FR3123850A1 - DEVICE FOR STORAGE OF AN ELECTRICAL EXTENSION CORD INCLUDING BODYWORK PROTECTION - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle comprising: - a storage device (3) for an extension cord (2), - a bodywork (4, 5) housing the storage device (3), this storage device (3) comprising: - the extension cord (2), - a casing (6) comprising an internal space (7), and now a first end of the extension cord (2), the extension cord (2) being housed in this internal space (7) if it is in a stowed position, and extracted from this internal space (7) through the bodywork (4, 5) if it is in a deployed position, - a strip (8) of flexible material placed in a protective position in which the strip ( 8) is deployed between the extension cord (2) and an element of the bodywork (4, 5) to be protected, this strip (8) comprising a means for connecting in translation (9, 10) with the extension cord (2) of so that this extension cord (2) slides relative to the strip (8) when it moves between its stowed position and its pos ition deployed. Figure 2

Description

DEVICE FOR STORAGE OF AN ELECTRICAL EXTENSION CORD INCLUDING BODYWORK PROTECTION

The invention relates to a device for storing an extension cord, and in particular a motor vehicle comprising this storage device. This motor vehicle is for example a vehicle comprising an electric traction chain and a battery supplying this electric traction chain, in particular supplying an electric motor machine. The battery or the vehicle comprises for example an on-board charger arranged so as to recharge the battery. The extension cord is configured so as to temporarily electrically connect the battery or the on-board charger to a charging terminal itself connected to a terrestrial electrical network, when the vehicle is parked in a charging area.

We know from patent document FR-A1-2959462 such an extension cord storage device.

Unfortunately, when this extension is deployed, it touches the bodywork of the vehicle in places and can damage the surface condition of this bodywork, at least visually.

The object of the invention is to remedy this problem by proposing an improved storage device for an extension cord.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a vehicle comprising:
- a storage device for an extension cord,
- a body housing the storage device,
this storage device comprising:
- the extension cord,
- a casing comprising an internal space, and now a first end of the extension cord, the extension cord being housed in this internal space if it is in a stowed position, and extracted from this internal space through the bodywork if it is in a deployed position,
- a strip of flexible material disposed in a protective position in which the strip is deployed between the electric extension cord and an element of the bodywork to be protected, this strip comprising a means of connection in translation with the electric extension cord so that this electric extension cord slides relative to the web as it moves between its stowed position and its deployed position.

Thus the bodywork element is protected and its visual appearance is not altered. This strip is for example put in place manually, or automatically as will be described later. This installation is temporary, the strip being deployed in its protective position.

We understand by bodywork, throughout the text of this document, a broad definition including the visible elements of the bodywork such as the openings, fenders, pillars, sills, bonnets, but also the non-visible elements such as the chassis carrying the vehicle wheel sets.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the strip is made of an elastomeric material. But this material can be a textile, impregnated or not, or any other flexible material.

By flexible material, throughout the text of this document, we will understand a material allowing the deployment of the strip so that it at least partially matches the shape of the bodywork element to be protected.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle comprises a receptacle attached to the storage device and housing the tape if it is in a fallback position.

Thus the strip can remain close to the bodywork element to be protected, even in the folded position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a second terminal end of the electric extension cord, opposite the first end, comprises a first stop arranged so as to abut against the connecting means in translation and to bring the strip to its position of fall back if the extension cord returns to its stowed position.

Thus the belt returns to its stowed position automatically with the extension cord returning to its stowed position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the band comprises a second stop trapped in the receptacle.

Thus the strip cannot escape completely from the receptacle, which makes it possible to keep the strip in the protective position while the extension cord continues to deploy.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for connecting in translation is arranged so that the electric extension cord moves, by friction, the strip from its folded position to its protective position if the electric extension cord moves from its stowed position to its deployed position, until the second stop is in abutment against an internal face of the receptacle.

Thus the band unfolds to its protection position automatically with the extension cord going to its deployed position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle is formed at least in part by the bodywork and/or the storage device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the translation connection means is a hole in the strip through which the extension cord passes.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device comprising a means for automatically recalling the extension cord into the stowed position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this motor vehicle comprises:
- an electric driving machine,
- an electric energy storage battery supplying the electric motor machine,
- a charger electrically connected to the battery, to recharge it,
the first end of the extension cord being electrically connected to the charger, and a second terminal end of the extension cord being arranged so as to be electrically connected to a charging station of a terrestrial electrical network.

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

: represents an example of a vehicle diagram to which the invention applies.

: represents a diagram of a storage device integrated into a vehicle according to the invention.

It should be borne in mind that the figures are given by way of examples and do not limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily at the scale of practical applications. Furthermore, in what follows, reference is made to all the figures taken in combination. When reference is made to a specific figure or figures, these figures are to be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of the designated reference numerals. The references of the unchanged elements or having the same function are common to all the figures, and the variant embodiments.

There shows a diagram of a vehicle according to the invention.

This vehicle includes:
- an electrical energy storage battery which is a main battery BR1, called a traction battery, rechargeable, operating under a first continuous high voltage, for example 400V, or even between 400V and 800V,
- a BMS control means of the main battery BR1, here integrated into the main battery BR1, and capable for example of determining a state of charge of the battery,
- a first high voltage electrical network comprising high voltage beams working under a first voltage, at the voltage of the main battery BR1,
- an on-board charger OBC, comprising its own control means, and being coupled to the main battery by a first high-voltage charging harness of the first network,
- a first transmission chain comprising an electric motor machine MM1 comprising an inverter OD1, and supplying torque to drive at least one train T1 from the energy stored in the rechargeable main battery BR1, this motor machine MM1 being coupled to the main battery BR1 via the inverter OD1 by a second high voltage beam from the first network,
- a CAN communication network,
- a DC control device, called vehicle supervision.

This CAN communication network, for example a CAN serial data bus for the English acronym "Controller Area Network" but other types of bus are possible, couple between them:
- the BMS main battery control means,
- the OBC on-board charger control means,
- a control means (not shown) of the first inverter OD1,
- the DC control device.

This CAN communication network is represented on the by a dotted line, while the first high voltage electrical network is represented by a solid "bold" line.

This vehicle comprises for example a second low voltage electrical network, not shown, for example 12 or 24 V, coupled to the first network via a current converter. This vehicle comprises for example a secondary battery, called a service battery, connected to this second low voltage electrical network, this secondary battery working under a second voltage of 12 or 24 V for example.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle is of the automobile type. For example, a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any type of vehicle comprising a transmission chain comprising at least one electric motor machine producing torque to drive at least one train (for example of wheels). Therefore, the invention relates at least to land vehicles.

The term "electric driving machine", throughout the text of this document, means an electric machine (or motor) arranged to supply or recover torque to move a vehicle, either alone or in addition at least one optional other electric or thermal motor machine (such as for example a thermal engine (reactor, turbojet or chemical engine)).

In the example illustrated without limitation, the transmission chain is of the all-electric type and can comprise a single electric motor machine MM1. But the invention is not limited to this type of transmission chain. Indeed, the transmission chain could be of the hybrid type by additionally comprising a heat engine associated with at least one train (for example the second).

The transmission chain here comprises, in addition to the electric motor machine MM1, a transmission shaft and means for coupling this first motor machine to this transmission shaft. The control of at least the electric motor machine MM1 and the coupling means is ensured by a DC control device, called vehicle supervision, via the CAN communication network. The DC control device controls the OD1 inverter of the prime mover MM1.

The coupling means are here responsible for coupling/decoupling the electric motor machine MM1 to/from the transmission shaft, on the order of the DC control device, in order to communicate the torque that it produces and which is defined by a setpoint ( of torque or speed), thanks to the electrical energy stored in the main battery BR1, to the transmission shaft. The latter is here coupled to train T1 (here wheels).

For example, train T1 is located in front of vehicle V, and preferably. But in a variant this train T1 could be located at the rear of the vehicle.

The coupling means can, for example, be a claw mechanism or a clutch or a hydraulic torque converter or even a brake. They can assume at least two coupling states: a first (coupled) in which they ensure the coupling of the electric drive machine MM1 to the transmission shaft and a second (uncoupled) in which they decouple the first electric drive machine MM1 from the transmission shaft. It will be noted that they can also and possibly take at least one intermediate state (for example for a slipping clutch).

The main battery BR1 is arranged to store electrical energy. It can in particular be recharged via the on-board charger OBC configured in the charging phase so as to recharge the main battery BR1, this on-board charger OBC being coupled to a terrestrial current distribution network via for example a removable extension cord 2 dedicated and connected to the on-board charger OBC on the one hand, and to a charging station 1 or a socket of the terrestrial current distribution network on the other hand.

The main battery, called traction battery BR1 throughout the text of this document, will be understood to mean a battery operating under the first voltage of the first network which is greater than the second voltage of the second network, and which supplies current to the driving machine(s) MM1 .

The term battery will be understood throughout the text of this document to mean an assembly comprising at least one battery module containing at least one electrochemical cell. This battery optionally 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 tray or casing and then form a battery pack, this battery pack being often designated by the English expression "battery pack", this casing generally containing a mounting interface, and connection terminals.

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

The on-board charger OBC is shown remote from the main battery BR1, but this is not mandatory: it can be fully integrated into the main battery BR1, at the level of the modules or cells, just like the OD1 inverters.

The OBC on-board charger, like the OD1 inverters, includes for example a series of power transistors arranged in an "H" bridge, and a control means driving each transistor. This control means driving each transistor is for example interfaced with the communication network CAN to exchange data or commands with the control device DC.

This OBC on-board charger is for example an alternating current – direct current rectifier converter, and can control the recharging in voltage, in current, or any other cycle including the recharging phase, a discharging phase, a relaxation phase of the main battery BR1.

Thus, this DC control device, by means of the communication network CAN, can in particular deactivate charging or limit a power consumed by the inverter OD1, or by the on-board charger OBC.

As a variant or in combination, the vehicle comprises means for limiting the outgoing or incoming electrical power of the module or of the cell of this main battery BR1. This limitation means is for example integrated in the DC control device controlling the power consumed by any one of the inverter OD1, or of the on-board charger OBC.

In another variant, not shown, this limitation means comprises a series of switches arranged so as to be able to electrically isolate the module or the cell, and the DC control device controls the state of these switches.

In another variant, not shown, this limiting means comprises an electronic circuit for limiting the current passing through the module or the cell, the DC control device controlling this electronic circuit. This electronic circuit is advantageously integrated in the main battery BR1, and in particular in the main battery control means BMS, but not necessarily. Other configurations or combinations are possible.

This vehicle includes storage device 3 of the extension cord 2. On the this storage device 3 is shown attached to the OBC charger since it is electrically connected to it via the extension cord 2, but this is only a diagram and this same storage device 3 can be placed in other places of the vehicle, and in particular when the latter comprises a bodywork 4, 5, housed in or through an element of this bodywork 4, 5 of the vehicle, so that the extension 2 is easily accessible by a person wishing to recharge the main battery BR1.

There represents a diagram of the storage device 3 integrated in the vehicle according to the invention, for example the vehicle described by the . This vehicle includes:
- the storage device 3 of the extension cord 2,
- the body 4, 5 housing the storage device 3,
this storage device 3 comprising:
- the electric extension cord 2,
- a casing 6 comprising an internal space 7, and now a first end of the extension cord 2,
the extension cord 2 being housed in this internal space 7 if it is in a stowed position, and extracted from this internal space 7 through the bodywork 4, 5 if it is in a deployed position.

This illustrates the extension cord 2 in a deployed position.

For example on the , the bodywork 4, 5 forms the housing housing the storage device 3 between a wing 4 and a style cover 5, leaving visible only a second terminal end of the extension cord 2, opposite the first end, or the part extension cord 2 deployed. It is of course possible to envisage this cover 5 detachably, so that no element of the storage device 3 is visible if the extension cord 2 is in the stowed position. This cover 5 will display, for example, the instructions for use of the storage device 3, and/or will signal the presence of the storage device 3.

As already explained, the bodywork is a broad definition including the visible elements of the bodywork such as the openings, fenders, pillars, sills, bonnets, but also the non-visible elements such as the chassis carrying the wheel set(s) of the vehicle. Thus, for example, this storage device 3 is housed in a trunk of the vehicle, the cover 5 being a trim of this trunk.

This storage device 3 further comprises a strip 8 of flexible material disposed in a protective position in which the strip 8 is deployed between the extension cord 2 and an element of the bodywork 4, 5 to be protected, this strip 8 comprising a means translation connection 9, 10 with the extension cord 2 so that this extension cord 2 slides relative to the strip 8 when it moves between its stowed position and its deployed position.

This bodywork element is for example an opening, wing, upright, rocker panel, bonnet, but also an element not visible from the outside of the vehicle but for example visible when one of the openings is open such as a fixed trunk lining on the vehicle frame.

For example, strip 8 is made of an elastomeric material. But this material can be a textile, impregnated or not, or any other flexible material.

For example, this vehicle comprises a receptacle 13 attached to the storage device 3 and housing the tape 8 if it is in a fallback position.

The receptacle 13 is for example formed at least in part by the bodywork 4, 5 and/or the storage device 3. The illustrates an example in which this receptacle 13 is formed in part by the housing 6 and the bodywork 4, 5. But this is not mandatory.

The second terminal end of the electric extension cord 2, opposite the first end, comprises a first stop 11 arranged so as to abut against the translation connecting means 8, 9 and to bring the strip 8 to its fallback position if the extension cord Electric 2 returns to its stowed position.

There illustrates the strip 8 in solid lines in its protective position, and in dotted lines in its fallback position. The first stop 11 is also illustrated in dotted lines because the extension cord 2 being illustrated in the deployed position, it would not be visible. Also, as for the strip 8 which cannot be at the same time in its fallback and protection position, the first stop 11 is shown in dotted lines as if the extension cord 2 was in its stowed position. It will be noted that the first stop 11 also has the function of being a limit stop of the electric extension cord 2 in the stowed position, making it possible to keep the second terminal end accessible, that is to say outside the casing 6.

The strip 8 comprises a second stop 12 trapped in the receptacle 13. This second stop 12 is for example a protrusion from the strip 8, in the same material as the strip 8 but it can be an added part and fixed to the strip 8 , this second stop 12 can then be made of a rigid material as opposed to a flexible material, for example plastic so as not to be too heavy.

The translation connection means 9, 10 is arranged so that the extension cord 2 moves, by friction, the strip 8 from its folded position to its protective position if the extension cord 2 moves from its stowed position to its deployed position, until the second stop 12 is in abutment against an internal face of the receptacle 13.

The translation connection means 9, 10 illustrated is for example a hole in the strip 8 through which the electric extension cord 2 passes. It will be noted that the illustrates two connection means in translation 9, 10, by two holes, but it is not mandatory even if this variant provides more certainty on the correct positioning of the strip 8 in the protective position. The one or two holes 9, 10 have the advantage of not stiffening the strip 8 because they do not provide any form of rigidity. The size of the hole or holes is calibrated so that the extension cord 2 can rub against the periphery of the hole or holes, without however bracing itself to the point of blocking the sliding of the extension cord 2 on the strip 8. But other means of connection in translation 9, 10 can be envisaged, in particular so as not to degrade the feeling of fluidity of the driver or the operator who deploys the electric extension cord 2, for example a set of two knobs facing the one from the other and framing a section of the cable of the electric extension cord 2 by having complete adherence with the extension cord 2, these two wheels rubbing on their axis of rotation by dry or lubricated or hydraulic friction.

It will be noted that, in a variant not illustrated, the second stop 12 is in fact a point of the strip 8 fixed and integral with the receptacle 13, the strip 8 comprising only a single means of connection in translation on one end of the strip 8 opposite the second stop 12, so that this end opposite the second stop 12 allows the strip 8 to be folded or unfolded over the second stop 12. The first stop 11, still not mandatory, will always have the advantage of provide certainty that the band 8 will be in the folded position if the extension cord 2 is in the stowed position.

The storage device 3 advantageously comprises a means for automatically recalling the extension cord 2 into the stowed position.

This storage device 3 comprises for example a drum (not shown) for winding the electric extension cord 2 housed in the internal space 7. The return means is then for example a leaf spring wound on itself, or any other means working in torsion with the drum. But other return means are possible depending on the type of packaging of the extension cord 2 in the stowed position, for example instead of being rolled up it can be coiled or folded, and in this case the return means is by example a taut rubber band or a prestressed rotating arm.

This motor vehicle includes:
- the MM1 electric driving machine,
- the electric energy storage battery BR1 supplying the electric motor machine MM1,
- the OBC charger electrically connected to the BR1 battery, to recharge it,
the first end of the extension cord 2 being electrically connected to the charger OBC, and the second terminal end of the extension cord 2 being arranged so as to be electrically connected to the charging terminal 1 of the terrestrial electrical network.

Claims (10)

Vehicle including:
- a storage device (3) for an extension cord (2),
- a body (4, 5) housing the storage device (3),
this storage device (3) comprising:
- the electric extension cord (2),
- a casing (6) comprising an internal space (7), and now a first end of the extension cord (2),
the extension cord (2) being housed in this internal space (7) if it is in a stowed position, and extracted from this internal space (7) through the bodywork (4, 5) if it is in a deployed position, characterized in that the storage device (3) comprises a strip (8) of flexible material arranged in a protective position in which the strip (8) is deployed between the extension cord (2) and a bodywork element (4, 5) to be protected, this strip (8) comprising a means of connection in translation (9, 10) with the electrical extension (2) so that this electrical extension (2) slides relative to the strip (8) when it moves between its stowed position and its deployed position. Vehicle according to claim 1, the band (8) being made of an elastomeric material. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, this vehicle comprising a receptacle (13) attached to the storage device (3) and housing the tape if it is in a folded position. Vehicle according to claim 3, a second terminal end of the extension cord (2), opposite the first end, comprising a first stop (11) arranged so as to abut against the translation connection means (8, 9) and to take the strip (8) to its stowed position if the extension cord (2) returns to its stowed position. Vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, the band (8) comprising a second stop (12) trapped in the receptacle (13). Vehicle according to Claim 5, the means for connecting in translation (9, 10) being arranged so that the electrical extension (2) moves, by friction, the strip (8) from its folded position to its protective position. if the extension cord (2) moves from its stowed position to its deployed position, until the second stop (12) is in abutment against an internal face of the receptacle (13). Vehicle according to one of Claims 3 to 6, the receptacle (13) being formed at least in part by the bodywork (4, 5) and/or the storage device (3). Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the translation connection means (9, 10) being a hole in the strip (8) through which the electric extension cord (2) passes. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the storage device (3) comprising means for automatically returning the extension cord (2) to the stowed position. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:
- an electric driving machine (MM1),
- an electric energy storage battery (BR1) supplying the electric drive machine (MM1),
- a charger (OBC) electrically connected to the battery (BR1), to recharge it,
the first end of the extension cord (2) being electrically connected to the charger (OBC), and a second terminal end of the extension cord (2) being arranged to be electrically connected to a charging terminal (1) of a terrestrial electricity network.