Support for Electric or Hybrid Vehicle Charger

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly, referred to as the support assembly (1), for supporting an electric charger (2) in an electric vehicle (3), said support assembly being adapted to be able to be secured: with the electric charger (2), and reversibly with a gripping arm (20) of a robotic assistance (4); characterized in that said support assembly (1) comprises: at least one rear support element (7) adapted to be able to be mounted securely to a rear face (8) of said electric charger (2); at least one front support element (5) adapted to be able to be mounted securely to a front face (6) of said electric charger (2);Each front support element (5) and each rear support element (7) being further provided with means (9) for reversibly attaching the front and rear support elements (5) to the gripping arm (20) of a robotic assistance system (4), said reversible attachment means (9) being adapted to cooperate with the gripping arm (20) and: associate the gripping arm (20) and the electric loader (2) in a first state of the robotic assistance system (4), in which a movement of the gripping arm (20) causes the electric loader (2) to move, and disassociate the gripping arm (20) and the electric loader (2) in a second state of the robotic assistance system (4), in which the movement of the gripping arm (20) does not cause the electric loader (2) to move. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 7;

Description

Title of the invention: Support for Electric or Hybrid Vehicle Charger technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support for a charger for an electric or hybrid vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a support for an electric or hybrid vehicle charger designed to facilitate the gripping and handling of the charger during its integration onto such an electric or hybrid vehicle during factory assembly. The invention also relates to a method for mounting an electric charger in an electric or hybrid vehicle using such a support, and to an electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with an electric charger fitted with such a support. Technological background

[0002] The mounting of a charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle being assembled on an assembly line currently requires robotic assistance equipped with a specific gripper arm dedicated to the transport and mounting of a single charger on said electric or hybrid vehicle being assembled.

[0003] Such a robotic assistance known in the prior art (outside the invention) and dedicated to the mounting of a single model of electric charger on a single model of electric or hybrid vehicle is represented in figures 5 and 6. Such a robotic assistance 4 is provided with a gripping arm 20 equipped with two jaws 21 opposed to each other forming a vise 21 and designed to be able to be moved relative to each other in approach / retreat according to the arrow referenced (A) in [Fig.6]. Each of the two jaws 21 is provided with at least one protrusion 32 arranged to be able to cooperate with at least one boss 30 formed on the lateral faces 31 (along the Y axis) of the electric charger 2 when the jaws 21 are brought together. The position in space of the protrusions 32 of such a gripper arm 20 known in the prior art is strictly complementary to (and adapted to) the position of the bosses 30 of the electric charger 2.The use of such robotic assistance is therefore specifically designed and dedicated to the assembly of a single model of electric charger on an assembly line for a single model of vehicle.

[0004] However, it is envisaged to assemble on the same assembly line, more than one model of electric or hybrid vehicle, each of the models of electric or hybrid vehicle having to integrate a specific charger, structurally distinct from the chargers of the other models of electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0005] It is also envisaged that a plurality of separate chargers could be mounted on the same assembly line for the same electric or hybrid vehicle. This could also involve separate equipment options for the same electric or hybrid vehicle model, allowing the same model to be equipped with one or more different electric charger models, for example, charger models with different power ratings.

[0006] The electric vehicle charger for an electric or hybrid vehicle is a heavy component—weighing, for example, several tens of kilograms, such as 20 to 30 kg—and bulky, requiring careful handling. Therefore, installing an electric vehicle charger for an electric or hybrid vehicle necessitates robotic assistance for carrying and positioning the charger. This robotic assistance is specifically adapted and dedicated to a particular vehicle and the specific shape of the charger.

[0007] Indeed, each electric vehicle charger generally and locally—particularly on its side faces—has specific shapes, recesses, bores, and / or bosses forming the charger's surface envelope. These shapes are adapted to cooperate with a specific robotic assistance system and allow the robotic assistance system to handle the charger and position it in the vehicle during installation. The shapes, recesses, bores, and / or bosses of each charger differ from one another and from one charger to another, particularly the shapes, recesses, bores, and bosses of the charger's side faces along the Y direction of the vehicle. For example, the position of the gripping bores may vary from one electric charger model to another.Similarly, the internal / external diameter of such gripping bores can vary from one electric charger model to another, for example from 7 mm for one charger model to 10 mm for another charger model.

[0008] The shapes, hollows, bores and / or bosses of the longitudinal end faces of the electric charger do not allow the direct use of a robotic assistance common to several electric chargers.

[0009] Thus, assembling more than one electric vehicle on the same assembly line would require the implementation of a plurality of robotic assistance systems.

[0010] However, the installation and / or implementation on the same assembly line of more than one robotic assistance proved impossible.

[0011] Solutions are being sought.

[0012] The invention aims to overcome the current lack of a solution for mounting electric chargers on a plurality of electric vehicle models on the same assembly line.

[0013] The invention therefore aims to provide a support - in particular an adapter support - allowing the mounting of a plurality of distinct models - in particular two distinct models, or three or more distinct models - of electric chargers on the same assembly line of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0014] The invention therefore aims to provide a support - in particular an adapter support - allowing an economic gain since the support makes it possible to postpone the development and implementation of a robotic assistance for each model of electric charger. Summary of the invention

[0015] The invention therefore aims to provide an adapter support designed to allow the alternative mounting of a plurality of electric charger models on the same electric or hybrid vehicle assembly line.

[0016] The invention relates to an assembly, referred to as a support assembly, for supporting an electric charger in an electric vehicle, said support assembly being adapted to be able to be secured: - with the electric charger, and - reversibly with a robotic-assisted gripper arm; characterized in that said support assembly comprises: - at least one rear support element adapted to be able to be mounted securely to a rear face of said electric charger; - at least one suitable front support element so that it can be mounted securely to the front face of said electric charger; Each front support element and each rear support element being further equipped with means for reversibly attaching the front and rear support elements to a robotic-assisted gripper arm, said reversible attachment means being adapted to cooperate with the gripper arm and: - to combine the gripper arm and the electric charger in a first state of robotic assistance, in which a movement of the gripper arm causes the electric charger to move, and - dissociate the gripper arm and the electric charger in a second state of robotic assistance, in which the movement of the gripper arm does not cause the electric charger to move.

[0017] Throughout the text, unless otherwise stated, the extremities or lateral faces of an electric charger refer to the extremities or faces of the electric charger that extend substantially orthogonally to the Y-axis (+Y / -Y) of a direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system according to standard no. 0100112, commonly used in automotive design and shown in [Fig. 18], when the electric charger is in its position of operation in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Unless otherwise specified, the upper and lower faces of an electric charger refer to the faces of the electric charger that extend substantially orthogonally to the Z direction (+Y upper / -Y lower) of a right-handed orthonormal coordinate system XYZ commonly used in automotive design and shown in [Fig. 18], when the electric charger is in its operating position in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Unless otherwise specified, the front and rear faces of an electric charger refer to the faces of the electric charger that extend substantially orthogonally to the X direction (+X rear / -X front) of a right-handed orthonormal coordinate system XYZ commonly used in automotive design and shown in [Fig. 18], when the electric charger is in its operating position in an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0018] In particular, the term "rear" in the expression "at least one rear support element" defines the rear position of said "at least one rear support element" with reference to the X-axis of the direct orthonormal XYZ frame classically used in automotive design and with a coordinate value greater than the coordinate of the front support element on this X-axis. The term "front" in the expression "at least one front support element" defines the front position of said "at least one front support element" with reference to the X-axis of the frame, that is to say that said "at least one front support element" is characterized by a coordinate value less than the coordinate value of said "at least one rear support element" on the X-axis of the direct orthonormal XYZ frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the term "rear" in the expression "rear face" of the electric charger defines the rear position of the electric charger with respect to the X-axis of the XYZ direct orthonormal coordinate system conventionally used in automotive design. The term "front" in the expression "front face" defines the front position of the electric charger with respect to the X-axis of the coordinate system; that is, the front face is characterized by a coordinate value lower than the coordinate value of the rear face in the same XYZ direct orthonormal coordinate system.

[0020] The inventor observed that, while the lateral faces – i.e., the faces globally perpendicular to the Y-axis according to the direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system – of a charger for an electric or hybrid vehicle have in practice the greatest number of bumps and hollows used in the prior art to cooperate with robotic assistance, the front and rear faces – i.e., globally perpendicular to the X-axis according to the direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system – of electric chargers intended to be mounted on the same model of electric or hybrid vehicle certainly have fewer such shapes, hollows, bores and bumps, but nevertheless have the advantage that these positions, dimensions and shapes are rather preserved from one charger model to another and allow the use of a single support assembly for a plurality of charger models.

[0021] According to certain embodiments, at least one front support element—in particular each front support element—and / or at least one rear support element—in particular each rear support element—is secured to the electric charger by at least one threaded screw cooperating with said support element and / or with said rear support element and at least one nut-forming recess on the front and / or rear face of the electric charger. According to certain embodiments, each front support element and each rear support element is secured to the electric charger by at least one threaded screw cooperating with a nut-forming recess on the front and rear faces of the electric charger.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, each front support element has, in the upper position of the front support element, a tab for fixing the front support element to a technical front face mounted on the body.

[0023] Throughout the text, the term "high" in the expression "high position" defines the high position of the fixing tab on said "front support element" with reference to the Z axis of the direct orthonormal XYZ frame classically used in automotive design, that is to say that the fixing tab is arranged on the front support element with a coordinate along the Z axis of a value greater than the value of the coordinate on the Z axis of the center of gravity of the front support element.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, each rear support element is provided in the lower position with means for fixing the rear support element to a cross member mounted on the body.

[0025] The term "low" in the expression "low position" defines the low position "of the rear support element" with reference to the Z axis of the direct orthonormal XYZ frame classically used in automotive design, that is to say that said "front support element" is characterized by a height value (Z) greater than the height value (Z) of the "means of fixing the rear support element to a crossmember mounted on the body rear support element" in the direct orthonormal XYZ frame.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the means for attaching the rear support element to the body-mounted crossmember include a fixing pin adapted to cooperate with a recess in the body-mounted crossmember. According to some embodiments, the means for attaching the rear support element to the body-mounted crossmember include a fixing pin and a fixing screw, passing through a longitudinal passage formed in the rear support element, the longitudinal passage extending along an axis parallel to the Z-axis of the right-handed orthonormal coordinate system – when the rear support element is mounted on the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0027] According to certain embodiments, the means for reversibly attaching at least one front support element and / or at least one rear support element to the gripper arm comprise two complementary slots formed in at least one front support element and / or at least one rear support element and adapted to be able to receive the same longitudinal end of a gripper element supported by the gripper arm and to be able to secure the gripper arm and the electric charger by cooperation of each longitudinal end with the two complementary slots.

[0028] According to certain embodiments, the means for reversibly attaching at least one front support element and at least one rear support element to the gripper arm include at least one opening formed in each front support element and each rear support element and adapted to be able to receive each one end -in particular a cylindrical end- of a rod of the gripper arm -in particular a rod extending from a gripper supported by the gripper arm - and to be able to secure the gripper arm and the electric charger by cooperation of each rod with a opening.

[0029] According to certain embodiments, each light is traversable along an axis of symmetry of said light, extending parallel to the Y axis of a direct orthonormal XYZ frame and each longitudinal end of the gripper element supported by the gripper arm has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the Y axis of the direct orthonormal XYZ frame.

[0030] According to some embodiments, at least one light is a light that passes through and opens onto two of the opposite faces of the front support elements and the rear support elements.

[0031] According to some other embodiments, the means for reversibly attaching at least one front support element -in particular of each front support element- and / or at least one rear support element -in particular of each rear support element- to the gripper arm comprise at least one through bore formed in at least one front support element and / or at least one rear support element and adapted to be able to receive a longitudinal end of a gripper element supported by the gripper arm and to be able to secure the gripper arm and the electric charger by cooperation of each longitudinal end with a through bore.According to these other embodiments, the through bore(s) is / are a continuous bore(s) passing through the front support element and / or the rear support element in the thickness of the front support element and / or the rear support element and opening only onto two opposite lateral faces of the front support element and / or the rear support element, the lateral faces being defined as the . faces of front support element and rear support element extending substantially orthogonally to the Y axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ.

[0032] According to some embodiments, each front support element and each rear support element is formed of at least one rigid material.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the support assembly comprises two front support elements. According to some embodiments, the support assembly comprises two rear support elements.

[0034] The invention also extends to a method of mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle, in which: - the electric charger is equipped with a support assembly according to the invention, so that each front support element and each rear support element of said support assembly extends fixedly opposite one of the front and rear faces of the electric charger; - The robotic assistance's grasping arm is operated in such a way as to: • be positioned directly above the electric charger, then • be connected to the electric charger, then; • move the electric charger, then; • Place the electric charger in the electric vehicle, then • be detached from the electrical charger.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the method includes a step in which the electric charger placed in the electric vehicle is attached to the electric vehicle before or after the robotic assistance is detached from the electric charger.

[0036] The invention also extends to an electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with an electric charger having a support assembly according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0037] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the accompanying figures:

[0038] [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is an illustration of the integration of a first model of electric charger in a model of motor vehicle;

[0039] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a detailed illustration of the first charger model electric illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is an illustration of the integration of a second model of electric charger in the motor vehicle model illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0041] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a detailed illustration of the second charger model electrical illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0042] [Fig.5] Fig.5 is an illustration of the known gripping method (not part of this invention) of an electric charger by robotic assistance;

[0043] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a detail of the illustration in [Fig.5];

[0044] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a perspective representation of a front support element of a support assembly according to the invention;

[0045] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a perspective representation of a rear support element of a support assembly according to the invention;

[0046] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a perspective representation of an electric charger equipped with a support assembly according to the invention, in place in an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0047] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic illustration of a first step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0048] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic illustration of a second step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0049] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic illustration of a third step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0050] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic illustration of a fourth step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0051] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a schematic illustration of a fifth step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0052] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a schematic illustration of a sixth step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0053] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] is a schematic illustration of a seventh step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0054] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is a schematic illustration of an eighth step of a method according to the invention for mounting an electric charger on an electric or hybrid vehicle, and;

[0055] [Fig. 18] The [Fig. 18] is an illustration of a direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system classically used in automotive design. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0056] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0057] For the purposes of the description, reference will be made to a direct orthonormal XYZ coordinate system classically used in automotive design, in which the X axis designates the front-to-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle, the Z axis designates the vertical direction, and is oriented upwards ([Fig. 18]).

[0058] The integration of a first model of an electric charger 2, in particular an electric charger with a power of 11 kWh, into a model of an automobile vehicle 3 is shown in [Fig. 1]. This first model of an electric charger 2, shown in Figures 1 and 2, is generally rectangular in shape, with its longest dimension extending along the Y-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ as defined above. It has a width extending along the X-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ and a thickness extending along the Z-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ. Thus oriented, the electric charger 2 has a front face 6 and a rear face 8, globally orthogonal to the X axis of the direct orthonormal frame XYZ, two lateral faces globally orthogonal to the Y axis of the direct orthonormal frame XYZ and two upper and lower faces globally orthogonal to the Z axis of the direct orthonormal frame XYZ.The first model of electric charger 2 is located in a compartment at the front of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3.

[0059] The integration of a second electric charger model 2', in particular an electric charger with a power of 22 kWh, into a vehicle model 3 is shown in [Fig. 3]. The vehicle model 3 shown in [Fig. 3] is the same as the vehicle model 3 shown in [Fig. 1], and the second electric charger model 2' differs from the first electric charger model 2 in [Fig. 2] by its length. This second electric charger model 2' shown in Figures 3 and 4 is generally rectangular in shape, with its longest dimension extending along the Y-axis of the XYZ coordinate system as defined above. It has a width extending along the X-axis of the XYZ coordinate system and a thickness extending along the Z-axis of the XYZ coordinate system.Thus oriented, the electric charger 2' has a front face 6 and a rear face 8 orthogonal to the X-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ, two lateral faces generally orthogonal to the Y-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ, and two upper and lower faces generally orthogonal to the Z-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ. The second model of electric charger 2' is housed in a compartment at the front of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3.

[0060] A known method (not part of this invention) for mounting an electric charger 2 is illustrated in [Fig. 5]. In this known method, the electric charger 2 is placed in a technical compartment of the electric vehicle 3 to be equipped, by means of a robotic assistance system 4 having a gripping arm 20 and equipped with jaws 21 forming a gripper by relative proximity of the jaws 21 along the axis referenced "A" in [Fig. 6]. The gripper is dimensioned and adapted to be able to grip the electric charger 2 by cooperating with the two lateral ends extending generally orthogonally to the Y-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ as defined above. The faces of the gripper extending opposite each other are provided with bosses 32 and recesses adapted and arranged to cooperate with bosses and recesses on the lateral faces of the electric charger 2.As shown in Figures 2 and 4, each model of electric charger 2 has a unique arrangement of bosses and recesses, distinct from that of the other electric charger 2. In the known process, the robotic assistance gripper 4 can only be used to mount one specific model of electric charger 2. Thus, the known process only allows for the assembly of one model of electric charger 2 onto a single model of electric or hybrid vehicle 3 on an assembly line.

[0061] A front support element 5 of a support assembly 1 is shown in perspective in [Fig. 7]. The front support element 5 comprises a profiled body 26 and a mounting tab 11 integrally mounted to the profiled body 26, the mounting tab being adapted to be fixed to a technical front face 12 of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The mounting tab 11 may be formed as a single piece with the profiled body 26. The profiled body 26 has through holes 23 for receiving screws 22 for fixing the front support element 5 to the electric charger 2. The mounting tab 11 also has a through recess 33 for receiving and cooperating with a screw 24 for fixing the mounting tab 11 and the front support element 5 to the technical front face 12 of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3.Of course, any other means 33 of attachment is possible, for example, a clip-on attachment or a riveting attachment through such a through recess 33. The front support element 5 also has means 9 for reversibly attaching the support assembly 1 to a gripper arm 20 of a robotic assistance system 4. The reversible attachment means 9 of the front support element 5 include two complementary slots 17 adapted and arranged to receive a longitudinal end 18 of a gripper element 21 supported by a gripper arm 20 of a robotic assistance system 4, and to secure the gripper arm 20 and the electric charger 2 by cooperation of the longitudinal end 18 of the gripper element 21 with the complementary slots 17. The complementary slots 17 are through slots along the same axis 19 extending parallel to the Y-axis of a direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ, and each extends in two parallel planes. In the embodiment shown, the complementary slots 17 of the front support element 5 are designed to cooperate with the longitudinal end 18 of the gripper element 21, which has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the Y-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ. The longitudinal end 18 of the gripper element 21 is arranged to be able to be moved in translation through the complementary slots 17 and to be able to secure the gripper arm 20 and the electric charger 2. Advantageously, each front support element 5 of a support assembly 1 has such attachment means 9. According to an embodiment not shown, at least one rear support element 7 of a support assembly 1 according to the invention has such attachment means 9.

[0062] A rear support element 7 of a support assembly 1 shown in perspective in [Fig. 8] is formed in one piece. The rear support element 7 has holes 23 for receiving screws 22 for attaching the rear support element 7 to the electric charger 2, particularly to the rear face 8 of the electric charger 2. In the embodiment shown, the rear support element 7 has two holes 23. However, there is nothing to prevent the rear support element 7 from having a single hole 23 or more than two holes 23. Of course, any other fastening means 23 is possible, for example, a clip-on fastening means 23 or a fastening means 23 comprising a rivet. The rear support element 7.1 includes means 13 for attaching the rear support element 7 to a crossmember 14 mounted on the body of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The 13 means of attachment can be of any type.In the embodiment shown, the fastening means 13 include a pin 15 arranged, sized and adapted to be able to cooperate with a front technical face 12 of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The rear support element 7.1 also has means 9 for reversibly attaching the assembly 1 support to a gripper arm 20 of a robotic assistance 4. The means 9 for reversibly attaching the rear support element 7.1 include a bore 27 adapted and arranged to receive a longitudinal end 18 of a gripper element 21 supported by a gripper arm 20 of a robotic assistance 4 and to secure the gripper arm 20 and the electric charger 2 by cooperation of the longitudinal end 18 of the gripper element 21 with the bore 27. The bore 27 is through-bore along the axis 19 extending parallel to the Y axis of a direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ.In the embodiment shown, the bore 27 is intended to cooperate with the longitudinal end 18 of the gripper element 21 supported by the gripper arm 20, said longitudinal end 18 having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the Y axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ. The longitudinal end 18 of the gripper element 21 is arranged to be movable. in translation (along the double arrow referenced "B" in [Fig. 9]) by the robotic assistance 4 through the bore 27 and to be able to connect / disconnect the gripper arm 20 and the electric loader 2. Advantageously, each rear support element 7 of a support assembly 1 has such attachment means 9. According to an embodiment not shown, at least one front support element 5 of a support assembly 1 according to the invention has such attachment means 9.

[0063] An illustration of a support assembly 1 according to the invention used during the mounting of an electric charger 2 in an electric or hybrid vehicle 3 is shown in [Fig. 9]. The electric charger 2 being mounted is positioned in a front technical space of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The electric charger 2 is arranged so that its longitudinal axis 28 extends substantially parallel to the Y axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system XYZ. The electric charger 2 is equipped with two front support elements 5,1 as described in [Fig. 7] and secured to the front technical face 12 of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3, each by threaded screws 22. The two front support elements 5,1 are secured to the front face 6 of the electric charger 2 and to the front technical face 12 of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The electric charger 2 is equipped with two rear support elements 7,1 as described in [Fig. 9].8] and secured to the crossmember 14 mounted on the body of the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The rear support elements 7,1 are secured to the rear face 8 of the electric charger 2 each by means of two threaded screws 22 and held on the crossmember 14 mounted on the body by the fixing pins 15. In [Fig. 9], the support assembly 1 attached to the electric charger 2 is itself reversibly attached to two gripper elements 21 supported by the robotic arm (not shown) of the robotic assistance system. In the embodiment shown, the two gripper elements 21 are each formed of a rigid rod—in particular, a rigid rod with a circular or square cross-section—each of whose longitudinal ends 18 form a hook adapted to cooperate with a slot 17 in a front support element 5 and / or a through bore 27 in a rear support element 7.The longitudinal ends 18 of the two gripper elements 21 extend along an axis substantially parallel to the Y-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system, and parallel to the axis 19 of attachment of the bores 27 of the rear support elements 7 and the slots 17 of the front support elements 5. The longitudinal ends 18 of the two gripper elements 21 are arranged so that they can be moved in translation by the robotic assistance 4 through the bore 27 and so that the gripper arm 20 and the electric loader 2 can be attached / detached. Advantageously, each rear support element 7 of a support assembly 1 has such attachment means 9.

[0064] A method for mounting a 2.2' electric charger in an electric or hybrid vehicle is schematically illustrated in Figures 10 to 17. The mounting method The invention allows, by the same method, the assembly of two distinct models 2 and 2' of 2.2' electric chargers on the same assembly line of an electric or hybrid vehicle model 3. In a first step 40, a 2.2' electric charger is equipped with a support assembly 1 according to the invention. Two front support elements 5 are assembled on the front face 6 of the 2.2' electric charger by means of threaded screws 22, each cooperating with a recess 10 forming a nut on the front face 6 of the electric charger 2. Two rear support elements 7 are assembled on the rear face 8 of the 2.2' electric charger by means of threaded screws 22, each cooperating with a recess forming a nut on the rear face 8 of the 2.2' electric charger.

[0065] In a second step 41 illustrated in [Fig. 11], the robotic assistance 4's gripper arm 20 is positioned directly above the electric loader 2.2' equipped with the support assembly 1. The robotic assistance 4 comprises a gripper arm 20 including two gripper elements 21. According to the embodiment shown, the gripper arm 20 is adapted to be driven along the Z-axis in the direct orthonormal coordinate system. However, there is nothing preventing the gripper arm 20 from being adapted to be driven along two of the three axes X, Y, and Z, or along all three axes X, Y, and Z.

[0066] The gripper arm 20 and the two gripper elements 21 are driven along the unidirectional arrow shown in [Fig.1 1] so that the longitudinal ends 18 of the gripper elements 21 are positioned in alignment with the slots 17 of the front support elements 5,1 and with the bores 27 of the rear support elements 7,1.

[0067] In a third step 42 illustrated in [Fig. 12], the gripper elements 21 are driven in displacement relative to each other along the Y-axis in the direct orthonormal coordinate system. In this embodiment, the gripper elements 21 are driven in displacement relative to each other along the Y-axis between two extreme positions, of which: - a first close position in which the clamp elements 21 are brought close to each other and in which the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21 are interposed respectively between the front support elements 5 and between the rear support elements 7 and do not cooperate with the slots 17 of the front support elements 5 and with the bores 27 passing through the rear support elements 7, the clamp elements 21 not being fixed to the electric charger 2, and - a second distant position (as shown in [Fig. 12]) in which the clamp elements 21 are further apart (compared to the first position) and in which the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21 are also interposed respectively between the front support elements 5 and between the rear support elements 7, the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21 clamps extending each into a light 17 of a front support element 5 or into a bore 27 through a rear support element 7 and cooperate with the latter in assembly, the clamp elements 21 being integral with the electric charger 2.

[0068] Nothing prevents us from providing that, in another embodiment, the gripper elements 21 are driven in displacement relative to each other along the Y axis between two extreme positions, of which: - a first remote position in which the clamp elements 21 are separated from each other and in which the front support elements 5 and the rear support elements 7 are interposed between the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21 and do not cooperate with the slots 17 of the front support elements 5 and with the bores 27 passing through the rear support elements 7, the clamp elements 21 not being integral with the electric charger 2, and - a second close position in which the clamp elements 21 are closer to each other (compared to the first distant position) and in which the front support elements 5 and the rear support elements 7 are interposed between the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21, the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21 each extending into a slot 17 of a front support element 5 or into a bore 27 through a rear support element 7 and cooperate with the latter in assembly, the clamp elements 21 being integral with the electric charger 2.2'.

[0069] In a fourth step 43 illustrated in [Fig. 13], the gripper elements 21 being attached to the electric charger 2.2', the grasping arm 20 of the robotic assistance 4 is driven in movement along the Z axis so as to be able to lift and move the electric charger 2.2' to a mounting position of the electric charger 2.2' in an electric or hybrid vehicle 3 being assembled.

[0070] In a fifth step 44 illustrated in [Fig. 14], the electric charger 2,2' is driven into motion to be positioned vertically in its desired position in the electric or hybrid vehicle 3.

[0071] In a sixth step 45 illustrated in [Fig. 15], the electric charger 2,2' is brought into its mounting position in the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. The clamp elements 21 are moved (according to arrow "B" in [Fig. 15]) into the first close-up position in which the longitudinal ends 18 of said clamp elements 21 do not cooperate with the slots 17 of the front support elements 5 and with the bores 27 passing through the rear support elements 7, the clamp elements 21 thus being detached from the electric charger 2.

[0072] In a seventh step 46 illustrated in [Fig. 16], the clamp elements 21 are moved at a distance from the electric charger 2, 2' and the electric or hybrid vehicle 3. In the embodiment shown, the clamp elements 21 are moved to The distance from the 2.2" electric charger is along a movement axis parallel to the Z-axis of the direct orthonormal coordinate system. There is nothing preventing the use of an alternative movement method to allow for a greater distance between the gripper elements and the 2.2" electric charger.

[0073] In a seventh step 47 illustrated in [Fig. 17], the electric charger 2,2' is assembled and secured to the electric vehicle 3 by attaching the front support elements 5 of the support assembly 1 to the front technical face 12 by means of threaded screws 24 and by attaching the rear support elements 7 of the support assembly 1 to the crossmember 14 mounted on the body by means of threaded screws 25. The threaded screws 24 cooperate with the recess 33 formed in the tab 11 of the front support element 5,1 and with a nut-like recess 37 in the front technical face 12. The threaded screws 25 cooperate with the passage 34 running longitudinally through the rear support element 7,1 and with a nut-like recess 38 in the crossmember 14 mounted on the body.

[0074] According to an embodiment not shown, nothing prevents the electric charger 2.2' and the electric vehicle 3 from being assembled prior to the movement of the clamp elements 21 of step 46.

[0075] The assembly 1 support according to the invention allows the mounting of at least two models of electric charger 2.2' using the same robotic assistance on an assembly line of at least one model of electric or hybrid vehicle 3.

[0076] The invention can be the subject of numerous variations and applications other than those described above. In particular, it is understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the various structural and functional characteristics of each of the embodiments described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to one another, but rather as mere juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the various embodiments described above may be the subject, in whole or in part, of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

Claims

1.

2. Demands Assembly, referred to as support assembly (1), for supporting an electric charger (2) in an electric vehicle (3), said support assembly being adapted to be able to be secured: - with the electric charger (2), and - reversibly with a grasping arm (20) of a robotic assistance (4); characterized in that said support assembly (1) comprises: - at least one rear support element (7) adapted to be able to be mounted securely to a rear face (8) of said electric charger (2); - at least one front support element (5) adapted to be able to be mounted securely to a front face (6) of said electric charger (2); Each front support element (5) and each rear support element (7) being further provided with means (9) for reversibly attaching the front and rear support elements (5) to the gripping arm (20) of a robotic assistance system (4), said reversible attachment means (9) being adapted to cooperate with the gripping arm (20) and: - to combine the gripping arm (20) and the electric loader (2) in a first state of robotic assistance (4), in which a movement of the gripping arm (20) causes the electric loader (2) to move, and - dissociate the gripping arm (20) and the electric charger (2) in a second state of robotic assistance (4), in which the movement of the gripping arm (20) does not cause the electric charger (2) to move. Assembly (1) support according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one front support element (5) and / or at least one rear support element (7) is held securely attached to the electric charger (2) by at least one screw (22) with a thread cooperating with said front support element (5) and / or with said rear support element (7) and with at least one hollow (10) forming a nut on the front face (6) and / or on the rear face (8) of the electric charger (2).

3. Assembly (1) support according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each front support element (5) has in the upper position of the front support element (5), a tab (11) for fixing the front support element (5) to a technical front face (12) mounted on the body.

4. Assembly (1) support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each rear support element (7) is provided in the lower position with means (13) for fixing the rear support element (7) to a cross member (14) mounted on the body.

5. Assembly (1) support according to claim 4, characterized in that the means (13) for fixing the rear support element (7) to the cross member (14) mounted on the body comprise a fixing pin (15), adapted to cooperate with a recess (16) of the cross member (14) mounted on the body.

6. Assembly (1) support according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means (9) for reversibly attaching at least one front support element (5) and / or at least one rear support element (7) to the gripper arm (20) comprise two complementary slots (17) formed in at least one front support element (5) and / or at least one rear support element (7) and adapted to be able to receive the same longitudinal end (18) of a gripper element (21) supported by the gripper arm (20) and to be able to secure the gripper arm (20) and the electric charger (2) by cooperation of each longitudinal end (18) with the two complementary slots (17).

7. Assembly (1) support according to claim 6, characterized in that each light (17) is through-axis (19) of symmetry of said light, extending parallel to the Y axis of a direct orthonormal XYZ frame and each longitudinal end (18) of the gripper element (21) supported by the grasping arm (20) has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the Y axis of the direct orthonormal XYZ frame.

8. Assembly (1) support according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one light (17) is a light (17) passing through and opening onto two of the opposite faces of the front support elements (5) and the rear support elements (7).

9. Assembly (1) support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the means (9) for reversibly attaching at least one front support element (5) and / or at least one rear support element (7) to the gripper arm (20) comprise at least one through bore (27) formed in at least one front support element (5) and / or at least one rear support element (7) and adapted to be able to receive a longitudinal end (18) of a gripper element (21) supported by the gripper arm (20) and to be able to secure the gripper arm (20) and the electric charger (2) by cooperation of each longitudinal end (18) with a through bore (27).

10. Assembly (1) support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each support element (5) front and (7) rear is formed of at least one rigid material.

11. A method of mounting an electric charger (2) on an electric or hybrid vehicle (3), wherein: - the electric charger (2) is equipped (40) with a support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, such that each support element (5,7) of said support assembly (1) extends fixedly opposite one of the front face (6) and the rear face (8) of the electric charger (2); - the gripper arm (20) of the robotic assistance (4) is actuated so as to: • be positioned (41) directly above the electric charger (2), then • be secured (42) with the electric charger (2), then; • move (43) the electric charger (2), then; • place (44) the electric charger in the electric vehicle (3), then • be detached (45) from the electric charger (2).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a step (46) in which the electric charger (2) deposited in the electric vehicle (3) is fixed to the electric vehicle (3) before or after the disengagement of the robotic assistance (4) from the electric charger (2).

13. Electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with an electric charger (2) having a support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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