WO2011063959A1

WO2011063959A1 - Automatic ground contact socket for a rechargeable electric or hybrid vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2011063959A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/007153
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gaëtan DU FOUR; Jean-François GAILY
Original assignee: Roadfour S.A.
Priority date: 2009-11-25
Filing date: 2010-11-25
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: BE1019049A3; EP2504194A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric contact socket (101) provided under the vehicle (200) to be recharged and brought to a stop in a parking position. The plug (210) is provided on the vehicle and the socket is arranged at the parking spot. The terminal block comprises contact bars (224) linked to and arranged in the parking infrastructure. The plug provided is on-board directly underneath the vehicle frame and is managed by a computing unit. The terminal block of said plug comprises a series of independent contact bars arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the socket bars upon parking. When contact is established by a rising movement of one or the two terminal blocks, only certain bars of the plug are contacted by the socket bars. Said plug bars are selected by the management unit for ensuring the appropriate closing of the recharge circuit between the infrastructure and the vehicle.

Description

Automatic ground contact socket for electric vehicle or rechargeable hybrid.

Technical area

The present invention relates to the plugs of charging stations for electric vehicles or rechargeable hybrid vehicles.

State of the art

The charging stations of electric vehicles or existing plug-in hybrid vehicles use, as connection of the infrastructure to the vehicle, a conventional power cable system as is the practice for electrical appliances.

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

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

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

[0006] Non-contact electromagnetic induction systems exist and are efficient for the difficult use conditions, but their operation generates energy losses that are disadvantageous for automotive applications. The present invention proposes as a solution a contactless charging plug without manipulation for electric vehicle or rechargeable hybrid.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new concept plug-plug installation for battery charging, meeting the requirements of urban infrastructure and the requirements of the use for automobiles, while limiting the costs.

The socket according to the present invention is by definition arranged on the ground under the parking space reserved for the vehicle to be recharged. The vehicle is provided with a complementary device designated card in the present description.

The socket according to the invention is provided with an electrical contact system is preferably fixed in a projecting position is movable, allowing a projecting movement towards the plug of the vehicle to recharge. The electrical contact system of the socket is provided with power poles and a grounding.

The plug is integrated into the underside of the vehicle to recharge.

According to one embodiment, the plug is provided with a movable electrical contact system protruding from the underside of the vehicle to the charging socket established at the infrastructure right.

The catch is fixed in the rolling plane and, in the case of a movable projection, can move only vertically.

The plug is free according to the rolling plan, since it is linked to the vehicle and can move only incidentally to release any protective devices and sealing. According to another embodiment, it can also move mainly in the vertical axis in order to abut against the grip.

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

The electrical contact system of the plug is provided with multiple longitudinal independent contact elements, such as bars or cables tensioned conductors. These elements will be activated or not according to the relative random position of the vehicle with respect to the infrastructure.

A robotic procedure allows the effective and safe contact of the plug with the plug, the connection until disconnection. This procedure is an integral part of the present invention. This robotic procedure is directed by a communication protocol between the vehicle to recharge and charging infrastructure.

The charging infrastructure can be closely associated with a system of pad, picket or retractable barrier allowing parking only vehicles equipped with the card relating to the present invention. This reservation system of the parking space can be integrated in the procedure as well as in the communication protocol relating to the present invention.

The invention is further written below with reference to the accompanying drawings provided by way of non-limiting example only, in which:

Figure la represents a parking space provided with a floor for car, cross-sectional view.

Figure lb shows the location of the figure in plan view. Figures 2a, 2b, 2c show a plug system on the vehicle respectively seen in cross section, longitudinal and in plan.

Figure 3a illustrates the degrees of freedom in the relative position of the vehicle with respect to the charging infrastructure, plan view.

Figures 3b.1 and 3b.2 illustrate the activation of the contact system in the case of a fixed infrastructure, cross-sectional view respectively during positioning and during contact.

Figures 3c.1 and 3c.2 illustrate the activation of the contact system in the case of a mobile infrastructure, seen in cross section.

Figure 4a illustrates a station arrangement of several outlets in an urban street configuration.

Figure 4b illustrates a station arrangement of multiple outlets in a parking deck configuration.

Figure 5a is a longitudinal sectional view of the plug in the closed position.

Figure 5b is a longitudinal sectional view of the plug in the open position and in contact with the ground socket.

Figure 6 shows an electrical diagram of the selection of the plug bars for phase capture, with an analytical matrix of the management unit for a single-phase system.

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

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 illustrates a noted parking area (100) on which comes to stop and park a noted vehicle (200).

The infrastructural systems relating to the present invention are adequately connected to the existing power supply network and the existing communication network to ensure the easy operation of the system with the required security.

A ground socket (101) is implanted in the same floor covering, so that the device on which the vehicles can roll is a technical layer of a few centimeters above the rolling surface of the area parking (100), optionally bounded by a physical border (112).

This system, preferably immobile, is constructed to have the electrical contact elements protruding, surrounded by a dielectric coating shaped so as to allow easy drainage of water in outdoor conditions.

According to one embodiment, the gripping system comprises at least one element, the ground socket (101) taking two positions: rest position or active position. An appropriate mechanism is provided for this purpose.

The first position is a low waiting position [Fig 3 cl] in which the passage and the vehicle bearing on the socket is allowed. No recharging voltage is possible in this position.

The second position is a power supply position [Fig 3 c.2] in which the passage and the rolling of vehicles is not allowed.

The second position is engaged only when a vehicle making "roof" is in the off position above the socket [Fig 3 c.2].

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

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

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

The ground socket (101) can be single-phase or three-phase, depending on the desired number of contacts. The o

Figures represent an example for a single-phase outlet with an electrical connection to the earth.

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

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

The securing safety distances are at most a maximum of an interdistance of the longitudinal elements of the plug minus a longitudinal element width of the plug.

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

In the case of mobile engagement bars, the mechanisms (130) are preferably independent of each other.

The mechanism (130) actuated for example by a servomotor can go up to the maximum stop, or in contact with one or two plug bars in the case of an above-ground level rating less than the maximum stop. When the contact with a plug bar is established, a permanent thrust, directed upwards, is maintained by the mechanism (130) throughout the recharge phase. If the mechanism (130) rises to a maximum stop, no charging power can be activated.

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

According to this embodiment, the contact bars of the socket are mounted on the lifting mechanism via a system preferably allowing a low amplitude suspension (131), corresponding to the authorized defect of dish horizontality. the plug when in use. This suspension ensures good contact between the catch bar and the bar or the two plug bars, depending on the relative disposition of the vehicle above the plug.

The socket can be equipped on its periphery with several precise sensors (140) distance (laser, sonar, ...), intended to accurately verify the presence or absence of vehicles within their measurement.

In order to facilitate the implementation on site of the system, the assembly may be preferably done above ground: sockets, connection of the socket to the distribution cabinet, possible links between sockets. The fixing to the ground will be considered, according to the nature of the coating, by known means (mechanical anchors, collages, ...)

A plug may, depending on the needs, either be isolated or as illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b be included in a set of sockets arranged in recharging stations whose shape, for example in comb or rosary, will depend directly on the organization of the parking spaces served by this station (street parking, parking per shelf, ...).

A vehicle (200) rechargeable according to the present invention is equipped with a contact plug embedded in and in the center of its underside (201), preferably in the front part of the vehicle, and facing the ground.

This contact plug (210) is composed of multiple identical bars or any other type of longitudinal element capable of conducting the electric current (224) arranged parallel to each other and in a substantially transverse alignment. The position of the parked vehicle will drive determining the active terminals when reloading among these bars.

According to another embodiment, in the preferred case of a fixed projecting system, the plug will be provided with a vertical movement device for lowering its contact elements to the stop position against the outlet bars

(209).

In this preferred case of a fixed projecting system, that is to say electrical contact surfaces may be covered with various fouling, the plug block will be provided with a so-called friction device which causes contact elements in short movements successively or alternately transverse and longitudinal ensuring a short cleaning at the precise point of contact of the metal surfaces.

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

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

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

Referring to Figs. 5a and 5b, the frame (211) is perforated with openings for the passage of the contact bars; these holes are provided with a system (212) for sealing water and dust when the vehicle is moving.

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

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

In the periphery of the plug and in four parts may be provided a retractable curtain (240) which is sealed and weighted at its end.

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

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

All dedicated cables (221) are routed to a phase tracking collector (250) schematized in FIG. 6.

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

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

The switches are controlled by a calculation unit ensuring the operations. The unit of calculation tests, based on the voltmeter measurements, successively and systematically the potential differences existing between a bar and the neighboring bars.

For example, an application of the present invention operating on a single-phase current with an earth connection [FIG. 6]. We begin by testing the potential difference between the bar 1 (Fl) and the bar 2 (F2) by closing the switch Fl-1 on the first terminal of the voltmeter and F2-2 on the second terminal of the voltmeter. In the same way, we test Fl with F3, Fl with F4 and so on until appropriate neighborhood. Then we test bar 2 with the following bars in the same way. The measurement goes through each of the bars. Finally, a matrix result is obtained as given in the example of FIG. 4. The computing unit locates the first pole at F3 and / or F4 and the second pole at F7 and / or F8. By convention of the present application, the grounding is done by the bars F5 and / or F6. As soon as the polarities of the parking configuration are identified by the collector, the plug of the present invention will be properly connected to the vehicle and the network current can be routed to the vehicle charging system.

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

Refill procedure

According to one embodiment, when a vehicle is for a charging station, it is previously in communication with the infrastructure by known means (for example DSRC or IP).

The vehicle presenting itself for a charging station is placed correctly above the socket. The maneuver can be done by means of the ground sensors (230) which will indicate the position of the catch, since the finished running surface thereof (101) is positioned slightly above the running surface of the car park. (100). When the vehicle presenting itself for a charging station is stopped in a correct position above the socket, the vehicle actuates an immobilizer module and actuates the opening of the plug system. The correct position is defined as the relative position of the plug in relation to the plug involving:

Firstly that the contact area capable of the plug completely covers the contact line capable of grounding,

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

[0073] thirdly, that the plate of the sheet is approximately horizontal,

Fourth, that the attitude of the plug is at an above ground height included in the heights above ground permitted by the application of the present invention, [0075] fifthly that the possible protective curtain is lowered to the ground,

It will be understood that for each of the stated conditions, predefined tolerances are allowed during use.

When the vehicle presenting itself for a charging station is stopped in a position the plug system is correctly actuated, and that each of the aforementioned conditions is fulfilled, it requests, via the chosen communication system (for example DSRC or IP), the contacting of the elements. infrastructure in order to recharge the vehicle.

In the preferred case of a gripping system without moving parts, it is the plug block itself which, once the contact elements are cleared, goes down, thanks to a simple translation mechanism.

(209), towards the socket until reaching the stop against the fixed grip bars [Fig 3 b.2].

In the case of a gripping system provided with movable contact bars, and at the request of the vehicle being stopped correctly and fulfilling all the conditions stated above, the plug leaves the low position as described in FIG. 3c. .1 and rises to the second position described in FIG. 3c.2.

During these movements described above, the plug comes into contact with the plug according to various small contact surfaces (300), one (minimum) or two (maximum) per phase. This position can advantageously induce a permanent upward thrust already mentioned which is maintained throughout the recharge phase. Changes of attitude of low amplitude of the vehicle are admitted during this phase. Movements according to the rolling plan are not allowed. As soon as the physical contact between the plug and the plug is established, signal power is applied to the infrastructure.

This signal power is analyzed by the collector (250) of the plug according to the process described above. When the phases are identified, the vehicle requires charging power and connects its storage system.

If a procedural defect is identified, for example one of the phases of the plug is applied directly against the underside of the vehicle and not against the plug, this error necessarily results in a return of the socket at the low position [0028] ] and the interruption of the charging procedure.

The plug can engage a passing meter before providing the recharge power to the vehicle. When charging is completed or when a predefined threshold of energy to be supplied is reached, the vehicle or the socket signals the cessation of charging and the infrastructure proceeds, in the mobile case, the retraction of the system take (130) to the low position. When the lower position of the catch is reached, a corresponding indication is sent to the vehicle.

The vehicle then proceeds to close its file.

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

[0090] An odometer can signal the departure of the vehicle to the infrastructure.

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

Claims

claims

A vehicle battery charging system (200) comprising an arrangement of electrical contacts between the vehicle and a ground power location (100), or parking area, wherein the ground location includes a system socket (101) and the underside of the vehicle (201) comprises a system of pins (210), preferably projecting, characterized in that the system of plugs is provided with at least four bars, or other longitudinal elements parallel contact conductors (224), independently activatable for the battery charging operation, according to the position and the relative orientation of the vehicle (200), a priori random, above the ground location, and in that the gripping system comprises at least three contact bars whose projecting position, preferably fixed or vertically movable, makes it possible to touch a certain number of the plug bars in order to be able to initiate the charging operation, these charging bars being of such length that no plug bar can be in contact simultaneously with two of the plug bars.

2. System according to claim 1 comprising means for activating only certain plug-in bars for recharging, according to the prior steps of locating the contacts, measurements generated by a phase marker collector (250) of the bars.

3. System according to claim 2 wherein the phase marker collector comprises two series of switches in parallel, each of the switches being connected to a single plug bar, a calculation unit based on measurements of a voltmeter, to successively and systematically measure the potential differences existing between a plug bar and the neighboring plug bar or bars.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means of communication between the gripping system and the plug system, and possibly the user of the vehicle, communication means in connection with a central unit preferably disposed in the vehicle.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plug contact length elements, for example bars or cables, are separated by a dielectric material and are substantially transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

The system of any preceding claim wherein the tap contact bars are at least a minimum of a distance separating two adjacent plug bars plus a plug bar width, and are preferably collinear.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the contact contact bars are mounted individually, preferably preferably in fixed projection on a dielectric support, or on a mechanism (130) for raising to the vehicle's plug bar system.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plug contact elements are protruding projecting, if any, the protrusion running to the still bars.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plug block is provided with a so-called friction device which drives the contact elements in short transverse and longitudinal movements ensuring sufficient cleaning at the precise location of the contact of the contacts. metal surfaces.

10. System according to claim 1 wherein the plug system is integrated in a sealed frame (211), preferably the openings of the waterproof structure being provided with a sealing system.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the periphery of the plug system comprises a retractable protection device (240) activatable during the recharging operation. This device then forms a contact chamber to ensure the safety of the procedure.

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims which is equipped with several distance sensors (230, 241, 140) around the plug system and / or the plug system.

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is provided at the location or parking area a physical device, such as at least one retractable obstacle, preventing the parking of a vehicle above the bar system. socket, said device being operable via the user and / or said central unit.

14. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the entire infastructure is built above ground on an existing coating, indoors or outdoors, according to the relative location of the record on the vehicle, of preferably in the front part between the undercarriage.

15. System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a plug is either installed in isolation or included in a set of outlets arranged station whose shape, for example comb or rosary, will depend directly on the form itself the car park served by this station.

16. Parking area comprising a gripping system as described in any one of the preceding claims.

17. A method of recharging a vehicle battery in which the vehicle is placed above an area having at least 3 so-called plug power terminals:

- said terminals come into contact with at least three plug terminals among more than three terminals provided at the bottom of the vehicle,

the potential differences between each adjacent pin terminal are measured and sent to

a central unit, preferably located in the vehicle,

and the central unit controls which plug terminals are activated for the recharge operation.

18. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the activation operation is impossible when the terminals are in the form of conductive busbars configuration such that a plug bar contacts two busbars.