Electric vehicle battery charging system and method for positioning the electric vehicle on such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric vehicle charging system comprising an electrical energy emitting base (111) configured to transmit electrical energy to a receiver of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in a suitable charging position, such that the emitting base (111) and the receiver cooperate to allow energy transmission from one to the other. To guide the electric vehicle to the charging position, the charging system includes an assembly of light projectors comprising at least two light projectors. Each light projector in the assembly is configured to emit a light beam (211, 212, 213) toward a particular element of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position. The invention also relates to a method for positioning the electric vehicle relative to the emitting base (111). Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Electric vehicle battery charging system and method for positioning the electric vehicle on such a system. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to devices and systems for charging electric vehicle batteries configured to assist in positioning the electric vehicle relative to the charging system. The invention also relates to a method for positioning an electric vehicle on the charging system. The invention further relates to a method for guiding an electric vehicle relative to the charging system for charging the electric vehicle's battery. Technological background

[0002] An electric vehicle carries one or more electric motors powered by electrical energy from a traction battery which needs to be recharged using a charging station or a charging system adapted for this purpose.

[0003] There are several types of charging stations or systems, the most common being charging points to which the electric vehicle connects via a cable, which must be compatible with both the charging station's charger and the electric vehicle. Using a charging cable requires various manual operations by the driver to charge the battery, such as removing the cable from the trunk of the electric car, connecting it to the charging station and the electric vehicle, and then, once charging is complete, disconnecting the cable from both the charging station and the electric vehicle to store it in the trunk. These various operations lengthen charging times, are sometimes tedious due to the weight and bulk of the cable, and are messy, as the cable is exposed to the elements and dust from the external environment during the battery charging phases.

[0004] To address at least some of these problems, other charging systems have been developed that do not require the use of a cable. Such charging systems are known by various names, such as automatic charging system, hands-free charging system, inductive charging system, automatic conductive underbody charging system (ACD-U), etc. All these systems include an electrical energy-emitting base arranged in or on the ground, at which level the electric vehicle positions itself to recharge its traction battery. The electric vehicle, for its part, carries an electrical energy receiver configured to receive the electrical energy emitted by the transmitting base. Energy transmission electrical contact is made without contact in the case of induction systems and with contact in the case of conduction systems (for example via an articulated arm connected to the transmitting base which contacts the receiver or via a mobile transmitting base, for example in vertical translation, which contacts the receiver of the electric vehicle positioned above the transmitting base).

[0005] One problem associated with these charging systems is that the electric vehicle must be positioned above the charging base with relatively precise alignment of the base and the receiver for electrical energy transmission to occur. Several solutions have been developed to guide the electric vehicle driver in positioning the vehicle, which rely, for example, on information exchange between various sensors or communication systems of the charging base and the electric vehicle. These solutions are costly because they require the integration of specific systems into the electric vehicle to assist the driver in guiding the vehicle. One such guidance solution is known as DIPS (Differential Inductive Positioning System). Summary of the present invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0007] An object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the positioning of an electric vehicle with respect to an electrical energy emitting base of a charging system.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to offer an economical alternative to existing solutions for guiding an electric vehicle.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an electric vehicle battery charging system, the system comprising an electrical energy emitting base placed on the ground and configured to transmit electrical energy to an electrical energy receiver of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in a position, said to be charging, suitable for charging the battery with electrical energy, the charging system being characterized in that it further comprises an assembly of light projectors comprising at least two light projectors, each light projector of the assembly being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of a particular element of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position.

[0010] The use of light projectors, each emitting a beam of light in a specific direction and intended to reach a particular element (by For example, a component of the electric vehicle (or a screen added for this purpose) indicating when the electric vehicle is correctly positioned to charge the traction battery is a simple and inexpensive solution to visually guide the driver of the electric vehicle until it is in the expected charging position. Such a system does not require any additional electronic devices on board the electric vehicle; simply seeing the emitted light beams is sufficient to guide the driver until these beams are blocked by specific components of the electric vehicle.

[0011] According to one variant, the light projector assembly comprises a first light projector oriented to emit a first light beam along a first emission direction and a second light projector oriented to emit a second light beam along a second emission direction, the first emission direction and the second emission direction being symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane comprising a longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position and the first emission direction and the second emission direction being oriented towards the front of the electric vehicle,the first emission direction being adapted so that the first light beam reaches a first lateral element located on the right side of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position and the second emission direction being adapted so that the second light beam reaches a second lateral element located on the left side of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the light projector assembly includes a third light projector oriented to emit a third beam of light in a third direction of emission, the third direction of emission being oriented towards the front of the electric vehicle and belonging to the vertical plane, the third direction of emission being adapted so that the third beam of light reaches a front element of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position, the front element being disposed at the front under the electric vehicle.

[0013] According to yet another variant, the charging system further comprises a fourth light projector oriented to emit a fourth beam of light in a fourth emission direction, the fourth emission direction being oriented towards the front of the electric vehicle and belonging to the vertical plane, said fourth emission direction being adapted so that the fourth beam of light reaches a projection surface located in front of the electric vehicle at a distance of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position.

[0014] According to yet another variant, the first and second light projectors are each configured to emit the first and second light beams respectively in a first color, the third light projector is configured to emit the third light beam in a second color different from the first color and the fourth light projector is configured to emit the fourth light beam in a third color different from the first and second colors.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the first light projector is configured to project a first graphic symbol, the second light projector is configured to project a second graphic symbol, the third light projector is configured to project a third graphic symbol and the fourth light projector is configured to project a fourth graphic symbol, the first, second, third and fourth graphic symbols being different.

[0016] According to another variant, the first lateral element corresponds to a right front tire of the electric vehicle and the second lateral element corresponds to a left front tire of the electric vehicle.

[0017] According to yet another variant, the charging system further includes means for adjusting the orientation of each light projector in the light projector assembly.

[0018] According to another variant, the orientation adjustment means include an electric motor and wireless remote control means for the electric motor.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for positioning an electric vehicle above an electrical energy-emitting base of the charging system as described according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps: - projection, by each light projector of the set of light projectors, of a beam of light onto a projection surface located in front of the electric vehicle along a longitudinal direction of movement of the electric vehicle; - maneuvering of the electric vehicle according to each beam of light projected onto the projection surface; - stopping the electric vehicle in a charging position when the projection of each light beam onto the projection surface is blocked by a particular element of the electric vehicle. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an electric vehicle in a charging position above an electrical energy emitting base of a charging system, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the electrical energy emitting base of the [Fig. 1] according to a top view, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a set of guides for the electric vehicle of the [Fig.l] to position itself above the electrical energy emitting base of the [Fig.l], according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a process of positioning of the electric vehicle with respect to the electric energy emitting base of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0025] A battery charging system for an electric vehicle configured to guide the electric vehicle to a charging position and a method for positioning the electric vehicle with respect to a charging system transmitter base will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the following description.

[0026] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0027] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the charging system comprises an electrical energy-emitting base placed on the ground or embedded in the ground, which base is configured to transmit electrical energy to an electrical energy receiver of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in a position, referred to as the charging position, suitable for recharging the battery with electrical energy. The charging position corresponds to a specific position adapted so that the base and the receiver cooperate to allow the transmission of energy from one to the other, thereby recharging the traction battery of the electric vehicle. To guide the electric vehicle to the charging position, The charging system further includes a set of light projectors comprising at least two light projectors. Each light projector in the set is configured to emit a beam of light towards a particular element of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in the charging position, i.e. the light beam is directed so as to be stopped or blocked by the particular element of the electric vehicle intended for this purpose (for example a component of the electric vehicle not specifically designed for this purpose or a shielding element added to the electric vehicle specifically for this purpose).

[0028] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an electric vehicle 10 in a charging position, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] An electric vehicle within the meaning of the present invention, such as the electric vehicle 10, corresponds to a vehicle powered by at least one electric motor, that is to say, a vehicle comprising only one or more electric motors to the exclusion of any internal combustion engine, or a vehicle comprising one or more electric motors and an internal combustion engine, such a vehicle being called a hybrid vehicle. The electric vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example, a car, a truck, a bus, or any other land vehicle.

[0030] The electric motor(s) of the electric vehicle 10 are supplied with electrical energy by a battery (called traction battery) of the electric vehicle 10.

[0031] According to the example in [Fig. 1], the electric vehicle 10 is in a charging position designed to allow the battery of the electric vehicle 10 to be recharged via an underbody charging system that does not require any cables. Such a charging system corresponds to an inductive charging system or a conduction charging system, such systems being known to those skilled in the art. Such an inductive system is, for example, described in the document entitled "Modeling and optimization of a magnetic coupler for the dynamic inductive charging of electric vehicles", by Karim Kadem, published on November 10, 2022 under the reference NNT: 2020UPAST032 (tel-03253967).

[0032] The charging system includes an energy-transmitting base 111 configured to transmit electrical energy, by induction or conduction depending on the type of charging system, to an electrical energy receiver 101 installed in the electric vehicle. The transmitting base 111 and the receiver 101 are configured to cooperate. The transmitting base, for example, receives the electrical energy to be transmitted to the electric vehicle 10 so that it can recharge its battery from a public or domestic electrical grid.

[0033] For the transmission of electrical energy to take place from the transmitting base 111 and the receiver 101, the electric vehicle 10 must be in a so-called position charging with the transmitting base 111 and the receiver 101 facing each other, that is to say with the receiver 101 (and therefore the electric vehicle 10) above the transmitting base 111. The receiver 101 and the transmitting base 111 are for example aligned longitudinally (along the X axis of an orthonormal XYZ coordinate system of the space or scene of the electric vehicle 10) and transversely (along the Y axis orthogonal to the X axis, the X and Y axes defining a plane parallel to the ground 11) to allow the transmission of energy and the battery of the electric vehicle 10.

[0034] The transmitting base 111 is for example placed on the ground 11 on which the electric vehicle 10 travels. According to a variant, the transmitting base 111 is embedded, partially or totally, in the ground 11. In the following description, the expression "placed on" is interpreted as encompassing the solutions in which the transmitting base 111 rests on the ground and those in which the transmitting base is embedded totally or partially in the ground, below the surface of the ground 11.

[0035] The electric vehicle 10 travels in a main direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle 10 along the X axis to position itself, during an approach phase, of the transmitting base 111 and stop above this base to initiate the charging of the battery, the electric vehicle 10 then being in the so-called charging position.

[0036] The charging system includes means for guiding the electric vehicle in the approach phase so that the electric vehicle 10, under the control of the driver of the electric vehicle 10, positions itself in the charging position necessary for correct transmission of electrical energy from the transmitting base 111 to the receiver 101.

[0037] The guidance means comprise a set of light projectors projecting light beams onto a projection surface 12 when the electric vehicle is in the approach phase. When the electric vehicle 10 reaches the charging position, at least two of the light beams are blocked by elements of the electric vehicle 10 and therefore no longer appear on the projection surface 12.

[0038] The projection surface 12 corresponds for example to a vertical surface orthogonal or essentially orthogonal to the surface of the ground 11. The projection surface 12 is thus according to a plane YZ defined by the axes X and Z of the orthonormal frame XYZ, the ground being according to the plane XY.

[0039] The projection surface 12 is located in front of the electric vehicle 10 according to a direction of travel of the electric vehicle 10 during the approach phase, the projection surface 12 being at a determined distance (for example between 1 and 10 m) in front of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter is stopped in the charging position.

[0040] The projection surface 12 corresponds for example to a wall or a projection screen arranged specifically for this purpose in the charging area of ​​the battery of the electric vehicle 10.

[0041] Fig. 2 illustrates the emitting base 111 of the charging system from a top view, according to particular and non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates the emitting base 111 to which a set of light projectors 21 of the charging system is associated. The set of projectors comprises at least two projectors, each configured to emit a light beam towards a particular element of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position. The light beams reach the projection surface 12 while the electric vehicle 10 is in the approach phase, before reaching the charging position.

[0043] Each light projector is thus configured to emit a beam of light, for example a directional beam reaching a restricted area of ​​the projection surface 12 when the electric vehicle 10 is in the approach phase.

[0044] Each light projector corresponds to a light source and corresponds, for example, to an LED projector (from the English "Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "diode électroluminescente"). According to another example, each light projector corresponds to a laser projector emitting a laser beam.

[0045] The light projectors of the assembly are, for example, grouped in a housing fixed to the emitting base 111, for example at the front of the emitting base 111 (between the emitting base 111 and the projection surface 12). According to another example, the light projectors are distributed at different locations on or around the emitting base 111.

[0046] According to a first embodiment, the projector assembly comprises two light projectors, namely a first light projector oriented to emit a first beam of light along a first emission direction and a second light projector oriented to emit a second beam of light along a second emission direction: the first emission direction and the second emission direction are symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle 10 (i.e. the X-axis) when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position and the first emission direction and the second emission direction are oriented towards the front of the electric vehicle 10. On the [Fig.2], the first light beam is represented by a dashed arrow 211 and is directed to the right of the emitting base 111 (and therefore to the right of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter is in the charging position) and the second light beam is represented by a dashed arrow 212 and is . oriented towards the left of the transmitting base 111 (and therefore towards the left of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter is in the charging position).

[0047] The first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane parallel to the XZ plane defined by the X and Z axes and passing for example through the center of the emitting base 111 (and the center of the electric vehicle 10 when the receiver 101 is arranged at the center of the electric vehicle 10 (or in the middle of the width of the electric vehicle 10).

[0048] The first light beam 211 forms, for example, a specific symbol, pictogram, or geometric shape 203 when it reaches the projection surface. Similarly, the first light beam 212 forms, for example, a specific symbol, pictogram, or geometric shape 202 when it reaches the projection surface. The first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212 are, for example, the same color, for example, red or white. The geometric shape is, for example, common to the first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212 and corresponds, for example, to a disk or a circle. According to another example, the first light beam 211 draws a horizontal arrow pointing to the left, while the second light beam 212 draws a horizontal arrow pointing to the right.

[0049] The first emission direction of the first light beam 211 is provided and adapted so that the first light beam 231 reaches a first lateral element located on the right side of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position. The second emission direction of the second light beam 212 is provided and adapted so that the second light beam 212 reaches a second lateral element located on the left side of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position.

[0050] The first lateral element corresponds, for example, to the right front tire of the electric vehicle 10, and the second lateral element corresponds, for example, to the left front tire of the electric vehicle 10. In another example, the first lateral element corresponds to a plastic or metal part arranged on the right side of the electric vehicle 10, underneath the electric vehicle 10, this part being fixed, for example, to the body under the electric vehicle. Similarly, the second lateral element corresponds to a plastic or metal part arranged on the left side of the electric vehicle 10, underneath the electric vehicle 10, this part being fixed, for example, to the body under the electric vehicle 10 symmetrically opposite the first lateral element with respect to the vertical plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle and passing through the midpoint of the width of the electric vehicle 10.These parts are designed to shield the first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212 which then no longer reach the projection surface 12, indicating to the driver. of the electric vehicle that it has reached the charging position (as soon as the projections 203, 202 of respectively the first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212 on the projection surface 12 disappear from the projection surface 12) and that it must stop the electric vehicle 10.

[0051] The use of 2 light projectors emitting 2 beams of light directed towards the front of the electric vehicle 10 and symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane including the longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter is in charging position, this vertical plane corresponding to the alignment plane of the emitting base 111 and the receiver 101 is sufficient to indicate a correct longitudinal (along the X axis) and transverse (along the Y axis) positioning of the electric vehicle 10 with respect to the emitting base 111 to allow the charging of its traction battery.Indeed, if the driver of the electric vehicle 10 stops the electric vehicle as soon as the projections 203 and 202 of the first 211 and second 212 light beams disappear from the projection surface 12, the driver of the electric vehicle 10 knows that the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position since the orientation of the first and second light projectors is configured so that the first 211 and second 212 light beams emitted by these first and second light projectors are blocked by the first and second lateral elements of the electric vehicle 10.

[0052] According to a first embodiment, the orientation of the first and second light projectors is pre-configured when purchasing the charging system, which is designed and adapted specifically for the type of electric vehicle 10 (for example obtained from the vehicle serial number or the vehicle identification number, known as VIN (from the English "Vehicle Identification Number").

[0053] According to a second embodiment, the charging system further comprises means for adjusting the orientation of each spotlight in the set of light spotlights of the charging system. These adjustment means correspond, for example, to an electrically motorized support configured to adjust the orientation of each light spotlight individually. The motorized support is controlled, for example, via a wireless remote control. According to another example, the adjustment means correspond to mechanical adjustment means with various pivot joints allowing the rotation of each spotlight about several axes, the rotation being achieved by loosening clamping elements and the locking against rotation being achieved by tightening the clamping elements.According to this second embodiment, an initial adjustment of the orientation of the first and second light projectors is necessary prior to the first use of the light projectors to guide the electric vehicle to the charging position. This initial adjustment is carried out by maneuvering the electric vehicle to place it in the position. charging. Once the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position, the orientation of the first headlight is adjusted so that the first light beam 203 is directed towards the first side element, i.e., so that the first light beam 203 reaches this first side element and is blocked by it when the electric vehicle is in the charging position. Similarly, the orientation of the second headlight is adjusted so that the second light beam 202 is directed towards the second side element, i.e., so that the second light beam 202 reaches this second side element and is blocked by it when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position.This initial adjustment operation must be carried out each time the type of electric vehicle to be charged with the charging system changes, as the position of the first and second lateral elements may vary from one type of electric vehicle to another.

[0054] According to a second embodiment, the projector assembly further comprises a third light projector oriented to emit a third light beam 213 in a third emission direction, the third emission direction being oriented towards the front of the electric vehicle 10 and belonging to the vertical plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter is in the charging position. The third emission direction is provided and adapted so that the third light beam 213 reaches a front element of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position, this front element being located at the front under the electric vehicle 10.

[0055] The front element corresponds, for example, to standard equipment of the electric vehicle 10, for example, a spoiler or an aerodynamic spoiler on the lower part of the electric vehicle 10. According to another example, the front element corresponds to a specific element added to the electric vehicle 10 for this purpose, that is to say, to block (or screen) the third light beam 213 when the electric vehicle 10 has reached the charging position.

[0056] The third light beam 213 guides the electric vehicle 10 to the charging position during the approach phase. The projection of the third light beam onto the projection surface 12 allows the driver to align themselves longitudinally with this third light beam during the approach phase. As long as the electric vehicle 10 has not reached the charging position, a specific symbol, pictogram, or geometric shape 203 appears on the projection surface 12 as a visual reference and as a result of the projection of the third light beam 213 onto the projection surface 12.

[0057] According to this second embodiment, the third light beam 213 is used to align the vehicle transversely (or laterally, along the Y-axis). The electric vehicle 10, with its transmitting base 111, and the first 21 and second 212 light beams, are used to align the electric vehicle 10 longitudinally (along the X-axis) with the transmitting base 111 until it reaches the charging position. The charging position is visually indicated to the driver as soon as the visual markers 201, 202, and 203, obtained from the projection of the first 211, second 212, and third 213 light beams, disappear from the projection surface 12.

[0058] The third light beam 213 is, for example, a different color from the first and second light beams 211, 212, for example blue or green. The projected geometric shape 203 is, for example, identical to that of the first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212 and corresponds, for example, to a disk or a circle. According to another example, the third light beam 213 traces a vertical arrow (along the Z-axis) pointing upwards to indicate that the electric vehicle 10 must follow this third light beam 213 and align itself with it during the approach phase.

[0059] Just as with the first and second light projectors, the orientation of the third light projector must be adapted to the type of electric vehicle 10. This orientation is, for example, pre-configured at the factory when the charging system is specifically adapted to the type of electric vehicle 10, according to the first embodiment described above. According to the second embodiment, the charging system includes means for adjusting the orientation of the third light projector, identical to those of the first and second light projectors. According to this second embodiment, an initial adjustment of the orientation of the third light projector is necessary prior to the first use of the light projectors to guide the electric vehicle to the charging position.

[0060] According to a third embodiment, the charging system further comprises a fourth light projector oriented to emit a fourth beam of light (not shown in [Fig. 2]) in a fourth emission direction, the fourth emission direction being oriented towards the front of the electric vehicle and lying in the vertical plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter is in the charging position. The fourth emission direction is designed and adapted so that the fourth beam of light reaches the projection surface 12 located in front of the electric vehicle 10 at a distance from the electric vehicle 10 during the approach phase and when the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position.

[0061] Thus, unlike the first 211, second 212 and third 213 light beams which are stopped or reached by elements of the electric vehicle 10 when the latter reaches the charging position, the fourth light beam continues to project onto the projection surface including when the electric vehicle has reached the charging position, and even if the electric vehicle has passed this charging position for a determined distance along the X axis towards the projection surface 12.

[0062] The fourth light beam serves for the longitudinal alignment of the electric vehicle, like the third light beam, but with a guide mark visible on the projection surface even when the electric vehicle has reached or passed the charging position. The projection point (or surface) of the fourth light beam is aligned with that 203 of the third light beam 213 along the Z-axis, the projection point of the fourth light beam being below that 203 of the third light beam 213.

[0063] This fourth light beam represents, for example, the longitudinal axis of the emitting base 111.

[0064] The fourth light beam is, for example, a different color from the first 211, second 212, and third 213 light beams, for example, violet or pink. The projected geometric shape is, for example, identical to that of the first 211, second 213, and third 213 light beams and corresponds, for example, to a disk or a circle. According to another example, the fourth light beam draws a vertical arrow (along the Z-axis) pointing upwards to indicate that the electric vehicle 10 must follow this fourth light beam and align itself with it to be aligned with the emitting base (as with the third light beam). This fourth light projector is optional.

[0065] The emission of light beams emitted by the set of light projectors (and optionally the fourth light projector) is used in a process of positioning the electric vehicle 10 relative to the emitting base to reach a charging position enabling the charging of the electric vehicle battery via the charging system and its emitting base 111.

[0066] The process is implemented by a system comprising the electric vehicle 10 and the light projectors of the charging system.

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, an initial adjustment operation of the orientation of each of the light projectors of the light projector assembly of the charging system is implemented before the first charging of the battery with the charging system.

[0068] The initial setting is obtained as described above by positioning the electric vehicle 10 in the rest position, for example in a position where the receiver 101 and the transmitter base 111 are aligned longitudinally (along the X axis) and transversely (or laterally, along the Y axis).

[0069] The initial setting includes the control of means for adjusting the orientation of each light projector, for example remotely, so that the light beam emitted by each light projector is emitted towards a particular element of the electric vehicle 10 forming a screen of the light beam emitted in the charging position.

[0070] For example, it is verified that the charging position is correct, by verifying that the transfer of electrical energy between the transmitting base 111 and the receiver 101 is correct, i.e. that the traction battery is being charged.

[0071] The adjustment of the third light beam 213 corresponds, for example, to an adjustment of the elevation along the Z axis of the third beam (angular adjustment around the Y axis).

[0072] The adjustment of the first light beam 211 and the second light beam corresponds, for example, to an angular adjustment of the orientation of the associated projectors along the X, Y and / or Z axes.

[0073] In a first operation of the electric vehicle 10 positioning process, the emission of a light beam by each light projector in the light projector assembly (and optionally the emission of the fourth light beam by the fourth light projector) is triggered. The triggering is, for example, automatic upon detection (via one or more sensors of the charging system) of the electric vehicle 10 approaching the emitting base 111. According to another example, the emission is triggered by an action of the driver of the electric vehicle 10, for example by pressing a button on a remote control transmitting a command signal to the charging system.

[0074] In a second operation of the process, the driver of the electric vehicle 10 maneuvers or controls the direction of the electric vehicle 10 during a phase or maneuver of approach to the transmitting base 111.

[0075] The driver aligns the electric vehicle 10 with the visual reference 203 obtained from the projection of the third light beam 213 (and optionally the fourth light beam) onto the projection surface 12. The electric vehicle 10 is further guided to center itself between the visual references 201 and 202 obtained from the projection of the first 211 and second 212 light beams onto the projection surface 12.

[0076] The visual reference 203 corresponding to the projection point of the third light beam is used for the alignment of the transverse axes (along the Y axis) of the emitting base 111 and the receiver 101, the alignment being obtained as soon as the visual reference 203 disappears on the projection surface 12 because it is masked by the front element of the electric vehicle 10.

[0077] The right visual cues 201 and left visual cues 202, corresponding respectively to the projection point of the first light beam 211 and the second light beam 212, are used for the alignment of the longitudinal axes (along the X-axis) of the transmitter base 111 and receiver base 101, alignment being obtained as soon as the two visual markers 201 and 202 disappear on the projection surface 12 because they are masked respectively by the first lateral element and the second lateral element of the electric vehicle 10.

[0078] In a third operation of the process, the vehicle driver stops the maneuver as soon as all the visual markers 201 to 203 disappear. If the electric vehicle 10 continues to move along the X-axis after the visual markers 201 and 202 have disappeared from the projection surface 12, these markers can then reappear as soon as they are no longer blocked or obscured by the first and second lateral elements.

[0079] In a fourth operation of the process, the transfer of electrical energy between the transmitting base 111 and the receiver is initiated and the traction battery of the electric vehicle is charged.

[0080] Figure 3 illustrates a set of visual cues displayed on the surface of projection obtained by projecting light beams from light projectors of the charging system according to different positions of the electric vehicle 10, according to various particular and non-limiting examples of the present invention.

[0081] According to a first example corresponding to the display 301, the set of visual cues 201, 202, 203 and 34 appear on the projection surface 12. The visual cue 201 corresponds to the result of the projection of the first light beam 211 by the first light projector, the visual cue 202 corresponds to the result of the projection of the second light beam 212 by the second light projector, the visual cue 203 corresponds to the result of the projection of the third light beam 213 by the third light projector and the visual cue 34 corresponds to the result of the projection of the fourth light beam by the fourth light projector.This scenario where visual markers 201, 202 and 203 are all visible corresponds to a situation where the electric vehicle 10 is approaching the emitting base, the electric vehicle 10 being too far from the emitting base to block a light beam emitted by the set of light projectors 21.

[0082] According to a second example corresponding to the display 302, only the visual markers 201, 203 and 34 appear on the projection surface 12, the visual marker 202 being masked by the electric vehicle 10. This scenario where only the visual marker 202 is masked by the electric vehicle 10, and more precisely by the second lateral element of the electric vehicle 10, corresponds to a situation in which the electric vehicle 10 is in a position too far to the left and too far back relative to the transmitting base 211, the charging position not being reached and the driver of the electric vehicle still having to maneuver to correct the position of the electric vehicle. In such a position, the traction battery cannot be recharged by the charging system.

[0083] According to a third example corresponding to display 303, only the visual markers 202, 203 and 34 appear on the projection surface 12, the visual marker 201 being obscured by the electric vehicle 10. This scenario where only the visual marker 201 is obscured by the electric vehicle 10, and more precisely by the first lateral element of the electric vehicle 10, corresponds to a situation in which the electric vehicle 10 is in a position too far to the right and too far back relative to the transmitting base 211, the charging position not being reached and the driver of the electric vehicle 10 having to maneuver further to correct the position of the electric vehicle 10. In such a position, the charging of the traction battery cannot be ensured by the charging system.

[0084] According to a fourth example corresponding to the display 304, only the visual markers 201, 202 and 34 appear on the projection surface 12, the visual marker 203 being obscured by the electric vehicle 10. This scenario where only the visual marker 203 is obscured by the electric vehicle 10, for example by the body of the electric vehicle 10, corresponds to a situation in which the electric vehicle 10 is in a position too far forward relative to the transmitting base 211, the charging position being exceeded (and therefore not reached) and the driver of the electric vehicle 10 having to maneuver further to correct the position of the electric vehicle 10. In such a position, the charging of the traction battery cannot be ensured by the charging system.

[0085] According to a fifth example corresponding to display 305, only the visual marker 34 appears on the projection surface 12, the visual markers 201, 202, and 203 being masked by the electric vehicle 10, respectively by the first side element, the second side element, and the front element. This scenario, where all the visual markers 201, 202, and 203 obtained from the headlights of the headlight assembly are masked by the electric vehicle 10 and its masking elements designed for this purpose, corresponds to a situation in which the electric vehicle 10 is in the charging position, and the driver can stop maneuvering and bring the electric vehicle 10 to a halt in this position. In such a position, the traction battery can be recharged by the charging system.

[0086] According to a sixth example corresponding to display 306, only the visual cues 202 and 34 appear on the projection surface 12, the visual cues 201 and 203 being obscured by the electric vehicle 10. This scenario, where only the visual cues 201 and 203 are obscured by the electric vehicle 10, for example respectively by the first lateral element and the front element of the electric vehicle 10, corresponds to a situation in which the electric vehicle 10 is in a position too far to the right but at the correct distance along the X axis relative to the transmitting base 211 (the alignment between the transmitting base 111 and the receiver 101 being correct laterally or transversely along the Y axis), the charging position is not being reached correctly and the driver of the electric vehicle 10 has to maneuver again to correct the position of the electric vehicle 10. In such a position, the charging of the traction battery cannot be ensured by the charging system.

[0087] These different examples illustrate how the visual cues 201 to 203 are used to assist the driver in the maneuvers to be carried out to bring the electric vehicle 10 into a correct charging position to ensure optimal charging of the traction battery with the electrical energy transmitted by the transmitter base 111 to the receiver 101, which are, for example, correctly aligned in X and Y to ensure the transfer of energy.

[0088] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of the various steps in a method for positioning an electric vehicle, for example the electric vehicle 10, above an electrical energy-emitting base of a charging system, for example the emitting base 111, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is, for example, implemented by a system comprising the electric vehicle and a set of light projectors of the charging system.

[0089] In a first step 41, a light beam is projected by each light projector of the light projector assembly onto a projection surface located in front of the electric vehicle along a longitudinal direction of movement of the electric vehicle.

[0090] In a second step 42, the electric vehicle is maneuvered or controlled according to each light beam projected onto the projection surface.

[0091] In a third step 43, the electric vehicle is stopped or halted in a charging position when the projection of each light beam onto the projection surface is masked by a particular element of the electric vehicle.

[0092] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.4].

[0093] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a system of projectors for an electric vehicle charging system and to a method for charging an electric vehicle battery or to a method for controlling a set of projectors for an electric vehicle charging system, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0094] The present invention also relates to a system comprising an electric vehicle, for example an automobile, and the charging system comprising the set of light projectors.

Claims

Demands

1. Electric vehicle battery charging system (10), said system comprising an electrical energy emitting base (111) placed on the ground and configured to transmit electrical energy to an electrical energy receiver (101) of said electric vehicle (10) when said electric vehicle (10) is in a position, said charging position, suitable for charging said battery with said electrical energy, characterized in that said charging system further comprises a light projector assembly comprising at least two light projectors, each light projector of said assembly being configured to emit a light beam (211, 212, 213) in the direction of a particular element of said electric vehicle (10) when said electric vehicle (10) is in said charging position.

2. Charging system according to claim 1, wherein said light projector assembly comprises a first light projector oriented to emit a first light beam (211) in a first emission direction and a second light projector oriented to emit a second light beam (212) in a second emission direction, said first emission direction and said second emission direction being symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane comprising a longitudinal axis of said electric vehicle (10) when said electric vehicle (10) is in said charging position and said first emission direction and said second emission direction being oriented towards the front of said electric vehicle (10),said first emission direction being adapted so that said first light beam (211) reaches a first lateral element disposed on a right side of said electric vehicle (10) when said electric vehicle (10) is in said charging position and said second emission direction being adapted so that said second light beam (212) reaches a second lateral element disposed on a left side of said electric vehicle (10) when said electric vehicle (10) is in said charging position.

3. Charging system according to claim 2, wherein said light projector assembly comprises a third light projector oriented to emit a third light beam (213) in a third emission direction, said third emission direction being oriented towards the front of said electric vehicle (10) and belonging to said vertical plane, said third emission direction being adapted so that said third light beam (213) reaches a front element of said electric vehicle when said electric vehicle (10) is in said charging position, said front element being disposed at the front under said electric vehicle (10).

4. A charging system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a fourth light projector oriented to emit a fourth beam of light in a fourth emission direction, said fourth emission direction being oriented towards the front of said electric vehicle (10) and belonging to said vertical plane, said fourth emission direction being adapted so that said fourth beam of light reaches a projection surface (12) located in front of said electric vehicle (10) at a distance from said electric vehicle (10) when said electric vehicle (10) is in said charging position.

5. Charging system according to claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein said first and second light projectors are each configured to emit said first and second light beams (211, 212) respectively in a first color, said third light projector is configured to emit said third light beam (213) in a second color different from said first color and said fourth light projector is configured to emit said fourth light beam in a third color different from said first color and said second color.

6. A charging system according to claims 2, 3, and 4, wherein said first light projector is configured to project a first graphic symbol, said second light projector is configured to project a second graphic symbol, said third light projector is configured to project a third graphic symbol, and said fourth light projector is configured to project a fourth graphic symbol, said first, second, third and fourth graphic symbols being different.

7. Charging system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said first lateral element corresponds to a right front tire of said electric vehicle (10) and said second lateral element corresponds to a left front tire of said electric vehicle (10).

8. Charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising means for adjusting the orientation of said each light projector of the light projector assembly.

9. Charging system according to claim 8, wherein said orientation adjustment means comprise an electric motor and wireless remote control means for said electric motor.

10. A method for positioning an electric vehicle (10) above an electrical energy emitting base (111) of the charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said method comprising the following steps: - projection (41), by each light projector of the light projector assembly, of a light beam onto a projection surface located in front of said electric vehicle in a longitudinal direction of movement of said electric vehicle; - maneuvering (42) of said electric vehicle according to each light beam projected onto said projection surface; - stopping (43) of said electric vehicle in a charging position when the projection of each light beam onto the projection surface is masked by a particular element of said electric vehicle.

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