FR3137651A1 - ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPRISING AN ELECTRIC CHARGING EXTENSION HOUSED IN A HOLLOW BODY - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle (V) comprising: - an electrical energy storage battery (BR), - a body (3) comprising a hollow body, - an electrical socket (P1), this socket comprising: - an integral housing (7) of the bodywork (3), - an electrical extension cord (1) deployable outside the bodywork (3), - an electrical connector (2) removably housed in the housing (7), accessible by an operator from the outside of the bodywork (3), this connector (2) being on the one hand electrically connected to the battery (BR) by means of the electrical extension cord (1), and on the other hand capable of being further connected to an electrical network terrestrial if the extension (1) is deployed, this extension (1) forming a helical elastic spiral (4) capable of recalling the electrical connector (2) in the housing (7), the vehicle comprising a guide tube (5) of the extension (1) and integral with the bodywork (3), this tube (5) being peripheral to the spiral (4) and extending, from the housing (7), into the hollow body. Figure 1

Description

ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPRISING AN ELECTRIC CHARGING EXTENSION HOUSED IN A HOLLOW BODY

The invention relates to motor vehicles capable of connecting to a terrestrial electrical network, in particular for a recharging phase of an electrical energy storage battery of this motor vehicle.

Thus, vehicles comprising a means of propulsion using electric energy are particularly concerned by the invention, such as so-called rechargeable electric vehicles or even rechargeable hybrid vehicles.

There are several modes or technologies for recharging these vehicles via this terrestrial electrical network. For example, we will distinguish at least a first mode of recharging in alternating current, in which case it is a charger on board the vehicle which rectifies this current to charge the battery, and a second mode of recharging in direct current, of higher power than the first mode, this direct current being delivered directly by a charging terminal from the terrestrial electrical network, for example without going through the on-board charger.

For this purpose, the vehicle is equipped with an electrical outlet or electrical connector, suitable for connection to the terrestrial electrical network. These at least two charging modes are very different: the first mode is for example entirely controlled by the vehicle's on-board charger, while the second mode requires shared control between the charging station and the battery, so that the vehicle is equipped with a different electrical outlet for each of these two charging modes.

For the first mode of recharging, we know from patent document CN-A-109278575 an electrical extension cable integrated into the vehicle and deployable outside the vehicle to connect the vehicle to the terrestrial electrical network. This electrical extension cord includes a means for elastically returning the extension cord to the retracted position consisting of:
- the extension itself in the form of spirals,
- a tubular guide for the extension, central to the spirals,
- a housing housing the guide and the extension.

A problem appears because this solution involves a specific housing of a substantial volume, a volume unsuitable for being installed in a passenger vehicle.

The aim of the invention is to remedy at least this problem, by proposing a motor vehicle comprising:
- an electrical energy storage battery,
- a body comprising a hollow body,
- an outlet,
this catch comprising:
- a box attached to the bodywork,
- an electrical extension cord that can be deployed outside the bodywork,
- an electrical connector removably housed in the housing, accessible by an operator from outside the bodywork,
this connector being on the one hand electrically connected to the battery by means of the electrical extension cord, and on the other hand capable of being further connected to a terrestrial electrical network if the extension cord is deployed, this extension forming a helical elastic spiral suitable for recall the electrical connector in the housing, this vehicle comprising a guide tube for the extension and secured to the bodywork, this tube being peripheral to the spiral and extending, from the housing, into the hollow body.

By "hollow body" of the bodywork, throughout the text of this document, we will understand a closed or partially closed volume of air, this volume being delimited by elements of the bodywork making this volume difficult to access or even impossible to access. access for the hands of an operator, either because the bodywork elements are solid, or perforated by small openings not allowing the operator to slide his hand through the entire volume or even because these small openings are themselves even inaccessible. This closed volume of air is thus a lost volume, and this hollow body generally includes, in the closed air volume, sharp edges or other aggressive elements such as screw tips or staples, among others.

Note that if this connector is electrically connected to the battery by means of the deployable electrical extension cord, it is not necessarily directly connected to the battery by means of the deployable electrical extension cord, in particular the deployable electrical extension cord can be connected to the connector on the one hand, and also connected to a power supply module on the other hand which itself is connected to the battery. As will be described later, this power module is responsible for controlling the power supply to the battery during a recharging phase, and in particular rectifying an alternating current supplied by the terrestrial electrical network.

The electrical connector is for example a set of electrical pins insulated from each other, and joined together by a casing forming a handle or a handle easily graspable by the operator or the driver or a passenger.

Thus this arrangement allows integration of the electrical extension cord (forming a helical elastic spiral) in a volume of the bodywork pre-existing the invention, and the guide tube completely protects the electrical extension cord from sharp edges or other aggressive elements such as spikes. screws or staples, among others, of the hollow body.

Note that the guide tube can be secured to the bodywork in several ways:
- for example via the housing, extending into the hollow body from the housing and will for example have a free end fixed to a bottom or a side of the housing, this guide tube opening into the housing,
- for example directly on an element of the bodywork, by a means of fixing such as welding, screwing, clipping, gluing, nesting: the guide tube is therefore not necessarily integral with the housing, and its free end can simply be in opposite an opening made in the bottom or side of the box for the passage of the electrical extension cord. Of course, these two examples of solidarity can be combined.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this tube is oriented so that the weight of the helical elastic spiral helps to recall the electrical connector into the housing.

Of course the vehicle, on its rolling surface, is a reference for a vertical position, and the more the guide tube is in a vertical position, the more the weight of the helical elastic spiral will help the electrical extension retract into the guide tube, and therefore will help the recall of the electrical connector in the housing: The operator will have greater ease in storing the connector in the housing due to the fact that the electrical extension will retract into the tube autonomously by its own weight and its elasticity.

It is implied that in order for the weight of the helical coil to help the extension cord retract into the guide tube, the guide tube generally has a downward slope: for example, the highest point of the guide tube will be the free end of this tube facing the housing or secured to the housing, but not necessarily. For example, if a first part of the guide tube, corresponding to more than half the length of the guide tube, is on a downward slope, its second complementary part can be on an upward and/or horizontal slope, the weight of the extension in the first part driving the weight of the extension in the second part of the guide tube.

This guide tube may be straight, but not necessarily. It may present a curvature, in which case certain parts of this guide tube will be closer to the vertical than other parts, and therefore will present a greater weight training effect.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle comprises a wheel, and the bodywork comprises a wheel arch delimiting a space for movement of this wheel, the hollow body being at least delimited by this wheel arch.

We will understand by wheel arch, throughout the text of this document, a wall of the bodywork facing a wheel of the vehicle and delimiting the space of movement of this wheel. This wall is for example a steel sheet, flat and/or with a curved surface or in the shape of a crosspiece or spar.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the bodywork comprises a wing as an extension of this wheel arch, the hollow body being further delimited by this wing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the bodywork comprises a lining of this wing, the hollow body being further delimited by this wing lining.

According to an alternative embodiment according to the invention, this vehicle comprises a passenger compartment, the body comprising:
- a wing lining of a wing as an extension of this wheel arch and
- interior trim,
the hollow body being further delimited by this wing lining and this passenger compartment trim.

According to an alternative embodiment according to the invention, the bodywork comprises a mudguard protecting the wheel arch from mud or gravel propelled by the wheel if it is rotating, the hollow body being further delimited by this mudguard .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the tube has a curvature following a curvature of the wheel arch.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this wheel arch is a rear wheel arch of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the socket comprises a hatch comprising a hinge means capable of positioning it in a closed position and an opening position of the housing for access to the electrical connector by an operator from the exterior of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this electrical outlet is configured to receive only alternating current from the terrestrial electrical network.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, made with reference to the figures in which:

: represents a left rear side silhouette of a passenger vehicle according to the invention.

: represents a body structure of a utility vehicle applicable to the invention, this structure having a hollow body allowing the implementation of the invention.

It should be kept in mind that the figures are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. Furthermore, in what follows, reference is made to all the figures taken in combination. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures must be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of the designated numerical references. The references of unchanged elements or having the same function are common to all the figures, and the variant embodiments.

Note that throughout the text of this document, we consider an orthogonal reference X,Y,Z linked to the vehicle:
- the X axis is the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and oriented in the main direction of travel of the vehicle, known as forward direction,
- the Z axis is a so-called vertical axis, which is orthogonal to the X axis and orthogonal to the support plane of the vehicle on a rolling surface,
- the Y axis is a so-called transverse axis and which is orthogonal to the X and Y axes.

This mark is represented in each of the figures. The X axis passes for example through the center of gravity of the vehicle, or alternatively through the geometric center of the vehicle and in particular through the geometric center of the silhouette of the vehicle seen from the rear or the front of the vehicle.

By battery, throughout the text of this document, we will understand a set comprising at least one battery module containing at least one electrochemical cell, the service battery being considered equivalent to at least one module. This battery possibly comprises electrical or electronic means for managing the electrical energy of this at least one module. When there are several modules, they are grouped together in a casing and then form a battery pack, this battery pack often being referred to by the English expression "battery pack", this casing forming a hermetic enclosure and generally including a mounting interface , and connection terminals.

Furthermore, by electrochemical cell we will understand throughout the text of this document, cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type, of the Ni-Mh type, or Ni-Cd or still lead.

The invention relates to a motor vehicle V. It is for example a car, as illustrated in the . It concerns any type of vehicle comprising an all-electric or hybrid powertrain (or GMP) and comprising at least one rechargeable electric energy storage battery BR in direct current or alternating current depending on the user's choice. Thus, it concerns land motor vehicles (utility vehicles, campers, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, recreational machinery (snowmobile, kart), tracked machinery) , and crewed exploration craft).

Furthermore, we consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the GMP of vehicle V is all-electric. It therefore comprises at least one electric motor machine, not shown, producing in particular torque for its movements from the energy stored in the rechargeable battery BR. But the GMP of vehicle V could be hybrid and therefore include at least one electric driving machine and at least one non-electric driving machine (possibly thermal).

There discloses a motor vehicle V according to one of the embodiments of the invention. This motor vehicle V includes:
- a BR battery for storing electrical energy,
- a body 3 comprising a hollow body 6,
- a P1 electrical outlet.

Note that the hollow body 6 is not shown on the , but on the , for reasons of readability of the figures.

The BR battery is symbolized by dotted lines, on the as the , and is shown under a floor of the vehicle, but this is not obligatory and this BR battery can be installed on this same floor, or in a rear trunk, or be in several parts distributed in the vehicle V. The electrical connection between this BR battery and the electrical extension cord 1 is not shown, but an example will be described later with a power supply module.

This P1 socket includes:
- a box 7 secured to the body 3,
- an electrical extension cord 1 that can be deployed outside the bodywork 3,
- an electrical connector 2 removably housed in the housing 7, accessible by an operator from outside the bodywork 3.

This connector 2 is on the one hand electrically connected to the battery BR by means of the electrical extension cord 1, and on the other hand capable of being further connected to a terrestrial electrical network if the extension cord 1 is deployed.

This extension 1 forms a helical elastic spiral 4 capable of recalling the electrical connector 2 in the housing 7.

The vehicle comprises a guide tube 5 of the extension 1 and integral with the bodywork 3, this tube 5 being peripheral to the spiral 4 and extending, from the housing 7, into the hollow body 6.

Note that the electrical extension cord 1, the guide tube 4, and the connector 2 are only shown on the , and in dotted lines because normally not visible, hidden by the bodywork 3.

This tube 5 is oriented so that the weight of the helical elastic spiral 4 helps to recall the electrical connector 2 in the housing 7. In particular, the more vertical the axis of the guide tube 5 is along the Z axis, the more this help will be effective.

This vehicle comprises a wheel, not shown, and the bodywork 3 comprises a wheel arch 8 delimiting a space for movement of this wheel, the hollow body 6 being at least delimited by this wheel arch 8.

The bodywork 3 comprises a wing 9 as an extension of this wheel arch 8, the hollow body 6 being further delimited by this wing 9.

The bodywork includes a lining 11 of this wing 9, shown only on the , the hollow body 6 being further delimited by this wing lining 11.

As a variant not shown, this vehicle comprises a passenger compartment 12, the bodywork 3 comprising:
- a wing lining 11 of a wing 9 as an extension of this wheel arch 8 and
- a passenger compartment trim, not shown,
the hollow body 6 being further delimited by this wing lining 11 and this passenger compartment trim.

For example the illustrates this hollow body 6: this represents the structure of a body 3 of a utility vehicle, in particular the rear part of the vehicle seen from ¾ from inside the passenger compartment 12. This figure discloses the wheel arch 8 visible from inside the rear trunk of this vehicle, this trunk being devoid of linings. This wheel arch 8 is for example a curved steel sheet, the wheel moving below this curved surface. The lining 11 of the rear wing is also visible, in the form of a vertical structuring steel sheet (along the Z axis) and, through one of its openings, appears the hollow body 6 delimited in this example by the wheel arch 8, the lining 11, and the rear wing which is hidden. The lining 11 is for example electrically spot welded to the wheel arch 8, just as the wing is electrically spot welded to the wheel arch 8 and to the lining 11. The hollow body 6 has a elongated shape extending along of the wheel arch 8 following the convex shape, in the plane XZ, this hollow body 6 then having an optimal shape to accommodate the entire length of the guide tube 5 which is also located in the same plane XZ as the hollow body 6.

As previously explained, this hollow body 6 is a partially closed air volume, this volume being delimited by the wheel arch 8, the lining 11, and the wing (mark 9 on the only), making this volume difficult to access by an operator as can be seen on the .

As a variant not shown, the bodywork 3 comprises a mudguard protecting the wheel arch 8 from mud or gravel propelled by the wheel if it is rotating, the hollow body 6 being further delimited by this mudguard. This mudguard is for example a plastic part partially covering the wheel arch 8 on the wheel side, assembled by clipping or screwing.

On the example of the , the tube 5 has a curvature, more precisely the neutral fiber of the guide tube 5 has this curvature, following the shape of the convex wheel arch 8.

This wheel arch 8 is in particular a rear wheel arch of the vehicle.

The socket P1 comprises a hatch 10 comprising a hinge means capable of positioning it in a closed position and an open position of the housing 7 for access to the electrical connector 2 by an operator from outside the vehicle V.

This housing 7 is for example a tray whose internal volume creates a depression in the bodywork 3, and here in particular the wing 9, this internal volume housing the connector(s) 2. This tray is closed by the hatch 10 which is by example flush with the bodywork 3 and in particular with the wing 9. This hatch 10 has an aesthetic function, but also performs a function of protecting the connector 2 when the socket P1 is not used: protection against entries water, dust, or against vandalism. This box 7 includes, for example, charging indicators.

The guide tube 5 can be secured to the bodywork 3 in several ways:
- for example via the housing 7, extending into the hollow body 6 from the housing 7 and will for example have a free end fixed to a bottom or one side of the tank of the housing 7, this guide tube 5 opening into the housing 7,
- for example directly on an element 8, 9, 11 of the bodywork 3, by a fixing means such as welding, screwing, clipping, gluing, interlocking.

For the example in which the guide tube 5 is secured to the bodywork via the housing 7, an advantageous design is the production in one piece, for example by a plastic injection process, the housing 7 and the tube of guidance 5.

This electrical outlet P1 is for example configured to receive only alternating current from the terrestrial electrical network.

The exterior surface of the hatch 10 is for example flush with the surrounding bodywork, in this example the wing 9, or out of flush, or recessed, of the same curvature or not.

This hatch 10 can also have a vehicle light signaling means, for example.

For example, the articulation means comprises a pivot axis of the hatch 10 relative to the housing 7.

For example, socket P1, whose connectors 2 are removable relative to housing 7 and therefore relative to bodywork 3, constitutes a socket comprising a pin for a phase of the terrestrial network, a pin for a neutral of the terrestrial network, and a pin for grounding. This first socket P1 includes the electrical extension cord 1 deployable outside the vehicle V, by the operator or the driver, and its connectors 2 are connected on the one hand to this deployable electrical extension cord 1 and on the other hand are also suitable for be connected to the terrestrial electrical network by means of, for example, an adapter (not shown). If the adapter is type 2, this first P1 socket allows mode 3 charging, and if this adapter is an adapter for a domestic socket on the terrestrial network, this first P1 socket allows alternating current charging with a maximum power of 11KW , called type 2 charging mode.

Mode 3 charging corresponds to an alternating charging current with a maximum power of 22KW.

There are of course other types of standard sockets or specific to certain automobile manufacturers applicable to the invention. For example, we will cite type 1 sockets, limited to an alternating power of 7.4KW.

The vehicle includes a power module (not shown) providing the interface between the BR battery and the P1 socket. It is responsible for controlling the power supply to the BR battery during each recharge phase. For the P1 mode 2 or mode 3 socket, that is to say the source current is alternating), the deployable electrical extension cord 1 is connected to connector 2 on the one hand, and also connected to this power module on the other hand which itself is connected to the battery BR. This power supply module comprises for example a first electrotechnical stage suitable for rectifying the incoming current, and a second stage suitable for smoothing the current and/or controlling the current and/or the output voltage of the module intended for the BR battery. This is what those skilled in the art commonly call an on-board charger.

For example, this BR battery can be of the low voltage type typically 220 V or 400 V or even 600 V. But it could also be of the medium voltage or very low voltage type typically 48V.

This BR battery also supplies electrical equipment of the vehicle V which is, for example, connected to an on-board network (not shown), for example under a direct voltage of 12V, in particular one or more computers implementing the different charging modes of the vehicle. the BR battery. For this purpose, the BR battery is for example coupled to the on-board network via a DC/DC type current converter (not shown), as well as possibly via an energy distribution module.

The terrestrial electrical network (not shown) is a network transporting electrical energy produced by power plants, among others. This network is fixed and presents charging interfaces for the vehicle according to the invention. These interfaces come for example in the form of a simple standard domestic socket or a wall socket dedicated to recharging the BR battery.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle (V) comprising:
- a battery (BR) for storing electrical energy,
- a body (3) comprising a hollow body (6),
- an electrical outlet (P1),
this catch comprising:
- a housing (7) secured to the bodywork (3),
- an electrical extension cord (1) that can be deployed outside the bodywork (3),
- an electrical connector (2) removably housed in the housing (7), accessible by an operator from outside the bodywork (3), this connector (2) being on the one hand electrically connected to the battery (BR ) by means of the electrical extension cord (1), and on the other hand capable of being further connected to a terrestrial electrical network if the extension cord (1) is deployed, this extension cord (1) forming a clean helical elastic spiral (4) to recall the electrical connector (2) in the housing (7), characterized in that the vehicle comprises a guide tube (5) of the extension (1) and secured to the bodywork (3), this tube (5) being peripheral to the spiral (4) and extending, from the housing (7), into the hollow body (6). Vehicle according to claim 1, this tube (5) being oriented so that the weight of the helical elastic spiral (4) helps to recall the electrical connector (2) in the housing (7). Vehicle according to claim 2, this vehicle comprising a wheel, and the bodywork (3) comprising a wheel arch (8) delimiting a space for movement of this wheel, the hollow body (6) being at least delimited by this wheel arch (8). Vehicle according to claim 3, the bodywork (3) comprising a wing (9) as an extension of this wheel arch (8), the hollow body (6) being further delimited by this wing (9). Vehicle according to claim 4, the bodywork comprising a lining (11) of this wing (9), the hollow body (6) being further delimited by this wing lining (11). Vehicle according to claim 3 comprising a passenger compartment (12), the bodywork (3) comprising:
- a wing lining (11) of a wing (9) as an extension of this wheel arch (8) and
- interior trim,
the hollow body (6) being further delimited by this wing lining (11) and this passenger compartment trim. Vehicle according to claim 3, the bodywork (3) comprising a mudguard protecting the wheel arch (8) from mud or gravel propelled by the wheel if it is rotating, the hollow body (6) being further delimited by this mudguard. Vehicle according to one of claims 3 to 7, the tube (5) having a curvature following a curvature of the wheel arch (8). Vehicle according to one of claims 3 to 8, this wheel arch (8) being a rear wheel arch of the vehicle. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the socket (P1) comprising a hatch (10) comprising articulation means capable of positioning it in a closed position and an opening position of the housing (7) for access to the electrical connector (2) by an operator from outside the vehicle (V).