FR3070912A1 - METHOD FOR CONNECTING A MOTOR VEHICLE TO A CHARGING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of connecting a motor vehicle to a charging device, comprising the following steps: a) positioning (110, 210) the motor vehicle relative to the charging device, b) moving (120), in particular upwards, electrical connectors of the charging device in order to bring them into contact with electrical connectors of the motor vehicle, and / or to move (220), in particular downwards, electrical connectors of the motor vehicle in order to bring them into contact with electrical connectors of the motor vehicle; charging device, c) establishing (130, 230) the connection between the electrical connectors of the charging device and the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle.

Description

Method of connecting a motor vehicle to a charging device

The present invention relates to the electric charge of electric or hybrid motor vehicles.

Charging processes are known in which a direct connection is used between the charging device and the stationary motor vehicle. In these methods, it is necessary to connect the charging device to the motor vehicle by wire means or by pantographs, i.e. articulated rods connecting the vehicle to a charging device.

In these methods, it is necessary to position the motor vehicle relatively precisely relative to the charging device, in order to ensure the connection which is effected by means of male and female connectors.

There is also known a method of wireless charging, in particular by induction, when the vehicle is stationary. In this case, the positioning of the motor vehicle relative to the charging device must be very precise, in order to allow good charging efficiency.

There is a need to benefit from a charging process allowing less precise positioning of the motor vehicle and requiring neither wired means installed by a human person, nor pantograph

The invention aims to meet this need, and thus relates, according to one of its aspects, to a method of connecting a motor vehicle to a charging device, in particular for charging at least one battery of the motor vehicle, comprising the following stages:

a) positioning the motor vehicle relative to the charging device,

b) moving, in particular upwards, electrical connectors of the charging device in order to bring them into contact with electrical connectors of the motor vehicle, and / or moving, in particular downwards, electrical connectors of the motor vehicle in order to bring them in contact with electrical connectors of the charging device,

c) establish the connection between the electrical connectors of the charging device and the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle.

In particular, the motor vehicle is positioned at a standstill relative to the charging device.

Thanks to the invention, the motor vehicle can be electrically charged without a wire link, pantograph or very precise positioning of the vehicle relative to the charging device. Indeed, there is a contact which is established without the use of male and female connectors, but by contact between the electrical connectors of the charging device with the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle. Thus, it is not necessary to have a very precise positioning of the motor vehicle.

The motor vehicle can be all electric or hybrid.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device and / or the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle are devoid of electrical protection intended to prevent direct contact between these connectors and a user of the motor vehicle or of the device dump.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device are at least partially retracted into the ground.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device can be placed on a retraction system configured to allow their exit or their retraction into the ground.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the triggering of the movement of the electrical connectors of the charging device can take place by wired or wireless control, when the motor vehicle is positioned relative to the charging device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device are moved between a charging position and an unloaded position.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device, in the charging position, can protrude from the ground by a height of between 1 cm and 70 cm, or even between 5 cm and 60 cm, better between 10 cm and 50 cm. They can, for example, protrude from the ground by about 30 to 50 cm.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device, outside the charging position, can be retracted into the ground, and not exceed the ground, or protrude from the ground by a height of less than 10 cm, better less than 5 cm, even less than 2 cm.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the retraction system for the electrical connectors of the charging device can be moved quickly.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device can comprise or consist of a conductive tip, for example made of a silver alloy.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device can be arranged on a spring. They can be mounted on a mobile base in vertical translation.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device can have a larger transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm. Thus, the electrical connectors of the charging device have a relatively large size, which can make it possible to promote good connection with the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle even in the event of imprecise positioning of the motor vehicle relative to the charging device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle are at least partially retracted into the vehicle.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can be arranged on a retraction system configured to allow their exit or their retraction into the vehicle.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the triggering of the movement of the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can take place by wired or wireless control, when the motor vehicle is positioned relative to the charging device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle are moved between a load position and an unloaded position.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle, in the charging position, can protrude from the vehicle by a height of between 1 cm and 70 cm, or even between 5 cm and 60 cm, better still between 10 cm and 50 cm. They can, for example, protrude from the vehicle by around 30 to 50 cm.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle, outside the charging position, can be retracted into the vehicle, and not exceed the vehicle, or exceed the vehicle by a height of less than 10 cm , better less than 5 cm, even less than 2 cm.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the retraction system for the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can be moved quickly.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can comprise or consist of a conductive tip, for example made of a silver alloy.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can be arranged on a spring. They can be mounted on a mobile base in vertical translation.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can have a larger transverse dimension of between 1 and 70 cm, better between 5 and 60 cm, or even between 10 and 50 cm. Thus, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle have a relatively large size, which can make it possible to promote good connection with the electrical connectors of the charging device even in the event of imprecise positioning of the motor vehicle relative to the charging device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle can have a plate shape. They can have a larger transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm. Thus, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle have a relatively large size, which can make it possible to promote good connection with the electrical connectors of the charging device even in the event of imprecise positioning of the motor vehicle relative to the charging device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the positioning of the motor vehicle can be carried out by means of a positioning device fixed to the ground. The positioning device may for example comprise wedges fixed to the ground allowing the relative positioning of the wheels of the motor vehicle relative to the load device, or as a variant automatic positioning means with respect to pins fixed to the ground.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device are configured to allow their exit from the ground when the motor vehicle is positioned relative to the charging device, in particular when the motor vehicle is in place relative to the positioning device fixed to the ground.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the charging device for charging at least one battery of the motor vehicle can be external to the motor vehicle to be charged.

In the invention, the motor vehicle to be charged can be devoid of any charging device, which can make it possible to minimize its weight and / or its bulk.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the charging voltage can be less than 60 V, better still less than or equal to 48 V. A relatively low charging voltage makes it possible to avoid any safety problem. Thus, the electrical connectors of the charging device can be devoid of protection intended to prevent direct contact between these connectors and a user of the vehicle and / or of the charging device. In a particular embodiment, the charging voltage is 48 V.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors can be configured to allow the passage of an electric current of intensity between 5 A and 100 A, better between 10 and 80 A, for example between 20 and 50 AT.

The subject of the invention is also, independently or in combination with the foregoing, a device for charging an automobile battery, in particular for implementing the method as described above, comprising electrical connectors of the charging device configured to be at least partially retracted into the ground when the charging device is not used and to be brought into contact with the electrical connectors of a motor vehicle to be charged.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device can be configured to be taken out of the ground to be brought into contact with the electrical connectors of a motor vehicle to be charged.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical connectors of the charging device can be placed on a retraction system configured to allow their exit or their retraction into the ground. The retraction system allows their displacement, in particular upwards, in order to bring them into contact with electrical connectors of the motor vehicle.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device may include a positioning device fixed to the ground to allow the positioning of the motor vehicle.

The subject of the invention is also, independently or in combination with the above, a motor vehicle comprising electrical connectors configured to be brought into contact with electrical connectors of a charging device, in particular of a charging device such as described above.

detailed description

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, examples of non-limiting implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 shows, in perspective and schematically and partially, an example of a motor vehicle and charging device for implementing the method according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the charging device and of the vehicle of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the method in a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of electrical connectors for the charging device,

FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate the positioning of the motor vehicle,

- Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the method in a second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an all-electric or hybrid motor vehicle 10, comprising one or more batteries. In the example described, the vehicle 10 comprises a 12V battery 12 and a 48 V battery 14, each accompanied by their control system (BMS) 12a and 14a respectively.

The 12 V battery 12 is supplied via a DC / DC converter 25, and the 48 V battery 14 directly by a charging device 20 according to the invention or by a charging device 16 on board the motor vehicle 10

Thus, the vehicle 10 includes an on-board battery charger (in English "On Board Charger" or OBC) 16, configured to be supplied from the electrical network R in order to allow the charging of the above-mentioned batteries 12 and 14.

In addition, and in accordance with the invention, the vehicle comprises electrical connectors 18 intended to be connected to electrical connectors 22 of a charging device 20 external to the motor vehicle 10, itself connected to the electrical network R.

Thus, the batteries are charged from the electrical connectors 18, rather than by the on-board charger 16, directly or only via the DC / DC converter 25. In an alternative embodiment, the motor vehicle does not have an on-board charger .

In a first embodiment of the invention, the charging device 20 comprises electrical connectors 22 configured to be retracted into the ground when the charging device 20 is not used and to be taken out of the ground to be brought into contact with the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10 to be charged. The electrical connectors of the charging device are in the example described arranged on a retraction system configured to allow their exit or their retraction into the ground. The retraction system allows their displacement upwards, in order to bring them into contact with the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10. In the example described, the electrical connectors of the charging device are arranged on a spring, as illustrated in the figure. 4. In addition, they are mounted on a mobile base in vertical translation, to allow their retraction after charging. They have a ridged surface.

The displacement of the electrical connectors of the charging device can be triggered by wired or wireless control, when the motor vehicle 10 is correctly positioned relative to the charging device 20.

The electrical connectors of the charging device are then moved between an unloaded position and a charging position.

The electrical connectors of the charging device, out of the charging position, are retracted into the ground, and do not protrude from the ground, or protrude from the ground by a height of less than 10 cm, better less than 5 cm, even better less than 2 cm.

The electrical connectors of the charging device, in the charging position, protrude from the ground by a height of between 1 cm and 70 cm, or even between 5 cm and 60 cm, better between 10 cm and 50 cm. They can, for example, protrude from the ground by about 30 to 50 cm.

In order to allow easy connection, the electrical connectors 18 and 22 have a relatively large size. The electrical connectors 22 of the charging device can have a larger transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm.

The electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle can have a larger transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm. They can be in the form of a plate placed on the vehicle.

The electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle can be equipped with a protection and / or cleaning device, in order to allow their protection during the running of the vehicle, comprising for example one or more removable protective flaps on the vehicle, which are retracted when charging.

Furthermore, the charging device comprises a positioning device 30 fixed to the ground to allow the positioning of the motor vehicle in the charging position.

The charging device may include an AC / DC converter.

In the example described, the charging voltage is 48 V.

The charging of the batteries of the motor vehicle 10 takes place in the following manner, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In a first step 110, the motor vehicle 10 is positioned relative to the charging device 20, the charging device being at least partially retracted into the ground, or even entirely.

The positioning of the motor vehicle can be carried out by means of a positioning device 30 fixed to the ground. The positioning device 30 may include chocks 140 fixed to the ground allowing the relative positioning of the wheels of the motor vehicle with respect to the load device, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, or as a variant of the means for automatic positioning with respect to pins 150 fixed to the ground, as illustrated in figure 5b.

The electrical connectors of the charging device are configured to allow their exit from the ground when the motor vehicle is well positioned relative to the charging device 20, in particular when the motor vehicle is in place relative to the positioning device 30 fixed to the ground.

In a second step 120, the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device 20 are moved upwards in order to bring them into contact with the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10.

Finally, in a third step 130, the connection is established between the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device and the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10. This connection occurs at the end of the upward stroke of the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device 20.

During charging, the 12 V battery 12 is supplied via the DC / DC converter 25, and the 48 V battery 14 directly.

Once the charge is complete, the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device 20 are retracted downwards until they are at least partially, or even completely, retracted into the ground.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle 10 comprises electrical connectors 18 configured to be retracted into the vehicle when the charging device 20 is not used and to be removed from the vehicle to be brought into contact with the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device 20 when it is used. The electrical connectors of the motor vehicle 10s have, in the example described, arranged on a retraction system configured to allow their exit or their retraction into the vehicle. The retraction system allows their displacement downward, in order to bring them into contact with the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device 20. In the example described, the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle 10 are arranged on a spring, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 4. In addition, they are mounted on a mobile base in vertical translation, to allow their retraction after charging. They have a ridged surface.

The movement of the electrical connectors of the motor vehicle 10 can be triggered by wired or wireless control, when the motor vehicle 10 is correctly positioned relative to the charging device 20.

The electrical connectors of the motor vehicle 10 are then moved between an unloaded position and a loaded position.

The motor vehicle electrical connectors 10, outside the charging position, are retracted into the motor vehicle 10, and do not protrude from the motor vehicle 10, or protrude from the motor vehicle 10 by a height less than 10 cm, better still less than 5 cm, even better less than 2 cm.

The electrical connectors of the motor vehicle 10, in the charging position, protrude from the motor vehicle 10 by a height of between 1 cm and 70 cm, or even between 5 cm and 60 cm, better still between 10 cm and 50 cm. They can for example protrude from the motor vehicle 10 by a height of about 30 to 50 cm.

In order to allow easy connection, the electrical connectors 18 and 22 have a relatively large size. The electrical connectors 22 of the charging device can have a larger transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm. They can be in the form of a plaque.

The electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle can have a larger transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm.

The electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle can be equipped with a protection and / or cleaning device, in order to allow their protection during the running of the vehicle, comprising for example one or more removable protective flaps on the vehicle, which are retracted when charging.

Furthermore, the charging device comprises a positioning device 30 fixed to the ground to allow the positioning of the motor vehicle in the charging position.

The charging device may include an AC / DC converter.

In the example described, the charging voltage is 48 V.

The charging of the batteries of the motor vehicle 10 takes place in the following manner, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In a first step 210, the motor vehicle 10 is positioned relative to the charging device 20.

The positioning of the motor vehicle can be carried out by means of a positioning device 30 fixed to the ground. The positioning device 30 may include chocks 140 fixed to the ground allowing the relative positioning of the wheels of the motor vehicle with respect to the load device, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, or as a variant of the means for automatic positioning with respect to pins 150 fixed to the ground, as illustrated in figure 5b.

The electrical connectors of the motor vehicle are configured to allow their exit from the ground when the motor vehicle is well positioned relative to the load device 20, in particular when the motor vehicle is in place relative to the positioning device 30 fixed to the ground.

In a second step 220, the electrical connectors 22 of the motor vehicle 10 are moved downwards in order to bring them into contact with the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device 20.

Finally, in a third step 230, the connection is established between the electrical connectors 22 of the charging device and the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10. This connection occurs at the end of the downward stroke of the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10.

During charging, the 12 V battery 12 is supplied via the DC / DC converter 25, and the 48 V battery 14 directly.

Once the charge is complete, the electrical connectors 18 of the motor vehicle 10 are retracted upwards until they are at least partially, or even completely, retracted into the motor vehicle 10.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of examples. On the contrary, other embodiments of the method of connecting a motor vehicle to a charging device according to the invention are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. Method for connecting a motor vehicle to a charging device, comprising the following steps: a) positioning (110, 210) the motor vehicle (10) relative to the charging device (20), b) moving (120), in particular upwards, electrical connectors (22) of the charging device in order to bring them into contact with electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle, and / or moving (220), in particular towards the bottom, electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle in order to bring them into contact with electrical connectors (22) of the charging device, c) establishing (130, 230) the connection between the electrical connectors (22) of the charging device and the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle. 2. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the electrical connectors of the charging device are at least partially retracted into the ground and in which the electrical connectors (22) of the charging device are arranged on a retraction system configured to allow their exit. or their retraction into the ground. 3. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical connectors (22) of the charging device, in the charging position, protrude from the ground by a height of between 1 cm and 70 cm, or even between 5 cm and 60 cm, better between 10 cm and 50 cm. 4. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the electrical connectors (22) of the charging device, outside the charging position, are retracted into the ground, and do not protrude from the ground, or protrude from the ground of a height less than 10 cm, better less than 5 cm, even less than 2 cm. 5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle are at least partially retracted into the vehicle and in which the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle are arranged on a configured retraction system to allow their exit or their retraction in the vehicle. 6. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle, in the charging position, protrude from the vehicle by a height of between 1 cm and 70 cm, or even between 5 cm and 60 cm, better between 10 cm and 50 cm. 7. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle, outside the charging position, are retracted into the vehicle, and do not project beyond the vehicle, or project beyond the vehicle by a height. less than 10 cm, better less than 5 cm, even less than 2 cm. 8. Method according to one of the three preceding claims, in which the electrical connectors (22) of the charging device and / or the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle are arranged on a spring. 9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electrical connectors (18) of the charging device have a greater transverse dimension of between 5 and 40 cm, better between 5 and 20 cm, or even between 5 and 10 cm. and / or the electrical connectors (18) of the motor vehicle have a larger transverse dimension of between 1 and 70 cm, better between 5 and 60 cm, or even between 10 and 50 cm. 10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning of the motor vehicle is carried out by means of a positioning device (30) fixed to the ground. 11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the charging device (20) is external to the motor vehicle (10) to be charged. 12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the charging voltage is less than 60 V, better still less than or equal to 48 V. 13. Charging device (20) for an automobile battery, in particular for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising electrical connectors (22) of the charging device configured to be at least partially retracted into the ground when the charging device is not used and to be brought into contact with the electrical connectors (18) of a motor vehicle (10) to be charged. 14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the electrical connectors of the charging device are arranged on a retraction system configured to allow their exit or their retraction into the ground. 15. Device according to any one of the two preceding claims, comprising a positioning device (30) fixed to the ground to allow the positioning of the motor vehicle. 16. Motor vehicle comprising electrical connectors (18) configured to be brought into contact with electrical connectors (22) of a charging device according to one of claims 13 to 15.