RELOADING DEVICE AND METHODS IMPLEMENTING THE RELOADING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging device (10) for charging the batteries of electric or hybrid vehicles. The charging device (10) comprises a housing (20) and an electrical cable (30). A retaining element (50) is disposed in a recess (23) of the housing (20) comprising a support point (23A) and a locking point (23B). When the first end of the electrical cable (31) approaches the second end of the electrical cable (32), the retaining element (50) pivots from a first folded position to a second position in which the retaining element (50) rests against the electrical cable (30). A user moves the electrical cable (30) away from the retaining element (50). Thus, the electrical cable (30) folds back into the housing (20) without any abrupt movement. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: RELOADING DEVICE AND METHODS IMPLEMENTING THE RELOADING DEVICE

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device for recharging electric or hybrid vehicles, that is, those equipped with at least one battery for storing electrical energy for their propulsion. This includes vehicles with a single means of electric propulsion, as well as hybrid vehicles incorporating at least one mode of electric propulsion. The electrical cable is intended to electrically connect the battery to an external power source in order to recharge the battery.

[0002] Patent application DE4212207A1 describes a charging device comprising a housing with an electrical cable. The electrical cable has a first coil and a second coil. The first coil is electrically connected to a plug. The second coil is attached to the housing. The electrical cable has an elastic recoil effect that tends to bring the first coil back towards the second coil. In this way, once released or disconnected, the extended electrical cable automatically retracts into the housing.

[0003] However, the return of the first coil to the second coil is abrupt. In particular, this poses safety problems and impairs the durability of the reloading device.

[0004] Thus, the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a simple and reliable charging device for charging electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a device for recharging batteries of electric or hybrid vehicles, the recharging device comprising: - a casing having a first end and a second end, the first end having an opening; and, - an electrical cable having a first end and a second end, an electrical plug being electrically connected to the first end of the electrical cable, the second end of the electrical cable being fixed to the housing, the electrical cable being configured to present: - in a first state, a first length extending between the first end of the electric cable and the second end of the electric cable; - in a second state, a second length extending between the first end of the electrical cable and the second end of the electrical cable, the second length being greater than the first length, the charging device being remarkable in that the housing comprising a retaining member having a center of gravity, the retaining member having a pivot axis eccentric with respect to the center of gravity, the retaining member being configured to engage by a rotational movement between a first position and a second position: - In the first position, the retaining device is folded down by gravity against the housing, the electrical cable being at a distance from the retaining device; and, - in the second position, the retaining device rests against the electrical cable, the electrical cable being in the second state.

[0006] Such a charging device prevents the electrical cable from retracting unexpectedly, thus avoiding accidents and equipment damage. Furthermore, it ensures that the electrical cable remains in position when extended for charging, providing a reliable electrical connection. In addition, when the disconnected electrical cable is released, its retraction is prevented by the retaining mechanism, thus avoiding sudden movements when the electrical cable is retracted.

[0007] Advantageously, the electrical cable has a helical shape.

[0008] The electrical cable is flexed or mechanically tensioned to facilitate its extension to an electrical outlet or its retraction into the housing. For this purpose, the electrical cable forms a kind of spring sufficiently stiff to allow the cable to retract effortlessly by elastic return, while also providing the helical cable with the necessary flexibility to easily maneuver its extension to an electrical outlet or its retraction into the housing.

[0009] Advantageously, the housing has a tubular shape.

[0010] The tubular shape allows for compact storage of the electrical cable inside the housing. Thus, the housing can be easily integrated into electric or hybrid vehicles without obstructing the space occupied by the charging device.

[0011] Advantageously, the first end of the housing is able to move relative to the second end of the housing.

[0012] The housing has sufficient rigidity to accompany the movement of the electrical cable while protecting the electrical cable from wear.

[0013] Advantageously, the housing has an internal surface having a recess comprising the retaining member, the recess having a support point and a shimming point, the retaining member forming a projection inside the housing.

[0014] The recess allows the stretched electrical cable to slide more easily on the retaining member in its initial position, thus facilitating the deployment of the electrical cable. Furthermore, the height of the projection is determined so that the The electrical cable can retract without the retaining device hindering its movement. This facilitates the folding of the electrical cable.

[0015] Advantageously, the recess is formed at the first end of the housing.

[0016] The position of the recess facilitates access for the operation of releasing the electrical cable from the retaining device. In this way, the electrical cable folds easily into the housing.

[0017] Advantageously, the first end of the housing has a flared shape.

[0018] Due to its shape, the case facilitates the folding of the electrical cable when it is not aligned with the opening of the first end of the case.

[0019] Advantageously, the retaining member has a notched surface.

[0020] Such a surface improves the adhesion of the retaining element to the electrical cable. This prevents accidental slippage of the electrical cable, compromising the locking mechanism.

[0021] The invention further relates to a method for connecting a charging device defined as above, the connection method comprising the following steps: - a step of grasping the electrical plug, the electrical cable being in the first state, the retaining device being in the first position; - a step of pulling the electrical plug, the electrical cable sliding on the retaining device; - a step of connecting the electrical plug to an electrical outlet connected to a battery or an external power source, the electrical cable being in the second state.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method for disconnecting a charging device defined as above, the disconnection method comprising the following steps: - a step of unplugging the electrical plug from an electrical outlet, the electrical cable being in the second state, the retaining device being in the first position; - a priming step of the pivoting retaining device by a rotational movement from the first position to the second position when the electrical plug is released; - a disengagement step of the retaining device folding back into the first position when the electrical cable is moved away from the retaining device; - a step of retracting the electrical cable into the first state when the electrical cable 30 is kept away from the retaining device.

[0023] The invention will be further detailed by describing a non-limiting embodiment, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating a variant of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a battery charging device for electric or hybrid vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates a flowchart of a connection method for the device reloading shown in [Fig.1]; - [Fig. 3] illustrates a flowchart of a method for disconnecting the device reloading shown in [Fig.2].

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a charging device 10 comprising a housing 20 and an electrical cable 30 according to one embodiment, the housing 20 having a longitudinal axis X. The housing 20 has a first end 21 and a second end 22. The first end of the housing 21 has an opening. The first end of the housing 21 preferably has a flared shape.

[0025] The housing 20 preferably has a tubular shape with an internal diameter DI. According to one variant, the housing 20 is an electrical trunking having a rectangular cross-section.

[0026] The electrical cable 30 has a first end 31 and a second end 32. The first end of the electrical cable 31 is electrically connected to an electrical plug 40. The second end of the electrical cable 32 is preferably fixed to the second end of the housing 22.

[0027] In [Fig. 1], the electrical cable 30 has a helical shape. Thus, the electrical cable 30 has a plurality of turns between the first end of the electrical cable 31 and the second end of the electrical cable 32.

[0028] The electrical cable 30 has, in a first state, a first length extending between the first end of the electrical cable 31 and the second end of the electrical cable 32. Furthermore, the electrical cable 30 has, in a second state, a second length extending between the first end of the electrical cable 31 and the second end of the electrical cable 32. The second length is greater than the first length.

[0029] The retaining member 50 is configured to have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the retaining member 50 is folded down by gravity against the housing 20, the electrical cable 30 being at a distance from the retaining member 50. In the second position, the retaining member 50 rests against the electrical cable 30, the electrical cable 30 being in the second state.

[0030] A method for connecting the recharging device 10 includes steps shown in [Fig.2] and described below.

[0031] In an input step El, the electrical plug 40 is input, the electrical cable 30 being in the first state, the retaining member 50 being in the first position.

[0032] The electrical cable 30 has an external diameter D2 defined by the following relationship: For example, the external diameter D2 of the electrical cable 30 is 0.9 times smaller than the internal diameter DI of the housing 20. In this way, the electrical cable 30 is stored without hindrance in the housing 20.

[0033] In a pulling step E2, the electrical plug 40 is pulled, the electrical cable 30 sliding on the retaining member 50.

[0034] The first end of the electrical cable 31 is able to be moved relative to the second end of the electrical cable 32. In general, the electrical cable 30 has sufficient elasticity to stretch in order to accompany the movement of the electrical plug 40.

[0035] In a connection step E3, the electrical plug 40 is connected to an electrical outlet that is electrically connected to an external power source, with the electrical cable 30 in the second state. In this case, the first end of the electrical cable 31 is electrically connected to a battery to be recharged. The battery is integrated into a vehicle or any other type of device to be electrically recharged.

[0036] According to one embodiment, in the context of a vehicle battery charging station-type power supply installation, the first end of the electrical cable 31 is electrically connected to a power source of the installation. In this case, the electrical plug 40 is intended to be connected to an electrical outlet electrically connected to a battery to be recharged.

[0037] A method for disconnecting the charging device 10 includes steps shown in [Fig.3] and described below.

[0038] In a disconnection step El', the electrical plug 40 is disconnected from an electrical socket, the electrical cable 30 being in the second state, the retaining member 50 being in the first position.

[0039] In an initiation step E2', when the electrical plug 40 is released, the retaining member 50 pivots by a rotational movement from the first position to the second position.

[0040] The housing 20 includes a recess 23 comprising the retaining member 50. The recess has a support point 23A and a shim point 23B. In [Fig. 1], the recess 23 is positioned at mid-length of the housing 30. According to an embodiment, the recess 23 is positioned at the first end of the housing 31.

[0041] The retaining member 50 is articulated on a pivot axis 52. Consequently, when the electrical cable 30 returns from the second state to the first state, the plurality of turns of the electrical cable 30 rotates the retaining member 50, carrying it from the first position to the second position. In particular, the retaining member 50 is interlocked within the plurality of turns. Furthermore, the retaining member 50 is secured at the pivot point 23A. The range of rotation of the retaining element 50 is thus limited. Consequently, the electrical cable 30 is blocked in its retraction movement.

[0042] According to an unillustrated variant, the retaining member 50 has saw teeth or projections, facilitating engagement between the retaining member 50 and the electrical cable 30.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the retaining member 50 has a surface made of any material facilitating adhesion with the electrical cable 30, for example, an elastomer-type material

[0044] In a disengagement step E3', the electrical cable 30 is lifted so as to move it away from the retaining member 50, the retaining member folding back into the first position.

[0045] The retaining member 50 has a center of gravity G that is eccentric with respect to the pivot axis 52. Thus, when the electrical cable 30 is moved away from the retaining member 50, the retaining member 50 pivots under gravity in a rotational movement from the second position to the first position. Since the retaining member 50 is articulated, it returns from the second position to the first position effortlessly.

[0046] The retaining member 50, in its first position, forms a radial projection inside the housing 20. The radial projection extends over a radial distance DI perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The radial distance DI is such that: D2 < DI - D3. In this way, the size of the radial projection allows the electrical cable 30 to be moved away from the retaining member 50, while leaving sufficient space for the electrical cable 30 to be folded back into the housing 20.

[0047] In a retraction step E4', the electrical cable 30 is kept away from the retaining member 50, the electrical cable 30 retracting into the first state.

[0048] The cooperation of the plurality of turns subjects the electrical cable 30 to an elastic return, so that the first end of the electrical cable 31 tends to return towards the second end of the electrical cable 32 when the electrical cable 30 is in the second state.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a spring has a first and a second end. The first end of the spring is fixed to the first end of the electrical cable 31 and the second end of the spring is fixed to the second end of the electrical cable 32. Thus, the spring also subjects the electrical cable 30 to an elastic return.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the first end of the electrical cable 31 is subjected to stress by any means exerting a tensile force on the electrical cable 30, for example, a counterweight. In this way, the electrical cable 30 also exhibits an elastic return tending to pull the first end of the electrical cable 31 back towards the second end of the electrical cable 32.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery charging device for electric or hybrid vehicles, the charging device (10) comprising: - a housing (20) having a first end (21) and a second end (22), the first end (21) having an opening; and, - an electrical cable (30) having a first end (31) and a second end (32), an electrical plug (40) being electrically connected to the first end of the electrical cable (31), the second end of the electrical cable (32) being fixed to the housing (20), the electrical cable (30) being configured to have: - in a first state, a first length extending between the first end of the electrical cable (31) and the second end of the electrical cable (32);- in a second state, a second length extending between the first end of the electrical cable (31) and the second end of the electrical cable (32), the second length being greater than the first length, the charging device (10) being characterized in that the housing (20) comprises a retaining member (50) having a center of gravity (G), the retaining member (50) having a pivot axis (52) eccentric with respect to the center of gravity (G), the retaining member (50) being configured to engage by a rotational movement between a first position and a second position: - in the first position, the retaining member (50) is folded down by gravity against the housing (20), the electrical cable (30) being at a distance from the retaining member (50); and, - in the second position, the retaining member (50) rests against the electrical cable (30), the electrical cable (30) being in the second state.;

2. Charging device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical cable (30) has a helical shape.

3. Reloading device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (20) has a tubular shape.

4. Reloading device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first end of the housing (21) is able to move relative to the second end of the housing (22).

5. Reloading device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (20) has an internal surface having a recess (23) comprising the retaining member (50), the recess (23) having a support point (23A) and a shim point (23B), the retaining member (50) forming a projection inside the housing (20).

6. Reloading device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the recess (23) is formed at the first end of the housing (21).

7. Reloading device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first end of the housing (21) has a flared shape.

8. Reloading device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the retaining member (50) has a notched surface (51).

9. A method for connecting a charging device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the connection method comprising the following steps: - a step of grasping (E1) the electrical plug (40), the electrical cable (30) being in the first state, the retaining member (50) being in the first position; - a step of pulling (E2) the electrical plug (40), the electrical cable (30) sliding on the retaining member (50); - a step of connecting (E3) the electrical plug (40) to an electrical socket connected to a battery or an external power source, the electrical cable (30) being in the second state.

10. Method for disconnecting a charging device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the disconnection method comprising the following steps: - a step of disconnecting (E1') the electrical plug (40) from an electrical outlet, the electrical cable (30) being in the second state, the retaining member (50) being in the first position; - a step of priming (E2') the retaining member (50) pivoting by a rotational movement from the first position to the second position when the electrical plug (40) is released; - a disengagement step (E3') of the retaining device (50) folding back into the first position when the electrical cable (30) is moved away from the retaining device (50); - a retraction step (E4') of the electrical cable (30) in the first state, when the electrical cable (30) is kept away from the retaining device (50).

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