Assembly for charging electric or hybrid vehicles, the assembly comprising a lug and a notch and method implementing the assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle, and to a method implementing the assembly. The assembly comprises a charging board (10) and a charging gun (20), the charging board (10) being configured to connect electrically to a charging gun (20) having a notch (21), the charging board (10) having a lug (11), the charging board (10) being electrically connected to an electric battery, the charging board (10) having a first electrical wire (12) and the charging gun (20) having a second electrical wire (22), the first electrical wire (12) being configured to couple electrically to the second electrical wire (22), the lug (11) being configured to engage in the notch (21) when the first electrical wire (12) is electrically coupled to the second electrical wire (22). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: ASSEMBLY FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE, THE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LUG AND A NOTCH AND METHOD IMPLEMENTING THE ASSEMBLY

[0001] The invention relates to electric 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. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for charging electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0002] US patent application 10454213 describes a method for detecting connection faults in the electric charging of electric or hybrid vehicles, implementing a device comprising a charging gun, a charging plate, and a fastening means configured to fix the charging gun relative to the charging plate. The method includes a step of transmitting an actuation command to the fastening means. The method further includes a step of measuring the actuation of the fastening means. The method also includes a step of transmitting the actuation command to the fastening means at a plurality of time intervals when the measured actuation differs from a predetermined actuation.In this way, the process detects a connection failure between the charging gun and the charging plate and proposes to correct this connection failure by repeatedly actuation of the fastening means.

[0003] However, such a method does not allow verification that the connection between the charging gun and the charging plate is established before actuating the fastening means. Thus, when the connection between the charging gun and the charging plate fails, in such a method, the fastening means is actuated outside the predetermined actuation range, risking damage to the charging gun or the charging plate. Furthermore, this increases the time required to recharge the vehicle by each time the fastening means is actuated again, without any guarantee of establishing a connection between the charging gun and the charging plate to recharge the vehicle.

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by providing a more reliable and efficient assembly for charging electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a charging plate for electric or hybrid vehicles, the charging plate being configured to connect electrically to a charging gun comprising a notch, the charging plate comprising a lug, the charging plate being electrically connected to an electric battery, notable in that the charging plate comprises a first electrical wire and the charging gun comprises a second electrical wire, the first electrical wire being configured to couple electrically to the second electrical wire, the lug being configured to engage in the notch when the first electrical wire is electrically coupled to the second electrical wire.

[0006] The charging plate cooperates with the charging gun so as to connect the charging gun to the charging plate in a reliable and secure manner.

[0007] In particular, the notch has some play relative to the lug to facilitate connecting the charging gun to the charging plate without, however, preventing the lug from securing the position of the charging gun relative to the charging plate when the lug is engaged in the notch. Furthermore, the play is designed so that the lug engages in the notch without striking the charging gun, thus preventing damage to the assembly, including the charging gun or the charging plate, even in the event of misalignment between the lug and the notch.

[0008] Furthermore, due to their relative positioning, the first electrical wire and the second electrical wire cooperate in such a way that the charging is carried out when the connection between the charging gun and the charging plate is established, reducing in particular the risks of electrical arcs related to a faulty connection between the charging gun and the charging plate.

[0009] Furthermore, by establishing a connection between the charging gun and the second connection means, the charging board provides a more reliable electrical charge to the vehicle, ensuring the integrity of the entire assembly, for example, the charging gun or the charging board. In general, this reduces maintenance costs.

[0010] Advantageously, the first electrical wire is electrically connected to a voltmeter.

[0011] Advantageously, the charging board comprises a first electrical conductor, the charging gun comprising a second electrical conductor, the first electrical conductor being configured to be in contact with the second electrical conductor when the charging gun is inserted into the charging board.

[0012] The invention also relates to a charging gun for an electric or hybrid vehicle, the charging gun being configured to connect electrically to a charging plate defined as above, the charging gun comprising a second electrical wire and a notch.

[0013] Advantageously, the reloading gun is electrically connected to a power supply.

[0014] Advantageously, the reloading gun includes a second electrical conductor.

[0015] The first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor cooperate in such a way as to provide an additional means of detecting connection failure between the charging gun and the charging plate, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the charging gun and the charging plate.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising: - a charging plate defined as previously; - a reloading pistol defined as previously, with the charging plate electrically connected to the charging gun, the lug engaged in the notch, the first electrical wire being electrically coupled to the second electrical wire

[0017] The invention further relates to a method for recharging electric or hybrid vehicles, implementing an assembly defined as above, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of connecting the charging gun to the charging plate; - a step of measuring an electrical voltage value between the first electrical wire and the second electrical wire; - an actuation step of the lug towards the notch when the measured electrical voltage value is greater than a predetermined electrical voltage value; - a step of transferring electrical energy from the charging gun to the charging plate when the lug is engaged in the notch, in order to perform the charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0018] The invention further relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle defined as above, when said program is running on a computer.

[0019] The invention further relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising: - a charging plate defined as previously; - a control unit electronically connected to the charging board, the control unit comprising a processing means, an acquisition means, a control means configured to implement a computer program defined as above.

[0020] In practice, the control unit is also commonly called eVCU for "Electric Vehicle Control Unit". The control unit supervises the electrical zone controller network, also commonly called "eCAN", which includes, in particular, a control box The battery management system consists of a battery management unit and a charging control unit. The battery management unit is also commonly called a BMS for "Battery Management System." It manages the battery used for vehicle propulsion, regulating battery parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and cell balancing. The charging control unit, on the other hand, is also commonly called an OBCDC for "On-Board Charger DC / DC." It manages the electrical power conversion functions, particularly those related to vehicle charging. Both the battery management unit and the charging control unit are already commonly used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Therefore, the process described above is easy to implement in the vehicle's existing electrical system.

[0021] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising a reloading gun having a first electrical wire and a reloading plate having a second electrical wire according to an embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view along the plane of section XX of the set illustrated in [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] illustrates steps of a flowchart of a process for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle implementing the assembly illustrated in [Fig.1] according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an assembly for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle. The assembly comprises a charging board 10 and a charging gun 20. The electric or hybrid vehicle includes an electric battery. The charging gun 20 is electrically connected to a power supply. The charging board 10 is electrically connected to the electric battery, thus forming an electrical charging circuit. In practice, the electrical charging circuit includes, between the charging board 10 and the battery, a rectifier-type charger configured to convert an alternating current or alternating voltage, generally from the power supply, into a direct current or direct voltage, intended to be received by the battery. The rectifier is generally installed in the vehicle.For example, the power supply is configured to transmit to the rectifier an alternating electrical voltage of 230V in single-phase or an alternating electrical voltage of 400V in three-phase. Thus, the rectifier is... configured to deliver to the battery a continuous electrical voltage between 350V and 1000V, preferably between 350V and 450V.

[0023] The battery is preferably of the lithium-ion type. Thus, the battery comprises at least one cell including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte. In practice, the first electrode comprises a material containing nickel, manganese, cobalt, and carbon, while the second electrode comprises a material containing graphite. The electrolyte is generally non-aqueous, typically a salt such as LiPF6 in an organic solvent.

[0024] In the following examples, the battery has a capacity of approximately 50 kWh. The charging board 10 advantageously comprises a first plurality of electrical sockets and, even more advantageously, a second plurality of electrical sockets. The first plurality of electrical sockets comprises a first power pin and a second power pin in single-phase operation; the first plurality of electrical sockets advantageously comprises a third power pin in three-phase operation.

[0025] The charging gun 20 has a first end and a second end. Preferably, the charging gun 20 is supplied with the electric or hybrid vehicle. Thus, the first end is configured to be electrically connected to the charging board 10, while the second end is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply. Alternatively, the second end of the charging gun 20 is electrically connected to the power supply, with the first end of the charging gun 20 forming a free end ready for electrical connection to the charging board 10.

[0026] The first end of the refill gun 20 advantageously comprises a first plurality of electrical plugs. The first end even more advantageously comprises a second plurality of electrical plugs. The first plurality of electrical plugs is configured to transmit a current with an electrical intensity typically between 8A and 32A. The second plurality of electrical plugs is configured to transmit a current with an electrical intensity typically between 125A and 250A. Preferably, the first plurality of electrical plugs is configured to transmit an alternating electrical current, while the second plurality of electrical plugs is configured to transmit a direct electrical current. Thus, the first end of the refill gun 20 combines the first plurality of electrical plugs and the second plurality of electrical plugs.In practice, the first plurality of electrical sockets includes a first power pin and a second power pin in single-phase; the first plurality of electrical sockets advantageously includes a third power pin in three-phase. Moreover, the first plurality of electrical sockets includes a ground continuity pin.

[0027] The first plurality of electrical sockets is configured to connect electrically to the first plurality of electrical outlets. Thus, when the power supply is a standard household wall outlet, the first plurality of electrical sockets is connected to the first plurality of electrical outlets. In particular, the first and second power pins of the first plurality of electrical outlets are respectively connected electrically to the first and second power pins of the first plurality of electrical sockets. In this way, a single-phase electrical current is intended to flow from the charging gun 20 to the charging board 10.Furthermore, when the power source is a domestic vehicle socket or a vehicle charging station, the third power pin of the first electrical socket is connected to the third power pin of the first electrical base. The second electrical base is configured to connect electrically to the second electrical socket. In this way, a three-phase electrical current is intended to flow from the charging gun 20 to the charging board 10.

[0028] The second end is typically connected to the power supply. If the power supply is a standard household wall outlet, the charging gun 20 is configured to deliver a current between 8A and 13A. If the power supply is a standard household vehicle outlet, the charging gun 20 is configured to deliver a current between 16A and 32A. If the power supply is a vehicle charging station, the charging gun 20 is configured to deliver a current between 125A and 250A.

[0029] The charging gun 20 includes a second electrical wire 22, while the charging plate 10 includes a first electrical wire 12. The second electrical wire 22 preferably extends longitudinally along a second axis X12. Furthermore, the first electrical wire 12 preferably extends longitudinally along a first axis XL. Preferably, the first axis XI is parallel to the second axis X2. Preferably, the first electrical wire 12 comprises a first electrical branch and a second electrical branch.

[0030] The first electrical wire 11 coincides with the second electrical wire 22 when the first axis XI is substantially coincident with the second axis X2, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The second electrical wire 22 comprises a first end and a second end. The first electrical branch and the second electrical branch are in contact with the second electrical wire 22. For example, the first end is in contact with the first electrical branch and the second end is in contact with the second electrical branch. Thus, an electric current is able to flow between the first electrical wire 12 and the second electrical wire 22.

[0031] The first electrical wire 11 is electrically connected to a voltmeter 13. Thus, when the first electrical wire 11 and the second electrical wire 21 are in contact, the voltmeter 13 measures an electrical voltage value between the first end of the first electrical wire 12 and the first end of the first electrical wire 12. Thus, when the first electrical wire 11 and the second electrical wire 21 are in contact, the voltmeter 13 measures an electrical voltage value between the first end of the first electrical wire 12 and the second end of the first electrical wire 12.

[0032] The reloading gun 20 includes a notch 21, while the reloading plate 10 includes a lug 11. The lug 11 has a mechanical play relative to the notch 21 typically between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0033] The lug 11 has a first cylindrical shape with a first predetermined diameter. The lug 11 is configured to engage in the notch 21. Thus, the lug 11 has a shape designed to engage in the notch 21 by matching the shape of the notch 21. Therefore, in this case, the notch 21 preferably has a second cylindrical shape with a second predetermined diameter. For example, the second predetermined diameter is 0.7 cm. The first predetermined diameter is substantially smaller than the second predetermined diameter. Alternatively, the notch 21 has a rectangular prism shape.

[0034] The charging gun 20 is configured to connect electrically to the charging plate 10 by translation towards the charging plate 10 along a third axis X3. For example, the first plurality of electrical sockets and the first plurality of electrical outlets preferably extend substantially longitudinally along the third axis X3. Similarly, the first plurality of electrical sockets and the first plurality of electrical outlets preferably extend substantially longitudinally along the third axis X3.

[0035] The charging plate 10 advantageously comprises a first conductor extending parallel to the third axis X3. Furthermore, the charging gun 20 advantageously comprises a second electrical conductor extending parallel to the third axis X3. The first end of the charging gun 20 substantially has an outer periphery extending circumferentially with respect to the third axis X3. Preferably, the second electrical conductor is disposed at a first portion on the outer periphery, the notch 21 being disposed at a second portion on the outer periphery, the second portion being even further advantageously positioned diametrically opposite the first part with respect to the third axis X3.

[0036] The reloading gun 20 is advantageously configured to bring the first and second electrical conductors into contact when the reloading gun 20 translates towards the reloading plate 10 along the third axis X3. For example, the external diameter of the reloading gun 20 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the reloading plate 10. Mechanical clearance is provided between the reloading gun 10 and the reloading plate 10 to ensure the sliding of the reloading gun 20 on the reloading plate 10 when the reloading gun 20 translates towards the reloading plate 10 along the third axis X3.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates the steps of a method for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle, the steps being described below.

[0038] In a connection step E10, the reloading gun 20 is electrically connected to the reloading plate 10.

[0039] The method advantageously includes a detection step E' 11, where the refill gun 20 is detected by the refill plate 10 when the refill gun 20 is inserted into the refill plate 10. The connection established between the first and second electrical conductors forms an electrical circuit typically exhibiting a voltage between 5V and 12V. Thus, the refill gun 20 is preferably detected by the refill plate 10 when the voltage measured between the first and second electrical conductors is lower than a predetermined voltage. In this way, the insertion of the refill gun 20 into the refill plate 10 is detected by a voltage drop.

[0040] In a measurement step E20, an electrical voltage value is measured between the first electrical wire 11 and the second electrical wire 21. Advantageously, the voltmeter 13 measures the electrical voltage value between the first electrical wire 11 and the second electrical wire 21. Preferably, the electrical voltage value is measured when the charging gun 20 is detected by the charging board 10.

[0041] In an actuation step E30, the lug 11 is actuated towards the notch 21 when the measured electrical voltage value is greater than a predetermined electrical voltage value. For example, the predetermined electrical voltage value is equal to 300 mV.

[0042] The method advantageously includes a measurement step E'31, in which the actuation stroke value of the lug 11 is measured. Preferably, the actuation stroke value of the lug 11 is measured over a predetermined period during a first time interval. For example, the first predetermined frequency is between 33 Hz and 100 Hz, the first predetermined time interval is equal to 1 second.

[0043] The method advantageously includes a disengagement step E'32, whereby the lug 11 is disengaged from the loading gun 20 when the actuation stroke value of the lug 11 is less than a predetermined actuation stroke value. Preferably, the lug 11 is disengaged from the loading gun 20 at a first predetermined frequency during a first predetermined time interval. For example, the first predetermined time interval is equal to 0.5 seconds.

[0044] The process advantageously includes a reaction step E'33, the lug 11 being reacted towards the notch 21 at a third predetermined frequency during a third predetermined time interval.

[0045] The method advantageously includes a stop step E'34, the lug 11 is disengaged from the charging plate 10 when the measured actuation stroke value of the lug 11 is less than the predetermined actuation stroke value after a predetermined time following the actuation of the lug 11 towards the notch 21. For example, the predetermined time is equal to 10 seconds.

[0046] The method advantageously includes a step for emitting an alert E'35, an alert being emitted when the lug 11 is engaged in the notch 21. For example, the charging plate 10 includes a light indicator, typically a light-emitting diode, configured to emit a first light signal when the lug 11 is engaged in the notch 21. Preferably, the first light signal has a first predetermined wavelength value. For example, the first predetermined wavelength value is between 620 nm and 750 nm. Thus, the first light signal appears red. In this way, the light signal visually indicates that the lug 11 is properly engaged in the notch 21.

[0047] In a transfer step E40, the charging gun 20 transfers electrical energy to the charging plate 10 when the lug 11 is engaged in the notch 21, so as to perform the charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0048] The method advantageously includes a step of emitting an alert E'41, an alert being emitted when charging is complete and when the lug 11 is engaged in the notch 21. For example, the indicator light is configured to emit a second light signal when charging is complete and when the lug 11 is engaged in the notch 21. Preferably, the second light signal has a second predetermined wavelength value. For example, the second predetermined wavelength value is between 495 nm and 570 nm. Thus, the second light signal appears green. Preferably, the second predetermined wavelength value is different from the first wavelength value. of a predetermined wave. Thus, the first light signal is visually distinct from the second light signal, making it easier to read the vehicle's charge status.

[0049] The process advantageously includes a removal step E'42, the reloading gun 20 being removed from the reloading plate 10, the lug 11 being disengaged from the reloading gun 20.

Claims

Demands

1. Charging plate (10) for electric or hybrid vehicle, the charging plate (10) being configured to connect electrically to a charging gun (20) comprising a notch (21), the charging plate (10) comprising a lug (11), the charging plate (10) being electrically connected to an electric battery, characterized in that the charging plate (10) comprises a first electrical wire (12) and the charging gun (20) comprises a second electrical wire (22), the first electrical wire (12) being configured to couple electrically to the second electrical wire (22), the lug (11) being configured to engage in the notch (21) when the first electrical wire (12) is electrically coupled to the second electrical wire (22).

2. Charging board (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electrical wire (12) is electrically connected to a voltmeter (13).

3. Recharging plate (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recharging plate (10) comprises a first electrical conductor, the recharging gun (20) comprising a second electrical conductor, the first electrical conductor being configured to be in contact with the second electrical conductor when the recharging gun (20) is inserted into the recharging plate (10).

4. Charging gun (20) for electric or hybrid vehicle, the charging gun (20) being configured to connect electrically to a charging plate (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the charging gun (20) comprising a second electrical wire (11) and a notch (21).

5. Reloading gun (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the reloading gun (20) is electrically connected to an electrical power supply.

6. Reloading gun (20) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the reloading gun (20) comprises a second electrical conductor.

7. Set comprising: - a charging plate (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; - a charging gun (20) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the charging plate (10) being electrically connected to the charging gun (20), the lug (11) being engaged in the notch (21), the first electrical wire (12) being electrically coupled to the second electrical wire (22).

8. A method for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle, implementing an assembly according to claim 7, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of connecting (E10) the charging gun (20) to the charging plate (10); - a step of measuring (E20) an electrical voltage value between the first electrical wire (11) and the second electrical wire (21); - a step of actuating (E30) the lug (11) towards the notch (21) when the measured electrical voltage value is greater than a predetermined electrical voltage value; - a step of transferring electrical energy (E40) from the charging gun (20) to the charging plate (10) when the lug (11) is engaged in the notch (21), so as to perform the charging of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

9. Computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the method for charging an electric or hybrid vehicle according to claim 8, when said program is running on a computer.

10. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising: - a charging board (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; - a control unit electronically connected to the charging board (10), the control unit comprising a processing means, an acquisition means, a control means configured to implement a computer program according to claim 9.

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