BE1019049A3 - CONTACT FLOATING PLUG FOR ELECTRIC OR RECHARGEABLE HYBRID VEHICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact socket disposed under the vehicle to be recharged stationary in the parking position. The card equips the vehicle; take the team parking space. The terminal block consists of contact bars linked and arranged to the parking infrastructure. The card, embarked on the right side of the vehicle's underside, is managed by a computing unit. The terminal block of this plug consists of a series of independent contact bars, arranged during parking substantially orthogonal to the tap bars. When contacting one or both terminal blocks with a protruding movement, only certain plug-in bars are touched by the socket bars. These plug bars are selected by the management unit to ensure the correct closing of the charging circuit between the infrastructure and the vehicle.

Description

Contact floor socket for electric vehicle or rechargeable hybrid vehicle.

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to the plugs of recharging stations for electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

State of the Art [0002] Rechargeable electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid charging stations use, as a connection of the infrastructure to the vehicle, a conventional power cable system as is the practice for electrical appliances. .

The connection of this cable requires handling for connection and handling for disconnection at the end of charging.

A difference is that in this case, the cable is usually part of the infrastructure and not the device that is the vehicle.

There are automatic charging systems with contact, without manipulation of cable, mobile electrical devices, such as lawn mowers. These systems do not meet the requirements and are not designed for larger load automotive applications. These systems do not meet the requirements and are not designed for the particular form of automobiles.

[0006] Non-contact electromagnetic induction systems exist and are efficient for the difficult use conditions, but their operation generates energy losses that are disadvantageous for automotive applications.

The present invention proposes as a solution a refill plug contact without manipulation for electric vehicle or rechargeable hybrid

Disclosure of the invention [0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a new charging socket, meeting the requirements of the urban infrastructure and the requirements of the use of automobiles, while limiting costs.

The decision relating to the present invention is arranged on the ground under the parking space reserved for the vehicle to be recharged.

The plug relating to the present invention is provided with a movable electrical contact system protruding towards the plug of the vehicle to be recharged.

The electrical contact system of the socket is provided with power poles and a grounding.

The sheet relating to the present invention is integrated into the underside of the vehicle to be recharged.

The sheet relating to the present invention is provided with a mobile electrical contact system protruding from the underside of the vehicle to the charging socket established at the infrastructure right. The grip on the present invention is fixed according to the rolling plane and can move only vertically.

The sheet relating to the present invention is free according to the rolling plan, since it is linked to the vehicle and can move only incidentally to disengage protection and sealing devices.

The system relating to the present invention allows an approximate and partially random positioning of the plug above the socket.

The electrical contact system of the plug is provided with multiple independent contact bars that will be activated or not depending on the random relative position of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure.

A robotic procedure allows the effective and safe contact of the plug with the plug, the connection until disconnection. This procedure is an integral part of the present invention.

This robotic procedure relating to the present invention is directed by a communication protocol between the vehicle to be recharged and the charging infrastructure.

The charging infrastructure can be closely associated with a retractable pad or piguet system allowing parking only vehicles equipped with the card relating to the present invention.

This retractable stud or picket system can be integrated in the procedure as well as in the communication protocol relating to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0021] Figure la: parking space provided with a ground socket for a car;

Figure lb.l: idem FIG. the indication of the apparent technical elements;

Figure lb.2: section of the ground socket mounted on a mobile base forming a block of parking prohibition;

Figure lc.l: idem Fig. lb.l, view of the block parking prohibition in the raised position;

Figure 2: Ditto Fig. lb.2, sectional view of the block of parking prohibition in the raised position.

Figure 2a.1: during a parking phase, the sill of a rechargeable vehicle fitted with a plug in line with the socket.

Figure 2a.2: same as Fig. 2a.1, sectional view.

Figure 2b.1: same as Fig. 2a.1 with contact of the plug and socket.

Figure 2b.2: same thing 2b.1, sectional view.

Figure 3a: longitudinal section of the plug in the closed position.

Figure 3b: Longitudinal section of the plug in the open position and in contact with the ground socket.

Figure 4: electrical diagram of the selection of the plug bars for the capture of the phases, with an analytical matrix of the management unit for a single-phase system.

Implementation of the invention The devices for carrying out the invention belong either to the class of the infrastructure or to the class of the vehicles.

Consider a noted parking area (100) on which comes to stop and park a noted vehicle (200).

Infrastructure [0024] The infrastructural systems relating to the present invention are adequately connected to the existing power supply network and the existing communication network in order to ensure the operation of the system in an easy and secure manner.

A ground socket (101) is located a few centimeters above the rolling surface of the parking area (100).

The ground socket (101) takes two or possibly three positions.

The first position is a low waiting position [Fig 1 b.l and Fig 1b. 2] in which passage and rolling of vehicles on the socket is permitted. No recharging voltage is possible in this position.

The second position is a power supply position [Fig 2b.l and Fig 2b. 2] in which passage and rolling of vehicles is not permitted.

The second position is engaged only when a vehicle making "roof" is in the off position above the socket [Fig 2 a.l and Fig 2 a.2].

The second position is established at the level stopped under the plug. This level varies from one refill to another according to the vehicle attitude height, but is within a defined range.

Between the first position and the second position, the socket passes through an intermediate safety sector, where the charging voltage is not allowed and where rolling is prohibited.

In this intermediate sector, the catch can not stop its movement. If an accidental blockage occurs during the raising of the mechanism, the catch must return to the first position.

The third position is optional and is possible when the infrastructural device relating to the present invention is mounted on a mobile base forming a block of physical parking prohibition [Fig 1 c.l and Fig 1 c.2].

When the parking pad [Fig 1 c.l and Fig 1 c.2] is in the upper position, the parking space, physically delimited at its ends by a suitable device (112), is inaccessible to vehicles.

The ground socket (101) can be single-phase or three-phase, depending on the desired number of contacts. (The figures represent for example a single-phase plug with an electrical connection to the ground).

The electrical contact bars (120) which make up the terminals of the ground socket are aligned with each other and separated from each other by a safety distance characterized by the presence of a dielectric material.

These contact bars are longer than the safety distances. The metric ratio between the parts is as follows: the tap contact bars are at least a minimum of an end of the plug bars plus a plug bar width.

The securing distances are at most a maximum of an interdistance of the plug bars minus a width of the plug bar.

The contact bars of the socket are mounted individually on a mechanism (130) for vertical movement projecting towards the vehicle plug.

The mechanisms (130) are independent of each other.

The mechanism (130) actuated for example by a servomotor can be mounted either up to maximum stop or in contact with one or two plug bars according to an above-ground level dimension less than the maximum stop.

When contact with a plug bar is established, one. permanent thrust, directed upwards, is maintained by the mechanism (130) throughout the recharge phase.

If the mechanism (130) rises to a maximum stop, no charging power can be activated.

If one of the mechanisms (130) mounts in maximum stop, this position indicates an error in the charging procedure, such as for example the absence of well positioned vehicle. This error necessarily entails a return of the take to the low position [0027].

The contact bars of the socket are mounted on the lifting mechanism via a system for a suspension of low amplitude (131), corresponding to the authorized fault horizontality of the plate of the plug during use. This suspension ensures good contact between the catch bar and the bar or the two plug bars, depending on the relative disposition of the vehicle above the plug.

The socket is equipped on its periphery with several accurate sensors (140) distance (laser, sonar, ...), intended to accurately verify the presence or absence of vehicles to their measurement. Vehicle [0046] A vehicle (200) refillable according to the present invention is equipped with a contact plug embedded in the central portion of its underside (201) and oriented towards the ground.

This contact plug (210) is composed of multiple identical bars (224) arranged parallel to each other and in a transverse alignment. The position of the parked vehicle will lead to the determination of the terminals among these bars.

The vehicle (200) rechargeable is equipped with adequate means of communication (eg DSRC or IP) compatible with the communication means of the infrastructure relating to the present invention.

The vehicle (200) rechargeable is equipped at its bottom, on the periphery of the plug (210) of several sensors (230) accurate distance (laser, sonar, ...), for measuring the gap between the rocker at the location of the measurement and the surface of the ground. The measurement differential between the running surface and the slightly elevated attitude of the catch makes it possible to locate the latter relative to the vehicle and to give eventually. a visualization to help the driver in his parking maneuver.

The plug is integrated into a sealed frame (211) during the rolling.

The frame (211) is aperture hole for the passage of the contact bars; these holes are provided with a system (212) for sealing water and dust when the vehicle is moving.

Each hole corresponds to a contact cell (220) in which is housed a contact bar connected to a dedicated cable (221).

The contact bars (224) are mounted on a removable system (222/223) for removing them from their cell.

Around the plug and four parts is placed a retractable curtain (240) which is sealed and weighted at its end.

When the curtain is lowered to the ground on all four sides, it creates, by closing, a contact chamber (310) putting the entire system away from bad weather and any intrusions.

Inside the chamber, motion detectors (241) control any intrusions of any kind. If an intrusion is detected or the contact chamber is deformed, the charging procedure may be interrupted.

All dedicated cables (221) are routed to a phase tracking collector (250).

The phase identification collector (250) consists of two batteries of switches connected in parallel. Each switch is independently connected to a single contact bar via its connection (221).

The two batteries of switches in parallel with the collector (250) are connected to a voltmeter whose characteristics are compatible with the currents used.

The switches are controlled by a calculation unit performing the operations defined below. During the procedure described in [0077], this calculation unit tests, on the basis of the voltmeter measurements, successively and systematically the potential differences existing between a bar and the neighboring bars.

For example, an application of the present invention operating on a two-phase current with an earth connection [FIG. 4]. We begin by testing the potential difference between the bar 1 (Fl) and the bar 2 (F2) by closing the switch Fl-1 on the first terminal of the voltmeter and F2-2 on the second terminal of the voltmeter. In the same way, one tests Fl with F3, Fl with F4 and so on until the appropriate neighborhood. Then we test bar 2 with the following bars in the same way. The measurement goes through each of the bars. Finally, a matrix result is obtained as given in the example of FIG. 4. The computing unit locates the first pole at F3 and / or F4 and the second pole at F7 and / or F8. By convention of the present application, the grounding is done by the bars F5 and / or F6.

As soon as the polarities of the parking configuration are identified by the collector, the plug of the present invention will be properly connected to the vehicle and the network current can be routed to the vehicle charging system.

As a safety measure during a recharge phase, the plug bars that are not mobilized can be connected to the ground.

Recharging procedure [0064] When a vehicle presents itself for a charging station, it first enters into communication with the infrastructure by known means (for example DSRC or IP).

At the request of the driver of the vehicle appearing for a charging station, the stud in the high position is set in motion, motorized way to the lower position as described in [0027] [Fig 1 a].

The vehicle presenting itself for a charging station can then be placed correctly above the socket. The maneuver can be done by means of the ground sensors (230) which will indicate the position of the catch, since the finished running surface thereof (101) is positioned slightly above the running surface of the car park. (100).

When the vehicle presenting itself for a charging station is stopped in a correct position above the socket, the vehicle actuates an immobilizer module and actuates the opening of the plug system.

The correct position is defined as the relative position of the plug with respect to the plug involving: firstly that the contact area capable of the plug completely covers the line of contact capable of grounding.

Secondly that the contact bars of the plug are approximately perpendicular to the contact line of the socket of the infrastructure.

Thirdly that the plate of the plug is approximately horizontal.

Fourth, that the attitude of the plug is at a height above ground included in the heights above ground allowed by the application of the present invention.

Fifth, that the protective curtain is lowered to the ground.

For each of the stated conditions, predefined tolerances are allowed during use.

When the vehicle presenting itself for a charging station is stopped in a correct position above the socket, and its plug system is correctly actuated [0067], and that each of the conditions [0068] [0068] Is filled, it requires, via the chosen communication system (eg DSRC or IP), bringing into contact with the infrastructural elements of the system, in order to proceed with the charging of the vehicle.

At this request of the vehicle being stopped correctly and fulfilling all the conditions stated above, the plug leaves the lower position as described in [0027] [Fig 1 a] and rises to the second position described in [0028] ] [Fig 2 b].

At this elevation, the plug between contact with the plug according to various small contact surfaces (300), one (minimum) or two (maximum) per phase. This position described in [0041] is maintained throughout the recharge phase. Changes of attitude of low amplitude of the vehicle are admitted during this phase. Movements according to the rolling plan are not allowed.

As soon as the physical contact between the plug and the plug is established, signal power is applied to the infrastructure.

This signal power is analyzed by the collector (250) of the form according to the process described in [0061].

When the phases are identified, the vehicle requires charging power and connects its storage system.

If a procedural defect is identified, for example one of the phases of the plug is applied directly against the underside of the vehicle and not against the plug, this error necessarily results in a return of the socket at the low position [0027] ] and the interruption of the charging procedure.

The plug engages a passage meter and then supplies the recharge power to the vehicle.

When the charging is completed or when a predefined threshold of energy to be supplied is reached, the vehicle or the socket signals the cessation of charging and the infrastructure proceeds to the retraction of the mobile socket system (130) to the low position.

When the lower position of the catch is reached, this is reported to the vehicle.

The vehicle then proceeds to close its file.

When the vehicle plug is closed, the immobilizer module is deactivated and the vehicle can release the parking.

An odometer signals the departure of the vehicle to the infrastructure.

If the plug is equipped with a mobile stud system, a further verification of the absence of a parked vehicle can be carried out by the sensors (140), and if necessary the stud system can resume its third position described in FIG. [0033].

The invention relates to an electrical contact socket disposed under the vehicle to be recharged stationary in the parking position. The card equips the vehicle; take the team parking space. The terminal block consists of contact bars linked and arranged to the parking infrastructure. The card, embarked on the right side of the vehicle's underside, is managed by a computing unit. The terminal block of this plug consists of a series of independent contact bars, arranged during parking substantially orthogonal to the tap bars. When contacting one or both terminal blocks with a protruding movement, only certain plug-in bars are touched by the socket bars. These plug bars are selected by the management unit to ensure the correct closing of the charging circuit between the infrastructure and the vehicle.

Claims (15)

claims A vehicle battery charging system (200) comprising an arrangement of electrical contacts between the vehicle and a ground power location (100), or parking area, wherein the ground location includes a system socket (101) and the underside of the vehicle (201) comprises a system of pins (210), preferably projecting, characterized in that the plug system is provided with at least four contact bars (224) parallel, independent and activatable for the battery charging operation, according to the position and relative orientation of the vehicle (200), a priori random, above the ground location, and in that the system of socket has at least three contact bars that can rise and touch a number of the plug bars to be able to initiate the charging operation, these plug bars being of such length that no plug bar can be in contact simultaneously with two of the bars of taking. The system of claim [0088] wherein the plug system includes a phase register collector (250) of the bars. 3. System according to claim [0089] wherein the phase tracking collector comprises two banks of switches in parallel, each of the switches being connected to a single contact bar, a unit of calculation allowing on the basis of measurements of a voltmeter, to successively and systematically measure the potential differences existing between a plug bar and the neighboring plug bar or bars. 4. System according to claim [0088] further comprising means of communication between the plug system and the plug system, and possibly the user of the vehicle, communication means in connection with a central unit preferably disposed in the vehicle . 5. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plug contact bars are separated by a dielectric material and are substantially transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The system of any preceding claim wherein the tap contact bars are at least a minimum of a distance separating two adjacent plug bars plus a plug bar width, and are preferably collinear. The system of any preceding claim wherein the tap contact bars are mounted, preferably individually, on a mechanism (130) for raising to the vehicle's plug bar system. 8. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plug bars are removable protruding. 9. System according to claim [0088] wherein the system of plugs is integrated in a sealed frame (211), preferably the openings of the waterproof structure being provided with a sealing system. 10. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the periphery of the plug system comprises a curtain (240) retractable protection activatable during the recharge operation. 11. System according to any one of the preceding claims which is equipped with several distance sensors (230, 241, 140) around the plug system and / or the plug system. 12. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is provided at the location or parking area a physical device, such as at least one retractable obstacle, preventing the parking of a vehicle above the bar system. socket, said device being operable via the user and / or said central unit. 13. Parking area comprising a gripping system as described in any one of the preceding claims. 14. A method of recharging a vehicle battery in which the vehicle is placed above an area having at least 3 so-called plug power terminals: said terminals come into contact with at least three plug terminals among more than three terminals provided at the bottom of the vehicle, the potential differences between each adjacent pin terminal are measured and sent to a central unit, preferably located in the vehicle, and the central unit controls which plug terminals are activated for the recharge operation. 15. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the activation operation is impossible when the terminals are in the form of conductive busbars configuration such that a plug bar contacts two busbars.