FR3138629A1 - ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPRISING A CHARGING MODULE COMPRISING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE TOW HOOK ADMITTING THREE POSITIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric vehicle (5) comprising a charging module (10), the charging module (10) comprising a towing hook (13) and a rotation axis (14), the charging module (10) ) being mounted under the vehicle (5), the axis of rotation (14) extending in a lateral direction (Y) of the electric vehicle (5), an electrical connector being integrated in the towing hook (13), the towing hook (13) admitting three positions reachable by automated pivoting around the axis of rotation (14): - a folded position, where the towing hook (13) is retracted under the rear of the vehicle (5 ) ; - a coupling position, where the coupling hook (13) extends rearward from the vehicle (5); - a charging position, where the electrical connector of the tow hook (13) is configured to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive docking system (24) of an external charging robot (20). Figure 1

Description

ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPRISING A CHARGING MODULE COMPRISING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE TOW HOOK ADMITTING THREE POSITIONS

The invention relates to an electric vehicle comprising a charging module.

Conventionally, to recharge an electric vehicle (BEV or PHEV, from the English “Battery Electric Vehicle” or “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle”, respectively Battery Electric Vehicle or Rechargeable Hybrid Electric Vehicle), it is necessary to connect a cable to a vehicle socket.

A technology known from patent document DE102012203856 A1 provides a retractable towing hook carrying a charging socket for an electric vehicle. In this document, the charging socket is attached to the vehicle's towing hook so that the towing hook and the charging socket can be tilted between the coupling and charging position, and a folded position, under the vehicle chassis. In this technology, however, a user needs to get out of the vehicle to connect the charging cable.

One of the objectives of the invention is to propose an alternative solution to existing electric vehicle charging systems, making it possible to avoid the user having to get out of the vehicle, grab an electric cable and carry it out. -even the corresponding connection operations, and a vehicle comprising a charging module of the charging system.

• une position d’attelage, dans laquelle le crochet d’attelage s’étend vers l’arrière depuis le véhicule électrique ;
• une position repliée, dans laquelle le crochet d’attelage est rétracté sous la partie arrière du véhicule électrique ;
• une position de recharge, intermédiaire entre la position repliée et la position d’attelage, et dans laquelle le connecteur électrique du crochet d’attelage est configuré pour être connecté électriquement à un système d’arrimage conducteur électrique d’un robot de recharge externe.

To achieve this objective, the invention proposes an electric vehicle comprising a charging module. The charging module comprises a towing hook and an axis of rotation, a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction and a vertical direction perpendicular in pairs being defined relative to the electric vehicle, the longitudinal direction corresponding to a rectilinear front-to-back direction. circulation of the electric vehicle, the charging module being mounted under a rear part of the electric vehicle, the axis of rotation extending in the lateral direction, an electrical connector being integrated in the towing hook, the towing hook admitting three distinct positions that it can reach by automated pivoting around the axis of rotation:

• a hitch position, in which the tow hook extends rearward from the electric vehicle;
• a folded position, in which the towing hook is retracted under the rear part of the electric vehicle;
• a charging position, intermediate between the folded position and the hitching position, and in which the electrical connector of the tow hook is configured to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive docking system of an external charging robot.

Thanks to this configuration, the towing hook can position itself in the charging position, thus making itself accessible to a charging robot external to the vehicle. The user then does not have to carry out any cable handling operations to be able to start charging the electric vehicle.

Advantageously, in the charging position, the towing hook can extend substantially in the vertical direction under the rear part of the electric vehicle.

Advantageously, in each of the folded position, the recharging position and the coupling position, the towing hook can be arranged in a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle, defined by the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and/ or, to move from one position to another position among the folded position, the charging position and the hitch position, the tow hook can move in the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the recharging position of the towing hook is provided at an angle of 75° to 105° relative to the folded position and at an angle of 75° to 105° relative to the coupling position, around the 'rotation axis.

Advantageously, the towing hook may include a towing ball, the electrical connector being formed in the towing ball.

Advantageously, the electrical connector may comprise at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being embedded in the hitch ball.

Advantageously, the electrical connector can be a female electrical socket.

The invention also relates to a charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising a charging robot, the charging robot comprising a docking system configured to cooperate by mechanical and electrical connection with the electrical connector of the tow hook of the electric vehicle , in the towing hook recharging position.

Advantageously, the charging robot is equipped with four wheels and is capable of moving freely on the ground.

• une étape de déploiement du crochet d’attelage du véhicule électrique jusqu’à la position de recharge,
• une étape de raccordement mécanique et électrique d’un système d’arrimage conducteur électrique d’un robot de recharge externe, au connecteur électrique du crochet d’attelage.

The invention also relates to an electric vehicle charging method, comprising:

• a step of deploying the tow hook of the electric vehicle to the charging position,
• a step of mechanical and electrical connection of an electrically conductive securing system of an external charging robot, to the electrical connector of the towing hook.

• illustre schématiquement une partie arrière d’un véhicule électrique pourvu d’un module d’attelage comportant un crochet d’attelage selon l’invention, ainsi qu’un robot de recharge extérieur au véhicule, le crochet d’attelage étant illustré dans deux positions distinctes ;
• illustre schématiquement les éléments de la , le crochet d’attelage étant dans une troisième position ;
• illustre schématiquement un système d’arrimage pouvant équiper le robot de recharge de la ; et
• illustre schématiquement le robot de recharge de la .

The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

• schematically illustrates a rear part of an electric vehicle provided with a towing module comprising a towing hook according to the invention, as well as a charging robot external to the vehicle, the towing hook being illustrated in two positions distinct;
• schematically illustrates the elements of the , the towing hook being in a third position;
• schematically illustrates a docking system that can equip the charging robot with ; And
• schematically illustrates the charging robot of the .

An electric vehicle 5 is illustrated in . The term electric vehicle here covers both electric vehicles without a combustion engine and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

In the following description, axes X, Y and Z are respectively defined as longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes of the vehicle 5. The longitudinal axis transverse Y extends from a left side to a right side of the vehicle 5 perpendicular to the axis P of the vehicle is defined by the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z.

The aforementioned electric vehicle 5 is provided with a charging system 7 comprising a hitch module 10 and a charging robot 20. The charging system 7 can also include a charging station 30, as illustrated in .

The hitch module 10 and the charging robot 20 are designed to be able to connect to each other, both mechanically and electrically, in order to ensure the electrical connection of the electric vehicle 5 and to recharge the vehicle. or battery(ies) (not shown).

The hitch module 10 comprises a mast 11 and a hitch ball 12 forming a ball joint. The mast 11 and the tow ball 12 are fixed to each other and in combination form a towing hook 13. In the embodiment described here, the towing module 10 comprises a base (not shown ) and an axis 14 that the base carries. Here, the axis 14 extends parallel to the transverse axis Y. The mast 11, and therefore the coupling hook 13, are movable around the axis 14. Thus, the coupling module 10 is foldable around of this axis 14.

The coupling hook 13 admits at least three distinct positions detailed below: a coupling position (illustrated in ), a recharge position (dotted in ) and a folded position (in solid lines in ). The charging position and the hitch position are distinct from each other here.

The tow hook 13 is connected to the battery(ies) (not shown) of the electric vehicle 5 via an internal electrical charging network (not shown) of the vehicle 5.

An electrical connector, not illustrated, is formed in the towing ball 12. In other words, the electrical connector is integrated into the towing ball 12, and therefore into the towing hook 13.

The electrical connector of the tow ball 12 comprises at least two electrodes, for example two or three. Preferably the number of electrodes is limited to two.

Preferably, without limitation, the electrical connector is a female electrical connector, so that the hitch ball 12 forms an electrical socket. Alternatively, the electrical connector of the tow ball 12 is a male electrical connector, so that the tow ball 12 forms an electrical socket. In the electrical connector of the hitch ball 12, including in the male variant thereof, the at least two connection electrodes are embedded in the hitch ball 12. Thus, the degrees of freedom of the connection of the hitch ball 12 of the vehicle 5 with a trailer or a hitch of another type are preserved in comparison with a conventional hitch module.

The towing hook 13 is movable by automated pivoting between the at least three positions. Preferably, without limitation, the towing hook 13 is movable in the aforementioned longitudinal median plane P.

In the folded position, the towing hook 13 is retracted between the rear wheels 5a of the vehicle 5. The towing hook 13 can then extend towards the front of the vehicle 5 relative to the axis 14.

In the coupling position, conventionally, the coupling hook 13 extends for example from the vehicle 5 towards the rear. In the hitch position, the hitch ball 12 can serve as an attachment point for a trailer or hitch of another type, not illustrated.

As visible in dotted lines in , in the recharging position, the coupling hook 13 is arranged in an intermediate position between the folded position and the coupling position. Here, in the recharging position, the towing hook 13 extends for example substantially downwards from the rear part of the vehicle 5. Thus, the towing ball 12 is arranged to the right of the axis 14, below of it and in the longitudinal median plane P. The hitch ball 12 is then arranged closer to the ground in relation to its positioning in the hitch position. The towing hook 13 is thus particularly accessible to connect mechanically and electrically to the charging robot 20 described below.

The towing hook 13 can preferably pivot with an angular amplitude of 150° to 210° around the axis 14 between the folded position and the hitching position.

The positions of the towing hook 13 can be provided at an angle of 75 to 105° between them, for example an angle of 90°. More precisely, the recharge position can for example be provided at an angle of 75° to 105 degrees, for example an angle of 90°, from the folded position and at an angle of 75° to 105 degrees, for example an angle of 90° also, from the hitch position. Thus, the towing hook 13 is pivoted by the corresponding angle, for example 90°, around the axis 14 to move from the folded position to the recharging position.

The charging robot 20 ( , 2 and 4) here comprises a main body 22, two pairs of wheels 23, a securing system 24 ( ).

The securing system 24 forms a cap on the body 22. The securing system 24 is provided with a housing 25 and a securing member 26 ( ). The housing 25 is dimensioned to be able to receive the hitch ball 12. The housing 25 then forms a female socket and the hitch ball 12 forms a male socket. The lashing member 26 allows on the one hand an electrical contact connection between the hitch ball 12 and the wiring (not shown) of the charging robot 20, and on the other hand to hold the hitch ball 12 in accommodation 25.

The wheels 23 are mounted for example, without limitation, in pairs, on either side of the main body 22. The wheels 23 allow the charging robot 20 to be mobile and to move on the ground. The charging robot 20 is thus capable of moving at least in a first rectilinear direction, here the longitudinal direction X. Preferably, the robot is capable of moving freely on the ground 6 in the directions of the axes free movement on the ground is understood within the limits permitted by the length of the electrical cable 33 connecting the charging robot 20 to a charging station 30 as detailed below. This free movement on the ground allows the charging robot 20 to locally adjust its position relative to the position of the towing hook 13. This proves particularly useful when the vehicle 5 has reached its charging location, for example a parking space. parking equipped with the charging station 30 and the charging robot 20, and that the charging robot 20 is misaligned with the towing hook 13. The robot can thus approach the vehicle 5 and position itself facing the towing hook 13 and connect to it mechanically and electrically.

Once the electric vehicle 5 has been recharged, the charging robot can return to its base (near the charging station 30).

The tow hook 13 can then move from the recharging position, either to the folded position or to the hitching position.

The charging terminal 30 here comprises a body 31, a charging handle 32, a first electrical cable 33 and a second electrical cable 34. The body 31 is connected to the electrical network (not shown). The charging handle 32 is connected to the body 31 by the second cable 34. In addition, the charging robot 20 is electrically connected to the body 31 by the first cable 33. This connection allows the electrical supply of the charging system 7 when the towing hook 13 is in the charging position and is connected to the robot 20.

Claims (10)

Electric vehicle (5) comprising a charging module (10), the charging module (10) comprising a towing hook (13) and an axis of rotation (14), a longitudinal direction (X), a lateral direction ( Y) and a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular in pairs being defined relative to the electric vehicle (5), the longitudinal direction (X) corresponding to a rectilinear front-rear direction of movement of the electric vehicle (5), the module of charger (10) being mounted under a rear part of the electric vehicle (5), the axis of rotation (14) extending in the lateral direction (Y), an electrical connector being integrated in the towing hook (13) , the towing hook (13) admitting three distinct positions which it can reach by automated pivoting around the axis of rotation (14):

• a hitch position, in which the tow hook (13) extends rearward from the electric vehicle (5);
• a folded position, in which the towing hook (13) is retracted under the rear part of the electric vehicle (5);
• a charging position, intermediate between the folded position and the hitch position, and in which the electrical connector of the tow hook (13) is configured to be electrically connected to an electrically conductive tie-down system (24) an external charging robot (20).

Electric vehicle (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the charging position, the towing hook (13) extends substantially in the vertical direction (Z) under the rear part of the electric vehicle (5). Electric vehicle (5) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that in each of the folded position, the charging position and the coupling position, the towing hook (13) is arranged in a longitudinal median plane (P) of the vehicle (5), defined by the vertical direction (Z) and the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle (5), and/or in that, to move from one position to another position among the folded position, the charging position and the hitch position, the towing hook (13) moves in the longitudinal median plane (P) of the vehicle (5). Electric vehicle (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the charging position of the towing hook (13) is provided at an angle of 75° to 105° relative to the folded position and at an angle of 75° to 105° to the hitch position, around the axis of rotation (14) Electric vehicle (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the towing hook (13) comprises a towing ball (12), the electrical connector being formed in the towing ball ( 12) Electric vehicle (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrical connector comprises at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being embedded in the tow ball (12). Electric vehicle (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrical connector is a female electrical socket. Charging system (7) for electric vehicle (5), comprising a charging robot (20), the charging robot (20) comprising a docking system (24) configured to cooperate by mechanical and electrical connection with the electrical connector of the towing hook (13) of the electric vehicle (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in the recharging position of the towing hook (13). Charging system (7) for electric vehicle (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that the charging robot (20) is equipped with four wheels (23) and is capable of moving freely on the ground. Method for recharging an electric vehicle (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

• a step of deploying the tow hook (13) of the electric vehicle (5) to the charging position,
• a step of mechanical and electrical connection of an electrically conductive docking system (24) of an external charging robot (20), to the electrical connector of the towing hook (13).