Induction charging system comprising a ventilation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (10) for charging a battery (11) of a vehicle (V) by induction, the system comprising a primary electronic circuit (22); a primary inductive element (12) external to the vehicle and configured to generate a magnetic field when a primary alternating current supplied by the primary electronic circuit flows therethrough; a secondary inductive element (26) configured to be installed in the vehicle and configured to supply a secondary alternating current (i2AC) when it is placed in the magnetic field generated by the primary inductive element; a secondary electronic circuit (30) configured to be installed in the vehicle and being configured to deliver a direct charging current (i2DC) on the basis of the secondary alternating current; a ventilation device (50) external to the vehicle and configured to generate an airflow (F) and to project the airflow toward the secondary electronic circuit when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned facing one another so as to cool at least the secondary electronic circuit.

Description

[0001] Inductive charging system including a ventilation device

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems for inductive charging of the electric battery of an electric motor vehicle. Inductive charging systems traditionally comprise a primary inductive element on board, associated with a primary electronic circuit, and a secondary inductive element, on board the vehicle, associated with a secondary electronic circuit. Said primary and secondary electronic circuits constitute the power electronics of the system and enable the vehicle battery to be supplied with electrical energy. The secondary electronic circuit of such charging systems generates thermal losses leading to heating of this electronic circuit and its components, which must therefore be cooled. The invention relates more specifically to a system for cooling, in particular, such a secondary electronic circuit on board the vehicle.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Various solutions are known for cooling secondary electronic circuits associated with the secondary inductive element of an induction charging system.

[0006] A first solution consists of associating with said secondary electronic circuit a dissipative member configured to dissipate heat, for example a member made of thermally conductive material. For example, it is known to integrate into the vehicle an aluminum dissipative member equipped with fins and connected to said secondary electronic circuit. Such a dissipative member has a large contact and heat exchange surface with the ambient air. However, it has the disadvantage of being heavy, bulky, expensive and is not very suitable for integration into an electric vehicle which must be as light as possible.

[0007] It is also known to equip electric vehicles with a fan configured to blow air towards the secondary electronic circuit. This solution is not generally adopted because such a fan is also bulky, heavy, and difficult to make reliable, so that its integration into an electric vehicle is not satisfactory. In addition, its installation in a vehicle proves difficult because this fan is then subjected to particularly hostile conditions such as splashes of water and dirt, high humidity, or exposure to vibrations and high temperatures. The operation of the fan is therefore compromised, which risks causing overheating and damage to the secondary electronic circuit and consequently to the entire charging system.

[0008] Finally, there are cooling devices that circulate coolant and are integrated into the vehicle. However, these devices are particularly expensive, complex to install on the vehicle and consume significant energy.

[0009] Statement of the invention

[0010] An aim of the present invention is to propose an induction charging system which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a system for inductively charging a battery of an electric motor vehicle, the system comprising: a primary electronic circuit external to the vehicle and configured to be supplied with electrical energy and to provide a primary alternating current; a primary inductive element external to the vehicle and electrically connected to said primary electronic circuit, said primary inductive element being configured to generate a magnetic field when it is crossed by said primary alternating current; a secondary inductive element configured to be embedded in said vehicle and configured to provide a secondary alternating current when it is placed in the magnetic field generated by the primary inductive element;a secondary electronic circuit configured to be embedded in said vehicle and being connected to said secondary inductive element, said secondary electronic circuit being configured to deliver a direct charging current, from said secondary alternating current, to charge the battery of the vehicle; a ventilation device external to the vehicle and configured to generate an air flow, the ventilation device being configured to project said air flow towards the secondary electronic circuit when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other, so as to cool at least said secondary electronic circuit.;

[0012] The vehicle is advantageously an electric car or a plug-in hybrid car.

[0013] The primary electronic circuit is not embedded in the vehicle. In other words, the primary electronic circuit is unloaded. The primary electronic circuit comprises the primary power electronics of the charging system. The primary electronic circuit is advantageously connected to an electrical energy source, for example to a domestic electrical network supplying it with an alternating current of frequency 50Hz or 60Hz. The primary electronic circuit advantageously comprises an inverter configured to deliver said primary alternating current when it is supplied with electrical energy. Preferably, said inverter is configured to be supplied with a direct voltage, for example a direct voltage of 400 volts.Preferably, the primary electronic circuit advantageously comprises a power factor correction module, also called PFC for "Power Factor Correction" in English, configured to be connected to an electrical energy source and to deliver such a direct voltage to the inverter. Preferably, the primary electronic circuit is configured to deliver a power of between 3kW and 22kW.

[0014] Preferably, the primary alternating current delivered by the primary electronic circuit is a high frequency alternating current.

[0015] The secondary electronic circuit comprises the secondary power electronics of the charging system. It comprises the secondary power components of the charging system. The secondary electronic circuit advantageously comprises a rectifier configured to deliver said direct charging current, from said secondary alternating current. Preferably, said secondary electronic circuit is reversible so that it is also capable of delivering a direct voltage from an alternating voltage. In this case, the secondary electronic circuit further comprises an inverter.

[0016] The primary inductive element comprises a winding. It advantageously comprises a plurality of windings. Similarly, the secondary inductive element comprises a winding. It advantageously comprises a plurality of windings. Preferably, the primary inductive element is configured to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. The primary inductive element preferably extends essentially horizontally. The secondary inductive element preferably extends essentially horizontally.

[0017] The secondary inductive element and / or the secondary electronic circuit are advantageously mounted under the vehicle.

[0018] To charge the vehicle battery, the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are brought opposite each other. To do this, in a non-limiting manner, the primary inductive element can be moved until it is positioned opposite the secondary inductive element, while the secondary inductive element is kept stationary. Alternatively, the secondary inductive element can be moved until it is positioned opposite the primary inductive element, while the primary inductive element is kept stationary.

[0019] When they are opposite each other, the primary inductive element is advantageously positioned under the secondary inductive element.

[0020] Positioning the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element opposite each other allows inductive coupling to be achieved between these two inductive elements. The primary and secondary inductive elements then advantageously form a high-frequency transformer. Preferably, adjusting the relative position of the primary inductive element with respect to the secondary inductive element includes impedance analysis of the primary and secondary inductive elements.

[0021] The ventilation device makes it possible to generate an air flow to cool the secondary electronic circuit. The ventilation device is advantageously configured to start operating as soon as the battery charging begins. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the actuation of the ventilation device can be conditioned by a temperature measurement of a heating element, for example a measurement of the temperature of the secondary electronic circuit. To allow the cooling of the secondary electronic circuit, it is appropriate to position the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element opposite each other, in order to couple them inductively. When said primary and secondary inductive elements are inductively coupled, the charging of the battery by induction can begin.The operation of the ventilation device, preferably automated, while the primary and secondary inductive elements are opposite each other, results in the generation of an air flow which is projected towards the secondary electronic circuit.

[0022] Preferably, the primary electronic circuit is configured to control the ventilation device.

[0023] The ventilation device is advantageously configured to project the air flow upwards.

[0024] The ventilation device advantageously comprises at least one fan. The generated air flow may be projected directly from said fan. Alternatively and in a non-limiting manner, the ventilation device may comprise a guide element for guiding the air flow generated by said fan. In this case, the generated air flow is then projected from an air outlet of said guide element.

[0025] In a non-limiting manner, the ventilation device may be configured so that the generated air flow is directly projected towards the secondary electronic circuit. For example, said fan may be arranged directly opposite the secondary electronic circuit. The generated air flow is then directly projected onto said secondary electronic circuit.

[0026] Alternatively, the ventilation device may be configured so that the air flow is first guided, for example by means of said guide element, before being projected towards the secondary electronic circuit, via the air outlet of the guide element. This is particularly the case when the ventilation device is configured so that the fan is not positioned opposite the secondary electronic circuit when said primary and secondary inductive elements are arranged opposite each other.

[0027] In a non-limiting manner, the ventilation device may be configured to project the air flow directly onto the secondary electronic circuit. In which case, no intermediate member is located in the path of the projected flow. Alternatively, the ventilation device may be configured to project the air flow onto an intermediate member with which the secondary electronic circuit cooperates, for example a mounting plate supporting said secondary electronic circuit. In which case, the secondary electronic circuit is cooled indirectly, by ventilation of said intermediate member.

[0028] Preferably, the ventilation device is configured to continue generating and projecting the airflow after the battery has been charged. One benefit is particularly to cool components or surfaces that remain hot after charging the battery. This reduces the risk of burns for users.

[0029] Preferably, but not limited to, the ventilation device, the primary electronic circuit and the primary inductive element are mounted on the same support, for example a charging robot capable of moving under the vehicle.

[0030] Preferably, said ventilation device constitutes the sole source of airflow generation of the charging system. One advantage is to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of the charging system.

[0031] The ventilation device of the charging system according to the invention is not embedded in the vehicle. After charging, the ventilation device remains external to the vehicle and can be stored. It eliminates the need to integrate dissipative components into the vehicle to dissipate heat from the secondary electronic circuit. One advantage is that it provides a cooling solution that does not take up space in the vehicle and does not increase its weight.

[0032] Furthermore, the ventilation device according to the invention is not subject to the difficult conditions encountered by on-board fans of the prior art, in particular humidity, dirt, vibrations and high temperatures generated by the movement of the vehicle.

[0033] The ventilation device of the charging system according to the invention is furthermore much less expensive and less energy-consuming than the cooling devices by circulation of a coolant according to the prior art.

[0034] The ventilation device of the charging system according to the invention does not require any installation step on the vehicle so that its operation is facilitated.

[0035] Preferably, the ventilation device makes it possible to cool at least one other element chosen from the primary electronic circuit, the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element. Said at least one other element is cooled by the same air flow making it possible to cool said secondary electronic circuit. Preferably, the ventilation device is configured so as to generate and project an air flow making it possible to cool first the primary electronic circuit and / or the secondary electronic circuit, then the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element. Indeed, it is appropriate to maintain the primary and secondary electronic circuits at lower temperatures than the primary and secondary inductive elements.

[0036] Advantageously, the primary inductive element has a central opening defining a passage for air, as well as a primary winding arranged on the periphery of said central opening, the ventilation device being configured to project said air flow generated through said passage, in the direction of said secondary electronic circuit, when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other.

[0037] It is understood that the air flow projected and directed towards the secondary electronic circuit first passes through the passage formed by said central opening before reaching said secondary electronic circuit or an intermediate member cooperating with the latter. The air flow is guided through said central opening.

[0038] Preferably, said central opening extends along a substantially vertical axis.

[0039] Advantageously, the primary inductive element comprises a central tubular portion in which said opening is formed and which defines said passage.

[0040] Preferably, said ventilation device is configured so that said generated air flow makes it possible to cool said secondary electronic circuit and then the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element. The same air flow, generated by the ventilation device and then projected, makes it possible to successively cool the secondary electronic circuit and then the primary inductive element, the secondary inductive element or both. One advantage is to cool the secondary electronic circuit as well as the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element by generating only a single air flow. It is not necessary to provide an additional device for cooling the primary and secondary inductive elements. Installation constraints, space requirements within the vehicle and energy consumption are therefore reduced.

[0041] It is generally necessary to keep the secondary electronic circuit at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element must be kept. For example, the secondary electronic circuit must be kept at a temperature below 110°C, to avoid damage, while the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element can withstand temperatures up to 200°C. It is therefore not harmful if the air flow has slightly warmed up during the cooling of the secondary electronic circuit when it reaches the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element.

[0042] Preferably, the projected air flow first reaches the secondary electronic circuit, or an intermediate member associated with the latter, then is guided to the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element or to an intermediate member associated with the latter.

[0043] Preferably, the ventilation device is configured so that the air flow cooling the secondary electronic circuit is then guided towards the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element.

[0044] Advantageously, the charging system comprises a mounting device configured to be mounted under the vehicle and supporting the secondary inductive element as well as the secondary electronic circuit, such that the latter are positioned above the mounting device, the ventilation device being configured to project said air flow towards said mounting device.

[0045] In this configuration, the secondary electronic circuit is cooled indirectly, when the projected air flow reaches said mounting device to which it is mounted. Said mounting device comprises at least one thermally conductive material configured to transfer the coolness provided by the projected air to said secondary electronic circuit.

[0046] Said mounting device is arranged between the secondary electronic circuit and the primary inductive element when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other.

[0047] Preferably, the secondary electronic circuit is mounted, further preferably fixed, to said mounting device. Preferably, the secondary inductive element is mounted, further preferably fixed, to said mounting device.

[0048] Preferably, the mounting device comprises an exchange surface, configured to be subjected to the projected air flow. Said exchange surface advantageously comprises grooves. One advantage is to increase the heat exchange surface between the mounting device and the projected air flow. Said exchange surface is advantageously a lower surface of the mounting device.

[0049] Preferably, said mounting device extends in a substantially horizontal plane, and said ventilation device is configured to project said air flow towards said mounting device in a projection direction substantially perpendicular to said plane. The air flow is therefore projected in a projection direction which is substantially vertical, upwards. An advantage is that a greater quantity of air is projected onto said mounting device, so that cooling is improved.

[0050] It is understood that the mounting device extends essentially in the horizontal plane, although it may have a curved surface.

[0051] According to a preferred variant, the ventilation device comprises a fan and a guide element whose air outlet is directed upwards, so as to project the air flow perpendicular to the mounting device. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the ventilation device may be devoid of a guide element and comprise a fan directed upwards.

[0052] Advantageously, the secondary inductive element comprises a secondary winding, and the mounting device comprises a central mounting plate made of thermally conductive material supporting said secondary electronic circuit and a peripheral mounting plate extending around the periphery of said central mounting plate and supporting the secondary winding of said secondary inductive element, the ventilation device being configured to project said air flow towards said central mounting plate. In other words, the air flow is projected against the central mounting plate.

[0053] The power components of the secondary electronic circuit are supported by the central mounting plate.

[0054] It is understood that the secondary electronic circuit is indirectly cooled by the air flow projected onto said central mounting plate by which it is supported. Said mounting plate forms an intermediate member for cooling the secondary electronic circuit. Said central mounting plate being formed from a thermally conductive material, it makes it possible to effectively reduce the temperature of the secondary electronic circuit that it supports. By thermally conductive material is preferably meant a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / mK. Preferably, said central mounting plate is made of a metallic material, for example aluminum, non-magnetic steel or copper. Aluminum is particularly suitable because it is light and economical.

[0055] The central mounting plate supports and protects the secondary electronic circuit from mud splashes and water passage. Preferably, the secondary electronic circuit is mounted, preferably still fixed, to said central mounting plate. Preferably, the power components of the secondary electronic circuit are mounted, preferably still fixed, to said central mounting plate. The peripheral mounting plate supports and protects the secondary winding of the secondary inductive element. Preferably, the secondary inductive element is mounted, preferably still fixed, to said peripheral mounting plate.

[0056] Furthermore, the air flow projected against the central mounting plate strikes the latter and is then deflected radially considered with respect to said projection direction. The air flow then propagates tangentially to the mounting device. The air flow then runs along the mounting device and in particular the peripheral mounting plate, so that it allows the latter to be cooled and therefore the secondary inductive element to be cooled. The same air flow thus allows the secondary electronic circuit and then the secondary inductive element to be cooled successively.

[0057] Preferably, the secondary inductive element comprises said peripheral mounting plate. Preferably, the peripheral mounting plate forms a protective plate for the secondary inductive element.

[0058] Preferably, the central mounting plate is in the shape of a disc.

[0059] Preferably, the peripheral mounting plate is formed from an electrically insulating and non-magnetic material.

[0060] Preferably, a central hole is provided in the peripheral mounting plate, said central mounting plate being arranged in said central hole. Preferably, the central mounting plate has a shape corresponding to the shape of said central hole. An advantage is to improve the sealing of the mounting device and to prevent the passage of water and mud splashes towards the secondary inductive element and the secondary electronic circuit all the more effectively. The cooling of the secondary inductive element and the secondary electronic circuit is however not compromised.

[0061] Said central orifice is advantageously circular in shape.

[0062] Advantageously, the central mounting plate is flush with the peripheral mounting plate, so that the latter define a continuous surface for the mounting device. One advantage is to reduce the gaps through which water could infiltrate and thus protect the secondary inductive element and the secondary electronic circuit all the more effectively. Said continuous surface is advantageously smooth. This continuous surface is advantageously smooth and free of roughness.

[0063] The secondary inductive element advantageously has a central opening defining a housing within which the secondary electronic circuit is arranged.

[0064] Preferably, the ventilation device is configured to project the air flow in a projection direction which is perpendicular to said central mounting plate.

[0065] Preferably, the primary inductive element is configured to be kept at a distance from the mounting device when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other, so as to provide a circulation space between said primary inductive element and the peripheral mounting plate of the mounting device, whereby the air flow projected by the ventilation device is guided into said circulation space after striking the central mounting plate.

[0066] When it hits the central mounting plate, the projected air flow is deflected radially, preferably at an angle of approximately 90°, towards said circulation space formed between the primary inductive element and the peripheral mounting plate. An advantage is that the air flow having cooled the secondary electronic circuit is then guided between the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element. The circulation of the air flow in this circulation space, tangentially to the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element, allows the latter to be cooled.

[0067] Preferably, but not limited to, the primary inductive element comprises a primary winding and a protective plate arranged above the primary winding. This protective plate makes it possible to protect said primary winding from dust and humidity. In this configuration, it is understood that the air flow circulates in the circulation space which is then formed between said protective plate of the primary inductive element and said peripheral mounting plate. The protective plate is advantageously formed from a material resistant to shocks and heat and electrically insulating, for example made of polyester plastic filled with glass fibers.

[0068] Preferably, the charging system comprises a spacer device disposed between said peripheral mounting plate and the primary inductive element, and configured to maintain said circulation space. Preferably, the protective plate of the primary inductive element comprises said spacer device. More preferably, said spacer device is integral with said protective plate. Preferably, said spacer element comprises at least one shim.

[0069] Advantageously, the mounting device has an upwardly curved shape. One advantage is to increase the heat exchange surface between the mounting device and the air flow, so as to improve the cooling of the secondary electronic circuit and the secondary inductive element. Preferably, the primary inductive element comprises a protective plate having a shape complementary to the shape of the mounting device. One advantage is to facilitate the relative positioning of the primary and secondary inductive elements by interlocking the mounting device with said protective plate.

[0070] Without limitation, the mounting device may have the shape of a dome, or even the shape of a cone.

[0071] Preferably, the central mounting plate has an upwardly curved shape.

[0072] Preferably, the ventilation device is configured to route the generated air flow so as to first cool the primary electronic circuit and then to project the air flow towards said secondary electronic circuit in order to cool the latter. One advantage is to cool the primary inductive element as well as the secondary inductive element by means of a single generated air flow. Energy consumption is therefore reduced. In a non-limiting manner, the ventilation device may be configured to first project a portion of the air flow towards the primary electronic circuit.

[0073] The ventilation device advantageously comprises a guide element configured to guide the air flow generated near the primary inductive element in order to cool it. Preferably, said guide element is arranged along the primary inductive element. Preferably, the guide element comprises at least one opening directed towards the primary electronic circuit. One advantage is to allow part of the air flow circulating in the guide element to be projected towards said primary electronic circuit.

[0074] Advantageously, the ventilation device comprises at least one fan configured to generate the air flow and a guide element cooperating with the fan and having an air outlet directed towards the secondary electronic circuit when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other, the guide element being configured to guide the air flow to said air outlet. The guide element is configured to guide the generated air flow to its outlet from where it is projected towards said secondary electronic circuit. One advantage is to be able to route and project the air flow even more precisely and thus improve the cooling of at least the secondary electronic circuit. Another advantage is to be able to guide the air in contact in particular with the primary electronic circuit in order to also cool it, before the air is projected from the air outlet.The guide element preferably comprises a duct for conveying air. Said guide element advantageously extends horizontally. The outlet of the guide element advantageously extends upwards.

[0075] Preferably, the ventilation device comprises a single fan. Preferably, the charging system comprises a single fan.

[0076] Advantageously, the system further comprises a measuring device configured to measure at least the temperature of the secondary electronic circuit, the ventilation device being configured to adjust the intensity of the generated airflow as a function of said measured temperature of the secondary electronic circuit. One advantage is to control the operation of the ventilation device as a function of the measured temperature of the secondary electronic circuit. This makes it possible to reduce energy consumption by effectively adjusting the generated airflow.

[0077] The measuring device advantageously comprises at least one sensor for the temperature of the secondary electronic circuit. Said sensor is advantageously mounted on the mounting device, preferably on the central mounting plate. Advantageously, the measuring device is further configured to measure the temperature of the primary electronic circuit, the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element. Preferably, the measuring device is configured to adjust the intensity of the generated air flow as a function of said measurement of the temperature of the primary electronic circuit, the primary inductive element and / or the secondary inductive element. Preferably, the measuring device comprises a plurality of temperature sensors.

[0078] Preferably, the system comprises a charging robot on which the primary electronic circuit, the primary inductive element and the ventilation device are mounted, the charging robot comprising a movement device and a control device acting on the movement device to move the charging robot in order to bring the primary inductive element opposite the secondary inductive element.

[0079] The charging robot can advantageously be moved under the vehicle so as to achieve inductive coupling between the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element.

[0080] Brief description of the drawings

[0081] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0082] [Fig. 1]Figure 1 illustrates an induction charging system for a vehicle battery according to the invention;

[0083] [Fig. 2]Figure 2 shows the induction charging system of Figure 1, in side view;

[0084] [Fig. 3]Figure 3 is a sectional view of the charging system of Figure 1;

[0085] [Fig. 4]Figure 4 shows the charging robot of the charging system according to the invention; and

[0086] [Fig. 5]Figure 5 illustrates a variant of the charging system of Figure 1, in which the mounting device has a domed shape. embodiments

[0087] The invention relates to a system for inductively charging the battery of a vehicle having an electric motor.

[0088] Figure 1 shows the charging system 10 according to the invention. The charging system according to the invention constitutes a system for inductive charging of the battery 11 of the vehicle V.

[0089] The charging system 10 comprises a primary inductive element 12 external to the vehicle V and comprising a winding 14 comprising a plurality of windings. The primary inductive element further comprises a protective plate 16 which is not visible in FIG. 1 but which is visible in the sectional view of FIG. 3. The primary inductive element 12 extends substantially horizontally. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the primary inductive element has a central opening 18 formed axially considered relative to the winding, so that the winding 14 extends peripherally and around said central opening 18. The central opening 18 further passes through said protective plate 16. The central opening extends along a vertical axis X. The central opening 18 defines a cylindrical passage 20 for the air, extending along said axis X.

[0090] The charging system further comprises a primary electronic circuit 22 external to the vehicle V and electrically connected to the primary inductive element 12. In this non-limiting example, the primary electronic circuit 22 comprises two electronic cards, each configured to deliver a power of 7kW. One advantage is being able to connect to a single phase or to two different phases. The primary electronic circuit 22 forms the primary power electronics of the charging system 10. Preferably, the charging system further comprises a control circuit associated with said primary inductive element and said primary electronic circuit. Said primary electronic circuit 22 comprises an inverter.The primary electronic circuit 22 is electrically connected to an electrical power source 15, for example a domestic power supply network delivering an alternating voltage of frequency 50Hz or 60Hz for supplying electrical energy to the primary electronic circuit 22. The primary electronic circuit here comprises a power factor correction module configured to deliver a direct voltage of 400 volts to the inverter. In a non-limiting manner, this module can be embedded on a charging robot, or alternatively be integrated into a charging terminal, in which case it is unloaded relative to such a charging robot. The primary electronic circuit 22 is configured to deliver to the primary inductive element 12 a primary alternating current ÎIAC when it is supplied with electrical energy.

[0091] From the primary alternating current supplied by the primary electronic circuit 22, the winding 14 of the primary inductive element 12 is configured to generate a magnetic field.

[0092] The charging system 10 further comprises a secondary inductive element 26 also comprising a winding 28 comprising a plurality of windings. The secondary inductive element 26 is embedded in the vehicle V and also extends horizontally. By induction, the secondary inductive element 26 is configured to deliver a secondary alternating current Î2AC when it is crossed by the magnetic field generated by the primary inductive element 12. To do this, the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 must be placed opposite each other, here one below the other, in order to obtain an inductive coupling. They then form a high-frequency transformer. The primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are then parallel to each other.

[0093] The charging system 10 further comprises a secondary electronic circuit 30 embedded in the vehicle V and electrically connected to said secondary inductive element 26. The secondary electronic circuit forms the secondary power electronics of the charging system. The secondary electronic circuit 30 has the form of an electronic card. Here, it comprises a rectifier. This rectifier comprises four diodes defining a Graetz bridge. From said secondary alternating current Î2AC delivered by the secondary inductive element 26, the secondary electronic circuit 30 is configured to deliver a direct charging current to the battery 11 of the vehicle, in order to charge the latter.

[0094] In this non-limiting example, the charging system further comprises a mounting device 34, notably visible in FIG. 1, as well as in the side view of FIG. 2. This mounting device 34 is configured to be secured to the vehicle V, for example by means of screws. The mounting device is configured to be mounted under said vehicle. The mounting device 34 is configured to support the secondary inductive element 26 and the secondary electronic circuit 30 for mounting the latter to the vehicle. The mounting device 34 also makes it possible to protect the secondary electronic circuit 30 and the secondary inductive element 26. The mounting device extends in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0095] The mounting device 34 comprises a peripheral mounting plate 36 made of electrically insulating and non-magnetic material, on which the secondary inductive element 26 and in particular its winding 28 is mounted. A central orifice 38, of circular shape, is provided in the peripheral mounting plate 36. The mounting device further comprises a central mounting plate 40, having the shape of a disc. The shape of the central mounting plate 40 corresponds to the shape of the central orifice 38 of the peripheral mounting plate 36. The central mounting plate 40 is made of thermally conductive material, here aluminum. The secondary electronic circuit 30 is mounted on said central mounting plate 40 and supported by the latter. The central mounting plate 40 is arranged in the central orifice 38 of the peripheral mounting plate 36.Furthermore, the central mounting plate 40 is flush with the peripheral mounting plate 36 so that together they define a continuous surface 42. One advantage is to prevent infiltration and to effectively protect the secondary electronic circuit 30 and the secondary inductive element 26 from splashes and water. This continuous surface 42 is advantageously smooth and free from roughness.

[0096] As illustrated in Figure 3, the protective plate 16 of the primary inductive element 12 further comprises a spacing device 46 comprising a plurality of shims extending transversely to said protective plate 16, upwards. Said spacing device 46 makes it possible to maintain a spacing between the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 and more precisely between the protective plate 16 and the peripheral mounting plate 36 of the mounting device 34, when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are inductively coupled and arranged opposite one another. Therefore, a circulation space 48 is provided between said primary inductive element 12 and the peripheral mounting plate 36 of the mounting device 34, when the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 are arranged opposite each other.

[0097] In this non-limiting example, the charging system 10 comprises a charging robot 44, illustrated in FIG. 4, on which the primary inductive element 12 and the primary electronic circuit 22 are mounted. Said charging robot 44 is provided with a movement device 45 and a control device configured to control the movement device in order to move said charging robot. The charging robot can thus be moved so as to position the primary inductive element 12 opposite and below the secondary inductive element 26, in order to carry out the inductive coupling and allow the transfer of energy by induction.

[0098] As can be seen in Figure 3, when the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 are opposite each other, the central mounting plate 40 extends in line with the central opening 18 of the primary inductive element 12. Furthermore, the axis X of the central opening 18 and the passage 20 extends perpendicular to the central mounting plate 40.

[0099] According to the invention, the charging system further comprises a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is also mounted on said charging robot 44. The ventilation device 50, the primary inductive element 12 and the primary electronic circuit 22 are therefore unloaded and external to the vehicle V.

[0100] The ventilation device 50 comprises a fan 52 mounted on the charging robot. The fan 52 is configured to generate an air flow F illustrated by means of arrows in the figures.

[0101] The ventilation device 50 further comprises a guide element 54 having the shape of a duct. The guide element is arranged substantially horizontally. The guide element 54 has an air inlet connected to the fan and is configured to receive and guide the air flow F. The guide element has an air outlet 56 from which the ventilation device makes it possible to project the air flow. The guide element further comprises a bent portion 55. Said air outlet 56 is directed upwards, in a substantially vertical projection direction L, coinciding with the axis X of the central opening 18. The primary inductive element 12 cooperates with the guide element 54, so that the air outlet 56 opens into the passage 20 for the air defined by the central opening 18 of the primary inductive element 12. Said projection direction extends through said passage.

[0102] The guide element 54 further has a horizontal guide portion 57 connected to the fan 52 and running along the two electronic cards of the primary electronic circuit 12. Preferably, the guide element has a discharge orifice for discharging water that may have infiltrated into said guide element. The discharge orifice is advantageously formed in the lower part of the bent portion 55.

[0103] The ventilation device 50 makes it possible to generate a single air flow F which will make it possible to successively cool the primary electronic circuit 22, the secondary electronic circuit 30 and then jointly the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26. The cooling of these elements will now be described with reference to the sectional view of figure 3.

[0104] First, to charge the vehicle battery, the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 are arranged opposite each other, one below the other, so as to achieve inductive coupling between them. To do this, the charging robot 44 is moved under the vehicle, to below the mounting device 34. The charging system is supplied with electrical energy and the battery is charged, by induction. During charging, the primary electronic circuit 22, the secondary electronic circuit 30, the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 heat up, so that it is necessary to cool them.

[0105] The fan 52 of the ventilation device 50 can be actuated, preferably from the start of induction charging. When the fan 52 is put into operation, it generates an air flow F which is brought inside the duct formed by the guide element 54. In a non-limiting manner, the air flow is guided by the guide element 54 first horizontally within the horizontal guide portion 57, along the electronic cards of the primary electronic circuit 22. The guide element may comprise openings making it possible to project a portion of the flow towards said primary electronic circuit. Consequently, the air flow F initially makes it possible to cool said primary electronic circuit 22. The air flow F is then brought to the air outlet 56 of the guide element 54, via the bent portion 55. The air flow F is then projected from said air outlet 56.The air flow is projected substantially vertically, upwards, in the projection direction L which coincides with the axis X of the passage 20. The air flow is therefore projected into the passage 20. According to the invention, the air flow F is projected in the direction of the secondary electronic circuit 30, and here in the direction of the central mounting plate 40.

[0106] The projection direction L of the air flow F is perpendicular to the central mounting plate 40, and more generally to the mounting device 34. The projected air flow F therefore strikes the central mounting plate, in a direction perpendicular to said plate. The central mounting plate 40 is then cooled by this air flow. Insofar as the secondary electronic circuit 30 is mounted on the central mounting plate, which is made of thermally conductive material, said secondary electronic circuit 30 is also indirectly cooled by this same air flow F, in accordance with the invention. The air flow F strikes the plate in a direction perpendicular to the latter, after passing through the passage 20 of the primary inductive element 12.

[0107] The air flow F is then deflected by 90° by the central mounting plate 40 so that it then propagates radially considered relative to the vertical direction in which it struck said central mounting plate. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the air flow F is thus brought into the circulation space 48 where it circulates between the protective plate 16 of the primary inductive element 12 and the peripheral mounting plate 36 of the mounting device 34. This circulation of the air flow F tangentially to the primary inductive element 12 and to the secondary inductive element 26 makes it possible to cool the latter, respectively by cooling the protective plate 16 and the peripheral mounting plate 36.

[0108] The invention therefore makes it possible to successively cool the primary electronic circuit 22, the secondary electronic circuit 30 and then jointly the primary inductive element 12 and the secondary inductive element 26 by means of a single air flow F.

[0109] The charging system 10 further comprises a measuring device 60 configured to measure the temperature of the secondary electronic circuit 30, of the primary electronic circuit 22, of the primary inductive element 12 and of the secondary inductive element 26. The device comprises a plurality of temperature sensors. The ventilation device 50 communicates with said sensors of the measuring device 60 and is configured to adjust the intensity of the air flow F generated as a function of these measured temperatures.

[0110] Figure 5 illustrates a variant of the charging system of Figure 1. In this variant, the mounting device 36 has a curved shape, upwards. Similarly, the protective plate 16 of the primary inductive element 12 has a corresponding curved shape, also upwards. One advantage is to facilitate the positioning of the primary and secondary inductive elements opposite each other and to improve centering, by interlocking between said protective plate 16 and the mounting device 36.

Claims

Claims 1. Charging system (10) by induction of a battery (11) of a vehicle (V) with an electric motor, the system comprising: a primary electronic circuit (22) external to the vehicle and configured to be supplied with electrical energy and to provide a primary alternating current (ÜAC); a primary inductive element (12) external to the vehicle and electrically connected to said primary electronic circuit, said primary inductive element being configured to generate a magnetic field when it is crossed by said primary alternating current; a secondary inductive element (26) configured to be embedded in said vehicle and configured to provide a secondary alternating current (I2AC) when it is placed in the magnetic field generated by the primary inductive element;a secondary electronic circuit (30) configured to be embedded in said vehicle and being connected to said secondary inductive element, said secondary electronic circuit being configured to deliver a direct charging current (I2DC), from said secondary alternating current, to charge the battery of the vehicle; a ventilation device (50) external to the vehicle and configured to generate an air flow (F), the ventilation device being configured to project said air flow towards the secondary electronic circuit when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other, so as to cool at least said secondary electronic circuit.; 2. System according to claim 1, in which the primary inductive element (12) has a central opening (18) defining a passage (20) for the air, as well as a primary winding (14) arranged at the periphery of said central opening, the ventilation device being configured to project said air flow (F) generated through said passage, towards said secondary electronic circuit (30), when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element (26) are positioned opposite each other.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said ventilation device (50) is configured so that said air flow (F) generated makes it possible to cool said secondary electronic circuit (30) then the primary inductive element (12) and / or the secondary inductive element (26).

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a mounting device (34) configured to be mounted under the vehicle (V) and supporting the secondary inductive element (26) as well as the secondary electronic circuit (30), so that the latter are positioned above the mounting device, the ventilation device (50) being configured to project said air flow (F) towards said mounting device.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein said mounting device (34) extends in a substantially horizontal plane, and wherein said ventilation device (50) is configured to project said air flow (F) towards said mounting device in a projection direction (L) substantially perpendicular to said plane.

6. System according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the secondary inductive element (26) comprises a secondary winding (28), and wherein the mounting device (34) comprises a central mounting plate (40) of thermally conductive material supporting said secondary electronic circuit (30) and a peripheral mounting plate (36) extending around the periphery of said central mounting plate and supporting the secondary winding of said secondary inductive element, the ventilation device (50) being configured to project said air flow (F) towards said central mounting plate.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the primary inductive element (12) is configured to be held at a distance from the mounting device (34) when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element (26) are positioned opposite each other, so as to provide a circulation space (48) between said primary inductive element and the peripheral mounting plate (36) of the mounting device, whereby the air flow (F) projected by the device ventilation is guided into said circulation space after striking the central mounting plate (40).

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the mounting device (34) has an upwardly curved shape.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ventilation device (50) is configured to route the generated air flow (F) so as to first cool the primary electronic circuit (22) and then to project the air flow towards said secondary electronic circuit (30) in order to cool the latter.

10. System according to claim 1 to 9, wherein the ventilation device (50) comprises at least one fan (52) configured to generate the air flow (F) and a guide element (54) cooperating with the fan and having an air outlet (56) directed towards the secondary electronic circuit (30) when the primary inductive element and the secondary inductive element are positioned opposite each other, the guide element being configured to guide the air flow to said air outlet.

11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a measuring device (60) configured to measure at least the temperature of the secondary electronic circuit, the ventilation device being configured to adjust the intensity of the air flow (F) generated as a function of said measured temperature of the secondary electronic circuit.

12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a charging robot (44) on which the primary electronic circuit (22), the primary inductive element (12) and the ventilation device (50) are mounted, the charging robot comprising a movement device (45) and a control device acting on the movement device to move the charging robot in order to bring the primary inductive element opposite the secondary inductive element.

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