ELECTRIC OR HYBRID MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE AT ITS CHARGING SOCKET

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprising a body (50), control means (10), electrical energy storage means (20), and, housed in a compartment (12) of the body (50), a charging connector (40) connected to the control means (10) and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter plug, and comprising an anti-theft device (1) including a removable anti-theft cap (6), which can be plugged onto the charging connector (40) by means of guides and which, on its outer side, has a network of holes corresponding to that of the charging connector (40), the anti-theft cap (6) being arranged to prevent any direct electrical connection between the charging connector (40) and an internal or external adapter plug inserted into the network of holes. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRIC OR HYBRID MOTOR VEHICLE FEATURING AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE AT ITS CHARGING SOCKET

[0001] The invention relates to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a body, control means, electrical energy storage means, and, housed in a housing provided by said body, a charging connector connected to said control means and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter tip.

[0002] The energy recharging of electric or hybrid motor vehicles, known as BEVs, can be carried out according to the types of recharging that will be chosen by the user.

[0003] Mode 2 refers to the lowest power setting (3.7kW maximum - Alternating Current - AC). To charge in mode 2, an electronic control unit integrated into the charging cable must be used and connected to a standard household outlet.

[0004] Mode 3 is an intermediate mode in terms of power (22kW maximum - Alternating Current - AC). To charge in mode 3, a dedicated cable equipped with Type 2 connectors must be used and connected to a charging station; this station integrates the control, safety, and charge regulation / programming functionalities.

[0005] Mode 4 is a mode adapted to the highest power levels (350 kW maximum - Direct Current - DC). Mode 4 is implemented using fast and ultra-fast charging stations that deliver direct current at a very high power level. These stations have a charging cable with a specific connector (Type 2 CCS Combo in Europe).

[0006] To enable these charging operations, BEV vehicles are equipped with an electronic charging socket box (BEPR) compatible with mode 2, 3 and 4 charging, as well as mode 2 and mode 3 charging cables (sometimes optional for mode 3).

[0007] To avoid any risk of damage to the vehicle, the cable and / or the charging station, the vehicles are equipped with a device which prevents the vehicle from starting as soon as a plug is connected.

[0008] We are witnessing attempts at "car jacking" or car theft carried out by criminals equipped with a cable adapter (Type 2 plug) which they insert into the vehicle's charging connector located in the vehicle's hatch, thus triggering the vehicle to stop, which then automatically goes into safety mode to prevent the cable presumed to be connected to this adapter from being pulled out: the vehicle and its occupants are then at the mercy of the criminals.

[0009] For charging electric or hybrid vehicles, the Type 2 connector is the standard in Europe for all electric vehicles sold (and the Type 1 connector in North America and South Korea). The Type 2 connector has seven male pins and a handle. The Type 2 connector supports alternating current with a maximum current of 70 A in single-phase and 63 A in three-phase. Generally, the Type 2 connector includes connectors for three phases (L1, L2, and L3), a ground connection known as the PE (proximity earth) contact, a neutral connection, and two controls: a proximity pilot (PP) contact and a control pilot (CP) contact for current limiting. This allows for several charging levels.The two controls, PP and CP, allow the exchange of information between the charging station and the vehicle according to a standardized protocol, thus optimizing electric charging.

[0010] International standard IEC61851-1, Edition 3.0, 2017-02, defines in §B.2, pages 227 to 229, a circuit for simultaneous proximity detection and current coding.

[0011] The PP proximity pilot serves as a charging cable detection and current limiting device. The main objective of the PP proximity pilot is to indicate that the vehicle is connected to a charging station in order to prevent it from starting if the charging cable is not disconnected (during electric charging, the probability that a user will start the vehicle and leave with the cable attached is much greater than in a combustion engine vehicle because people will not wait next to the car until charging is complete).

[0012] The proximity driver is used to detect the charging cable and to limit the current.

[0013] It is important that the motor vehicle knows it is connected to a charger or charging station. The proximity driver in the charging socket performs this function by creating a circuit via a resistor Rc, which is connected to the ground contact pin PE. This resistor Rc is standardized to activate the car's immobilizer. Thus, by applying a voltage to the proximity driver pin PP, a current flow (or voltage drop) will be detected when a plug is inserted, as this creates an electrical circuit.

[0014] In the case of a charging cable attached to the vehicle, it is important to be able to reproduce this cable detection to produce the same effects on the vehicle side.

[0015] The resistance Rc can have different values ​​in a type 2 plug. The two most common values ​​are 680 Ohm and 220 Ohm, although the standard also defines 1500 Ohm and 100 Ohm.

[0016] The proximity signal is used for the simultaneous detection of proximity and the encoding of the current capacity of the cable assembly. The value of the resistance connected between the proximity driver PP and the earth contact PE determines the maximum permissible current of the cable assembly (e.g., 13A, 20A, 32A, 63A or 70A). When the charger detects a certain resistance value, it must adjust its maximum current according to the maximum current indicated by the cable resistance. This maximum current value will then be communicated to the electric vehicle via the CP control contact communication protocol.

[0017] In summary, the PP proximity connector prevents the vehicle from restarting. The principle is to detect the insertion of a Type 2 plug into the vehicle's charging interface, whether the cable is connected to a power source or not. Simply connecting a plug causes a change in an internal resistance Ra measured on the vehicle via the PP proximity driver. This feature was initially developed to prevent the user from starting their vehicle if they forget it is plugged in and charging, thus avoiding damage to the car, the cable, or the charging station.

[0018] This is to provide the legal user of the vehicle with the possibility of driving, with the adapter tip.

[0019] The objective of the present invention is to mitigate the risks of carjacking by equipping the vehicle with a simple and inexpensive anti-theft device, making it possible to delay the theft of the vehicle as much as possible, this anti-theft device comprising a removable plug, insertable into the vehicle's charging connector, and having on its visible face, towards the outside of the vehicle, a deceptive Type 2 plug appearance and being electrically inert on at least some of its connectors, so as to prevent any possibility of starting the vehicle against the will of its user.

[0020] The thief will not be able to start the vehicle on the first attempt, and the vehicle will alert him that the charging cable is plugged in. Upon exiting the vehicle, the thief might not understand the problem, seeing that nothing is plugged in. Approaching the charging port, he might again be confused, not clearly seeing the deceptive plug.

[0021] In a first variant, the anti-theft cap includes, on the proximity pilot circuit PP exposed above, the same resistance Rc of value imposed by the standard.

[0022] In a second variant, the anti-theft cap is devoid of internal resistance Rc, so as to allow the customer to use his vehicle and protect it from possible carjacking.

[0023] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising a body, control means, electrical energy storage means, and, housed in a housing provided by said body, a charging connector connected to said control means and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter tip.

[0024] According to the invention, said electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprises, at said charging connector, an anti-theft device comprising a cap removable anti-theft device, which can be plugged into said charging connector by means of guidance and comprising, on the external side facing the user of said electric or hybrid motor vehicle and opposite said means of guidance, a network of holes corresponding to that of said charging connector, said anti-theft device being arranged to prohibit any direct electrical connection between said charging connector and an internal or external adapter plug of said electric or hybrid motor vehicle inserted into said network of holes.

[0025] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to easily deceive a criminal attacking the vehicle and its contents by attempting to exploit the security features to immobilize the vehicle for his own benefit, or to take possession of it.

[0026] More particularly, in a first variant, said charging connector includes a Type 2 socket which has a resistance of standardized value Rc between an earth PE terminal and a proximity pilot PP terminal, and said anti-theft cap includes, in said network of holes, an earth connector and a proximity pilot PP connector between which said anti-theft cap has a second resistance of said standardized value Rc.

[0027] The anti-theft device thus simulates the security functionality proposed by the IEC61851-1 standard.

[0028] More particularly, said anti-theft cap includes an autonomous power source supplying audible and / or visual alarm means, and includes, in said network of orifices, at least two connectors arranged to cooperate with an internal or external adapter tip of said electric or hybrid motor vehicle inserted into said network of orifices to trigger an alarm by activating said audible and / or visual alarm means when said adapter tip is inserted into said network of orifices.

[0029] This is a simple means of disrupting a wrongdoer and delaying him in his action.

[0030] In a second variant, said anti-theft cap is an electrically inert cap.

[0031] The legal user can thus use his vehicle, and protect it from possible carjacking.

[0032] Advantageously, said charging connector is a Type 2 socket, and said network of holes differs from that of a Type 2 socket, by the sizing and / or positioning of the holes, to prohibit the insertion of an internal or external adapter plug into said electric or hybrid motor vehicle having a standardized Type 2 plug.

[0033] Inserting an adapter tip is therefore impossible without removing the anti-theft cap.

[0034] Advantageously, said charging connector is a Type 2 plug, and said network of holes differs from that of a Type 2 plug, by the sizing and / or positioning of the holes, and said anti-theft cap is deformable, arranged to brake but allow the forced insertion of an internal or external adapter tip of said electric or hybrid motor vehicle having a standardized Type 2 plug.

[0035] Here again, the aim is to destabilize and delay a potential wrongdoer.

[0036] Advantageously, said electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprises, for the energy recharging of said electrical energy storage means, at least one charging cable housed in said housing, said at least one charging cable having an adapter tip at a distal end, for its connection to an external connector of an external charging station of said motor vehicle, said adapter tip being removable from said housing, said charging connector being arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with said adapter tip.

[0037] The user thus has his own cable, and does not depend on the equipment of the charging stations.

[0038] Advantageously, said charging connector comprises a Type 2 socket which has a resistance of standardized value Rc between an earth PE terminal and a proximity pilot PP terminal, and said adapter tip comprises, between an earth connector and a proximity pilot PP connector, a resistance of said standardized value Rc.

[0039] The user thus benefits from a high level of security.

[0040] Advantageously, said anti-theft cap includes locking means arranged to cooperate with complementary locking means, which include said housing or a shutter of said housing to prohibit or permit the extraction of said anti-theft cap from its position inserted in said charging connector.

[0041] These are again means of delaying an attack on the vehicle.

[0042] Advantageously, said anti-theft cap is an optical and three-dimensional decoy.

[0043] Thus, a wrongdoer will take time to realize his mistake.

[0044] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a motor vehicle according to the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in perspective, a housing for this vehicle containing a charging connector; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.2], the same housing with an anti-theft device according to the invention during installation, comprising an anti-theft plug inserted into the charging connector by

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[0051] guiding means such as pins or similar; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.3], the same device in driving position, with the anti-theft cap fully inserted into the charging connector, which is then invisible from outside the vehicle; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in front view, the anti-theft device in the position of [Fig.4]; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an anti-theft cap having a resistance Rc standardized according to the IEC61851-1 standard; - [Fig.7] schematically illustrates an anti-theft cap incorporating a device autonomous alarm by simple electrical contact when a Type 2 plug is inserted into its ports. A schematic illustration in [Fig.1] shows an electric or hybrid motor vehicle 100 according to the invention, which includes a body 50, control means 10, electrical energy storage means 20, and, for recharging these electrical energy storage means 20. More specifically, and without limitation, the vehicle 100 includes at least one charging cable 11. This at least one charging cable 11 is housed in a housing 12 in the body 50; it is provided with an adapter 15 at a distal end, for its connection to an external connector of a charging station external to the motor vehicle 100. The adapter 15 is removable, from a closed driving position, to an open charging position, from the housing 12 in the body 50. This housing 12 includes a charging connector 40, connected directly or indirectly to the control means 10, and which is arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with this adapter tip 15, or with an external adapter tip, for example linked to a charging station. This adapter tip is in particular a standard type 2 plug, which has a first resistance of 60 with a value of Rc, according to the relevant range of the IEC61851-1 standard mentioned above, which is interposed between the standard terminal 3 (PE earth contact) and the standard terminal 4 (PP proximity pilot) of the Type 2 plug. This first resistance Rc has the effect, when the adapter tip 15 is connected to the charging connector 40 of the vehicle 100, of lowering the voltage, which is detected by the vehicle's control means 10. The standard relating to permissible Rc values ​​allows the passage of a certain class of current in the charging circuit. The cooperation of a charging connector 40, which is included in the electronic charging socket housing (BEPR), and an adapter tip 15 including a Type 2 plug The standard connection is made by simple plugging. This 40 connector and this 15 tip are composed of different interfaces described in the international standard IEC 61851-1 "ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM" which defines the different types of charging modes described above.

[0052] The PP (Proximity Pilot) connector, according to the standard, prevents the vehicle from starting. The principle is to detect the insertion of a Type 2 plug into the vehicle's charging interface, whether the cable is connected to a power source (normal use) or not (attempted theft). Simply connecting a plug changes the internal resistance Ra measured on the vehicle via the PP proximity pilot.

[0053] This feature was initially developed to prevent the user from starting their vehicle if they forget that it is plugged in and charging, in order to avoid damaging the vehicle, the cable or the charging station.

[0054] We therefore wish to divert the functionality, to create here an anti-theft plug which will prevent the thief from starting the car, a plug sufficiently detailed and deceptive, to make the thief believe that he sees the plug itself and not the plug.

[0055] Naturally, the thief can remove the removable anti-theft cap, but he is then delayed in his action.

[0056] Thus, according to the invention, the vehicle 100 includes an anti-theft device 1 at the charging connector 40, which anti-theft device 1 includes a removable anti-theft plug 2, which can be plugged into the charging connector 40 and which, on the outside facing the user of said electric or hybrid motor vehicle 100, has an appearance corresponding to that of the charging connector 40.

[0057] In a first variant, the removable anti-theft cap incorporates a resistance 160, of standardized value Rc so as to activate the vehicle's anti-start mechanism.

[0058] In a second embodiment, the removable anti-theft cap lacks this Rc resistance, so as to allow the customer to drive with it and thus limit the risk of carjacking. The anti-theft cap then constitutes an inert cap.

[0059] Nowadays, it sometimes happens that thieves waiting at a red light connect a charging plug to the car they intend to steal, thus preventing the user from restarting their vehicle. This variant could therefore prevent a thief from plugging in a charging plug while stopped at a red light or similar.

[0060] In a third variant, the visible face towards the outside of the anti-theft cap resembles a Type 2 plug, but differs sufficiently, by the sizing and / or the positioning of the holes corresponding to the presumed connectors, to prevent the proper insertion of a standard Type 2 plug, and to waste the thief's time.

[0061] In a fourth variant, the anti-theft cap includes an autonomous power source 9, and two connectors attached to audible and / or visual alarm means 19 which is triggered by the insertion of a Type 2 plug into the anti-theft cap.

[0062] When the adapter tip 15 of the vehicle-integrated cable 100 is correctly stored in its housing 12, in cooperation with the charging connector 40, the resistance of the socket must be detected, between two resistance values, which is located behind the storage interface of the adapter tip 15 (in the housing 12): this is an analog detection.

[0063] The proximity pilot signal PP is read by the vehicle control means 10 of the vehicle 100, including a vehicle controller called a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit), to determine, depending on whether the integrated charging cable 11 is stowed or not, with its adapter tip 15, in its housing 12, and connected or not to the charging connector 40, whether the proximity pilot PP is equivalent to a resistance value indicating the presence or absence of a cable adapter tip in the charging connector. Advantageously, the charging connector 40 includes, in series on a proximity pilot circuit 80 connected to the control means 10, a device for detecting whether a cable is attached.

[0064] In short, the anti-theft system for electric vehicles is a charging decoy, in the form of a deceptive charging plug.

[0065] The invention complements known anti-theft means, alarms, passive devices, and proposes an active device which prevents any starting of the vehicle.

[0066] The advantages of this invention are numerous: it offers the Customer an effective option to prevent the theft of their vehicle, with a solution invisible from the outside, and which is a high value added option with a controlled or low cost price.

Claims

Claims

1. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprising a body (50), control means (10), electrical energy storage means (20), and, housed in a housing (12) included in said body (50), a charging connector (40) connected to said control means (10) and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter end piece, characterized in that said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprises, at said charging connector (40), an anti-theft device (1) which comprises a removable anti-theft cap (6), pluggable onto said charging connector (40) by guide means (7) and comprising, on the outer side facing the user of said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) and opposite said guide means, a network of orifices (8) corresponding to that of said charging connector (40),said anti-theft cap (6) being arranged to prevent any direct electrical connection between said charging connector (40) and an adapter tip internal or external to said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) inserted in said network of orifices (8).,

2. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said charging connector (40) comprises a Type 2 socket which comprises a resistor of standardized value Rc between a PE earth terminal (3) and a PP proximity pilot terminal (4), characterized in that said anti-theft plug (6) comprises, in said network of orifices (8), an earth connector (13) and a PP proximity pilot connector (14) between which said anti-theft plug (6) comprises a second resistor (16) of said standardized value Rc.

3. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said anti-theft cap (6) comprises an autonomous energy source (9) supplying audible and / or visual alarm means (19), and comprises, in said network of orifices (8), at least two connectors arranged to cooperate with an adapter tip internal or external to said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) inserted in said network of orifices (8) to trigger an alarm by activating said audible and / or visual alarm means (19) when a said adapter tip inserted into said network of orifices (8).

4. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said anti-theft cap (6) is an electric cap- strictly inert.

5. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said charging connector (40) is a Type 2 socket, and in that said network of orifices (8) differs from that of a Type 2 socket, by the dimensioning and / or the positioning of the orifices, to prohibit the insertion of an internal or external adapter tip into said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprising a standardized Type 2 plug.

6. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said charging connector (40) is a Type 2 socket, and in that said network of orifices (8) differs from that of a Type 2 socket, by the dimensioning and / or the positioning of the orifices, and in that said anti-theft cap (6) is deformable, arranged to brake but allow the forced insertion of an internal or external adapter tip into said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprising a standardized Type 2 plug.

7. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that said electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprises, for recharging said electrical energy storage means (20) with energy, at least one charging cable (11) housed in said housing (12), said at least one charging cable (11) comprising an adapter tip (15) at a distal end, for its connection to an external connector of a charging terminal external to said motor vehicle (100), said adapter tip (15) being extractable from said housing (12), said charging connector (40) being arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with said adapter tip (15).

8. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 7 characterized in that said charging connector (40) comprises a Type 2 socket which comprises a resistor of standardized value Rc between a PE earth terminal (3) and a PP proximity pilot terminal (4), and in that said adapter tip (15) comprises, between an earth connector and a PP proximity pilot connector, a resistor of said standardized value Rc.

9. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said anti-theft cap (6) comprises locking means arranged to cooperate with complementary locking means, which said housing (12) comprises or a shutter (120) for closing said housing (12) to prevent or allow the extraction of said anti-theft cap (6) from its position inserted in said charging connector (40).

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