so that the user returns the charging cable.

[0026] The invention also proposes a recharging installation comprising:

[0027] - N charging stations having respectively first identifiers and specific to be coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables having second identifiers respectively, with N > 2,

[0028] - at least N lockers suitable for storing the charging cables respectively, having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with the second identifiers of the latter, and with access controlled by lockable doors, and

[0029] - a control device of the type presented above, also with the human / machine interface presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a charging installation according to the invention, comprising a human / machine interface comprising a computer comprising a control device according to the invention, and

[0032] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the human / machine interface calculator of [Fig.l], comprising an exemplary embodiment of a control device according to the invention, and

[0033] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a control method according to the invention Detailed description of the invention

[0034] The invention aims in particular to propose a control method, and an associated DC control device, intended to enable the loan of CRn charging cables to vehicle users to be controlled in an IR charging installation so that they can recharge the rechargeable batteries of their vehicles.

[0035] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the CRn charging cables provided are intended to be connected to charging connectors of motor vehicles, such as cars for example. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact concerns any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising at least one rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector allowing it to be recharged with direct or alternating current when the latter is temporarily coupled to a charging station via a charging cable.

[0036] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an IR charging installation according to the invention, comprising a human / machine interface IH, PRn charging stations, CSn lockers, and a DC control device according to the invention.

[0037] This IR charging installation can, for example, be installed in a service station or a public or private parking lot.

[0038] As illustrated in [Fig.l], an IR charging installation, according to the invention, comprises at least N charging stations PRn, N lockers CSn, a human / machine interface IH, and a DC control device according to the invention. In the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the number N is equal to 6 (n = 1 to 6). But this number N can take any value greater than or equal to two (i.e. N > 2).

[0039] The N charging stations PRn (n = 1 to N) respectively have first identifiers iln which are respectively associated with them, and are suitable for being coupled to vehicles comprising at least one rechargeable battery, via charging cables. CRn having second i2n identifiers respectively.

[0040] For example, all N charging stations PRn may be arranged to allow direct current charging. But they could be arranged to allow alternating current charging, or some charging stations PRn could be arranged to allow direct current charging and some other charging stations PRn could be arranged to allow alternating current charging.

[0041] It will be noted that each rechargeable battery can be responsible in particular for powering at least one electric motor of the powertrain (or GMP) of its vehicle, and in this case it constitutes what is frequently called a main (or traction) battery.

[0042] The at least N CSn lockers (n = 1 to N) are arranged so as to respectively store the N CRn charging cables. In addition, each CSn locker has a third identifier i3n associated with it and which is associated with the second identifier i2n of a CRn charging cable. Furthermore, each CSn locker has access controlled by a PC door that can be locked / unlocked by a locking mechanism. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the at least N CSn lockers can be part of an enclosure ES of the IR charging installation.

[0043] The human / machine interface IH is arranged so as to allow a user to borrow a CRn charging cable which is stored in one of the CSn lockers. It is therefore in particular responsible for exchanging information or messages with the user and remotely controlling the locking mechanism of the PC door of each CSn locker to lock / unlock this PC door as required.

[0044] It will be noted that this human / machine interface IH can also, possibly, be arranged in such a way as to allow the user to define, trigger and pay for the recharging that he wants a PRn recharging station to carry out for his vehicle. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the IR recharging installation could comprise a first human / machine interface IH dedicated to the loan of CRn recharging cables and a second human / machine interface dedicated to recharging the rechargeable batteries of the vehicles, and preferably able to communicate with the first human / machine interface IH.

[0045] This human / machine interface IH therefore comprises at least one computer CI, as well as for example a digital (or touch) screen and / or scrolling and / or selection keys, and possibly an LC card reader comprising a slot for the insertion of a payment card (bank or prepaid) for the purpose of paying for at least the top-up.

[0046] Furthermore, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the human / machine interface IH can be at least partly installed on a front face of the possible ES enclosure (including the CSn lockers). It will be understood that this front panel is the one that includes the PC doors of the CSn lockers. But the human / machine interface IH could be installed in equipment other than the possible ES enclosure.

[0047] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a control method intended to allow the control in the IR charging installation of the loan to vehicle users of CRn charging cables so that they can recharge the rechargeable batteries of their vehicles.

[0048] This (control) method can be implemented at least partially by the DC control device (illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2) which comprises for this purpose at least one processor PR1, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP ("Digital Signal Processor")), and at least one memory MD. This DC control device can therefore be produced in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). For example, it can be a microcontroller.

[0049] The memory MD is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of at least part of the control method. The processor PR1 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to mean any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0050] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the DC control device is part of the computer CI of the human / machine interface IH. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the DC control device could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the computer CI of the human / machine interface IH, for example.

[0051] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], the (control) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-30 which is implemented each time a user of a vehicle wants to borrow a charging cable CRn which is stored in one of the lockers CSn of an IR charging installation to recharge the rechargeable battery of this vehicle by means of a charging station PRn of this IR charging installation.

[0052] Step 10-30 of the method comprises a sub-step 10 in which, when a user of a vehicle selects a first identifier iln of a charging station PRn by means of the human / machine interface IH, the latter (IH) provides this user (for example following a trigger from the control device DC) with the third identifier i3n of a locker CSn which is associated with the first identifier iln selected, and triggers (for example at the request of the control device DC) the unlocking of the door PC of this locker CSn. This unlocking is intended to allow the user to extract the charging cable CRn stored in this unlocked locker CSn, and to use this CRn charging cable to couple their vehicle to the PRn charging station they have selected in order to recharge their rechargeable battery.

[0053] It will be understood that the correspondence between the third identifiers i3n of the lockers CSn and respectively the first identifiers iln of the charging stations PRn is intended to allow each charging station PRn to correspond to a single locker CSn.

[0054] Furthermore, it will be noted that when the human / machine interface IH comprises a display screen, it can, for example, display for the user on this display screen thumbnails representative of the respective first identifiers iln of the charging stations PRn by means of the human / machine interface IH. The selection by the user is then made by touching one of the thumbnails on the display screen. But the human / machine interface IH could comprise keys dedicated respectively to the different first identifiers iln, and in this case the selection by the user is made by touching or actuating one of the dedicated keys.

[0055] It will also be noted that when the human / machine interface IH comprises a display screen, it can provide the user with the third identifier i3n of a locker CSn which is associated with the first identifier iln selected by displaying it on this display screen.

[0056] Step 10-30 of the method also comprises a sub-step 20 in which, when the user has signaled to the human / machine interface IH that he wants to return the loaned charging cable CRn, this human / machine interface IH (and for example the control device DC) determines the second identifier i2n of this charging cable CRn, and triggers (for example at the request of the control device DC) the unlocking of the door PC of the locker CSn which is associated with this second identifier i2n so that the user returns this charging cable CRn.

[0057] Thanks to the correspondences (or associations), on the one hand, between the different charging stations PRn (via their first identifiers iln) and the different lockers CSn (via their third identifiers i3n), and, on the other hand, between the different lockers CSn (via their third identifiers i3n) and the different charging cables CRn (via their second identifiers i2n), there is no longer any risk of unavailability of a charging cable CRn as long as the associated charging station PRn is not already used by another user. Consequently, the loan of a charging cable CRn can no longer delay the start of a recharge, and therefore there is no longer any risk of it annoying the user.

[0058] It will be noted that the second identifiers i2n of the charging cables CRn are preferably visible on the outer face of the latter (CRn). In this case, they may be alphanumeric codes or barcodes which can be read by a reading device DL, which the charging installation IR must include, when their charging cable CRn is presented in front of it by the users in sub-step 20. This DL reading device is at least partly installed on the front face of the possible ES enclosure, and may possibly be part of the human / machine interface IH, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], but this is not an obligation.

[0059] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-30, during a restitution, the human / machine interface IH can signal to the user (for example at the request of the control device DC) the third identifier i3n of the locker CSn whose door PC has been unlocked and which is associated with the second identifier i2n which has just been determined. This signaling makes it possible to remind the user of the locker CSn from which he had previously taken the loaned charging cable CRn, and to facilitate the user's identification of the locker CSn whose door PC has just been unlocked and in which he must put (or return) the loaned charging cable CRn. It will be noted that when the human / machine interface IH comprises a display screen, it can provide the user with the third identifier i3n of a locker CSn which is associated with the first identifier iln selected by displaying it on this display screen.It should be noted that the report may be accompanied by a message asking the user to properly close the PC door of the CSn locker after having placed the CRn charging cable in the latter (CSn). This closing then triggers an automatic locking of the PC door.

[0060] But such reporting is not an obligation, particularly when unlocking a PC door causes it to rotate and therefore makes its CSn locker easily identifiable.

[0061] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-30, during a return, once the charging cable CRn has been returned to a locker CSn associated with its second identifier i2n determined, the human / machine interface IH can add (for example at the request of the control device DC) an additional amount, corresponding to the loan of the returned charging cable CRn, to the recharge amount which has just been paid by the user by means of a payment card (bank or pre-paid), and has possibly been the subject of the printing of a transaction ticket by the printing device DI at the request of the human / machine interface IH. It will be understood that the loan is not necessarily free, but it could be.

[0062] It will also be understood that the return of a loaned CRn charging cable is preferably done after payment for the recharge, for example by inserting a payment card into the slot of the LC card reader of the IR charging installation. Because this makes it possible to automatically add the additional amount to the recharge amount without the user having to perform any new actions, and in particular to reinsert his payment card into the LC card reader. But in an alternative embodiment the additional amount could require a new transaction from the user using his payment card (by reinserting his payment card into the LC card reader).

[0063] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-30, during a return, once the charging cable CRn has been returned to a locker CSn associated with its second identifier i2n determined, the human / machine interface IH can trigger (for example at the request of the control device DC) a verification of a correspondence between a fourth identifier i4n that comprises an identification element carried by this charging cable CRn and the second identifier i2n of the latter (CRn). In this case, in the event of a correspondence, the human / machine interface IH can signal to the user (for example at the request of the control device DC) that the return of the charging cable CRn is complete and has taken place correctly (provided that the user has properly closed the door PC of the locker CSn).This additional verification is intended to check the authenticity of the returned CRn charging cable, to avoid fraud by simply presenting a second i2n identifier in front of the DL reading device, for example by means of a photograph displayed on a screen of a mobile phone or an electronic tablet.

[0064] Also for example, the identification element comprising a fourth identifier i4n can, for example, be a radio tag (for example of the RFID (“Radio Frequency IDentifier”) type).

[0065] It will be noted that when the human / machine interface IH comprises a display screen, it can provide the user with a text message indicating that the return of the charging cable CRn is complete and has been carried out correctly, possibly accompanied by a thank you, by displaying it on this display screen. But instead or in addition, the message could be audible, and broadcast by means of a loudspeaker of the human / machine interface IH. It is also possible to envisage that the human / machine interface IH triggers the printing by the printing device DI of a ticket mentioning at least the additional amount just added to the recharge amount.

[0066] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-30, during a restitution, the human / machine interface IH can signal to the user that the additional amount will be added to the recharge amount.

[0067] It will be noted that when the human / machine interface IH comprises a display screen, it can provide the user with a text message signaling this latest addition, by displaying it on this display screen. But instead or in addition, this message could be audible, and broadcast by means of a loudspeaker of the human / machine interface IH.

[0068] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.3], step 10-30 may comprise a sub-step 30 in which, in the event of non-return of the extracted charging cable CRn after expiry of a first chosen duration dl, having started after the end of recharging with this charging cable CRn, the human / IH machine can trigger (for example at the request of the DC control device) the transmission (by radio) to an EC communication device of the user, by using a communication identifier of this EC communication device previously provided, of a message signaling that it must return the CRn charging cable loaned.

[0069] For example, the user can communicate his communication identifier when defining the recharge or when lending, by means of the human / machine interface IH.

[0070] Also for example, the first duration dl may be between 10 minutes and 20 minutes. As an illustrative example, the first duration dl may be equal to 15 minutes.

[0071] In the event of non-return of the extracted charging cable CRn after expiry of a second chosen duration d2, having started after the end of charging, the human / machine interface IH can add, for example at the request of the control device DC), a chosen compensation amount to the charging amount just paid by the user using his payment card. It will be understood that this option is intended to allow compensation to be paid to the lessor of the charging cables CRn, when one of the latter (CRn) is not returned by a user.

[0072] For example, the human / machine interface IH can trigger (for example at the request of the control device DC) the transmission (by radio) to the user's communication equipment EC of a message signaling that the compensation amount has been added to the recharge amount.

[0073] Also for example, the second duration d2 may be between 60 minutes and 120 minutes. As an illustrative example, the second duration d2 may be equal to 90 minutes.

[0074] If the user returns the loaned charging cable CRn before the expiry of the second duration d2, the human / machine interface IH may not add a new penalty amount to the additional amount already invoiced for the loan. But the human / machine interface IH could add a new penalty amount, strictly lower than the compensation amount, to the additional amount already invoiced for the loan.

[0075] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], that the computer CI of the human / machine interface IH (or the computer of the control device DC) can also comprise a mass memory MM1, in particular for storing each first identifier iln selected in correspondence with the third identifier i3n, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, this computer CI of the human / machine interface IH (or the computer of the control device DC) can also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least each first identifier iln selected in correspondence with the third identifier i3n to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having shaped and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2. In addition, this computer CI of the human / machine interface IH (or the computer of the control device DC) can also include an output interface IS, in particular for delivering a door unlocking message (or order), or a ticket printing message, or a transaction message, or even a message triggering transmission of a message by air.

[0076] It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example the processor PR1, is capable of implementing the control method described above to control the loan of a charging cable CRn to a user of a vehicle to recharge the rechargeable battery of the latter at a charging station PRn of the charging installation IR.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling a charging installation (IR) comprising i) N charging stations (PRn) having respectively first identifiers and suitable for being coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables (CRn) having respectively second identifiers, with N > 2, and ii) at least N lockers (CSn) suitable for respectively storing said charging cables (CRn), having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with said second identifiers of the latter (CRn), and with access controlled by lockable doors (PC), characterized in that it comprises a step (10-30) in which, when a user of a vehicle selects a first identifier of a charging station (PRn) by means of a human / machine interface (IH) of said charging installation (IR),said human / machine interface (IH) provides this user with the third identifier of a locker (CSn) associated with said first selected identifier and triggers an unlocking of the door (PC) of this locker (CSn) so that said user extracts the charging cable (CRn) that he stores and uses the latter (CRn) to couple his vehicle to said selected charging station (PRn) in order to recharge its rechargeable battery, then, when said user has indicated that he wants to return said charging cable (CRn) to said human / machine interface (IH), the latter (IH) determines said second identifier of this charging cable (CRn) and triggers an unlocking of the door (PC) of the locker (CSn) associated with this second identifier so that said user returns said charging cable (CRn).,

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-30), during a restitution, said human / machine interface (IH) signals to said user said third identifier of the locker (CSn) whose door (PC) has been unlocked and which is associated with said second determined identifier.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (10-30), once said charging cable (CRn) has been returned to a locker (CSn) associated with its second determined identifier, said human / machine interface (IH) adds an additional amount, corresponding to a loan of said returned charging cable (CRn), to a recharge amount just paid by said user by means of a payment card.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-30), once said charging cable (CRn) has been returned to a locker (CSn) associated with its second determined identifier, said human / machine interface (IH) triggers a verification of a correspondence between a fourth identifier which comprises an identification element carried by this charging cable (CRn) and the second identifier of the latter (CRn), and, in the event of a correspondence, said human / machine interface (IH) signals to said user that the return of said charging cable (CRn) is complete.

5. Method according to the combination of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that in said step (10-30) said human / machine interface (IH) signals to said user that said additional amount will be added to said recharge amount.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in said step (10-30), in the event of non-return of said charging cable (CRn) extracted after expiry of a first chosen duration having started after an end of recharging with this charging cable (CRn), said human / machine interface (IH) triggers a transmission to a communication equipment (EC) of said user, by use of a communication identifier of this communication equipment (EC) previously provided, of a message signaling that it must return said charging cable (CRn), and, in the event of non-return of said charging cable (CRn) extracted after expiry of a second chosen duration having started after said end of recharging, said human / machine interface (IH) adds a chosen compensation amount to a recharge amount just paid by said user by means of a payment card.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that in said step (10-30), in the event of non-return of said charging cable (CRn) extracted after expiry of said second duration, said human / machine interface (IH) triggers a transmission to said communication equipment (EC) of the user of a message signaling that said compensation amount has been added to said charging amount.

8. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing the control method according to one of claims 1 to 7, in a charging installation (IR) comprising i) N charging stations (PRn) having respectively first identifiers and own

9.

10. to be coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables (CRn) having respectively second identifiers, with N > 2, and ii) at least N lockers (CSn) suitable for respectively storing said charging cables (CRn), having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with said second identifiers of the latter (CRn), and with access controlled by lockable doors (PC), to control the loan of a charging cable (CRn) to a user of a vehicle to recharge the rechargeable battery of the latter at a charging station (PRn). Control device (DC) for a charging installation (IR) comprising i) N charging stations (PRn) having respectively first identifiers and suitable for being coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables (CRn) having respectively second identifiers, with N > 2, and ii) at least N lockers (CSn) suitable for respectively storing said charging cables (CRn), having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with said second identifiers of the latter (CRn), and with access controlled by lockable doors (PC), characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when a user of a vehicle selects a first identifier of a charging station (PRn) by means of a human / machine interface (IH) of said charging installation (IR), in triggering a supply to this user, by said human / machine interface (IH),of the third identifier of a locker (CSn) associated with said first selected identifier, and an unlocking of the door (PC) of this locker (CSn) so that said user extracts the charging cable (CRn) that he stores and uses the latter (CRn) to couple his vehicle to said selected charging station (PRn) in order to recharge his rechargeable battery, then, when said user has signaled to said human / machine interface (IH) that he wants to return said charging cable (CRn), to determine said second identifier of this charging cable (CRn) and to trigger an unlocking of the door (PC) of the locker (CSn) associated with this second identifier so that said user returns said charging cable (CRn). charging installation (IR) comprising i) N charging stations (PRn) having respectively first identifiers and suitable for being coupled to rechargeable battery vehicles via charging cables (CRn) having respectively second identifiers, with N > 2,and ii) to, less N lockers (CSn) suitable for storing respectively said charging cables (CRn), having respectively third identifiers associated respectively with said second identifiers of the latter (CRn), and with access controlled by lockable doors (PC), characterized in that it further comprises a control device (DC) according to claim 9.

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