ELECTRICAL PLUG FORMING A SOLID ROUND HANDLE

Abstract

Electrical plug comprising:- pins (L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP) intended to be plugged by translation into a socket, and- a plug body (1) having a first part (P1) holding the pins (L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP) parallel to each other and forming a first end (E1) intended to be plugged into the socket, this body (1) comprising a second part (P2) in extension of the first part (P1) along the axis of the pins, this second part (P2) comprising a second end (E2) opposite the first end (E1), this second end (E2) forming a solid round handle. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRICAL PLUG FORMING A SOLID ROUND HANDLE

[0001] Electrically powered motor vehicles most often include an electrical energy storage battery to power an electric motor. This battery must be recharged, and if this battery can be recharged by means on board the vehicle using fossil energy such as a thermal engine coupled to a generator, or a means of recovering energy during braking, there are increasingly vehicles whose recharging is done from a terrestrial electrical network.

[0002] For these last recharges, the vehicle is immobilized and electrically connected to this network, in one way or another and, depending on the configuration, several recharge modes known to those skilled in the art can be used, called modes 1 to 4.

[0003] It is also possible to have vehicle-to-vehicle charging, with one vehicle helping out the second.

[0004] For all recharges where the vehicle must be immobilized, a temporary connection interface of the plug / socket type is necessary and in view of the current intensities passing through it and for user safety reasons, this plug comprises pins that are inserted by force by translation into the socket, with guiding and locking means to ensure that there are no untimely disconnections and good electrical contact. These plugs are generally of the "gun" type, and are very bulky, which is a problem when they are on board the vehicle. In addition, the higher the number of pins, the more difficult they are to plug into the socket, which poses ergonomic problems for the person handling it. This is particularly the case for type 2 sockets known to those skilled in the art, and comprising 7 pins, or even type 2 CCS Combo DC sockets with 5 pins or type 2 CCS Combo AC / DC sockets with 9 pins.

[0005] For these plugs, we know from patent document FR-A1-3048560 a magnetic plug with several electrical contactors, and whose body is entirely spherical, the aim being to be able to turn in the manner of a rotating collector.

[0006] This plug does not, however, have good ergonomics for handling because it is difficult to go around the sphere with the hand without the fingers interfering with the socket or the base of the socket. This poor ergonomics is in fact justified by the fact that the electrical contactors are surface supports along the surface of the sphere, and not plug-in pins, these surface supports being moreover technically incompatible with the safety aspect previously introduced.

[0007] In view of this state of the art, there is therefore a need to improve the ergonomics (grip) and / or compactness of plugs comprising pluggable pins.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an electrical plug comprising: - pins intended to be inserted by translation into a socket, and - a plug body having a first part holding the pins parallel to each other and forming a first end intended to be plugged into the socket, this body comprising a second part extending the first part along the axis of the pins, this second part comprising a second end opposite the first end, this second end forming a solid round handle.

[0009] Thus this plug is less bulky and above all has a more ergonomic handle to be able to apply the force of plugging or unplugging. In addition, what further improves the ergonomics is that this force is easily applicable in the axis of the plug and the pins, as an extension of the arm, which avoids pushing the plug crookedly into the socket and therefore avoids additional force due to the buttressing effect of the pins.

[0010] The solid round handle is similar to round door handles, that is to say that the gripping part of the handle takes the form of a ball or a shape close to a ball allowing the door, and therefore the plug, to be pushed or pulled. This ball is therefore shaped to fit the palm of a hand which closes on it and has an axis of symmetry of the same orientation as the axes of the pins. Ideally the body is of elongated shape along an axis coinciding with the axis of symmetry of the ball.

[0011] The expression "full round handle" must be interpreted as being a handle that can be grasped by the full hand, the hand being able to surround the ball so as to be able to push or pull the plug.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the round handle forms an ellipsoid.

[0013] Indeed, this round handle does not necessarily have a ball or sphere perfect, and can have other similar shapes such as ellipsoids. It should be noted that the purpose of these shapes is good ergonomics or grip and therefore with rounded shapes or spherical surfaces so as not to damage the hand. This allows significant effort to be applied without feeling pain in the hand.

[0014] These pins are indifferently male and / or female pins. Thus throughout the text of this document, the term plug or socket will be understood to mean the general meaning of a first temporary connector adapted to a second temporary connector, so that the terms plugs or socket will have the same scope according to the invention, which makes it possible to overcome the discrepancies between everyday language and technical language where a socket designates both male and female pins, very often a socket including both male pins and at least one female (ground).

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part surrounds each pin. Thus this body and in particular the first part ensures electrical insulation of the pins from the operator who handles it, and in particular the fact that it is not possible to put the fingers of the hand in contact with the pins.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part comprises a cylindrical outer surface whose generator is parallel to the pins.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the free end of the pins is set back relative to a surface of the first end.

[0018] Thus even the end of the pins cannot come into contact with the fingers of the hand.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, this plug is a type 2 plug, or type 2 CCS Combo direct current, or type 2 CCS Combo direct current and alternating current. These designations correspond to standards known to those skilled in the art and designate the number of pins and their functions for the plugs or sockets for charging electric vehicles which will be described below, for the record.

[0020] The invention further relates to an electrical cord comprising: - a plug comprising pins intended to be inserted by translation into a socket and a plug body having a first part holding the pins parallel to each other and forming a first end intended to be inserted into the socket, and - electrically conductive cables connected to these pins, the plug being as previously described.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, these cables exit the second part in a direction orthogonal to the pins.

[0022] Thus these cables do not hinder a good grip of the handle by one hand, and especially when the plug is inserted into the socket these cables are less protruding and can for example run along a socket support. This is an advantage in particular in the field of vehicle charging sockets where the cables can "follow" the bodywork of the vehicle as closely as possible and not risk being caught by passers-by or other vehicles.

[0023] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising: - an electrical energy storage battery, and - an electric motor capable of being powered by said battery, and - a battery charging cord intended to be connected to a charging station of a land-based electricity network or to a second breakdown vehicle on the one hand, and to the battery on the other hand, this cord being as previously described.

[0024] The invention further relates to a charging terminal of a terrestrial electrical network, intended to recharge a battery of a motor vehicle, this terminal comprising a cord intended to be connected to the battery, this cord being as previously described.

[0025] These charging stations are known to those skilled in the art, and have interfaces for identifying the vehicle and its driver, means of payment, means for controlling the charging, sometimes means for cooling the battery, and are connected for example to a domestic terrestrial electricity network, or even and most often to a national distribution network supplied by power stations.

[0026] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, given with reference to the figures in which:

[0027] [Fig-1]: represents a first perspective view of a sheet according to the invention.

[0028] [Fig.2]: represents a second perspective view of a plug according to the invention.

[0029] These figures 1 and 2 are described taken in combination, and disclose an electrical plug comprising: - pins L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP intended to be plugged by translation into a socket, and - a plug body 1 having a first part PI holding the pins L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP parallel to each other and forming a first end El intended to be plugged into the socket.

[0030] This body 1 further comprises a second part P2 extending the first part PI along the axis of the pins, this second part P2 comprising a second end E2 opposite the first end El, this second end E2 forming a solid round handle.

[0031] The first part PI surrounds each pin L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP.

[0032] The first part PI comprises a cylindrical outer surface 2 whose ge neratrix is ​​parallel to the pins.

[0033] The free end of the pins is recessed relative to a surface of the first end EL

[0034] The round handle forms an ellipsoid.

[0035] For example, this plug is a type 2 plug, or type 2 CCS Combo direct current, or type 2 CCS Combo direct current and alternating current.

[0036] These standard designations are automotive standards for recharging so-called electric vehicles using several types of sockets corresponding to several recharging modes.

[0037] For example, a mode called “mode 1” is known to those skilled in the art, for which A vehicle battery is connected to a standard household outlet with a ground connection. Charging is therefore done with alternating current via an on-board charger in the vehicle. Charging is limited to 16 amps, which is the maximum current that household outlets can supply. However, this charging is very slow in this case, up to a maximum of 3.7 kW.

[0038] For example, a mode known to those skilled in the art is called "mode 2", also in alternating current, for which the vehicle battery is connected to a charging cord which is itself connected to a standard domestic socket, this cord incorporating an electronic box. This electronic box is called a portable charger or mobile terminal and is located between the vehicle and the terrestrial electrical network. It monitors the charging parameters continuously in order to be able to interrupt it if an anomaly is detected. This electronic box communicates with one of the vehicle's computers. In addition to standard domestic sockets whose current is limited, this mode 2 allows the use of CEE type industrial sockets which can supply currents of up to 32 Amps in single-phase or three-phase, up to 11kW.

[0039] For example, a mode known as “mode 3” is known to those skilled in the art, for which the vehicle battery is connected to a fixed wall terminal which has a specific socket / plug, for example type 2. This wall charging terminal is connected to an electrical circuit dedicated to charging the vehicle and integrates the control, safety and charge regulation functionalities. This type of charger provides alternating current and often has programming functions. The power delivered in this mode is higher than for modes 1 and 2. It can reach 32 Amps in three-phase up to 22kW.

[0040] For example, a mode known as "mode 4" is known to those skilled in the art, for which the vehicle battery is connected to a fast or very fast charging terminal. These terminals are found in public places, such as service stations along motorways. They deliver direct current, and their power can be very high, for example up to 350 kW. These terminals communicate with the electric vehicle and carry all the safety and charge control functions. Given the very high currents used, these terminals have their own charging cord and specific plug. The standard in Europe for this type of connector is Type 2 CCS Combo.

[0041] The type 2 socket / plug allows a vehicle to be recharged at home, from the fixed wall terminal, but also for use on public charging stations. This is the mode 3 previously described. It has seven male or female pins and a handle. The type 2 socket supports alternating current with a maximum intensity of 70 A in single-phase and 63 A in three-phase.

[0042] This type 2 socket / plug includes three phase pins L1, L2 and L3, an earth pin PE, a neutral pin N and two control pins “Proximity pilot” PP which could be translated as proximity pilot line and allows to detect the presence of the plug in the socket or vice versa, and “Control pilot” CP which could be translated as control pilot line and which allows to control the battery charge and to exchange information between the vehicle and a charging station for example. This type 2 socket / plug is illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0043] This type 2 socket / plug can also be used for mode 4 but at a lower charging power than mode 4 dedicated to direct current: the “Control pilot” line CP allows the type of vehicle / terminal and the desired charging mode to be detected, it is then possible to reassign two of the three phases L1, L2, L3 to a direct current recharge, but therefore at a lower intensity because the pins L1, L2, L3 are not sized for powers of 350kW for example.

[0044] The CCS Combo type 2 socket / plug is a combined charging socket / plug, Combined Charging System for the English acronym. It combines a type 2 socket / plug with 2 additional pins dedicated to direct current charging, the mode 4 previously described. The CCS Combo type 2 socket / plug can therefore have up to nine pins and in this case, it can be used indifferently for mode 3 and 4 charging. The CCS Combo type 2 socket / plug can also be dedicated to mode 4, and in this case the pins linked to alternating current charging disappear, and we then speak of a CCS Combo type 2 Direct Current socket / plug. This CCS Combo type 2 Direct Current socket / plug then includes the two pins for direct current (power passage), the two control pins "Proximity pilot" PP and "Control pilot" CP, as well as the ground pin PE, i.e. 5 pins in total.The CCS Combo type 2 socket / plug is not shown in the figures but is perfectly known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] These sockets / plugs are difficult to connect due to the number of pins and the size of the pins (and therefore the intensity of the current) so the invention applies particularly to these types of sockets / plugs.

[0046] The invention applies equally to sockets / plugs for charging modes 1 and 2.

[0047] An advantageous application of this plug concerns an electrical cord comprising: - the plug comprising the pins L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP intended to be plugged by translation into the socket and the plug body 1 having the first part PI keeping the pins L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP parallel to each other and forming the first end El intended to be plugged into the socket, and - electrically conductive cables 3 connected to these pins L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP, the sheet being as previously described.

[0048] For example, these cables 3 exit from the second part P2 in a direction orthogonal to the pins L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP, but of course any other direction is possible, in particular an exit coaxial with the axis of the body 1, which makes it easier to store this cord.

[0049] This cord comprises two opposite ends, at least one of which comprises the plug / socket, the other being permanently connected either to the vehicle or to the charging station. This cord may also have a socket / plug at each of its ends, in which case it is called an electrical extension cord.

[0050] For example, we could consider an application in a motor vehicle comprising: - an electrical energy storage battery, and - an electric motor capable of being powered by said battery, and - a battery charging cord intended to be connected to a charging station of a land-based electricity network or to a second breakdown vehicle on the one hand, and to the battery on the other hand, this cord being as previously described.

[0051] For example, we could consider an application for a charging terminal of a terrestrial electrical network, intended to recharge a battery of a motor vehicle, this terminal comprising a cord intended to be connected to the battery, this cord being as previously described.

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical plug comprising: - pins (L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP) intended to be plugged by translation into a socket, and - a plug body (1) having a first part (PI) holding the pins (L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP) parallel to each other and forming a first end (El) intended to be plugged into the socket, characterized in that this body (1) comprises a second part (P2) in extension of the first part (PI) along the axis of the pins, this second part (P2) comprising a second end (E2) opposite the first end (El), this second end (E2) forming a solid round handle.

2. A plug according to claim 1, the first part (PI) surrounding each pin (L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP).

3. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, the first part (PI) comprising a cylindrical outer surface (2) whose generator is parallel to the pins.

4. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, the free end of the pins being set back relative to a surface of the first end (El).

5. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, the round handle forming an ellipsoid.

6. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, this plug being a type 2 plug, or type 2 CCS Combo direct current, or type 2 CCS Combo direct current and alternating current.

7. Electrical cord comprising: - a plug comprising pins (Ll, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP) intended to be inserted by translation into a socket and a plug body (1) having a first part (PI) holding the pins (Ll, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP) parallel to each other and forming a first end (El) intended to be inserted into the socket, and - electrically conductive cables (3) connected to these pins (Ll, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP), characterized in that the plug conforms to one of the preceding claims.

8. Cord according to claim 7, these cables (3) exiting from the second part (P2) in a direction orthogonal to the pins (L1, L2, L3, N, PE, PP, CP),

9. Motor vehicle comprising: - an electrical energy storage battery, and - an electric motor suitable for being powered by said battery, and - a battery charging cord intended to be connected to a charging terminal of a terrestrial electrical network or to a second breakdown vehicle on the one hand, and to the battery on the other hand, characterized in that the cord conforms to one of claims 7 and 8.

10. Charging terminal for a terrestrial electrical network, intended to recharge a battery of a motor vehicle, this terminal comprising a cord intended to be connected to the battery, characterized in that the cord conforms to one of claims 7 and 8.

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