COMBINED ASSEMBLY OF A HANDBRAKE AND CHARGING SOCKET FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined assembly of a handbrake (1) provided with an axial lever (11) and a charging connector (2) for electric vehicles, characterized in that said connector (2) is mounted on the end of said lever (11) in a removable and coaxial manner. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: COMBINED ASSEMBLY OF A HANDBRAKE AND A CHARGING SOCKET FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the field of charging the batteries of electric motor vehicles and is interested, more particularly, in an assembly combining a handbrake lever and a plug end intended for charging the vehicle's batteries.

[0002] On certain light and small electric vehicles intended mainly for urban use, battery charging can be carried out, in a simple and flexible way, according to a so-called "type 2" mode.

[0003] This method is applicable to multiple charging methods and consists of directly connecting a cable, pre-installed as standard equipment inside the vehicle, either to a grounded domestic electrical outlet or to an outdoor public charging station. This cable is generally equipped with a conventional male plug and a protective device that limits the current intensity.

[0004] However, connecting to an external charging station, which significantly reduces the vehicle's charging time, requires equipping the male plug at the end of the cable with a removable adapter whose tip matches the female socket of the charging station. This adapter is supplied as standard equipment, and regulations require that it always be kept in the vehicle to ensure rapid charging when needed.

[0005] Furthermore, the trend is to optimize and compact the interior architecture of these small electric vehicles. However, the handbrake lever rod generally extends into the space between the two front seats, which proves particularly bulky and restrictive in a small passenger compartment.

[0006] Patent CN218940061U describes a charging gun for electric vehicles comprising, on the one hand, a male plug and, on the other hand, an element ensuring removable connection to the charging cable. Similarly, patent CN211404796U describes a charging tip detachable from the cable.

[0007] Furthermore, patent CN213008071U describes a handbrake lever equipped at its end with a USB charging port connected to a detachable lithium-ion battery via a locking system.

[0008] There are also hydraulic handbrake systems with a removable handle. These systems are fitted to vehicles specifically designed for motorsports.

[0009] However, the patents cited above do not propose, nor do they suggest, any technical solution allowing for the ergonomic association of means of adapting electric charging to the vehicle's braking system and thus optimizing the available space in the passenger compartment architecture.

[0010] This goal is achieved according to the invention by means of a combined assembly of a handbrake provided with an axial lever and a charging socket for electric vehicles, characterized in that said socket is mounted on the end of said lever in a removable and coaxial manner.

[0011] According to an advantageous feature of the combined assembly of the invention, the end of the lever includes a tubular sleeve into which a cylindrical portion of the tip is fitted.

[0012] According to a first embodiment of the combined assembly of the invention, the inner wall of the lever carries a reversible locking element cooperating with a complementary element carried by the outer wall of said tip.

[0013] Preferably, the outer wall of the tip has a grooved area facilitating its grip and the operation of the lever.

[0014] According to another advantageous feature of the combined assembly of the invention, the tip has a straight part ensuring the connection with the lever and extending into a curvilinear end part.

[0015] According to another specific embodiment of the combined assembly of the invention, the lever internally delimits a tubular sheath opening to the outside on the side of the tip and communicating, at its internal end, with a compartment in which is housed a determined length of cable connected both to the tip and to a vehicle charging system.

[0016] Another object of the invention is an electrically powered motor vehicle equipped with a combined assembly as defined above.

[0017] Thanks to the combined assembly of the invention, it is possible to connect a type 2 charging connector to the handbrake lever. This connector is removable so that it can be used for charging when the vehicle is stationary, thus freeing up space in the passenger compartment. Being mounted on the handbrake lever, this connector is easily and quickly accessible and therefore cannot be lost.

[0018] In addition, the end piece allows the lever to be extended, thus shortening it and making it suitable for gripping the handbrake. The end piece can also be disconnected while driving.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, for which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a side view of an embodiment of the combined assembly of the invention in the position of connecting the tip to the lever.

[0021] [Fig.2] is a side view of the combined assembly of [Fig.1] in the detached position of the tip.

[0022] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference symbols in the description and in the figures.

[0023] Naturally, the embodiment of the invention schematically illustrated by the figures shown above and described below is given only by way of non-limiting example. It is explicitly provided for within the scope of the invention that different embodiments can be proposed and combined to propose others.

[0024] Generally, and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, motor vehicles are equipped with a handbrake 1 mounted at the front of the passenger compartment between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. This brake 1 is manually operated by moving a pivoting lever 11 that extends forward and can assume two positions: an upper position for locking the braking system and a lower position for releasing the brakes.

[0025] The invention relates to light and compact electric motor vehicles that are particularly intended for urban transport. These vehicles have only one front row of two seats S separated by a narrow gap in which the pivoting lever 11 of the handbrake 1 is mounted.

[0026] However, the current trend is to reduce the space between components and to compact the prominent functional elements present in these vehicles in order to reduce the passenger compartment volume. In this context, the handbrake lever, which protrudes forward, is still too bulky, which runs counter to this trend.

[0027] In conjunction, these electric vehicles are designed to be able to recharge their batteries in a simple and flexible mode known as "type 2" by means of a cable (not shown) permanently connected to the vehicle and whose end is fitted with a traditional male plug that can be plugged into a fixed female socket supplied by the domestic electrical network.

[0028] However, regulations require the permanent presence in these vehicles of a separate adapter comprising, in particular, a connector 2 designed to be attached to the standard male plug to allow the vehicle's charging cable to be connected to an external charging station. Indeed, these stations are capable of charging the vehicle more quickly and remotely when urgently needed. But, although this connector 2 is usually stored in the vehicle, there is a risk that it may be lost or difficult to access.

[0029] Therefore, the invention aims to provide a combined solution for optimizing passenger space and improving the availability of the charging port. This goal is achieved by creating a combined assembly comprising a lever 11 hand brake 1 and a load-bearing end 2 mounted on the end of this lever in a removable and coaxial manner, as illustrated by [Fig.1].

[0030] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the end of the lever 11 comprises a tubular sleeve 10 ([Fig.2]) into which is fitted a cylindrical portion 20 of the tip 2. Where applicable, the inner wall of the lever 11 carries a reversible locking element cooperating with a complementary element (not shown) carried by the outer wall of the tip 2.

[0031] Preferably, the outer wall of the tip 2 has a grooved area 23 intended to facilitate gripping the tip 2 as well as operating the lever 11 to actuate the handbrake 1.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the end piece 2 has a straight part 21 which provides the connection with the lever 11 and extends into a curved end part 22. The straight part 21 delimits the tubular portion 20 of the end piece 2.

[0033] According to a specific embodiment of the combined assembly of the invention, the lever 11 internally delimits a tubular sheath opening externally on the side of the end piece 2. This sheath communicates, at its inner end with the handbrake 1, with a compartment in which is housed a predetermined length of cable connected both to the end piece 2 by passing through the lever 11 and to the battery charging system mounted in the vehicle. This embodiment thus allows the charging cable and its end piece 2 to be housed in a very compact manner between the seats S.

[0034] Where applicable and according to this latter variant, the cable is elastically retracted into its internal compartment and is put under tension by the engagement of the tip 2 in the sleeve 10 of the end of the lever 11 in the position waiting for a recharge.

Claims

Claims

1. Combined assembly of a hand brake (1) provided with an axial lever (11) and a charging socket end piece (2) for electric vehicles, characterized in that said end piece (2) is mounted on the end of said lever (11) in a removable and coaxial manner.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the end of the lever (11) comprises a tubular sleeve (10) in which a cylindrical portion (20) of the end piece (2) is fitted.

3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal wall of the lever (11) carries a reversible locking element cooperating with a complementary element carried by the external wall of said end piece (2).

4. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external wall of the end piece (2) comprises a grooved zone (23) facilitating its gripping and the operation of the lever (11).

5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said end piece (2) has a rectilinear part (21) ensuring the connection with the lever (11) and extending by a curvilinear end part (22).

6. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lever (11) internally delimits a tubular sheath opening outwards on the side of the end piece (2) and communicating, at its internal end, with a compartment in which is housed a determined length of cable connected both to the end piece (2) and to a vehicle charging system.

7. Electrically powered motor vehicle equipped with a combined assembly according to one of the preceding claims.

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