Device comprising a charging gun comprising an indicator light, and method implementing the device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for electrically recharging a battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle and to a method implementing the device (10). The device (10) comprises a charging gun, an electric cable (20) and a sheath (30). The electric cable (20) has an end (21) configured to extend longitudinally over a length (L1, L2), the sheath (30) comprising a sensor (60) configured to emit a first command when the extended length (L1, L2) is less than a first predetermined length, the sensor (60) being configured to emit a second command when the extended length (L1, L2) is greater than a second predetermined length, the charging gun comprising an indicator light configured to emit a first light signal when the sensor (60) emits the first command, the indicator light being configured to emit a second light signal when the sensor (60) emits the second command.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: DEVICE INCLUDING A RECHARGE GUN WITH AN INDICATOR LIGHT, AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE DEVICE

[0003] The present invention claims priority from French application No. FR2501071 filed on February 30, 2025, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004]

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device for recharging electric or hybrid vehicles, that is, those equipped with at least one battery for storing electrical energy for their propulsion. This includes vehicles with a single means of electric propulsion, as well as hybrid vehicles incorporating at least one mode of electric propulsion. The electrical cable is intended to electrically connect the battery to an external power source in order to recharge the battery.

[0005]

[0002] Patent application EP3442824 describes a vehicle comprising an electric charging gun configured to connect electrically to a charging board. The vehicle also includes a battery and an electrical cable connecting the battery to the charging gun. In this way, the electrical connection established by the cable between the charging gun and the charging board enables the battery to be electrically recharged. Furthermore, the electric charging gun includes an indicator light configured to show the battery's state of charge.

[0006]

[0003] However, in order to electrically connect the charging gun to the charging board, mechanical stress, particularly tension, is applied to the electrical cable. In some cases, for example when the charging gun is moved towards the charging board, the mechanical stress exceeds the intended mechanical stress. As a result, the electrical cable is damaged, and even components connected to the electrical cable, such as the battery, are damaged. Thus, such a device is likely to impair battery charging.

[0007]

[0004] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks while providing a more reliable device for recharging electric or hybrid vehicle batteries.

[0008]

[0005] Thus, to achieve this objective, the invention proposes a device for electrically recharging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the device comprising:

[0009] - an electrical junction box;

[0010] - a charging gun configured to connect electrically to a charging board, the electrical cable including an additional end electrically connected to the charging gun;

[0011] - an electrical cable electrically connecting the electrical junction box to the refill gun;

[0012] - a sheath to receive the electrical cable,

[0013] characterized in that the sheath has an end extending longitudinally along a central axis, the electrical cable has an end configured to extend longitudinally over a length along the central axis, the sheath comprising a sensor configured to issue a first command when the extended length is less than a first predetermined length, the sensor being configured to issue a second command when the extended length is greater than a second predetermined length, the charging gun comprising a light indicator configured to issue a first light signal when the sensor issues the first command, the light indicator being configured to issue a second light signal when the sensor issues the second command.

[0014]

[0006] This ensures the safe movement of the charging gun relative to the charging board. The indicator light emits signals to warn the user when the electrical cable is subjected to mechanical stress beyond its permissible limit. Consequently, the device's durability is improved. In short, with a more reliable electrical cable, battery charging is more reliable and secure.

[0007] Furthermore, this allows the electrical cable to be mechanically stressed up to the limit of permissible mechanical stress by visualizing the indicator light. Thus, the electrical cable is stretched to its maximum length without being damaged when the limit of permissible mechanical stress is reached. As a result, the charging gun has a greater reach for electrical connection to the charging board while ensuring user safety.

[0015]

[0008] Advantageously, the electrical cable includes a ring extending circumferentially around the central axis.

[0016]

[0009] The ring allows the movement of the electrical cable to be guided precisely in the sheath.

[0017]

[0010] Advantageously, the ring includes a peripheral part, the peripheral part comprising a Teflon material.

[0018]

[0011] The peripheral part includes a Teflon material, allowing to reduce the friction of the ring on the sheath.

[0019]

[0012] Advantageously, the ring and the electrical cable are mechanically connected by a weld.

[0020]

[0013] Advantageously, the sheath includes a groove.

[0021]

[0014] Advantageously, the sheath includes a compression spring, the compression spring extending circumferentially around the central axis, the compression spring comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the compression spring being abutted against the groove, the second end of the compression spring being abutted against the ring.

[0022]

[0015] The compression spring is arranged so as to fold the electrical cable when the electrical cable is no longer under mechanical stress.

[0023]

[0016] Advantageously, the end of the sheath includes a stop extending circumferentially around the central axis.

[0024]

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for electrically recharging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, implementing a device as defined above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] - a step of deploying the electrical cable longitudinally over a length along the central axis; - a step of activation by the sensor when the deployed length is greater than the predetermined length;

[0026] - a step of emitting the first light signal by the indicator light when the sensor emits the first command;

[0027] - a step of emitting the second light signal by the indicator light when the sensor emits the second command;

[0028] - a step of moving the charging gun towards the charging plate as long as the first light signal is emitted;

[0029] - a step of connecting the charging gun to the charging board in order to perform the electrical recharging of the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0030]

[0018] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for the execution of the steps of the method for electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle as defined above, when said program is running on a computer.

[0031]

[0019] The invention further relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising:

[0032] - a device as defined above;

[0033] - a control unit electronically connected to the device, the control unit includes a processing means, an acquisition means and a control means configured to implement a computer program as defined above.

[0034]

[0020] For example, the control unit supervises the electrical zone controller network, also commonly called "eCAN," which includes a battery management unit and a charging management unit. The control unit is commonly called an eVCU for "Electric Vehicle Control Unit." The battery management unit is also commonly called a BMS for "Battery Management System." The battery management unit manages the operation of the battery used for vehicle traction, regulating battery parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and cell balancing. Furthermore, the charging management unit is also commonly called an OBCDC for "On-Board Charger DC / DC." The charging management unit manages the electrical power conversion functions, particularly those associated with charging the vehicle.Battery management units and charging management units are already commonly used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Therefore, the process described above is easy to implement in the vehicle's existing system.

[0035]

[0021] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

[0036] - [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view, along the longitudinal axis, of a device for electrically recharging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the device comprising an electrical cable having one end extending along a first length along a central axis, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a view similar to that illustrated in figure 1, the end of the electric cable extending along a second length along the central axis;

[0038] - [Fig.3] illustrates a flowchart representing steps of a process for electrically recharging an electric or hybrid vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039]

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a device 10 for electrically recharging an electric or hybrid vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 10 comprises a charging gun configured to connect electrically to a charging board. The device 10 preferably includes an electrical junction box. Furthermore, the device includes an electrical cable 20 electrically connecting the electrical junction box to the charging gun.

[0040]

[0023] According to the invention, an electric or hybrid vehicle includes a battery. The charging board is electrically connected to a power supply. The electrical junction box is electrically connected to the battery, thus forming a charging circuit. In practice, the charging circuit includes a rectifier-type charger configured to convert alternating current or alternating voltage, generally from the power supply, into direct current or direct current voltage, intended to be received by the battery. The rectifier is generally located on-board in the vehicle. For example, the power supply is configured to supply the rectifier with an alternating voltage of 230V in single-phase or an alternating voltage of 400V in three-phase.Thus, the rectifier is configured to deliver to the battery a DC electrical voltage between 350V and 1000V, preferably between 350V and 450V.

[0041]

[0024] The battery is preferably of the lithium-ion type. Thus, the battery comprises at least one cell including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte. In practice, the first electrode comprises a material containing nickel, manganese, cobalt, and carbon, while the second electrode comprises a material containing graphite. The electrolyte is generally non-aqueous, typically a salt such as LiPF6 in an organic solvent. In the following examples, the battery has a capacity of approximately 50 kWh.

[0042]

[0025] The charging board advantageously comprises a plurality of electrical sockets. The first plurality of electrical sockets is connected to the power supply. Furthermore, the charging gun has a first end and a second end. The charging gun also advantageously comprises a plurality of electrical sockets. Preferably, the plurality of electrical sockets is located at the first end of the charging gun.

[0043]

[0026] The charging gun is configured for electrical connection to the charging board. For example, the first plurality of electrical sockets is configured to connect electrically to the plurality of electrical sockets. Thus, the first end of the charging gun forms a free end ready for electrical connection to the charging board. In this case, the second end of the charging gun is electrically connected to the electrical cable 20.

[0044]

[0027] The sheath 30 advantageously has an end 31 extending longitudinally along a central axis X. Furthermore, the electrical cable 20 has an end 21 configured to extend longitudinally over a length L1, L2 along the central axis X. The electrical cable 20 also includes an additional end. The additional end of the electrical cable 20 is electrically connected to the charging gun, in particular the second end of the charging gun. Moreover, the end 21 of the cable is electrically connected to the electrical junction box. Preferably, the end 21 of the electrical cable 20 is fixed to the electrical junction box. The interaction of the plurality of turns subjects the electrical cable 20 to an elastic return, such that the additional end of the electrical cable 20 tends to return towards the end 21 of the electrical cable 20 when the length of the electrical cable 20 exceeds a rest length.

[0045]

[0028] The sheath 30 receives the electrical cable 20. The sheath 30 preferably has a tubular shape with an internal diameter. Furthermore, the electrical cable 20 advantageously has a helical shape. The helical shape comprises a plurality of turns distributed along the sheath 30. The electrical cable 20 is flexed or mechanically tensioned to facilitate its extension to the charging plate or its retraction into the sheath 30. For this purpose, the electrical cable 20 forms a kind of spring sufficiently stiff so that the electrical cable 20 retracts effortlessly by elastic return, while giving the helical cable the necessary flexibility to easily maneuver its extension to the charging plate or its retraction into the sheath 30.

[0046]

[0029] The helical shape preferably extends between the additional end of the electrical cable 20 and the end 21 of the electrical cable 20. The helical shape has an external diameter. Consequently, the external diameter is smaller than the internal diameter. The tubular shape allows for compact storage of the electrical cable 20 inside the housing. Thus, the housing can be easily integrated into electric or hybrid vehicles without encroaching on the space occupied by the device 10.

[0047]

[0030] The sheath 30 includes a sensor 60 configured to issue a first command when the deployed length L1 is less than a first predetermined length as illustrated in Figure 1. Furthermore, the sensor 60 is configured to issue a second command when the deployed length is greater than a second predetermined length as illustrated in Figure 2. Preferably, the first predetermined length is equal to the second predetermined length.

[0048]

[0031] For example, the sensor 60 includes a limit switch. The limit switch includes a pin. The pin is configured to travel a stroke along the central X-axis. The limit switch is calibrated so that the stroke traveled is less than a predetermined first stroke when the extended length is less than the first predetermined length. Similarly, the limit switch is calibrated so that the stroke traveled is greater than a predetermined second stroke when the extended length is greater than the second predetermined length. The limit switch is configured to issue the first command when the stroke traveled is less than the first predetermined stroke. Similarly, the limit switch is configured to issue the second command when the stroke traveled is greater than the second predetermined stroke.

[0049]

[0032] The charging gun includes a light indicator configured to emit a first light signal and a second light signal. The light indicator emits the second light signal when the sensor 60 is activated. For example, the light indicator includes a light-emitting diode (LED). Preferably, the second light signal has a second predetermined wavelength value. For example, the second predetermined wavelength value is between 620 nm and 750 nm. Thus, the first light signal appears red. In this way, the light signal visually indicates that the electrical cable 20 should not be subjected to further mechanical stress. Preferably, the first light signal has a first predetermined wavelength value. For example, the second predetermined wavelength value is between 495 nm and 570 nm. Thus, the first light signal appears green.Preferably, the first predetermined length value is different from the second predetermined wavelength value. This makes the first light signal visually distinct from the second, facilitating reading.

[0050]

[0033] The indicator light is advantageously configured to emit a third light signal. The indicator light emits the third light signal when the deployed length is greater than the first predetermined length and when the deployed length is less than the second predetermined length. Preferably, the third light signal has a third predetermined wavelength value. For example, the third predetermined wavelength value is between 590 nm and 620 nm. Thus, the first light signal appears orange.

[0051]

[0034] The end 31 of the sheath 30 advantageously includes a stop extending circumferentially around the central axis X.

[0052]

[0035] The sheath 30 advantageously comprises a ring 40 extending circumferentially around the central axis X. The ring 40 further advantageously comprises a peripheral portion 41 comprising a Teflon material. Moreover, the ring 40 and the electrical cable 20 are advantageously mechanically connected by a weld 42.

[0053]

[0036] The sheath 30 advantageously comprises a groove 32. Furthermore, the sheath 30 advantageously comprises a compression spring 50. The compression spring 50 extends circumferentially around the central axis X. The compression spring 50 comprises a first end 51 and a second end 52. The first end 51 of the compression spring 50 abuts against the groove 32. The second end 52 of the compression spring 50 abuts against the ring 40.

[0054]

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a method for electrically recharging an electric or hybrid vehicle battery, implementing the device, with steps of the method being described below.

[0055]

[0038] In a deployment step E1, the electrical cable 20 is deployed longitudinally over a length along the central axis X.

[0056]

[0039] In an emission step E2, the first light signal is emitted by the light indicator when the sensor 60 emits the first command.

[0057]

[0040] In an emission step E3, the second light signal is emitted by the light indicator when the sensor 60 emits the second command.

[0058]

[0041] The method advantageously includes a step of emitting the third light signal by the light indicator when the sensor 60 emits the third command.

[0042] In a movement step E4, the charging gun is moved towards the charging plate as long as the first light signal is emitted.

[0059]

[0043] In a connection step E5, the charging gun is connected to the charging board to perform the electrical charging of an electric or hybrid vehicle battery. Specifically, the electrical socket is electrically connected to the electrical socket. In this way, an electric current flows from the charging board to the charging gun. When the power source is a standard household wall outlet, the charging gun is configured to deliver a current between 8A and 13A. When the power source is a standard vehicle outlet, the charging gun is configured to deliver a current between 16A and 32A.When the power source is a vehicle charging station, the charging gun is configured to transmit an electrical current intensity between 125A and 250A.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device (10) for electrically recharging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the device (10) comprising: - a reloading gun configured to connect electrically to a reloading board; - an electrical cable (20) electrically connecting an electrical junction box to the charging gun, the electrical cable (20) comprising an additional end electrically connected to the charging gun; - a sheath (30) receiving the electrical cable (20), characterized in that the sheath (30) has an end (31) extending longitudinally along a central axis (X), the electrical cable (20) has an end (21) configured to extend longitudinally over a length (L1, L2) along the central axis (X), the sheath (30) comprising a sensor (60) configured to issue a first command when the deployed length (L1, L2) is less than a first predetermined length, the sensor (60) being configured to issue a second command when the deployed length is greater than a second predetermined length, the charging gun comprising a light indicator configured to emit a first light signal when the sensor (60) issues the first command, the light indicator being configured to emit a second light signal when the sensor (60) issues the second command.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical cable (20) comprises a ring (40) extending circumferentially around the central axis (X).

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring (40) comprises a peripheral part (41), the peripheral part (41) comprising a Teflon material.

4. Device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the ring (40) and the electrical cable (20) are mechanically connected by a weld (42).

5. Device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the sheath (30) comprises a groove (32).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sheath (30) comprises a compression spring (50), the compression spring (50) extending circumferentially around the central axis (X), the compression spring (50) comprising a first end (51) and a second end (52), the first end (51) of the compression spring (50) being abutted against the groove (32), the second end (52) of the compression spring (50) being abutted against the ring (40).

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the end (31) of the sheath (30) comprises a stop (33) extending circumferentially around the central axis (X).

8. A method for electrically recharging the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, implementing a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - a deployment step (E1) of the electrical cable (20) longitudinally over a length (L1, L2) along the central axis (X); - an emission step (E2) of the first light signal by the light indicator when the sensor (60) emits the first command; - an emission step (E3) of the second light signal by the light indicator when the sensor (60) emits the second command; - a movement step (E4) of the charging gun towards the charging plate as long as the first light signal is emitted; - a connection step (E5) of the charging gun to the charging board in order to perform the electrical charging of the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

9. Computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method for electric recharging of an electric or hybrid vehicle according to claim 8, when said program is running on a computer.

10. Electric or hybrid vehicle including: - a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; - a control unit electronically connected to the device (10), the control unit comprising a processing means, an acquisition means and a control means configured to implement a computer program according to claim 9.

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