DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRICAL CHARGING OF ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLES, THE DEVICE COMPRISING A FAN AND A HOUSING INCLUDING AN ELECTRICAL CABLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the electric charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the device comprising a fan (10) having a hub (11) having an axis of rotation, the device comprising a housing (20) extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the housing (20) being configured to rotate about the axis of rotation, the device comprising an electric battery and an electric cable (30), the electric cable (30) being configured to connect electrically to an electric charging station so as to recharge the electric battery, the electric cable (30) being configured to wind circumferentially around the axis of rotation and over the housing (20). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRICAL RECHARGE OF AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE, THE DEVICE COMPRISING A FAN AND A HOUSING INCLUDING AN ELECTRICAL CABLE

[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. In particular, the invention relates to a device for the electrical recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0002] Patent application KR102452031 describes an electric vehicle comprising a compartment including an electric cable, an electric battery, and a hatch. The hatch is configured to open. The electric cable is configured to unwind when the hatch is opened. Furthermore, the electric cable is electrically connected to the electric battery. The electric cable has one end configured to be electrically connected to an electric charging station. In addition, the compartment includes a reel configured to guide and align the electric cable as it unwinds. Thus, the electric battery is recharged when the electric cable is unwound so that the end of the electric cable is connected to the electric charging station.

[0003] However, such a compartment occupies additional space within the vehicle's limited volume, which presents several drawbacks. First, integrating a compartment dedicated to storing the electrical cable requires reconfiguring the vehicle's internal layout, which can reduce the space available for other essential components, such as electronic systems, the powertrain, the battery, or the heat pump. Furthermore, the presence of this compartment can increase the vehicle's overall weight due to its structure and associated mechanisms, such as the cable reel. Finally, adding such a compartment can complicate manufacturing processes, increasing production costs and making vehicle assembly more complex.

[0004] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks while offering a simple and compact device for the electric charging of electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a device for the electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the device comprising a fan having a hub having an axis of rotation, the device being notable in that the device includes a housing extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the housing being configured to rotate relative to the axis of rotation, the device comprising an electric battery and an electric cable, the electric cable being configured to connect electrically to an electric charging station so as to recharge the electric battery, the electric cable being configured to wind circumferentially around the axis of rotation and over the housing.

[0006] This allows for a compact device. Indeed, by integrating the electrical cable winding function into the fan, a component commonly found in electric or hybrid vehicles, the device's size within the vehicle is reduced. Furthermore, such winding prevents the electrical cable from twisting, thus preserving its structural and electrical integrity and reducing the risk of premature device failure. In addition, such a housing allows for easy guidance of the electrical cable without excessive effort or risk of tangling, facilitating the charging of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0007] Advantageously, the device comprises a plurality of branches, the plurality of branches being distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the plurality of branches extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation and between the hub and the housing, at least one branch of the plurality of branches comprising the electrical cable.

[0008] The plurality of arms is designed to combine aerodynamic performance with the structural strength of the device. On the one hand, the arm architecture is specifically designed to reduce the drag coefficient, particularly when the vehicle is in motion, thereby minimizing airflow disturbances around the fan during its operation and preserving the fan's energy efficiency. On the other hand, the plurality of arms provides robust structural support for the housing. Their arrangement and mechanical design provide sufficient rigidity to withstand the dynamic loads and stresses generated by the rotation of the housing or the fan. This structural support ensures the stability of the device, preventing excessive vibrations or deformations that could compromise its operation.

[0009] Advantageously, the hub includes an electrical line, said line comprising at least one branch including at least one brush configured to be in contact with the line electric, the electric cable being electrically connected to at least one brush, the electric line being electrically connected to the electric battery. [OO1O] The brush maintains the electrical connection between the power cable and the power line, particularly when the housing rotates relative to the axis of rotation. Therefore, the angular position of the power cable, considered relative to the axis of rotation, is not particularly important, as the electrical connection is maintained between the brush and the power line.

[0011] Advantageously, the device includes an auxiliary housing having an auxiliary axis of rotation, the auxiliary housing being configured to rotate about the auxiliary axis of rotation in a circumferential direction, the auxiliary housing being in contact with the housing so as to capture the rotation of the housing in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction when the auxiliary housing rotates about the auxiliary axis of rotation in the circumferential direction.

[0012] The auxiliary housing facilitates the winding of the electrical cable onto the housing while ensuring precise and aligned guidance of the electrical cable. Thanks to the interlocking mechanism between the housing and the auxiliary housing, the risk of the electrical cable becoming entangled is reduced, thus extending the service life of the electrical cable and minimizing wear and tear. Furthermore, this solution simplifies the use of the device, making it easier to handle.

[0013] Advantageously, the housing comprises a plurality of electrical screen prints extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the plurality of electrical screen prints being distributed longitudinally along the axis of rotation, the electrical cable being electrically connected to the plurality of electrical screen prints.

[0014] Advantageously, the device includes at least one auxiliary brush configured to be in contact with the plurality of electrical screen prints, said at least one auxiliary brush being electrically connected to the electric battery.

[0015] Advantageously, the electrical cable includes at least one helical part.

[0016] Advantageously, the electrical cable comprises a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire, the first electrical wire being braided with the second wire so as to present a wound configuration and an unwound configuration when the electrical cable is subjected to a tensile force along the axis of rotation, the first electrical wire being connected to a first part of the casing, the second electrical wire being connected to a second part of the casing, the first part being diametrically opposite to the second part with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0017] The invention also relates to an assembly for the electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the assembly comprising a device defined as above, the device being electrically connected to an electric charging station electrically connected to an electrical power supply.

[0018] The invention further relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a device defined as above.

[0019] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the attached figure illustrating a variant of the invention, in which: - [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a front view of a device for the electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a device for the electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a fan 10 including a hub 11 having an axis of rotation.

[0021] The device comprises a housing 20 extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation. The housing 20 is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation. For example, the housing 20 has a ring shape. In the following, "internal" elements will be designated as such, those closer to the axis of rotation relative to "external" elements. In this case, the housing 20 has an internal periphery and an external periphery. The internal periphery has an internal diameter, while the external periphery has an external diameter. For example, the internal diameter is between 40 cm and 50 cm, and the external diameter is between 45 cm and 60 cm.

[0022] The device includes an electric battery. The electric battery is preferably of the lithium-ion type. Thus, the electric 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.

[0023] The device includes an electrical cable 30. The electrical cable 30 is configured to connect electrically to an electric charging station in order to recharge the electric battery. Specifically, the electrical cable 30 comprises a first end and a second end. The first end includes a charging gun. The charging gun includes a plurality of electrical plugs, while the electric charging station includes a plurality of electrical sockets. The plurality of electrical plugs is configured to connect to the plurality of electrical sockets. Thus, the charging gun is electrically connected to the electric charging station when the plurality of electrical plugs are connected to the plurality of electrical sockets. In this way, an electric current is able to flow between the electric charging station and the electrical cable 30.

[0024] The electrical cable 30 is configured to wind circumferentially around the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the electrical cable 30 is configured to wind around the housing 20. In this case, the outer periphery of the housing 20 has a reel-shaped ring. In practice, the electrical cable 30 is 6 meters long. Based on the dimensions of the housing 20, the device is designed so that the electrical cable 30 winds 4 times around the housing 20 and around the axis of rotation. Thus, in general, the electrical cable 30 has a certain number of turns around the axis of rotation and around the housing 20.

[0025] Furthermore, the crown comprises a first rim and a second rim extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation so as to contain the electrical cable 30 between the first and second rims, in particular preventing movement of the electrical cable 30 along the direction of the axis of rotation. Even more advantageously, the outer periphery of the housing 20 comprises a coating made of a rubber material. This prevents the cable from slipping on the housing 20, causing jerky movements that could damage the device, for example, through a sticking-slip phenomenon.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing 20 preferably comprises a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation. In addition, the plurality of grooves is distributed longitudinally along the axis of rotation. Thus, returning to the aforementioned example, the plurality of grooves numbers at least four. Alternatively, the plurality of grooves extends helically around the axis of rotation. The plurality of grooves may, for example, have a circular cross-section so as to conform to the shape of the electrical cable 30.

[0027] The device advantageously comprises a plurality of branches 41, 42, 43. For example, the plurality of branches 41, 42, 43 may be three or even four branches. The plurality of branches 41, 42, 43 is distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the plurality of arms 41, 42, 43 extends radially about the axis of rotation and between the hub 11 and the housing 20. For example, the plurality of arms 41, 42, 43 comprises a first arm 41, a second arm 42, and a third arm 43, all three extending radially about the axis of rotation and between the hub 11 and the housing 20. Moreover, the first arm 41 and the second arm 42 form an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation. Similarly, the second arm 42 and the third arm 43 also form an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation.Similarly, the third branch 43 and the first branch 41 form an angle of 120 degrees, considered relative to the axis of rotation. In general, the plurality of branches is preferably distributed around the axis of rotation according to a . predetermined angle relative to each other, considered relative to the axis of rotation.

[0028]

[0029] Said at least one branch comprises at least one brush configured to be in contact with the power line. Said at least one brush comprises a crescent shape, the curvature of the crescent shape conforming to the lateral surface. In this way, said at least one brush and the power line present a contact surface. Said at least one brush preferably comprises a material of aluminum, gold, silver, or tin. Generally, said at least one brush comprises an electrically conductive material.

[0030] For example, said at least one brush comprises a first brush and a second brush. Furthermore, the electrical cable 30 comprises a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire respectively electrically connected to the first and second brushes. Moreover, the electrical line comprises a first electrical track and a second electrical track extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation. The first and second brushes are in contact with the first and second tracks respectively. Preferably, the first and second brushes are diametrically opposed with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0031] At least one branch of the plurality of branches 41, 42, 43 comprises the electrical cable 30. Indeed, said at least one branch preferably comprises a housing configured to accommodate the electrical cable 30. Furthermore, the hub 11 comprises an electrical line. For example, the hub 11 comprises a cylindrical shape having a lateral surface. The electrical line, for its part, preferably comprises an electrical track extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation. Thus, the electrical line remains in contact with said at least one brush, regardless of the rotation of the hub 11. Thus, an electric current is able to flow between the electrical cable and the electrical line.

[0032] Even more advantageously, a contact spring is mechanically connected to the brush so as to exert a force on the brush in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation, thus pressing the brush against the electric line.

[0033] Furthermore, the power line is electrically connected to the battery. Thus, an electric current can flow between the power line and the battery. In short, an electric current can flow between the power cable 30 and the battery. In this way, the power cable 30 recharges the battery when the power cable 30 is electrically connected to the charging station.

[0034] The device advantageously comprises an auxiliary housing having an auxiliary axis of rotation. The auxiliary housing is configured to rotate relative to The auxiliary axis of rotation rotates in a circumferential direction. Furthermore, the auxiliary housing is in contact with the housing 20 so as to impart the rotation of the housing 20 in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction when the auxiliary housing rotates relative to the auxiliary axis of rotation in the circumferential direction. Even more advantageously, the auxiliary housing is mechanically connected to an auxiliary spring, preferably of the spiral spring type. Thus, the auxiliary housing, by means of an elastic return effect, causes the rotation of the housing 20, thereby winding the electrical cable 30 onto the housing 20.

[0035] In a second embodiment not shown, a device for the electric charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle includes a fan 10 comprising a hub 11 having an axis of rotation. The device includes a housing 20 extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation. The device further includes an electric battery and an electric cable 30. The electric cable 30 is configured to connect electrically to an electric charging station so as to recharge the electric battery. The electric cable 30 is configured to wind circumferentially around the axis of rotation and over the housing 20.

[0036] The housing 20 advantageously comprises a plurality of electrical screen prints extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation. The plurality of electrical screen prints is distributed longitudinally along the axis of rotation. The electrical cable 30 is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical screen prints. The device includes at least one auxiliary brush configured to be in contact with the plurality of electrical screen prints, said at least one auxiliary brush being electrically connected to the electric battery. In this way, the electrical cable 30 recharges the electric battery when the electrical cable 30 is electrically connected to the electric charging station.

[0037] Even more advantageously, an auxiliary contact spring is mechanically connected to at least one auxiliary brush so as to exert a force on said at least one auxiliary brush in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, thus pressing said at least one auxiliary brush against the plurality of electrical screen prints. In this way, an electric current is able to flow between the electrical cable 30 and the electrical battery.

[0038] For example, said at least one auxiliary brush comprises a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire. Furthermore, the screen printing plurality comprises a first screen printing and a second screen printing. The first electrical wire is in contact with the first screen printing and the second electrical wire is in contact with the second screen printing.

[0039] Alternatively, the screen printing plurality comprises a first screen printing and a second screen printing, each comprising a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire, respectively. Said at least one auxiliary brush comprises a first auxiliary brush and a second auxiliary brush. The first electrical wire and the second electrical wire are in contact with the first and second auxiliary brushes, respectively. The first and second auxiliary brushes are electrically connected to the battery, respectively. Even more advantageously, the first and second auxiliary brushes are diametrically opposite with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0040] In a third embodiment not shown, a device for the electric charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle includes a fan 10 comprising a hub 11 having an axis of rotation. The device includes a housing 20 extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation. The device further includes an electric battery and an electric cable 30. The electric cable 30 is configured to connect electrically to an electric charging station so as to recharge the electric battery. The electric cable 30 is configured to wind circumferentially around the axis of rotation and over the housing 20.

[0041] The housing 20 advantageously comprises at least one helical part.

[0042] The electrical cable 30 further advantageously comprises a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire, the first electrical wire being braided with the second wire so as to present a wound configuration and an unwound configuration when the electrical cable 30 is subjected to a tensile force along the axis of rotation, the first electrical wire being connected to a first part of the housing 20, the second electrical wire being connected to a second part of the housing 20, the first part being diametrically opposite to the second part with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0043] For example, the first and second electrical wires are braided in a double helix. Thus, said at least one helical portion comprises a first helical portion and a second helical portion. The first electrical wire has the first helical portion, while the second electrical wire has the second helical portion. The first electrical wire has a first plurality of turns, while the second electrical wire has a second plurality of turns. In the wound configuration, the first plurality of turns is interposed between the second plurality of turns. In the unwound configuration, the first and second electrical wires align substantially parallel to the axis of rotation when the electrical cable 30 is subjected to a tensile force about the axis of rotation. In this way, the electrical cable 30 elongates longitudinally about the axis of rotation, thus allowing the electrical cable 30 to be extended so as to connect electrically, for example, to an electric charging station.

Claims

Demands

1. Device for the electric charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the device comprising a fan (10) including a hub (11) having an axis of rotation, characterized in that the device includes a housing (20) extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the housing (20) being configured to rotate relative to the axis of rotation, the device comprising an electric battery and an electric cable (30), the electric cable (30) being configured to connect electrically to an electric charging station so as to charge the electric battery, the electric cable (30) being configured to wrap circumferentially around the axis of rotation and over the housing (20).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a plurality of arms (41, 42, 43), the plurality of arms (41, 42, 43) being distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the plurality of arms (41, 42, 43) extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation and between the hub (11) and the housing (20), at least one arm of the plurality of arms (41, 42, 43) comprising the electrical cable (30).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the hub (11) comprises an electrical line, said at least one branch comprising at least one brush configured to be in contact with the electrical line, the electrical cable (30) being electrically connected to said at least one brush, the electrical line being electrically connected to the electrical battery.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device comprises an auxiliary housing having an auxiliary axis of rotation, the auxiliary housing being configured to rotate about the auxiliary axis of rotation in a circumferential direction, the auxiliary housing being in contact with the housing (20) so as to engage the rotation of the housing (20) in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction when the auxiliary housing rotates about the auxiliary axis of rotation in the circumferential direction.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (20) comprises a plurality of electrical screen prints extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, the plurality of electrical screen prints being distributed longitudinally along the axis of rotation, the electrical cable (30) being electrically connected to the plurality of electrical screen prints.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the device comprises at least one auxiliary brush configured to be in contact with the plurality of electrical screen prints, said at least one auxiliary brush being electrically connected to the electric battery.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrical cable (30) comprises at least one helical portion.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrical cable (30) comprises a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire, the first electrical wire being braided with the second wire so as to have a wound configuration and an unwound configuration when the electrical cable (30) is subjected to a tensile force about the axis of rotation, the first electrical wire being connected to a first part of the housing (20), the second electrical wire being connected to a second part of the housing (20), the first part being diametrically opposite to the second part with respect to the axis of rotation.

9. Assembly for the electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the assembly comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the device being electrically connected to an electric charging station electrically connected to an electric power supply.

10. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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