VEHICLE INCLUDES A STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR A BI-DIRECTIONAL CHARGING ADAPTER

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage compartment 11 for a bidirectional charging adapter 4 in a vehicle, providing both secure storage and a bidirectional connection to the vehicle's electrical power network 3, accessible from the passenger compartment 7. The vehicle 1 includes at least one storage compartment 11 arranged in a component of the passenger compartment 7, intended to house the bidirectional charging adapter 4. The charging adapter 4 incorporates a first male connection interface 15 for connection to an electrical connector 14 fixed in the connection space 13, and a second female interface 16 for connecting an external device.The compartment 11 includes a protective cover 12 pivoting between a closed and open position, ideally watertight, equipped with a return mechanism 17, and may include internal profiled supports 19 ensuring the stability of the charging adapter 4 during its insertion and removal. Figure from the abstract: Fig 3.

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE COMPRISING A STORAGE COMPARTMENT FOR A BI-DIRECTIONAL CHARGING ADAPTER technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage solutions for motor vehicles.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a storage compartment for a bidirectional charging adapter, and in particular to a motor vehicle comprising such a storage compartment fitted into an element of the passenger compartment. Previous techniques

[0003] In electric utility vehicles, an emerging solution is to offer a VLC (Vehicle Load Connector) socket, or bidirectional charging adapter, which allows external electrical devices to be connected and powered with alternating current from the vehicle's battery.

[0004] This feature, called "V2L OUT" (Vehicle-to-Load OUT), allows the vehicle to be transformed into a mobile power source, capable of powering portable devices such as drills, lamps, or compressors via an external charging socket.

[0005] However, the use of this VLC socket has several disadvantages.

[0006] On the one hand, the VLC charging adapter is a bulky and fragile component. It must be stored securely in the vehicle to avoid the risk of damage due to shocks or movement.

[0007] However, in existing vehicle configurations, no specific location is provided to accommodate this charging adapter, which may impair its durability and complicate access for the user.

[0008] On the other hand, another drawback is related to the need for an internal connection because although the V2L OUT functionality allows devices to be powered via an external connection, users (drivers and passengers) express a need to connect devices directly from inside the vehicle.

[0009] To meet this demand, a V2L IN (Vehicle-to-Load IN) functionality is envisaged, thus allowing a 220V alternating current supply inside the vehicle.

[0010] Currently, to allow direct connection of devices in V2L IN, a secondary on-board network is required in the vehicle. This network requires a additional infrastructure including additional cabling, sockets, and interfaces, resulting in significant additional costs and installation constraints.

[0011] The implementation of a secondary on-board network for the V2L IN mode also proves to be complex to install, due to the safety requirements and additional infrastructure.

[0012] Moreover, the creation of such a network complicates the design of the vehicle, increasing development time. Description of the invention

[0013] The aim of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to offer

[0014] a storage compartment for a bidirectional charging adapter in a motor vehicle in order to have secure storage of the bidirectional charging adapter and a bidirectional connection to the vehicle's electrical power network 3, accessible to a user from inside the passenger compartment.

[0015] The invention therefore relates to a motor vehicle, at least one storage compartment in which a connection space is defined, fitted into a component of the vehicle's passenger compartment and sized to receive an electrical connector, the electrical connector being designed to connect to a bidirectional charging adapter comprising a first male-type connection interface configured to connect to the electrical connector and a second female-type connection interface configured to connect to an external electrical device

[0016] The electrical connector is fixedly mounted in the connection space by being directly connected to the vehicle's electrical power network and is configured to allow a removable connection of the first connection interface of the charging adapter to the electrical power network and to establish a bidirectional connection allowing the electrical device to be powered and / or the battery to be recharged by the external electrical device through the second interface of the charging adapter, and a protective cover is mounted on the storage compartment, the protective cover being configured to pivot between a closed position, to cover the electrical connector, and an open position, to allow access to the electrical connector for connecting or removing the charging adapter from the electrical connector.

[0017] Preferably, when the first interface of the charging adapter is connected to the electrical connector, the second interface extends out of the storage compartment, allowing a user to connect the external electrical device from inside the vehicle.

[0018] Advantageously, the electrical connector is oriented along the main axis of the storage compartment to allow insertion of the charging adapter in a direction aligned with said axis.

[0019] The protective cover further includes a sealing means so that, in the closed position, the protective cover is watertight.

[0020] In one embodiment, the protective cover is provided with a return mechanism configured to tilt the protective cover into the closed position when the charging adapter is removed from the storage compartment.

[0021] Ideally, in its open position, the protective cover forms an angle of less than or equal to 90° with respect to the closed position.

[0022] In another embodiment, the storage compartment includes contoured supports configured to guide the charging adapter during connection or removal of the electrical connector. The contoured supports include, in particular, internal walls whose shape is dimensioned to hold the charging adapter in a stable position during insertion and removal.

[0023] And according to a particular aspect, an element of the vehicle's interior is a central armrest, and / or a cup holder, and / or an element of the dashboard. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle according to the invention; - [Fig.2] shows a perspective view of a storage compartment 11 according to a first embodiment, in a configuration where the charging adapter 4 is absent from the compartment and the protective cover 12 is in the open position; - Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a storage compartment 11 according to a first embodiment, in a configuration where the charging adapter 4 is inserted from the compartment and the protective cover 12 is in the open position; - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a storage compartment 11 according to a first embodiment, in which the charging adapter 4 is inserted into the storage compartment 11 and the protective cover 12 is in the open position; - Figures [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] present a perspective view of a storage compartment 11 according to a second and a third envisaged embodiment. Detailed description

[0025] Reference is made first to [Fig.1] which illustrates a vehicle 1 conforming to the invention.

[0026] This vehicle 1 is an electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with at least one battery 2, designed to power both the electric drive motor and the electrical power network 3 of the vehicle 1.

[0027] In an electric or hybrid vehicle 1, the traction battery 2 is a component designed to provide the current needed to drive the motor and also to supply power to the main systems of the vehicle, including the electrical power network 3.

[0028] The electrical power network 3 of such a vehicle 1 can be a high voltage circuit, for example of the order of 400 V, designed to distribute the energy from the battery 2 to the high consumption components, such as the drive motor and auxiliary systems requiring a high current.

[0029] Such an electrical power network 3 is generally intended to provide a stable and secure power supply to critical equipment, while being able to support a bidirectional connection with external devices, such as a bidirectional load adapter 4.

[0030] By extension, such an electrical architecture can be extended to all vehicles with internal combustion engines.

[0031] The bidirectional charging adapter 4 is designed to be portable, robust, and secure and includes a first male-type connection interface 15 5 and a second female-type connection interface 16 6, equipped with a conventional plug, for supplying external electrical devices (not shown) with 220V alternating current.

[0032] The charging adapter 4 uses the energy from the vehicle 1 battery 2 to provide an alternating current of 220V.

[0033] To do this, the charging adapter 4 may also include an integrated converter to transform the direct current from the battery 2 into an alternating current.

[0034] The charging adapter 4 can also recharge the vehicle's battery 2 by connecting to an external AC power source. In this operating mode, the second connection interface 16 6 receives an AC current of 220V, which is converted back into DC current to recharge the vehicle's main battery 2 1.

[0035] Figure 1 shows the interior passenger compartment 7 of the vehicle. Such a passenger compartment 7 includes various elements and compartments accessible from the front and rear seats, such as the central armrest 8, located between the front seats, used to integrate storage elements and additional functionalities, and the dashboard. 9, installed on the front part of the passenger compartment 7, in front of the driver and the front passenger(s) or a cup holder 10, most often located near the front or rear seats.

[0036] These elements are given by way of example and the passenger compartment 7 may refer to all areas accessible to a user (driver or passengers) from inside the vehicle 1.

[0037] The storage compartment 11 is intended to receive the bidirectional charging adapter 4 and is designed to offer flexibility of implantation within different elements of the passenger compartment 7 of the vehicle 1.

[0038] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the storage compartment 11 illustrated here is fitted in the central armrest 8 of the vehicle 1.

[0039] In this configuration, the protective cover 12 is in the open position and the charging adapter 4 is absent from the storage compartment 11.

[0040] In such a configuration, the connection space 13 is clear, and the electrical connector 14 is visible.

[0041] The electrical connector 14 is fixedly mounted inside the connection space 13.

[0042] The connection space 13 corresponds to a cavity or opening provided in the storage compartment 11, and delimited by internal surfaces which form a receiving volume dimensioned to accommodate the electrical connector 14.

[0043] The electrical connector 14 can be recessed into the bottom or the inner wall of the connection space 13 of the storage compartment 11, with a connector provided to accommodate the first connection interface 15 of the charging adapter 4 (visible in [Fig.3]).

[0044] The electrical connector 14 can also be permanently fixed with screws, bolts, or fasteners.

[0045] The electrical connector 14 can also be mounted with a system of clips or locking latches which allow it to be held firmly in place in the connection space 13.

[0046] These fastening methods allow the electrical connector 14 to withstand vibrations and shocks during driving.

[0047] The orientation of the electrical connector 14 in the connection space of the storage compartment 11 is also designed to optimize the insertion and retention of the bidirectional charging adapter 4.

[0048] The electrical connector 14 is mounted in the connection space 13, with an orientation aligned with the main axis of the storage compartment 11.

[0049] In the configuration shown in [Fig.4], the charging adapter 4 is inserted into the storage compartment 11.

[0050] The electrical connector 14 is mounted horizontally here.

[0051] The orientation of the electrical connector 14 in the storage compartment 11 is configured so as to be aligned with the main axis of the storage compartment IL

[0052] The main axis of the storage compartment 11 is the main direction in which the compartment 11 is arranged, and therefore the orientation in which the charging adapter 4 must be inserted.

[0053] By aligning the electrical connector 14 with this axis, the charging adapter 4 can be inserted in a direction that follows this main axis. This makes insertion more intuitive, as the charging adapter 4 connects directly without requiring complex movements.

[0054] The electrical connector 14 is directly connected to the vehicle's electrical power network 3, which is itself powered by the vehicle's battery 2.

[0055] The electrical connector 14 serves as a connection point between the vehicle's electrical power network 3 and the bidirectional charging adapter 4.

[0056] It is also designed to connect directly to the first male-type interface 15 of the bidirectional charging adapter 4, allowing a removable connection, as seen in [Fig.3].

[0057] By connecting directly to the vehicle 1's electrical power network 3, the electrical connector 14 enables a bidirectional connection. In other words, this means that it can either deliver power from the battery 2 to an external device connected to the second charging adapter 4 connection interface 16, and / or receive power from an external source to recharge the battery 2.

[0058] As a result, when the first interface 15 of the charging adapter 4 is connected to the electrical connector 14, a direct connection is established with the electrical power network 3 of the vehicle 1.

[0059] In the connection position, the second connection interface 16 of the charging adapter 4 extends outside the storage compartment 11 and remains accessible to a user from the vehicle's passenger compartment 7 in order to connect external devices without needing to open the storage compartment 11 or handle the charging adapter 4.

[0060] The storage compartment 11 here fulfills these two functions, namely to offer a storage and / or fixing area for the charging adapter 4 and to allow an electrical connection of an external device from an accessible surface of the vehicle's passenger compartment 7.

[0061] For the insertion of the charging adapter 4, the protective cover 12 is in the open position, forming an angle less than or equal to 90° with respect to the closed position, in order to allow free access to the storage compartment 11.

[0062] Once the charging adapter 4 is connected, the protective cover 12 can be closed in a configuration as seen in [Fig.4].

[0063] The protective cover 12 can be opened and closed manually by an action of the user.

[0064] In addition, a return mechanism (not shown) may be integrated to keep the protective cover 12 in the closed position by default when the charging adapter 4 is not in the storage compartment 11 so as to cover the electrical connector in order to ensure that the electrical connector 14 and the connection space 13 remain protected, and to reduce the risk of degradation due to the environment or accidental handling.

[0065] For example, the return mechanism can operate according to the principle of a spring or a return hinge integrated into the protective cover 12 or in cooperation with the surface edges of the storage compartment 11.

[0066] The protective cover 12 is also designed to be watertight, thus providing a barrier against dust, liquids, and other external contaminants.

[0067] The protective cover 12 can be provided with a sealing means (not shown) to ensure complete closure of the storage compartment 11.

[0068] The sealing means may be a sealing gasket made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber or silicone or another material allowing insulation of the storage compartment 11.

[0069] The sealing means of the protective cover 12 can also be designed with profiled edges intended to fit into the structure of the storage compartment 11, forming a mechanical seal so that when the protective cover 12 is closed, the edges can fit into suitable grooves or edges, effectively blocking the entry of liquids and dust.

[0070] The sealing means may also correspond to a choice of a waterproof material for the protective cover 12.

[0071] Closing the protective cover 12 allows the electrical connector 14 to be covered and ensures a seal which protects the electrical connector 14 from the risks of short circuits and electrical damage, in case of accidental tipping or exposure to moisture in the passenger compartment 7.

[0072] In addition, when a user inserts the bidirectional charging adapter 4 into the storage compartment 11, the latter may include profiled supports 19 intended to guide the charging adapter 4 during its insertion and removal.

[0073] These profiled supports 19 can be provided with internal walls dimensioned to stabilize the charging adapter 4 during connection or removal.

[0074] The profiled supports 19 are designed to ensure stable insertion of the charging adapter 4, limiting lateral movement. This helps to keep the charging adapter 4 in place while the vehicle is moving, thus minimizing the risk of accidental disconnections or damage to the electrical connector 14.

[0075] The shape of the profiled supports 19 can be specifically configured to match the dimensions and geometry of the load adapter 4, allowing automatic alignment towards the electrical connector 14.

[0076] The profiled supports 19 can, for example, be arranged in a U-shape, partially framing the charging adapter 4 and providing a support surface on several sides. This facilitates the insertion and guidance of the charging adapter 4 to the electrical connector 14 mounted at the bottom of the storage compartment 11.

[0077] These profiled supports 19 can be designed in damping materials in order to reduce vibrations during driving.

[0078] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the storage compartment 11 is also designed to offer flexibility of placement within different elements of the vehicle's passenger compartment 7.

[0079] On [Fig.5], the storage compartment 11 is fitted in a cup holder, which is an often unused space and which can be adapted to accommodate the charging adapter 4, for example in vehicles where space is limited.

[0080] In [Fig.6], the storage compartment 11 is fitted in the dashboard and allows direct and visible access from inside the vehicle 1.

[0081] The embodiments presented above incorporate the features and advantages previously described and may differ from the embodiment in Figures 2 to 4, insofar as the different configurations of the storage compartment 11 in the vehicle also take into account the fact that the connection space 13 of the storage compartment 11 may be located in a small space in the passenger compartment 7.

[0082] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the storage compartment 11 is integrated into a cup holder in the vehicle's center console. The connection space 13 is more restricted, with a vertically oriented electrical connector 14, allowing the bidirectional charging adapter 4 to be inserted perpendicular to the plane of the vehicle.

[0083] The protective cover 12 can be a horizontally mounted pivoting protective cover 12, allowing opening to the rear or side.

[0084] In this configuration, the protective cover 12 is ideally equipped with a return mechanism to automatically return to the closed position, for example a spring positioned at the hinge of the protective cover 12 and intended to return the protective cover 12 to the closed position after each opening.

[0085] The profiled supports 19 may not be necessary, as the depth of the cup holder ensures some stability to the charging adapter 4. This arrangement facilitates direct access for the driver or front passenger.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the storage compartment 11 is arranged in an element of the dashboard, several possible configurations are illustrated there, each of these configurations offering visible access to the user for connecting the charging adapter 4 to the electrical connector 14. The connection space 13 can be limited in depth, and the electrical connector 14 can be mounted horizontally or vertically, depending on the ergonomics of the passenger compartment 7.

[0087] In the restricted spaces of the dashboard, the protective cover 12 can be designed with a limited opening angle, for example less than or equal to 90°, so as not to obstruct the user.

[0088] In this embodiment, the profiled supports 19 can also be omitted if the connection space 13 is sufficient to hold the load adapter 4 in a stable position, allowing simple connection and removal without significant lateral movements.

[0089] These different configurations of the connection space 13 in the passenger compartment 7, adaptable to restricted spaces, ensure convenient access for the user.

[0090] Certain locations, such as the cup holder or the dashboard, may already contain accessories or features. By allowing the integration of the storage compartment 11 into these spaces, the vehicle maximizes the use of existing space without requiring new storage areas, which is particularly advantageous in compact vehicles or in interiors where every space is optimized.

Claims

Demands

1. Motor vehicle (1) comprising: at least one storage compartment (11) in which a connection space (13) is defined, fitted into an element of the passenger compartment (7) of the vehicle (1) and sized to receive an electrical connector (14),said electrical connector being designed to connect to a bidirectional charging adapter (4) comprising a first male-type connection interface (15) configured to connect to the electrical connector (14) and a second female-type connection interface (16) configured to connect to an external electrical device characterized in that: the electrical connector (14) is fixedly mounted in the connection space (13) by being directly connected to the electrical power network (3) of the vehicle (1) and is configured to allow a removable connection of the first connection interface (15) of the charging adapter (4) to the electrical power network (3) and to establish a bidirectional connection allowing the electrical device to be powered and / or the battery (2) to be recharged by the external electrical device through the second interface (16) of the charging adapter (4),and in that a protective cover (12) is mounted on the storage compartment (11), said protective cover (12) being configured to pivot between a closed position, to cover the electrical connector (14), and an open position, to allow access to the electrical connector (14) for connecting and / or removing the charging adapter (4) from the electrical connector (14).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, when the first interface (15) of the charging adapter (4) is connected to the electrical connector (14), the second connection interface (16) extends out of the storage compartment (11), enabling a user to connect the external electrical device from inside the vehicle (1).

3. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the electrical connector (14) is oriented along the main axis of the storage compartment (11) to permit insertion of the charging adapter (4) in a direction aligned with said axis.

4. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective cover (12) is provided with a return mechanism configured to tilt the protective cover (12) into the closed position when the charging adapter (4) is removed and / or absent from the storage compartment (11).

5. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective cover (12) includes a sealing means such that, in the closed position, the protective cover (12) is sealed.

6. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in an open position, the protective cover (12) forms an angle less than or equal to 90° with respect to the closed position.

7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage compartment (11) comprises profiled supports (19) configured to guide the charging adapter (4) during connection or removal of the electrical connector (14), said profiled supports (19) comprising internal walls (20) whose shape is dimensioned to maintain the charging adapter 4 in a stable position during insertion and removal.

8. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an element of the vehicle's passenger compartment (7) is a center armrest (8), and / or a cup holder (9), and / or an element of the instrument panel (10).

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