Electric charging system for electric vehicles, preferably heavy goods-type vehicles, and corresponding method

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric charging system (1) for vehicles (5), comprising; a power cabinet (2); and fast charging points (3) equipped with an electronic management system (30A) and a charging cable (32) having a connector. The electronic management system (30A) is in a box (7), the top of which extends to a height that is less than or equal to that of the top of a wheel guide device (6). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Electric charging system for electric vehicles, preferably heavy vehicles, and corresponding method

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an electric charging system for electric vehicles, preferably heavy vehicles, and a corresponding method.

[0003] PREVIOUS ART

[0004] For example, on a parking infrastructure intended for loading / unloading equipment into heavy goods vehicles, heavy vehicles, also called heavy goods vehicles, usually park in reverse so that their rear loading area is opposite a corresponding loading and unloading access area of ​​the infrastructure.

[0005] Electric heavy goods vehicles have charging connectors located at the front of the vehicle. This poses challenges when equipping parking lots with electric charging stations for heavy goods vehicles, as the maximum cable length from the station used for electric charging is 10 meters.

[0006] The terminals cannot therefore be installed on sidewalks or in the loading and unloading access area at the rear of the vehicle.

[0007] It is known from the state of the art to install electric charging stations between two heavy vehicle parking spaces, preferably in a position close to the location of the front cabin of the heavy goods vehicle equipped with the charging connector when the heavy vehicle is parked in reverse.

[0008] However, this first solution generally results in a significant footprint for the rapid electric charging stations, which is often accompanied by a loss of parking spaces. There is also a risk of collision between the heavy goods vehicle and the station when reversing the heavy goods vehicle.

[0009] It is also known from the state of the art to install gantries allowing part of the equipment to be suspended.

[0010] The disadvantages of this second solution include a high installation cost and the need to provide concrete blocks on the ground to support the metal structure.

[0011] In addition, this type of massif often requires geotechnical studies in order to validate the strength of the whole, which increases the cost of the solution and makes it take longer to deploy.

[0012] The problems of congestion and the risk of damage to charging stations and / or cables also arise for parking infrastructures for other types of electric vehicles, such as buses.

[0013] The present invention aims to propose a new system and method making it possible to overcome at least some of the problems set out above.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to an electric charging system for electric vehicles, preferably heavy vehicles, the system comprising: a power cabinet comprising: a power conversion system connectable to a three-phase electrical sector, the power conversion system being configured to deliver a direct current, and a current distribution module; - electric charging devices, called fast charging points, for the electric charging of vehicles, each fast charging point comprising: an electronic management system; a charging cable provided at one end with a charging connector, preferably of the CCS2 type, each fast charging point being connected to the power cabinet by a power cable and a communication cable; characterized in that, the charging system comprising, for each fast charging point, a wheel guidance device; at least the electronic management system of each rapid charging point is housed in a box which has at least one entry orifice for the power cable and the communication cable, the top of the box being located at a height less than or equal to the height of the top of the wheel guidance device, and in that, the charging cable being movable between a stored position waiting for use, and a position of use to be connected to a corresponding connector of an electric vehicle, the charging cable is, in the stored position waiting for use, located at a height less than or equal to the height of the top of the wheel guidance device.

[0016] Thus, when a vehicle parks in a parking space for rapid charging, the part of the vehicle overhanging the axles can pass over the charging box and cable without touching the box or cable.

[0017] Such a system design makes it possible to equip heavy goods vehicle parking lots with rapid charging stations for which the risk of damage is reduced.

[0018] Providing a main cabinet makes it possible to group together components, in particular bulky components, in particular the AC / DC power conversion system, and the current distribution module, to install them in a less constrained area, away from the locations where heavy vehicles are intended to park, in particular at a distance from the rapid charging stations which, conversely, are located closer to said parking locations to allow proximity between the rapid charging station and an electrical connector of the heavy goods vehicle, when the latter is parked, in order to facilitate the connection of the connector of the charging cable of a rapid charging station with the corresponding electrical connector of the heavy goods vehicle.

[0019] Fast charging stations can thus be located as close as possible to the vehicle's charging connector. In particular, the fast charging station can be located less than ten meters from the position occupied by the vehicle's connector. heavy goods vehicles in the parked state of the heavy goods vehicle in reverse gear in its location, the heavy goods vehicle connector being located at the front.

[0020] The charging cable may be protected by the wheel guidance device (wheel guide) by being, in the stored state, housed at least partly in the wheel guidance device or between two elements of the wheel guidance device. It may also be provided that the box is housed at least partly in the wheel guidance device and / or between two elements of the wheel guidance device to be protected by the wheel guidance device. It may be provided that the box is buried or partially buried.

[0021] Advantageously, at least a portion of the cable and the connector with which the cable is provided can be stored in the wheel guidance device.

[0022] The system may also include one or more of the following features taken in any technically admissible combination.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the wheel guidance device comprises an elongated element, preferably horizontal, against which a wheel of a vehicle is able to come to bear, said elongated element being spaced from the ground so as to leave a free space between the underside of the elongated element and the ground, the space preferably being at least 15 cm high.

[0024] According to one embodiment, said elongated element has a convex-shaped section when viewed from the outside of the elongated element, preferably a circular section.

[0025] According to one embodiment, said elongated element has a smooth surface, preferably metallic.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the elongate element of the wheel guide device has a groove allowing at least a portion of the charging cable to be stored inside the wheel guide device. The opening of the groove is preferably oriented upwards. In the stored state, said at least a portion of the cable can thus extend into and along the groove.

[0027] According to a particular aspect, the portion of the cable which emerges from the ground can thus extend into the wheel guidance device to be protected from one or more wheels of a vehicle.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the elongated element of the wheel guide device is a hollow element. The peripheral wall of the hollow element may have a slot to form the groove. Advantageously, the opening of the groove, for example formed by the slot, is located in the upper part of the elongated element of the wheel guide device to facilitate storage and gripping of the cable.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the elongate member is a hollow member having a groove formed in and along said elongate member of the wheel guide device, the opening of the groove preferably being oriented upwards, to allow at least a portion of the charging cable to be stored inside the wheel guide device.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the box is located, in top view, between elongated elements, preferably parallel to each other, of the wheel guide device. Said elongated elements are called maneuvering assistance devices. In other words, the box is located in top view in the space delimited by the elements of the wheel guide device. The elements of the wheel guide delimit between them a space which is not used for positioning the vehicle and which can therefore be used to position a terminal box between the wheel guide elements without the space taken up by the box being to the detriment of the useful parking areas of the vehicles. The elements of a wheel guide may comprise two elongated elements which extend parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.The elements of a wheel guide may also include a front element which extends from one of the elongated (lateral) elements towards the other to at least partially block access to the area delimited between the two parallel elongated elements.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the wheel guidance device comprises a single elongated element, preferably straight and parallel to the ground, the ends of which are connected to the ground by connecting elements.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a device for storing at least part of the charging cable outside the box.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a device for storing at least a portion of the charging cable positioned in an elongated element of the wheel guidance device.

[0034] The device for storing at least a portion of the charging cable makes it possible to store and protect at least a portion, preferably the majority, of the length of the cable and, preferably, the charging connector. It may be provided that the connector of the charging cable engages with a support provided in the storage device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a device for storing at least a portion of the charging cable, which is arranged in or on the ground, for example in the form of a channel or groove arranged in the ground, for example along an elongated element of the wheel guidance device.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the charging cable storage device comprises a reel, preferably a reel with a vertical axis.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the storage device comprises a member for receiving and holding the connector of the charging cable.

[0038] The retention can be achieved by shape cooperation of the connector with a support, or by an activatable / deactivatable retention mechanism to maintain or release the connector of the charging cable relative to a support.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a cable gland device which forms a connection between the box and the outgoing portion of the charging cable relative to the box to guide the charging cable.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the wheel guidance device has a top with a height of between 20 cm and 40 cm (relative to the ground on which the guidance device is fixed).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the charging cable has a diameter of between 38 mm and 50 mm.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the box is at least partially buried.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the power distribution module is configured to direct electrical power of at least 100 kW from the power conversion system to one or more of the charging points. fast electric, to enable the or each of said fast charging points to deliver a power of at least 100 kW to the corresponding vehicle.

[0044] The power conversion system thus makes it possible to deliver, via the current distribution module, a direct current of at least 100 kW for each rapid charging point, said or each of said rapid charging points being capable of delivering a direct current of at least 100 kW to an electric vehicle whose charging connector is connected to said rapid charging cable of the corresponding rapid charging point.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the electronic management system is housed in a housing to form an electronic box which is housed in the cabinet.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method of setting up a charging system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, on an electric vehicle parking site, in which the method comprises the following steps: - installation of the power cabinet on the parking site; - placing each rapid charging point on the parking site next to a vehicle parking space, each rapid charging point being associated with a wheel guidance device which is fixed to the ground; - connection of each rapid charging point to the power cabinet by a power cable and a communication cable, at least the electronic management system of each rapid charging point being housed in a box which has at least one entry hole for the power cable and the communication cable, the top of the box being located at a height less than or equal to that of the top of the wheel guidance device, and the charging cable being movable between a stowed position waiting for use, and a position of use to be connected to a corresponding connector of an electric vehicle, the charging cable being, in the stowed position waiting for use, located at a height less than or equal to the height of the top of the wheel guidance device.

[0047] Preferably, the wheel guide device comprises an elongate element which has a groove formed in and along said elongate element inside and along which at least a portion of the charging cable is stored in a position ready for use.

[0048] According to a particular aspect, the power cabinet is intended to be powered by being connected to a three-phase electrical sector.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the method comprises placing the box, seen from above, between elements, preferably elongated, of a wheel guidance device fixed to the ground, said elements, preferably parallel to each other, being called maneuvering assistance devices, such as tubes.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the method comprises placing the box between elongated elements, preferably parallel to each other, of a wheel guidance device fixed to the ground, said elongated elements being called maneuvering assistance devices. The box may be located on the side of a front element of the wheel guidance device, in the space delimited between elongated elements and the front element which extends from one of the elongated elements towards the other elongated element.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the charging method also comprises the following steps: - positioning a vehicle, preferably in reverse, in a parking space with passage of a part of the vehicle, which is cantilevered in relation to the axles of the vehicle, above the box; - finalizing the positioning of the vehicle along said location (in other words along the wheel guidance device), the vehicle being moved horizontally away from the rapid charging point; - preferably gripping the connector and outputting at least part of the cable housed in an elongated element of the wheel guide device; - connection of the charging cable connector to the vehicle's electrical connector to recharge the vehicle's battery.

[0052] According to one embodiment, in the stored position waiting for use, the charging cable is housed at least partially inside and along a groove provided in an elongated element of the wheel guide device, said groove having an opening opposite the bottom of the groove which is preferably oriented upwards, to facilitate storage and gripping of the charging cable by a user.

[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0055] - [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a rapid charging installation according to one embodiment;

[0056] - [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the system according to an embodiment of the invention, showing the arrangement of a rapid charging device (point or terminal), in the buried state, with a wheel guidance device and a positioning of the charging cable, a part of which is stored along an element of the guidance device in a storage support, forming for example a channel, the storage support here being separate from the guidance device, and preferably extending between two parallel guidance elements of the guidance device;

[0057] - [Fig. 3A] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of a part of the system according to an embodiment of the invention, showing the arrangement of a rapid charging device, in the buried state, with a wheel guidance device and a positioning of the charging cable, a part of which is stored along and inside an element of the guidance device, for example in a channel integrated into the guidance device, in particular in an elongated element of the wheel guidance device, Figure 3A showing the box which houses the electronic management system of the rapid charging device which is intended to be buried, and which thus extends to a height lower than that of the guidance device;

[0058] - [Fig. 3B] Figure 3B is a schematic perspective view from another angle of the part of the system of Figure 3A showing the rapid charging device and the positioning of a part of the charging cable stored along and inside an element of the guide device;

[0059] - [Fig. 3C] Figure 3C is a schematic perspective view from another angle of the part of the system of Figure 3A showing the rapid charging device and the positioning of a part of the charging cable stored along and inside an element of the guide device;

[0060] - [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the arrangement of a rapid charging station, in the buried state of the box, with a wheel guidance device and positioning of a part of the charging cable in the stored state by being wound around an element forming a vertical winding axis;

[0061] - [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the housing of a rapid charging device at least partially buried and the top of which remains at a height less than or equal to the top of the wheel guidance device;

[0062] - [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the passage of a cantilevered part of the truck above the rapid charging device box during the parking maneuver;

[0063] - [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention in which the wheel guidance device comprises a tubular element in which a portion of the charging cable is adapted to be stored, the figure showing the truck of Figure 6 parked parallel to an element of the wheel guidance device and with the fast charging cable extended from the wheel guidance device and connected to the front of the truck.

[0064] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0066] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrence of the expression "in a embodiment" at various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0067] With reference to the figures, there is proposed an electric charging system (or installation) 1, called fast, for electric vehicles 5, preferably heavy electric vehicles. The electric charging system 1 comprises a power cabinet 2 and fast charging devices 3, called fast charging terminals or points, for charging heavy vehicles. The power cabinet 2 is common to the fast charging devices 3 and makes it possible to group together in said cabinet and therefore to move bulky components of the system away from said fast charging devices 3. The power cabinet 2 can be considered as a central element of the system and the fast charging devices 3 can be considered as satellites of the central element.

[0068] The configuration of the electric charging system 1 makes it possible to limit the risk of degradation of the system, in particular the risk of degradation of the rapid charging devices 3, while maintaining sufficient space for the parking spaces of the heavy electric vehicles 5.

[0069] With the electric charging system 1 according to the invention, when a vehicle, in particular a heavy vehicle, is parked in a parking space in an area equipped with the charging system, the heavy electric vehicle 5 can be electrically recharged easily for the user and without risk of shock between the vehicle and the rapid charging devices 3.

[0070] Power cabinet

[0071] As mentioned above, the production of the electric charging system 1 in the form of a power cabinet on the one hand and several rapid charging devices 3 on the other hand, makes it possible to relocate a bulky part of the system formed by said power cabinet 2 at a distance from the devices, preferably in an area away from the vehicle maneuvering range.

[0072] It is understood that, if the fast charging devices 3 need to be positioned sufficiently close to the vehicle locations 50 to be able to connect the charging connector of the cable 32 of the fast charging device 3 to the corresponding connector of the vehicle, conversely, the power cabinet 2 which is connected to the fast charging devices 3 by power cables 4, can be far from the vehicle locations 50, for example on a sidewalk.

[0073] The power cabinet 2 comprises a power conversion system 21 connectable to the three-phase AC electrical sector of the site by a power input cable 211. The power conversion system 21 comprises one or more power conversion modules, for example depending on the voltage that is desired to be delivered and / or for reasons of reliability, redundancy or availability. The power conversion system 21 is configured to be able to convert the alternating current AC into direct current DC. The power cabinet 2 also comprises a current distribution module 22, such as a set of relays, configured to direct the power supplied by the power conversion system 21 to the fast electrical charging devices 3.

[0074] Preferably, the power conversion system 21 is configured to be able to deliver a direct current DC of at least 100 kW, for example 150 kW, to each electric charging device 3.

[0075] A control unit 23 (or control module) makes it possible, in cooperation with an electronic management system of each electric charging device 3 presented below, to control the supply of power to each electric charging device 3 and the communication with the electric charging devices 3. In particular, the control unit 23 ensures the concordance between the unit power demands of each charging point (electric charging device 3) and the total available power that can be supplied by the power cabinet (in particular the power conversion system 21). For example, it is possible to provide that the installation comprises eight 150 kW charging points connected to a 1000 kW power cabinet so that the control unit 23 controls the distribution of power between the charging points. charge according to the power requested by the charging points and the power available at the power cabinet.

[0076] Fast charging devices

[0077] Each fast charging device 3 comprises an electronic management system 30A. The electronic management system 30A comprises a control unit for communicating with the control unit of the power cabinet. The fast charging device 3 also comprises a charging cable 32 connected to the electronic management system 30A and provided at one end with a charging connector, preferably of the CCS2 type.

[0078] As explained previously, the electronic management system of the fast charging device 3 communicates with the control unit 23 of the power cabinet.

[0079] Each fast charging device 3, in particular the electronic management system 30A, is connected to the power cabinet 2 by a power cable 4. Each fast charging device 3, in particular the electronic management system 30A, is also connected to the power cabinet 2 by a communication cable 4'.

[0080] At least the electronic management system 30A is housed in a box 7. The electronic management system 30A is preferably housed in a housing 30, to form an electronic box which is itself housed in the box 7. Provision may be made for the box 7 and / or the box 30 to be waterproof. Provision may also be made for the box 30 to be waterproof and for the box 7 to have a connection port to the sewer. [00811 Box

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the box 7 is located, in top view, between elongated elements 61 of a wheel guide device 6 fixed to the ground.

[0083] The ground reference S0 used, i.e. the zero height level, can be considered as the ground level to which the wheel guidance device is fixed or the ground level on which the vehicle is positioned in the state parked in a parking space that extends next to a wheel guidance device 6.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the wheel guidance device has a vertex S6 located at a distance of between 20 cm and 40 cm from the ground S0.

[0085] As mentioned above, the box 7 can be configured to be waterproof, for example by sealing lips. It is also possible to provide for the box 7 to have a connection hole to the sewer.

[0086] Preferably, the box 7 comprises an openable and reclosable closing cover 71. It may be provided that the box is arranged so that, in the closed state of the cover 71 which closes access to the interior of the box 7, the cover 71 of the box 7 is flush with or extends below the ground. In other embodiments, the cover forming the top of the box extends projecting from the ground but to a height less than or equal to that of the wheel guide device 6.

[0087] According to an embodiment not illustrated, in which the cable can be stored in the box, it can be provided that a support element for the charging cable is fixed to the cover 71 of the box 7. It can be provided that opening the cover causes the connector of the charging cable to come out at least partially from the inside of the box, which makes the connector of the charging cable accessible to the user who can thus grasp it to connect it to the corresponding connector of the electric vehicle to be recharged.

[0088] Wheel guidance device

[0089] The wheel guidance device comprises one or more elongated members 61 which are called maneuvering aids. The elongated members 61 preferably extend parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

[0090] It may also be provided that the wheel guide device 6 comprises a front element 62 (see for example Figure 2) which at least partially closes the entrance to the passage delimited between lateral elongated elements 61. Said elongated elements 61 (as well as the front element 62) may comprise tubes, as in the examples of Figures 2 to 3C, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

[0091] According to one embodiment, each maneuvering assistance device 61 has a top located at most 40 cm from the ground S0, and at least 20 cm from the ground (Figure 5).

[0092] According to a particular aspect, the ground S0 means the reference ground corresponding to the driving area of ​​the vehicle. The area where the vehicle is located is thus part of the ground S0.

[0093] As shown diagrammatically in Figure 5 and in connection with Figures 6 and 7, the top S7 of the box 7, which is located at a height less than or equal to the top of said elongated elements 61, is thus located at a height less than or equal to 40 cm relative to the ground S0, so that, when a vehicle 5 parks in a location 50 for rapid recharging, the top S7 of the box 7 allows the part 51 of the vehicle in overhang to pass above the box 7.

[0094] Advantageously, the wheel guide device 6, also called a wheel guide, comprises an elongated element 61, also called an elongated body, which extends parallel to the ground, preferably horizontally, and which is spaced from the ground so as to define between the underside of said elongated element 61 and the ground S0, a space of a distance greater than or equal to 15 cm, and preferably less than or equal to 25 cm. The space thus formed between the elongated element 61 and the ground thus allows the tire of a vehicle which comes to bear against the elongated element 61 of the wheel guide device 6, to be guided by the elongated element 61, while coming to deform, by bearing on the elongated element, partly in the space thus defined under the elongated element 61, which prevents the tire from mounting on the elongated element 61 of the wheel guide device 6.

[0095] Advantageously, the outer face of the elongated element 61 is smooth. The adhesion of a tire to said elongated element is thus limited, which prevents a vehicle wheel, such as a truck, from climbing onto the wheel guide, while still allowing the vehicle to be guided to its positioning destination (parking).

[0096] The ends of the elongated element 61 are connected to the ground by connecting parts which may be bent elements which extend the elongated wheel guide element.

[0097] Advantageously, the elongated element 61 of the wheel guide device 6 is of convex section (as seen from the outside), preferably of circular section.

[0098] Advantageously, the wheel guide device 6, also called a wheel guide, is made of metal, preferably steel.

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the elongated element is a hollow body. Advantageously, the diameter or width of the elongated element 61 is greater than 20 cm. In particular, the elongated element of the wheel guide is tubular. Preferably, the elongated element 61 has a longitudinal slot or groove for the insertion into the elongated element 61 or the removal from said elongated element 61 of at least a portion of the charging cable 32 and the cable connector. The description given for an elongated element 61 is also applicable to a plurality of elongated elements 61.

[0100] Differences between a curb and a wheel guide

[0101] A sidewalk is generally made of solid concrete, with a total height of less than 15 cm, to allow a pedestrian to place their foot on it, while the sidewalk does not hinder the possibility of a vehicle, such as a truck, from driving onto said sidewalk.

[0102] The purpose of the wheel guide device 6 (wheel guide) is to separate the vehicles with a reduced space between them (for example a space corresponding to the diameter or width of the elongated element 61). A sidewalk separates pedestrians from vehicles. Indeed, a sidewalk is designed for pedestrians to walk on it, separating them from the traffic of vehicles on the roadway, whereas a wheel guide aims to separate the vehicles from each other with a reduced space. This is not the case for a sidewalk whose minimum width must allow pedestrians to walk on it.

[0103] According to a particular aspect, the diameter or width of the elongated element 61 of the wheel guide device 6 is less than 20 cm, which does not allow a pedestrian to stand on it and walk on it, especially when the elongated element is of circular section.

[0104] Charging cable

[0105] Cable 32 is suitable for transmitting significant electrical power, preferably up to 300 kW (1000V x 300A) in direct current (DC), which requires a cable with a diameter of at least 38 mm.

[0106] Said charging cable 32, also called DC charging cable, is thus distinguished from a cable intended to supply low-power alternating current (AC), for example less than 22 kW, with a diameter less than 20 mm which can be wound and housed in a box. In other words, the charging cable 32 cannot be housed in the wheel guide in the configuration of the cable wound on itself. Possible winding of the cable on itself involves leaving the cable and the connector outside the wheel guide device 6 as in the example illustrated in Figure 4.

[0107] The bending radius may be between 250 and 500 mm. Preferably, the charging cable 32 has a bending radius (or radius of curvature) of at least 450 mm, for example of a value of 500 mm.

[0108] Preferably, the charging cable 32 has a diameter between 30 mm and 50 mm, for example 40 mm. The length of the charging cable 32 may be between 2 and 10 m, for example 7 m.

[0109] For example, for a circumference of 3.140 m for a 7 m cable, the diameter of the reel with its cable would be 2.2 m. Such a reel cannot be housed in a wheel guide.

[0110] According to a particular aspect, the charging cable 32 is not wound during use so as not to risk creating a winding current which could damage it.

[0111] Charging cable storage

[0112] According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a device for storing the charging cable outside the box 7.

[0113] As illustrated in Figures 3A to 3D, and Figures 6 to 8, a storage device 9 may be provided in an element of the wheel guide device 6, for example in the form of a channel or groove provided in and along an elongate element 61 of the wheel guide device.

[0114] Advantageously, the storage groove for the charging cable is arranged in and along an elongated element 61, preferably tubular, of the wheel guide device, along which the vehicle is intended to be positioned in the parked state on the corresponding parking space. Preferably, the groove is open upwards to allow the cable to be easily stored by depositing it by gravity in the groove which forms the storage device 9. The opening of the groove upwards also allows the cable to be easily grasped to remove it from its housing.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, a storage device 9' for the charging cable may be provided in or on the ground, for example in the form of a channel or groove provided in the ground and along an elongated element of the wheel guide device 6, as illustrated for example in Figure 2.

[0116] According to a particular aspect, the storage device comprises a member for receiving and holding the connector of the charging cable.

[0117] The system may comprise a cable gland device which forms a connection between box 7 and the outgoing part of the charging cable 32 relative to box 7 to guide the cable.

[0118] As illustrated in Figure 4, according to another embodiment, it can be provided that the system comprises a reel (not shown) allowing the cable to be wound around a vertical axis.

[0119] Process

[0120] A method is proposed below for the installation of a system as proposed above on a parking site for electric vehicles, preferably heavy vehicles, such as heavy goods vehicles.

[0121] The site has several parking spaces 50 each associated with at least one wheel guidance device 6. A wheel guidance device 6 may be arranged between two parking spaces 50, or at one end of the plurality of parking spaces. Similarly, a parking space located between two other parking spaces may be arranged between two wheel guidance devices, and an end parking space may be associated with a single wheel guidance device or be located between two wheel guidance devices.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the wheel guidance device comprises elements, preferably elongated, which delimit between them a space in which the box can be positioned and can thus be protected, without the box encroaching on a parking space. The charging cable can also be protected by being stored inside said space or inside an elongated element of the wheel guidance device. According to one embodiment, the wheel guidance device comprises a single elongated element.

[0123] The method comprises the following steps. The power cabinet 2 is installed on the parking site, preferably at a distance from the parking spaces 50, for example on a sidewalk. The power cabinet 2 is connected by the cable 211 to a three-phase AC alternating current source.

[0124] The fast charging devices 3 are preferably installed between two parking spaces 50, each being associated with a wheel guidance device.

[0125] Each fast charging point 3 is connected to the power cabinet 2 by a power cable 4 and a communication cable 4'.

[0126] The electronic management system 30A, preferably housed in a housing 30 to form an electronic housing, of each rapid charging point 3 is housed in a corresponding box 7 which has at least one entry hole 74 for the power cable 4 and the communication cable 4'.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the method comprises placing the box 7 between elongated elements 61 of a wheel guidance device 6 fixed to the ground (in top view), said elongated elements being called maneuvering assistance devices, such as tubes.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the method comprises at least partial burial of the box 7. The box 7 can also be completely buried.

[0129] The top S7 of the box 7 is located at a height less than or equal to the top of the wheel guide device 6, i.e. at a height less than or equal to 40 cm from the ground, so that, when the vehicle is parked for rapid recharging, the part 51 of the vehicle 5 in overhang can pass above the box 7.

[0130] The charging cable 32 of the fast charging point 3 can be protected by the wheel guidance device (wheel guide) by being, in the stored state, housed at least partly in the wheel guidance device, in particular in a channel or groove provided in an elongated element 61 of the wheel guidance device or between two elongated elements of the wheel guidance device. It is also possible to provide for the box to be housed at least partly in the wheel guidance device and / or between two elements of the wheel guidance device to be protected by the wheel guidance device.

[0131] To park, the vehicle 5 can pass partly 51 above the box 7, as illustrated for example in Figure 6. In the parked state, the vehicle 5 no longer has a part above the box 7, as illustrated for example in Figure 7.

[0132] The user can then grasp the charging cable 32 from the terminal 3 located on the side of the truck which has a battery charging connector, to remove the charging cable 32 from its storage 9, for example by removing it from a groove provided in an elongated element 61 of the wheel guide device 6. Then the user can connect the connector of the charging cable 32 to the corresponding connector of the vehicle in order to recharge the vehicle battery. As explained previously, the control unit 23 of the cabinet communicates with the control unit of the electronic management system 30A of the electric charging device 3, to control the supply of power necessary for the electric charging device 3 to enable the vehicle battery to be recharged.

[0133] Once recharging has been carried out, the charging cable 32 can be stored in its housing, for example by being deposited by gravity in and along the groove provided in the elongated element 61 of the wheel guide device 6.

[0134] Plug-in electric vehicles

[0135] Preferably, electric vehicles rechargeable using the system include all or part of the following vehicle categories: Category designation - Authorized Total Weight (ATW) N2: from 3.5 Tonnes up to 12 Tonnes N3: greater than or equal to 12 Tonnes 03: from 3.5 Tonnes up to 10 Tonnes 04: greater than or equal to 10 Tons M2: PTAC less than 5 tonnes for a vehicle configuration including a driver's seat and more than 8 passenger seats M3: greater than or equal to 5 Tonnes for a vehicle configuration including a driver's seat and more than 8 passenger seats; where N, O and M correspond to the following three category types: N: Motor vehicle used for the transport of goods: Tractor / Carrier O: Towed vehicle used for the transport of goods: Semi-trailer / Trailer M: Public Passenger Transport Vehicle: Motorhome / TCP (Public Passenger Transport)

[0136] The control unit of the electrical cabinet and / or of each rapid charging device is, for example, in the form of a processor and a data memory in which computer instructions executable by said processor are stored, or in the form of a microcontroller.

[0137] In other words, the functions and steps described in connection with the cabinet and the fast charging point can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (e.g. programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps operated by the control units can be carried out by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be carried out by dedicated electronic components or components of the programmable logic circuit type (or FPGA which is the acronym for field-programmable gate array, which literally corresponds to in-situ programmable gate array) or of the application-specific integrated circuit type (or ASIC which is the acronym for application-specific integrated circuit, which literally corresponds to application-specific integrated circuit).It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

[0138] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0139] Furthermore, the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps. In addition, features or steps that have been described with reference to one Embodiments set forth above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments set forth above.

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical charging system (1) for electric vehicles (5), preferably heavy vehicles (5), the system comprising: a power cabinet (2) comprising: a power conversion system (21) connectable to a three-phase electrical sector (AC), the power conversion system being configured to deliver a direct current (DC), and a current distribution module (22); electrical charging devices, called fast charging points, for the electrical charging (3) of the vehicles, each fast charging point (3) comprising: an electronic management system (30A); a charging cable (32) provided at one end with a charging connector, preferably of the CCS2 type, each fast charging point (3) being connected to the power cabinet (2) by a power cable (4) and a communication cable (4');characterized in that, the charging system comprising, for each rapid charging point (3), a wheel guidance device (6); at least the electronic management system (30A) of each rapid charging point (3) is housed in a box (7) which has at least one inlet orifice (74) for the power cable (4) and the communication cable (4'), the top (S7) of the box (7) being located at a height less than or equal to the height of the top (S6) of the wheel guidance device (6), and in that, the charging cable (32) being movable between a stored position waiting for use, and a position of use to be connected to a corresponding connector of an electric vehicle (5), the charging cable (32) is, in the stored position waiting for use, located at a height less than or equal to the height of the top (S6) of the wheel guidance device (6).;

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the wheel guide device (6) comprises an elongated element (61), preferably horizontal, against which a wheel of a vehicle is able to come to bear, said elongated element being spaced from the ground (S0) so as to leave a free space between the underside of the elongated element (61) and the ground, the space preferably being at least 15 cm high.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said elongate member (61) has a convex-shaped section when viewed from outside the elongate member, preferably a circular section.

4. System according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said elongated element (61) has a smooth, preferably metallic, surface.

5. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the elongate element (61) of the wheel guide device (6) has a groove allowing at least a portion of the load cable (32) to be stored inside the wheel guide device (6).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the box (7) is located, in top view, between elongated elements (61), preferably parallel to each other, of the wheel guide device (6).

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises a storage device (9') for at least a portion of the charging cable, which is provided in or on the ground, for example in the form of a channel or groove provided in the ground, for example along an elongate element of the wheel guide device (6).

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises a device for storing at least a portion of the charging cable, which comprises a reel, preferably a vertical axis reel.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wheel guide device (6) has a top with a height of between 20 cm and 40 cm.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the charging cable (32) has a diameter of between 38 mm and 50 mm.

11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the power distribution module (22) is configured to direct an electrical power of at least 100 kW, from the power conversion system (21) to one or more of the rapid charging points (3), to enable the or each of said rapid charging points (3) to deliver a power of at least 100 kW to the corresponding vehicle (5).

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the box (7) is at least partially buried.

13. Method for setting up a charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, on a parking site for electric vehicles (5), in which the method comprises the following steps: setting up the power cabinet (2) on the parking site; setting up each fast charging point (3) on the parking site next to a parking space (50) for a vehicle (5), each fast charging point (3) being associated with a wheel guidance device (6) which is fixed to the ground;connection of each fast charging point (3) to the power cabinet (2) by a power cable (4) and a communication cable (4'), at least the electronic management system (30A) of each fast charging point (3) being housed in a box (7) which has at least one inlet orifice (74) for the power cable (4) and the communication cable (4'), the top (S7) of the box (7) being located at a height less than or equal to that of the top (S6) of the wheel guidance device (6), and the charging cable (32) being movable between a stored position waiting for use, and a position of use to be connected to a corresponding connector of an electric vehicle (5), the charging cable (32) being, in the stored position waiting for use, located at a height less than or equal to the height of the top (S6) of the wheel guidance device (6).;

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method also comprises the following steps: - positioning of a vehicle (5), preferably in reverse, on a parking space (50) with passage of a part (51) of the vehicle, which is cantilevered relative to the vehicle axles, above the box (7); - finalizing the positioning of the vehicle along said location (50), the vehicle being moved horizontally away from the rapid charging point (3); - connecting the connector of the charging cable (32) to the electrical connector of the vehicle (5) to recharge the battery of said vehicle.

15. Method according to any one of claims 13 to 14, in which, in the stored position waiting for use, at least a part of the charging cable (32) is housed inside and along a groove provided in an elongate element of the wheel guide device (6), said groove having an opening opposite the bottom of the groove which is preferably oriented upwards, to facilitate the storage and gripping of the charging cable (32) by a user.

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