FR3146241A1 - electrical connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising an electrical plug (2) and a storage housing (3) intended to receive the plug (2) for storing it while awaiting electrical connection, the device comprising: A drive part (4) slidably mounted in the storage housing (3) between a first position and a second position, and capable of cooperating with the plug to drive it in translation, Means for actuating the drive part (4) in its sliding movement, Hooking means mounted on the drive part (4) and arranged to take a first state in which they keep the plug (2) hooked onto the drive part (4) when the drive part (4) is moving and a second state in which they allow the plug (2) to be unhooked from the drive part (4) when the drive part (4) is in the second position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 6A

Description

electrical connection device Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an electrical connection device, which can be used for recharging an electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicle.

State of the art

Various solutions have already been proposed for recharging an electric vehicle. By electric vehicle, we of course mean a 100% electric vehicle or a rechargeable hybrid type (for example electric and thermal or electric and hydrogen).

Some systems used for vehicle charging use a magnetic effect to attract an electrical plug associated with the electric vehicle to an electrical outlet connected to the network, and thus make a physical electrical connection when the plug and the outlet are mechanically coupled thanks to the magnetic effect. Such a solution is for example described in patent EP3469662B1 . In this solution, the plug is for example arranged in a storage unit assembled on the vehicle.

• Maintenir l'intégrité de la fiche contre les agressions extérieures, notamment la poussière, les chocs,
• Assurer un fonctionnement constant au cours du temps, quelle que soient les conditions, notamment atmosphériques (pluie, neige, glace).

On the electrical plug side, several constraints appear:

• Maintain the integrity of the sheet against external aggressions, in particular dust, shocks,
• Ensure constant operation over time, whatever the conditions, particularly atmospheric (rain, snow, ice).

The aim of the invention is to propose an electrical connection device suitable for managing one or more of the constraints mentioned above.

• Une pièce d'entraînement montée en coulissement dans le boîtier de stockage suivant un axe principal entre une première position et une deuxième position, et apte à coopérer avec la fiche pour l'entraîner en translation suivant l'axe principal,
• Des moyens d'actionnement de la pièce d'entraînement dans son mouvement de coulissement,
• Des moyens d'accrochage montés sur la pièce d'entraînement et agencés pour prendre un premier état dans lequel ils maintiennent la fiche accrochée sur la pièce d'entraînement lors du déplacement de la pièce d'entraînement entre sa première position et sa deuxième position et un deuxième état dans lequel ils autorisent un décrochage de la fiche de la pièce d'entraînement lorsque la pièce d'entraînement est dans la deuxième position.

This aim is achieved by an electrical connection device comprising an electrical plug provided with electrical contact blocks and connected to an electrical cable, and a storage housing intended to accommodate the plug for storing it awaiting electrical connection, the device comprising:

• A drive part slidably mounted in the storage housing along a main axis between a first position and a second position, and capable of cooperating with the plug to drive it in translation along the main axis,
• Means for actuating the drive part in its sliding movement,
• Hooking means mounted on the drive part and arranged to assume a first state in which they maintain the plug hooked onto the drive part when the drive part is moved between its first position and its second position and a second state in which they allow the plug to be unhooked from the drive part when the drive part is in the second position.

According to a particular feature, the storage housing comprises a tubular part having a side wall developed around the main axis.

According to another feature, the attachment means comprise several latches mounted to move between a position for attaching the plug and a position for detaching the plug.

According to another particularity, each latch is fixed on the drive part and pivotally mounted.

According to another feature, each latch is mounted on a spring which bears against the drive part and is arranged to urge the latch towards its latching position.

According to another feature, the tubular part comprises an actuating stop positioned to cooperate with the latch in order to move it between its hooking position and its unhooking position when the drive part is in its second position.

According to another particular feature, the tubular part comprises first longitudinal guide slots in which each latch is guided during the movement of the drive part, each first longitudinal guide slot comprising at the end of the travel said latch actuation stop.

According to another particularity, the actuating means comprise a crown which can be actuated in rotation coaxially with the main axis, said crown cooperating with said drive part via a cam and cam follower mechanism to drive the drive part in its translational movement.

According to another particularity, the crown has teeth, capable of meshing with a member driven in rotation by a motor.

According to another feature, the drive part comprises several lugs guided by second longitudinal guide slots made on the tubular part and each forming a cam follower cooperating with a helical thread of the crown.

According to another feature, the plug has radial openings, giving access to its contact blocks and in that, in a storage position in the storage housing, its radial openings are closed by the side wall of the tubular part of the storage housing.

According to another feature, the drive part has an annular shape having a central opening through which the cable leading to the plug passes.

Brief description of the figures

• La représente un système de connexion électrique pouvant employer le dispositif de connexion électrique de l'invention ;
• Les figures 2A et 2B montrent le dispositif de connexion électrique de l'invention, vu en perspective et en coupe longitudinale axiale, dans un état initial de sa séquence de fonctionnement ;
• Les figures 3A et 3B montrent le dispositif de connexion électrique de l'invention, vu en perspective et en coupe longitudinale axiale, dans un premier état intermédiaire de sa séquence de fonctionnement ;
• Les figures 4A et 4B montrent le dispositif de connexion électrique de l'invention, vu en perspective et en coupe longitudinale axiale, dans un deuxième état intermédiaire de sa séquence de fonctionnement ;
• Les figures 5A et 5B montrent le dispositif de connexion électrique de l'invention, vu en perspective et en coupe longitudinale axiale, dans un troisième état intermédiaire de sa séquence de fonctionnement ;
• Les figures 6A et 6B montrent le dispositif de connexion électrique de l'invention, vu en perspective et en coupe longitudinale axiale, dans un état final de sa séquence de fonctionnement ;
• La montre un exemple d'architecture magnétique utilisable dans un système de connexion électrique ;

Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description which follows, given in relation to the attached drawings in which:

• There represents an electrical connection system capable of employing the electrical connection device of the invention;
• Figures 2A and 2B show the electrical connection device of the invention, seen in perspective and in axial longitudinal section, in an initial state of its operating sequence;
• Figures 3A and 3B show the electrical connection device of the invention, seen in perspective and in axial longitudinal section, in a first intermediate state of its operating sequence;
• Figures 4A and 4B show the electrical connection device of the invention, seen in perspective and in axial longitudinal section, in a second intermediate state of its operating sequence;
• Figures 5A and 5B show the electrical connection device of the invention, seen in perspective and in axial longitudinal section, in a third intermediate state of its operating sequence;
• Figures 6A and 6B show the electrical connection device of the invention, seen in perspective and in axial longitudinal section, in a final state of its operating sequence;
• There shows an example of magnetic architecture usable in an electrical connection system;

Detailed description of at least one embodiment

The connection device and its overall system are described below in connection with Figures 1 to 7.

Electrical connection system

The invention relates to an electrical connection device which is particularly suitable for use in an electrical connection system used for recharging an electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicle. In such a system shown in the , dedicated to recharging an electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicle, an electrical outlet 1 is connected to the electrical network 4 and an electrical plug 2 is connected to the electrical power supply assembly 7 of the vehicle.

The system advantageously makes it possible to mechanically connect plug 2 to socket 1 automatically, without the intervention of an operator or a robot, using only magnetic and gravitational means, distributed on one side in plug 2 and on the other side in socket 1.

For the remainder of the description, we define a connection direction, corresponding to a main axis (A) along which plug 2 is brought towards socket 1 to connect to socket 1.

In the following description the terms "front" and "rear" as well as "top" and "bottom" and "upper" and "lower" are to be considered taking into account the longitudinal position along the main axis (A).

In the following description, the terms "interior" and "exterior" are to be considered according to the coaxial position relative to the main axis (A).

The terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are to be understood with reference to the direction defined by the principal axis (A).

The device of the invention is for example intended to be used on the vehicle side. It thus comprises the electrical plug 2 (hereinafter referred to as the plug). The plug 2 is connected to the end of a cable 70 and is set in motion by a mechanism so as to connect to the electrical socket 1.

Electrical outlet

The electrical outlet 1 can be integrated into a fixed assembly as described in patent EP3469662B1 . The shows an exemplary embodiment of the system, in which the socket is integrated into a tray 10, for example placed on the floor S.

Electrical plug

In a non-limiting manner, the mechanism for moving the plug 2 may comprise a reel or a slide system, associated with an electric motor, controlled to move the plug 2 towards the electrical outlet 1.

The plug comprises a body 20, distinct from that forming the storage housing 3, and several electrical contact blocks, integrated into its body 20, each connected to one or more wires of the electrical cable 70. For simplicity, the electrical contact blocks are not shown in the attached figures.

This body 20 is for example in the form of a cylindrical part developed around the main axis (A), this part being for example made of plastic material.

The body of the plug 2 has a front face by which it can be mechanically bonded against the socket and an opposite rear face. This front face is advantageously devoid of all electrical contacts and closes the body of the plug on the side of its mechanical bonding plane against the socket 1.

The body 20 may comprise several radial openings 200, each made to provide access to a separate electrical contact block present in the body of the plug. According to a particular embodiment, the plug 2 is thus advantageously configured to establish electrical contacts with the socket 1 via several radial directions.

Magnetic architectures

Plug 2 also has a magnetic architecture 21, used to mechanically mate with socket 1, which has a complementary magnetic architecture.

The magnetic architecture is fixed to the front of the body 20 of the plug 2. The device may comprise a front cover attached to the body 20 of the plug 2 to cover the magnetic architecture 21, the cover forming the front face of the plug 2, by which it can mechanically stick against the front face of the socket.

The plug may also include a rear cover fixed to the rear of its body 20, this rear cover forming the rear face of the plug 2.

When plug 2 is magnetically bonded to socket 1, an electrical connection is also made between the electrical contact blocks of plug 2 and the second electrical contact blocks of socket 1, through the radial openings present on plug 2.

The two magnetic architectures used make it possible to ensure the bonding of the plug 2 to the socket 1 by magnetic effect. Different magnetic architectures allowing the bonding of the plug 2 to the socket 1 are notably described in the patentEP3317926 B 1 and in the patent applicationWO2020/229321A1. These are applicable to the present invention but are to be considered in a non-limiting manner.

The two magnetic architectures advantageously comprise several permanent magnets. According to a particular feature, the two magnetic architectures operate in attraction when the plug is in an appropriate angular position relative to the socket to establish the connection, or in repulsion when the plug 2 must be removed relative to the socket 1 during disconnection.

For example, the shows a first magnetic architecture 11 present on the socket side 1 and a second magnetic architecture present on the plug side 2. The two magnetic architectures shown comprise a ferromagnetic yoke 111, 211 and one or more portions of permanent magnet fixed on said yoke.

On the first magnetic architecture 11, three permanent magnets 111_1, 111_2, 111_3 of a first set each extend over an angular range AP1 of 55° on their annular portion and three permanent magnets 112_1, 112_2, 112_3 of a second set over an angular range AP2 of 55°.

Each of the three new permanent magnets of the second set is inserted between two permanent magnets of the first set, leaving a regular non-zero angular interval with these two magnets of the first set. The regular angular interval I1 is close to 5° between two adjacent magnets.

The permanent magnets of the first set and those of the second set are magnetically oriented along the main axis (A) and in opposite directions.

The second magnetic architecture 21 has only a first set of three permanent magnets 211_1, 211_2, 211_3 which are identical to the permanent magnets of the first magnetic architecture.

It should be noted that the two magnetic architectures 11, 21 are configured to ensure bonding of the plug 2 against the socket, by magnetic attraction effect, according to a given orientation, around the main axis. The two magnetic architectures 11, 21 are configured so that the plug 2 can take several distinct angular positions when it is bonded to the socket by magnetic effect.

For example, from the magnetic architectures presented on the , the plug 2 can take three distinct angular positions, offset from each other by 120°. The plug can be in a first angular position, called 0°, a second angular position called -120° and in a third angular position called +120°.

Of course, the magnetic arrangements (angular ranges of the magnets and angular intervals between magnets) of the magnetic architecture can be adjusted.

Storage box

The device of the invention also comprises a storage housing 3 in which the plug 2 can be housed when it is not in use. This housing 3 is used to protect the plug 2, in particular its electrical contacts, from external aggression (dust, water, projectiles, etc.).

The storage housing is advantageously in the form of a tubular part 30 having an internal diameter just greater than the external diameter of the plug 2, so that the plug 2 can be fitted without friction into the housing 3, leaving a minimal and adjusted annular gap. The side wall of the tubular part 30 closes the radial openings 200 of the plug 2 when the plug 2 is housed inside the storage housing. This wall thus prevents any access to the electrical contact blocks of the plug, via its radial openings 200.

The tubular part 30 can be made of metal or plastic.

This tubular part 30 is fixed to a chassis (for example integral with the vehicle) using several barrels 300 capable of receiving fixing screws.

The tubular part 30 comprises a side wall provided with several longitudinal slots 301, 302.

The tubular part 30 is open at the rear to allow the cable 70 to join the plug 2.

Training part

The device comprises a drive part 4 slidably mounted in the tubular part 30 of the storage housing by means of lugs 40 each cooperating with a separate longitudinal slot 301 of the tubular part 30. The drive part 4 is able to move, in translation only, along the main axis (A), between a first position called the high position and a second position, called the low position, guided by the lugs 40 in the longitudinal slots 301. The drive part 4 always remains integral with the tubular part 30, free to slide therein.

The drive part 4 is for example in the form of an annular part having a central opening 41 adapted to the passage of the cable 70, coming from the rear and intended to join the plug 2. The drive part may comprise an upper cover covering the latches 6 (see below). The lugs 40 are for example six in number, distributed regularly on the periphery of the drive part 4.

Means of actuation

The device comprises means for actuating the drive part 4 in translation.

These actuating means advantageously comprise a crown 5 which is actuable in rotation on itself around the main axis (A). The crown 5 is arranged on the periphery of the tubular part 30 of the storage housing 3 and is therefore arranged coaxially with the main axis (A).

The crown 5 comprises a tubular drive part having on its internal face, a helical thread 51 cooperating with the lugs 41 of the drive part 4. This thread and the lugs 41 form a cam and cam follower type mechanism. By rotating the crown 5 on itself around the main axis, the lugs follow the path defined by the thread 51. The thread 51 being helical and the drive part 4 guided in translation in the tubular part 30 of the storage housing and blocked in rotation, the drive part 4 is driven in simple translation (without rotation) between the high position and the low position during rotation of the crown 5.

The crown 5 also comprises a tubular actuating part which is integral with its tubular driving part and which is advantageously provided with teeth 50 allowing it to be driven in rotation. This toothed tubular actuating part can be set in rotation by an electric motor whose output shaft meshes with the teeth 50 of the crown 5. shows as an example a gear 52 cooperating with the teeth 50 of the crown. Another type of actuation of the crown 5 could be envisaged. The teeth 50 of the crown can be made on the external face of its tubular actuation part (as in the appended figures), but they can also be arranged on its internal face, on its upper or lower edge.

Means of attachment

The connection device comprises means for attaching the plug 2 to the drive part 4.

These attachment means advantageously comprise several latches 6 pivotally mounted on the drive part 4. Each latch 6 is capable of pivoting between a position for attaching the plug 2 and a position for detaching the plug 2. Each latch 6 is mounted on a spring 43 inserted in a radial recess 42 of the drive part 4 and capable of urging the latch 6 towards its attachment position. Pivoting the latch 6 against the spring allows it to move into its detachment position. The latches 6 are for example six in number, distributed regularly around the periphery of the drive part 4.

Each latch 6 comprises at one end a hook 60 capable of cooperating with a hooking notch made along the external face of the body of the plug. The body 20 of the plug may for example comprise a groove 201 over its entire perimeter, forming a single hooking notch for all the hooks 60.

Opposite its hook 60, each latch 6 has an actuating tab 61.

During the translation of the drive part 4, each latch 6 is also guided in a separate slot 302 made through the side wall of the tubular part 30. When the drive part 4 is in the low position, the slot 302 forms a stop 303 for the actuating tab 61 of the latch 6. When the actuating tab 61 of the latch 6 comes to bear against said stop 303, the latch 6 is driven in pivoting towards its release position, against its spring 43.

How the device works – Unhooking the plug

The sequence for unhooking the plug is as follows:

And : Initially, the plug 2 is hooked onto the drive part 4 via the hooking means and the drive part 4 is in the high position in the storage housing 3.

And : Crown 5 is then actuated in rotation on itself around the main axis (A).

By means of the cam and cam follower mechanism, the rotation of the crown 5 causes the translation of the drive part 4 to its low position, the latter being guided in its translation movement only by its lugs 40 in the slots 301 of the tubular part 30.

Plug 2 remains attached to drive part 4.

And : In the translational movement of the drive part 4 by rotation of the crown 5, the actuating tab 61 of each latch 6 comes to bear against its respective stop 303, causing the latch 6 to pivot towards its release position.

And : The latches 6 are opened and the plug 2 is now allowed to detach from the drive part 4. If the cable 70 has a little slack, the plug 2 simply falls out by gravity.

And : Cable 70 can be unrolled to lower plug 2 towards socket 1.

How the device works – Attaching the sheet

The hooking sequence is simpler than the unhooking sequence, and is as follows:

The drive part 4 has been returned to the high position or to an intermediate position, in which the latches 6 are no longer in contact with their respective stop 303. The drive part 4 is raised by rotating the crown 5, in the opposite direction to that used for its descent.

Cable 70 is operated to bring plug 2 back into storage box 3.

When it is raised, the body 20 of the plug 2 pushes the latches 6, causing them to pivot against their respective spring. The pivoting is aided by inclined mating surfaces, made on each hook 60 and on the body 20 of the plug, over its entire perimeter, above its hooking groove 201.

Plug 2 is raised, pulled by cable 70, until it is housed in storage housing 3 and hooked onto drive part 4.

• Une solution pour extraire la fiche hors de son boîtier, permettant d'éliminer notamment tous les débris, le gel, la boue, susceptible de venir empêcher son extraction du boîtier ;
• Une solution d'actionnement par rotation de la couronne permettant de produire un couple important pour la translation de la pièce d'entraînement, permettant notamment une extraction fiable de la fiche, quelle que soient les conditions ;
• Une protection de la fiche et de ses blocs de contact contre les agressions extérieures, grâce au boîtier de stockage ; La solution permet notamment de s'affranchir de l'utilisation d'un capot ou opercule sur le boîtier de stockage ;
• Une solution simple de fabrication et d'assemblage, offrant les avantages précités ;

The device of the invention has many advantages, among which:

• A solution for extracting the plug from its housing, allowing in particular the elimination of all debris, gel, mud, which could prevent its extraction from the housing;
• A crown rotation actuation solution to produce significant torque for the translation of the drive part, in particular enabling reliable extraction of the plug, whatever the conditions;
• Protection of the plug and its contact blocks against external aggression, thanks to the storage box; The solution makes it possible in particular to do away with the use of a cover or lid on the storage box;
• A simple manufacturing and assembly solution, offering the above advantages;

Claims (12)

Electrical connection device comprising an electrical plug (2) provided with electrical contact blocks and connected to an electrical cable (70), and a storage box (3) intended to accommodate the plug (2) to store it awaiting electrical connection, characterized in that it comprises:

• A drive part (4) slidably mounted in the storage housing (3) along a main axis (A) between a first position and a second position, and capable of cooperating with the plug (2) to drive it in translation along the main axis,
• Means for actuating the drive part (4) in its sliding movement,
• Hooking means mounted on the drive part (4) and arranged to assume a first state in which they maintain the plug (2) hooked onto the drive part (4) when the drive part (4) is moved between its first position and its second position and a second state in which they allow the plug (2) to be unhooked from the drive part (4) when the drive part (4) is in the second position.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage housing (3) comprises a tubular part (30) having a side wall developed around the main axis (A). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the hooking means comprise several latches (6) mounted to move between a position for hooking the plug (2) and a position for unhooking the plug (2). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each latch (6) is fixed on the drive part and pivotally mounted. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that each latch (6) is mounted on a spring which bears against the drive part (4) and arranged to urge the latch (6) towards its hooking position. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular part (30) comprises an actuating stop (303) positioned to cooperate with the latch (6) in order to move it between its hooking position and its unhooking position when the drive part (4) is in its second position. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the tubular part (30) comprises first longitudinal guide slots (302) in which each latch is guided during the movement of the drive part (4), each first longitudinal guide slot (302) comprising at the end of its travel said stop (303) for actuating the latch. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the actuating means comprise a crown (5) actuable in rotation coaxially with the main axis (A), said crown (5) cooperating with said drive part (4) via a cam and cam follower mechanism to drive the drive part (4) in its translational movement. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the crown (5) comprises teeth (50), capable of meshing with a member driven in rotation by a motor. Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the drive part (4) comprises several lugs (40) guided by second longitudinal guide slots (301) made on the tubular part (30) and each forming a cam follower cooperating with a helical thread (51) of the crown. Device according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the plug (2) has radial openings (200), giving access to its contact blocks and in that, in a storage position in the storage housing (3), its radial openings (200) are closed by the side wall of the tubular part (30) of the storage housing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the drive part (4) has an annular shape having a central opening (41) through which the cable (70) leading to the plug (2) passes.