FR3107370A1 - INTERCONNECTION DEVICE WITH STATUS DISPLAY, FOR A VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

An interconnection device (DI) is used for recharging a vehicle battery and comprises a base (ED) fixedly secured to the vehicle and to which is fixedly secured an on-board socket (PE) coupled to a charging circuit of the vehicle. vehicle, connected to the battery, and intended to be connected to an external charging socket. This base (ED) comprises a display (AI) comprising a first light source (S1) indicating by a first illumination in a first zone (Z1) when the external charging socket is correctly connected to the on-board socket (PE), and a second light source (S2) signaling by a second, respectively third, illumination in a second zone (Z2) an absence, respectively a presence, of a recharging problem. Fig. 1

Description

INTERCONNECTION DEVICE WITH STATUS DISPLAY, FOR ONE VEHICLE

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to vehicles with an all-electric or hybrid (thermal/electric) powertrain, and more specifically to the interconnection devices which are intended to allow the recharging of the rechargeable batteries of such vehicles.

State of the art

In a vehicle, an all-electric or hybrid (thermal/electric) powertrain (or GMP) comprises at least one electric motor machine that needs electrical energy to operate. This electrical energy is supplied by a rechargeable battery via an inverter generally located in the engine compartment of the vehicle. This battery is coupled to a charging circuit to which an interconnection device is also coupled. The latter comprises a base fixedly secured to the vehicle and to which is fixedly secured an on-board socket (possibly of type 2) intended to be coupled to the recharging circuit and to be connected to an external recharging socket (possibly of the combo type).

In most of the vehicles described above, the base has no means allowing their user to know, on the one hand, whether the external charging socket has been correctly connected to the on-board socket, and, on the other hand , if there is a charging problem. Such a problem may result from a charging ban generated by a vehicle computer due to the detection of an internal problem, or a malfunction at the external charging station to which the external charging socket is connected, or another communication problem between a vehicle computer and the charging station.

Due to the absence of the aforementioned means, either the user is confident and moves away from his vehicle after having interconnected the external charging socket to the on-board socket of the interconnection device, or the user is suspicious and in this case he is forced to return to the passenger compartment of the vehicle in order to check on a display screen whether a charging or interconnection problem has been detected. In the first alternative, it may happen that the user discovers that charging has not been carried out when he returns to his vehicle to disconnect the external charging socket. In the second alternative, the user is informed (or reassured), but he has lost time, which may upset him.

It has been proposed, in particular in the patent document FR-B1 3052113, to add to the base of the interconnection device a flat touch screen providing the user with information on the state of the battery and allowing him to launch a battery charging phase (possibly delayed) when the external charging socket is connected to its on-board socket. But this solution does not make it possible to signal to the user either the status of the interconnection (correct/incorrect) between the external charging socket and the on-board socket, or the presence of a charging problem.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose an interconnection device, intended to allow the recharging of a battery of a vehicle, and comprising a base intended to be fixedly secured to the vehicle and to which is fixedly secured an on-board socket intended to be coupled to a vehicle charging circuit, connected to this battery, and to be connected to an external charging socket.

This interconnection device is characterized in that its base comprises a display comprising a first light source signaling by a first illumination in a first zone when the external socket is correctly connected to its on-board socket, and a second light source signaling by a second, respectively third, illumination in a second zone an absence, respectively a presence, of a charging problem.

Thus, the vehicle user instantly knows the status of the interconnection between the external charging socket and the on-board socket (correct/incorrect), whether or not the external charging socket is locked, and the charging status (absence/presence of a recharging problem), when it is located in front of the on-board socket, so that it no longer needs to return to the possible passenger compartment of the vehicle to check on a display screen whether a charging or interconnection problem has been detected.

The interconnection device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- the first light source of the display can signal in the first zone either by a first continuous illumination and having a first color when the external charging socket is correctly connected to the on-board socket (and therefore that the external charging socket is securely locked to the base), or by a first illumination having a second color when the external charging socket is missing or incorrectly connected to the on-board socket;

- the second light source of the display can signal in the second zone by a second discontinuous illumination, respectively continuous, and having a third color when there is no charging problem and the battery is being charged , respectively fully charged;

- the second light source of the display can signal in the second zone by a second illumination having a fourth color when there is no charging problem but a delayed charging has been programmed;

- the second light source of the display can signal in the second zone by a second continuous illumination having the fourth color when there is no charging problem but a delayed charging has been programmed;

- the second light source of the display can signal in the second zone by a third illumination having a fifth color when there is a charging problem;

- the second light source of the display can signal in the second zone by a third continuous lighting and having the fifth color when there is a charging problem;

- the second light source of the display can signal in the second zone by a fourth illumination having a sixth color when the external charging socket is absent and there is no scheduled charging;

- it may include a flap concealing the base and the on-board socket when it is in a closed position, and allowing access to the on-board socket when it is in an open position. In this case, the display can operate only when the shutter is in its open position;

- the on-board socket may be type 2.

The invention also proposes a vehicle, optionally of the automotive type, and comprising a powertrain using electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery via a charging circuit, and an interconnection device of the type presented above and coupled to this charging circuit.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawing, in which:

schematically illustrates, in a front view, an embodiment of an interconnection device according to the invention, with its flap in the open position.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a DI interconnection device intended to allow the user of a vehicle with an all-electric or hybrid (thermal/electric) powertrain (or GMP) to know the state of the interconnection (correct/incorrect) and charging status (absence/presence of problem) when located in front of the on-board PE socket.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the interconnection device DI is intended to equip a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, a DI interconnect device can equip any vehicle comprising an all-electric or hybrid (thermal/electric) powertrain using electrical energy supplied by a rechargeable battery. Consequently, the invention relates to any type of vehicle, whether land, sea (or river), or air.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the powertrain of the vehicle is all-electric. But it could be hybrid (thermal / electric).

The GMP comprises at least one electric motor machine which consumes, in order to operate, electrical energy supplied by a rechargeable battery via an inverter. This battery is coupled to a charging circuit to which is also coupled a DI interconnection device according to the invention.

There is schematically shown in Figure 1 an embodiment of a DI interconnection device according to the invention, intended to be fixedly attached to a vehicle (here automobile). For example, such a DI interconnection device can be partly installed in a recess in the bodywork to which access is controlled by a rotatably mounted VD flap (and possibly forming part of the DI interconnection device).

As illustrated, an interconnection device DI, according to the invention, comprises at least one base ED, comprising a display AI, and an on-board socket PE.

The EF base is intended to be firmly attached to the vehicle. It includes a front face oriented towards the outside of the vehicle. For example, this EF base can be made of plastic.

The PE on-board socket is fixedly attached to the ED base and is intended to be coupled to the vehicle's charging circuit (connected to the battery). Furthermore, the PE on-board socket is intended to be connected, during a charging phase, to an external charging socket (not shown). The latter can, for example, be coupled via a charging cable to a charging station, or to a wall box (or "wall box"), for example, connected to a power supply network (or mains) and charged distribution of electrical energy and protection (circuit breakers, fuses, differential protection), or to an electrical supply network (or mains).

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, the on-board socket PE can be of type 2. But it could be of another type.

The display AI comprises first S1 and second S2 light sources associated respectively with first Z1 and second Z2 zones (of illumination).

The first light source S1 is arranged so as to signal by a first illumination in the first zone Z1 when the external charging socket is correctly connected to the on-board socket PE.

The second light source S2 is arranged in such a way as to signal, by a second illumination in the second zone Z2, the absence of a recharging problem, or by a third illumination in the second zone Z2, the presence of a recharging problem.

A charging problem can result from a charging ban generated by a vehicle computer (involved in charging) due to the detection of an internal problem, or a malfunction at the external charging station to which is connected the external charging socket, or even a communication problem between a vehicle computer (involved in charging) and the charging station.

Thanks to this AI display, the vehicle user can now instantly know not only the status of the interconnection between the external charging socket and the on-board PE socket (correct or incorrect (or absence of an external charging socket, which amounts to the same)) and whether or not the external charging socket is locked, thanks to the first zone Z1, but also the charging status (absence or presence of a charging problem), thanks to the second zone Z2 , when located in front of the on-board PE socket. The user therefore no longer needs to return to the passenger compartment of the vehicle to check on a display screen (for example that of a central handset) whether a charging or interconnection problem has been detected. If there is a charging problem, the user can, for example, connect another external charging socket to the on-board PE socket. If there is an interconnection problem, the user can disconnect the external charging socket from the on-board PE socket, then reconnect this external charging socket to this on-board PE socket. There is therefore no longer any risk of the user discovering that charging has not been carried out when he returns to his vehicle to disconnect the external charging socket.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, the second zone Z2 is in the form of a transparent or translucent rectangular frame and framing a central part of the display AI comprising the first zone Z1, the latter (Z1) in the form of a transparent or translucent rectangle. But any other combination of shapes can be envisaged for the first Z1 and second Z2 zones (of illumination), since it makes it possible to materialize in a luminous manner the two aforementioned states (of interconnection and of recharging).

For example, the first light source S1 can signal in the first zone Z1 either by a first continuous illumination having a first color when the external charging socket is correctly connected to the on-board socket PE (and therefore the external charging socket is well locked to the base ED), or by a first continuous or discontinuous illumination and having a second color when the external charging socket is absent or incorrectly connected to the on-board socket PE.

By way of purely illustrative example, the first color can be red (or green), and the second color can be white (or orange). In this case, when the external charging socket is correctly connected to the on-board socket PE, the first zone Z1 is continuously illuminated by a red (or green) light very easily observable by the user, whereas when the external charging socket is absent or incorrectly connected to the on-board socket PE, the first zone Z1 is illuminated continuously or intermittently by a white (or orange) light which is very easily observable by the user.

In order to produce light having the first color, the first light source S1 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, comprise at least one first light-emitting diode (or LED) D1. In order to produce light having the second color, the first light source S1 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, comprise at least one second light-emitting diode (or LED) D2.

Also for example, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a second discontinuous illumination and having a third color when there is no charging problem and the battery is being charged, or else by a second continuous illumination and having the third color when there is no recharging problem and the battery is fully charged.

As a purely illustrative example, the third color may be green with continuous lighting. In this case, when there is no recharging problem and the battery is being recharged, the second zone Z2 is discontinuously illuminated by a green light very easily observable by the user, whereas when he there is no recharging problem and the battery is fully charged, the second zone Z2 is continuously illuminated by a green light which is very easily observable by the user.

In order to produce light having the third color, the second light source S2 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, comprise at least one third light-emitting diode (or LED) D3.

Also for example, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a second illumination having a fourth color when there is no charging problem but a deferred charging has been programmed.

In the presence of the last option, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a second continuous illumination and having the fourth color when there is no problem with recharging but a deferred recharging has been programmed . But the second illumination could be discontinuous.

By way of purely illustrative example, the fourth color can be blue (or orange). In this case, when there is no recharging problem but deferred recharging has been programmed, the second zone Z2 is lit continuously (or discontinuously) by a blue (or orange) light very easily observable by the user.

In order to produce light having the fourth color, the second light source S2 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, comprise at least one fourth light-emitting diode (or LED) D4.

Also for example, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a third illumination having a fifth color when there is a charging problem.

In the presence of the last option, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a third continuous illumination and having the fifth color when there is a charging problem. But the third illumination could be discontinuous.

By way of purely illustrative example, the fifth color can be red (or orange). In this case, when there is a charging problem, the second zone Z2 is lit continuously (or discontinuously) by a red (or orange) light that is very easily observable by the user.

In order to produce light having the fifth color, the second light source S2 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, comprise at least one fifth light-emitting diode (or LED) D5.

Also for example, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a fourth illumination having a sixth color when the external charging socket is absent and there is no scheduled charging.

In the presence of the last option, the second light source S2 can signal in the second zone Z2 by a fourth continuous illumination and having the sixth color when the external charging socket is absent and there is no scheduled charging . But the fourth illumination could be discontinuous.

By way of purely illustrative example, the sixth color may be white. In this case, when the external charging socket is absent and there is no scheduled charging, the second zone Z2 is lit continuously (or alternatively discontinuously) by a white light very easily observable by the user when any sub-base VD flap is opened by the user.

In order to produce light having the sixth color, the second light source S2 can, for example and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, comprise at least one sixth light-emitting diode (or LED) D6.

It will be noted that in order to control (or control) its first S1 and second S2 light sources, the display AI can comprise a microcontroller or a computer coupled to the vehicle charging circuit in order to receive information defining the aforementioned states (of interconnection and charging). Such a microcontroller or computer comprises at least one processor and at least one RAM. For example, the processor may be a digital signal processor (or DSP (“Digital Signal Processor”)). This processor may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or else several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. By integrated (or printed) circuit is meant any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation. RAM is responsible for storing instructions that allow the processor to perform operations. Furthermore, this microcontroller or computer can also comprise, according to its functional needs, a mass memory, and/or an input interface for receiving information defining the interconnection and recharging states that it uses in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and/or demodulated and/or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of another digital signal processor, and/or an output interface, in particular to deliver commands ( or commands) to control the first S1 and second S2 light sources.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, that the interconnection device DI can also comprise a flap VD masking the base ED and the on-board socket PE when it is in a closed position, and allowing access to the on-board PE socket when in an open position (see Figure 1). In this case, it is preferable for the AI display to operate only when the VD flap is in its open position, in order to increase its lifespan and reduce the vehicle's electrical energy consumption. For example, the VD shutter can be mounted in rotation with respect to the ED base.

Claims (10)

Interconnection device (DI) for recharging a battery of a vehicle, said device (DI) comprising a base (ED) intended to be fixedly secured to said vehicle and to which is fixedly secured an on-board socket (PE) intended to be coupled to a charging circuit of said vehicle, connected to said battery, and to be connected to an external charging socket, characterized in that said base (ED) comprises a display (AI) comprising a first light source (S1) signaling by a first illumination in a first zone (Z1) when said external charging socket is correctly connected to said on-board socket (PE), and a second light source (S2) signaling by a second, respectively third, illumination in a second zone ( Z2) an absence, respectively a presence, of a charging problem. Interconnection device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first light source (S1) signals in said first zone (Z1) either by a first continuous illumination and having a first color when said external charging socket is correctly connected to said on-board socket (PE), or by a first illumination having a second color when said external charging socket is absent or incorrectly connected to said on-board socket (PE). Interconnection device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the said second light source (S2) signals in the said second zone (Z2) by a second discontinuous illumination, respectively continuous, and having a third color when it is not there is no charging problem and that said battery is being charged, respectively fully charged. Interconnection device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said second light source (S2) signals in the said second zone (Z2) by a second illumination having a fourth color when there is no charging problem but that a delayed charging has been programmed. Interconnection device according to claim 4, characterized in that said second light source (S2) signals in said second zone (Z2) by a second continuous illumination and having said fourth color when there is no recharging problem. but that a delayed recharge has been programmed. Interconnection device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the said second light source (S2) signals in the said second zone (Z2) by a third illumination having a fifth color when there is a problem of recharge. Interconnection device according to claim 6, characterized in that said second light source (S2) signals in said second zone (Z2) by a third continuous illumination and having said fifth color when there is a recharging problem. Interconnection device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second light source (S2) signals in said second zone (Z2) by a fourth illumination having a sixth color when said external charging socket is absent and that there is no scheduled recharge. Interconnection device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a flap (VD) masking the said base (ED) and the said on-board socket (PE) when it is in a closed position, and allowing access to said on-board socket (PE) when it is in an open position, and in that said display (AI) operates only when said flap (VD) is in its open position. Vehicle comprising a powertrain using electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery via a recharging circuit, characterized in that it further comprises an interconnection device (DI) according to one of the preceding claims, coupled to said circuit charging.