Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to dispensing of charging cable. More particularly, the embodiments herein relate to a system and a method for dispensing charging cable from an electric or hybrid vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] At present, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise. As a known fact, an EV is powered by a battery or batteries which needs to be charged as per the usage of the EV. To charge the EV, a charging port is provided on the body of the EV. The EV has to be parked in a particular alignment to move the charging port to a position suitable to connect the charging port properly to a power source by a charging cord. To move the charging port to the right place for connecting to the power source, an operator may have to carefully park the EV in the right place, which is tedious and time consuming.
[003] In some places, parking the EV in particular alignment may not be sufficient to connect the charging port properly with the power source. This is due to the limited space available to park the EV and due to the limitation in the length of the charging chord available. Generally, to extend the charging chord of the EV, an extension cord is used. However, pairing the extension cord with the charging cord of the EV to charge the EV includes safety concerns and customer inconvenience. Charging the EV requires a large amount of energy, due to which the extension cord may overheat. The overheating of the extension cord may lead to melting of plugs, power socket, and extension cord, which in turn may lead to short circuit and fire hazard. The severity of fire hazard may be higher when the EV is left unattended, such as while overnight charging or if the operator leaves the charging station or space. Further, overheating of the extension cord may lead to melting of the insulation provided on the extension cord which can cause electric shock hazard. Also, use of extension cord leads to voltage drop due to increased resistance in the electrical circuit. The voltage drop in the charging circuit leads to increased charging time of the EV and reduces the efficiency of charging.
[004] Therefore, there exists need for a system and a method which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks, and which enables convenient charging of the EV.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for dispensing a charging cable from an electric or hybrid vehicle.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a system to charge the electric or hybrid vehicle independent of the location of a power source.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for conveniently charging the electric or hybrid vehicle.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for dispensing a charging cable from the electric or hybrid vehicle.
[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1a indicates a charging cable dispensing system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] Fig. 1b indicates a spare wheel rim, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 2a is a sectional view of a cable pathway, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 2b is a sectional view of a cable pathway with a cable mover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 3a is a bottom view of a cable pathway secured to a bottom portion of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3b is a side view of a cable pathway secured to a bottom portion of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 3c is a side view of a cable pathway secured to a bottom portion of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle boot equipped with a charging cable dispensing system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a charging cable dispensing system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 6a is a bottom view of a cable pathway, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 6b is a sectional view of a cable pathway with a cable mover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 7 indicates a cable pathway, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 7a is a sectional view of a pulley connected to a cable mover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 8 indicates pulleys at a junction of a cable pathway, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 9a is a sectional view of a cable pathway with a cable attached to a rope, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 9b is a sectional view of a cable pathway with a cable attached to a rope, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0027] Fig. 10 is a flow chart indicating a method of dispensing a charging cable, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0029] The embodiments herein achieve a charging cable dispensing system for an electric vehicle. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a method of dispensing a charging cable. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0030] Fig. 1a indicates a charging cable dispensing system (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The charging cable dispensing system (100) for an electric vehicle (EV) (as shown in Fig. 4) includes a cable dispenser (102), a cable pathway (104), and a cable mover (106) (as shown in Fig. 2b). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the charging cable dispensing system (100) is explained herein below with respect to the electric vehicle (EV). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to implement charging cable dispensing system (100) in any other vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and the like with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the charging cable dispensing system (100) as can be deduced from the description.
[0031] In an embodiment, the cable dispenser (102) of the charging cable dispensing system (100) is mounted in a boot space (B) of the electric vehicle (EV) and within empty space of a spare wheel (SW) rim storage area. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to mount the cable dispenser (102) in any other portions of the electric vehicle (EV) with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cable dispenser (102) as can be deduced from the description. The cable dispenser (102) is configured to dispense the charging cable (C) into the cable pathway (104). In an embodiment, the cable dispenser (102) includes a cable spool (102a), an electric charger (102b), and a dispensing port (102c). The cable spool (102a) is adapted to accommodate a charging cable (C). In an embodiment, one end of the charging cable (C) is connected to the electric charger (102b) and other end of the charging cable (C) is connected to a plug (P). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to connect other end of the charging cable (C) to a power socket or any other type of electrical connectors configured to transfer electric power with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the charging cable (C) as can be deduced from the description. The electric charger (102b) is connected to a battery management system of the electric vehicle (EV). In an embodiment, the dispensing port (102c) is adapted to enable the movement of the charging cable (C) beneath a boot floor of the boot space (B) of the electric vehicle (EV).
[0032] Fig. 2a is a sectional view of the cable pathway (104), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the cable pathway (104) is provided in a bottom portion (BP) (as shown in Fig. 3a) of the electric vehicle (EV). The cable pathway (104) is adapted to provide a pathway for the movement of the charging cable (C) along the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV). In one embodiment, the cable pathway (104) is a guide rail. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide cable pathway as an integral part of the bottom portion of the electric vehicle (EV), such as a groove and the like with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cable pathway (104) as can be deduced from the description. Further, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other type of cable pathway adapted to provide a pathway for the movement of the charging cable (C) in the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV) with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cable pathway (104) as can be deduced from the description.
[0033] In an embodiment, the cable mover (106) is accommodated within the cable pathway (104). The cable mover (106) is configured to move the charging cable (C) along the cable pathway (104). The charging cable (C) is secured to the cable mover (106). In one embodiment, the cable mover (106) includes a first rotor (106a), a plurality of second rotors (106b), a platform (106c), and a controlling module (106d). The controlling module (106d) is secured to the platform (106c). The plurality of second rotors (106b) are rotatably secured to the platform (106c). Further, in one embodiment, the plurality of second rotors (106b) are coupled with the first rotor (106a). The coupling of the plurality of second rotors (106b) with the first rotor (106a) is such that, any rotation of the plurality of second rotors (106b) facilitates rotation of the first rotor (106a) and vice versa. In one embodiment, the controlling module (106d) is configured to receive at least one input from an electronic control module (ECU) (as shown in Fig. 5) of the electric vehicle (EV) and facilitate rotation of the plurality of second rotors (106b). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide a separate ECU for the charging cable dispensing system (100) with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the ECU as can be deduced from the description. The rotation of the plurality of second rotors (106b) facilitates rotation of the first rotor (106a). In an embodiment, the platform (106c) of the cable mover (106) includes at least one actuator (not shown), such as a motor. In an embodiment, the rotation of the plurality of second rotors (106b) is actuated by the actuator (not shown). The rotation of the first rotor (106a) facilitates the movement of the cable mover (106) along the cable pathway (104). The movement of the cable mover (106) along the cable pathway (104) facilitates movement of the charging cable (C) and the plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C).
[0034] In one embodiment, the cable pathway (104) defines an opening (104a). The opening (104a) of the cable pathway (104) enables the plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C) to remain outside of the cable pathway (104). As the plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C) remains outside of the cable pathway (104), the plug (P) is easily accessible. In one embodiment, a cover is provided at the opening (104a) of the cable pathway (104). The cover, such as a brush and the like, configured to prevent the entry of dust, debris, and/or moisture into the cable pathway (104).
[0035] Fig. 3b is a side view of the cable pathway (104) secured to the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The cable pathway (104) is secured to the bottom portion of the electric vehicle (EV). In one embodiment, the cable pathway (104) is secured to the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV) by means of welding. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to secure the cable pathway (104) to bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV) by any other means such adhesives or fasteners and the like with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cable pathway (104) as can be deduced from the description. Fig. 3c is a side view of the cable pathway (104) mounted to the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the cable pathway (104) is secured to the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV) by means of brackets (J), which in turn is attached to the bottom portion (BP) by welding, adhesives, and/or fasteners.
[0036] In one embodiment, the electric vehicle (EV) is equipped with a plurality of sensors (S) at plurality of sites on the electric vehicle (EV). The sensors (S) are configured to sense the presence of a power source when the power source is within a predetermined distance from the respective sensor (S). In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is 0.5 - 1 meter. In one embodiment, the sensors (S) are camera module and an artificial intelligence (AI) module configured to sense the presence of the power source within a predetermined distance. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to use any other type of sensors such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) pair or proximity sensor to detect the presence of the power source with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the sensor (S) as can be deduced from the description. Further, it is also within the scope of this invention to use a manual method, such as providing buttons on different sites on the electric vehicle (EV), such that a button in proximity of the power source can be operated, to provide an indication of the presence of the power source in that direction with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the sensor (S) as can be deduced from the description.
[0037] In operation (as shown in Fig. 5), in one embodiment, each of the sensors (S) are configured to detect the presence of a power source within a predetermined distance from the respective sensor (S). As the sensor (S) detects the power source within the predetermined distance, the respective sensor (S) is configured to transmit at least one signal to the ECU, indicating the presence of the power source within the predetermined distance. The ECU is configured to receive the signal transmitted by the sensor (S). Further, the ECU is configured to generate and transmit at least one corresponding control signal to the cable dispenser (102) and at least one corresponding control signal to the cable mover (106) based on the signal received from the sensor (S).
[0038] In an embodiment, the cable dispenser (102) is configured to receive the control signal transmitted from the ECU and facilitate opening of the dispensing port (102c). Further, the cable dispenser (102) is configured to facilitate dispensing the charging cable (C) from the cable spool (102a), beneath the boot floor of the electric vehicle (EV) through the dispensing port (102c). The charging cable (C) moves beneath the boot floor and enters the cable pathway (104) and further gets attached to the cable mover (106). The cable mover (106) is configured to receive the control signal transmitted from the ECU and move to a destination within the cable pathway (104). The destination is a part of the cable pathway (104) of the electric vehicle (EV) which is closer to the power source, as detected by the sensor (S). As the cable mover (106) moves to the destination within the cable pathway (104), the charging cable (C) attached to the cable mover (106) moves along with the cable mover (106) to the destination along with the plug (P), wherein the plug (P) remains outside of the cable pathway (104). The plug (P) remaining outside of the cable pathway (104) can be further pulled towards the power source, to connect the plug (P) to the power source to charge the electric vehicle (EV). To store the charging cable (C) within the boot space after charging the electric vehicle (EV), the plug (P) is disconnected from the power source. Further, the plug (P) is returned to the destination manually, where the plug (P) remains closer to the cable mover (106) and remains outside the cable pathway (104). As the plug (P) is returned to the destination, the cable mover (106) returns to an initial position along with the charging cable (C). As the cable mover (106) returns to the initial position, the cable dispenser (102) pulls the charging cable (C) above the boot floor to an initial stored position of the charging cable (C) and the dispensing port (102c) is closed. In an embodiment, the initial stored position of the charging cable (C) is the position of the charging cable (C) where the charging cable is stored in the cable spool (102a).
[0039] Fig. 6a is a bottom view of a cable pathway (204), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the cable pathway (204) is provided on the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV). The cable pathway (204) is adapted to provide a pathway for the movement of the charging cable (C) along the bottom portion of the electric vehicle (EV). In an embodiment, the cable pathway (204) includes a first pathway (204a) and a second pathway (204b). In an embodiment, the first pathway (204a) and the second pathway (204b) are parallel to each other.
[0040] Fig. 6b is a sectional view of the cable pathway (204) with a cable mover (206), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the cable mover (206) is configured to move the charging cable (C) along the cable pathway (204). In an embodiment, the cable mover (206) includes a plurality of rotors (206a), a plurality of pulleys (206b), a platform (206c), and a controlling module (206d). The controlling module (206d) is secured to the platform (206c). In an embodiment, the plurality of pulleys (206b) are rotatably secured within the platform (206c). The pulleys (206b) are connected to each other. In an embodiment, the pulleys (206b) are connected to each other by a rope (R). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to connect the pulleys (206b) with each other by any other connecting means such as a thread, belt, and the like with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pulleys (206b) as can be deduced from the description.
[0041] In an embodiment, the charging cable (C) is attached to the rope (R). The plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C), and remains outside of the cable pathway (204) and platform (206c). The rotation of the pulleys (206b) facilitates movement of the rope (R) in a transverse direction with respect to the cable pathway (204), which in turn facilitates transverse movement of the charging cable (C) with respect to the cable pathway (204). The transverse movement of the charging cable (C) along with the rope (R) facilitates the transverse movement of the plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C). In an embodiment, the platform (206c) of the cable mover (206) includes at least one actuator (not shown), such as a motor. In an embodiment, the rotation of the plurality of rotors (206a) and pulleys (206b) is facilitated by at least one actuator (not shown), which in turn are controlled by the controlling module (206d).
[0042] In one embodiment, the platform (206c) is coupled to the plurality of rotors (206a). The rotors (206a) are rotatably secured to the cable pathway (204). The rotation of the rotors (206a) facilitates the rotors (206a) to move along the cable pathway (204) in a longitudinal direction. The movement of the rotors (206a) along the cable pathway (204) facilitates the movement of the platform (206c), and thereby facilitates the movement of the cable mover (206) along the cable pathway (204) in a longitudinal direction. The movement of the cable mover (206) in the longitudinal direction along the cable pathway (204) in turn facilitates movement of the charging cable (C) and the plug (P) in the longitudinal direction. In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotors (206a), the movement of the platform (206c) and the movement of the cable mover (206) is controlled by the controlling module (206d) based on a control signal received from the ECU of the electric vehicle (EV).
[0043] In operation (as shown in Fig. 5), in one embodiment, the sensor (S) is configured to detect the presence of the power source within the predetermined distance from the sensor (S). As the sensor (S) detects the power source within the predetermined distance, the corresponding sensor (S) is configured to transmit at least one signal to the ECU. The ECU is configured to receive the signal transmitted by the sensor (S). Further, the ECU is configured to generate and transmit at least one corresponding control signal to the cable dispenser (102) and at least one corresponding control signal to the cable mover (206) based on the signal received from the sensor (S).
[0044] In an embodiment, the cable dispenser (102) is configured to receive the control signal transmitted from the ECU and facilitate opening of the dispensing port (102c). Further, the cable dispenser (102) is configured to facilitate dispensing the charging cable (C) from the cable spool (102a), beneath the boot floor of the electric vehicle (EV) through the dispensing port (102c). The charging cable (C) moves beneath the boot floor and enters the cable pathway (204) and further gets attached to the cable mover (206). The cable mover (206) is configured to receive the control signal transmitted from the ECU and move to a destination along with cable pathway (204). The transverse movement of the charging cable (C) along with the rope (R) and the movement of the platform (206c) along the cable pathway (204) in a longitudinal direction, facilitates the appropriate movement of the plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C) to the destination. The destination is a part of the cable pathway (204) of the electric vehicle (EV) which is closer to the power source.
[0045] Fig. 7 indicates a cable pathway (304), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 7a is a sectional view of a pulley (304a) connected to a cable mover (306), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the cable pathway (304) is provided in the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV). The cable pathway (304) is adapted to provide a pathway for the movement of the charging cable (C) in the bottom portion of the electric vehicle (EV). The cable pathway (304) includes the plurality of pulleys (304a) and a plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b) (as shown in Fig. 8). The plurality of pulleys (304a) are connected to each other by a connecting means such as a rope (r). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to connect the pulleys (304a) with each other by any other connecting means such as a thread, belt, and the like with minor modification(s) and without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of pulleys (304a) as can be deduced from the description.
[0046] In an embodiment, the charging cable (C) is attached to the rope (r). The plug (P) is connected to the charging cable (C). The cable pathway (304) includes the cable mover (306). The cable mover (306) is configured to rotate at least one of the plurality of pulleys (304a) and at least one of the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b). In an embodiment, the cable mover (306) is configured to rotate at least one of the plurality of pulleys (304a) or at least one of the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b). In one embodiment, the cable mover (306) is an actuator, such as a motor, and facilitates rotation of at least one of the plurality of pulleys (304a) and at least one of the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b). The rotation of at least one of the plurality of pulleys (304a) and at least one of the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b) in turn facilitates rotation of plurality of pulleys (304a) and the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b). Further, in an embodiment, the rotation of at least one of the plurality of pulleys (304a) or at least one of the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b) in turn facilitates rotation of the plurality of pulleys (304a) and the plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b). The rotation of the plurality of pulleys (304a) facilitates the movement of the rope (r). The movement of the rope (r) facilitates movement of the charging cable (C) and in turn facilitates the movement of the plug (P). The auxiliary pulleys (304b) are provided for the smooth movement of the rope (r) within the cable pathway (304).
[0047] In operation, in one embodiment, the sensor (S) is configured to detect the presence of the power source within the predetermined distance from the sensor (S). As the sensor (S) detects the power source within the predetermined distance, the corresponding sensor (S) is configured to transmit at least one signal to the ECU. The ECU is configured to receive the signal transmitted by the sensor (S). Further, the ECU is configured to generate and transmit at least one corresponding control signal to the cable dispenser (102) and at least one corresponding control signal to the cable mover (306) based on the signal received from the sensor (S).
[0048] Fig. 9a is a sectional view of the cable pathway (304) with the charging cable (C) attached to the rope (r), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 9b is a sectional view of the cable pathway (304) with a cable attached to the rope (r), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the cable dispenser (102) is configured to receive the control signal transmitted from the ECU and facilitate opening of the dispensing port (102c). Further, the cable dispenser (102) is configured to dispense charging cable (C) beneath the boot floor of the boot space of the electric vehicle (EV) through the dispensing port (102c). The charging cable (C) moves beneath the boot floor (F) and enters the cable pathway (304) and further gets attached to the rope (r). In one embodiment, the charging cable (C) is attached to the rope (r) by a connecting means (10). The attachment of the charging cable (C) to the rope (r) by the connecting means (10) eliminates the need of a mechanism to latch the plug (P) with the rope (r). In an embodiment, the connecting means (10) is a thread. Further, in another embodiment, the charging cable (C) is accommodated within a cylindrical sheath (12). The cylindrical sheath (12) has a hook (14) connected to one end of the cylindrical sheath (12), which in turn is connected to the rope (r). The hook (14) facilitates connection of the charging cable (C) to the rope (r). The connection of the charging cable (C) to the rope (r) by the hook (14) enables the movement of the charging cable (C) and the plug (P) along with the movement of the rope (r), to the destination within the cable pathway (304). The destination is a part of the cable pathway (304) of the electric vehicle (EV) which is closer to the power source.
[0049] The cable mover (306) is configured to receive the control signal transmitted from the ECU and to facilitate rotation of the pulleys (304a) by the actuator, based on the control signal received. The rotation of the pulleys (304a) facilitates movement of the rope (r). The movement of the rope (r) facilitates movement of the charging cable (C) and in turn facilitates the movement of the plug (P) to a destination. The destination is the part of the cable pathway (304) of the electric vehicle (EV) which is closer to the power source.
[0050] Fig. 10 is a flow chart indicating a method (600) for dispensing the charging cable (C) from the electric vehicle (EV), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (600) is explained herein below with reference to dispensing charging cable (C) in the electric vehicle (EV). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (600) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (600) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (600) for dispensing the charging cable (C) in the electric vehicle (EV) or any other type of vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (600) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, at step (602), the method includes detecting the presence of the power source within the predetermined distance. In an embodiment, the detection is facilitated by the sensor (S). In an embodiment, the predetermined distance is 0.5 - 1 meter. At step (604), the method includes transmitting by the sensor (S) at least one signal to the ECU of the electric vehicle (EV), indicating the presence of the power source. At step (606), the method includes generating and transmitting by the ECU at least one control signal to the cable dispenser (102) and the cable mover (106, 206, 306). At step (608), the method includes dispensing by the cable dispenser (102) the charging cable (C) from the boot space (B) of the vehicle into the cable pathway (104, 204, 304). At step (610), the method includes moving the charging cable (C) attached to the cable mover (106, 206, 306) within the cable pathway (104, 204, 304) by the cable mover (106, 206, 306) to the destination. The cable pathway (104, 204, 304) is provided on the bottom portion (BP) of the electric vehicle (EV). The destination is a part of the cable pathway (104, 204, 304) of the electric vehicle (EV) which is closer to the power source.
[0051] The embodiments described herein above have several technical advantages including, but not limited to, realization of charging cable dispensing system which enables conveniently charging the electric or hybrid vehicle. Further, the charging cable dispensing system enables charging of the electric or hybrid vehicle independent of the location of a power source.
[0052] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0053] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. A system (100) for dispensing a charging cable (C) from a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a cable dispenser (102) configured to dispense the charging cable (C) from a boot space (B) of the vehicle, based on at least one control signal received from an ECU;
a cable pathway (104) adapted to facilitate movement of the charging cable (C); and
a cable mover (106) configured to move the charging cable (C) along said cable pathway (104) to a destination closer to a power source, based on at least one control signal received from the ECU,
wherein
said cable dispenser (102) is configured to dispense the charging cable (C) into said cable pathway (104);
said cable pathway (104) is secured to a bottom portion (BP) of the vehicle; and
said cable mover (106) is adapted to be accommodated within said cable pathway (104) and the charging cable (C) is adapted to be attached to said cable mover (106).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU is configured to receive at least one signal from a sensor (S) corresponding to a detection of a power source within a predetermined distance, wherein the predetermined distance is 0.5 – 1 meter and the sensor (S) is equipped in the vehicle.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cable pathway (104) defines an opening (104a) adapted to extend a plug (P) connected to the charging cable (C) outside said cable pathway (104).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cable dispenser (102) is adapted to be mounted in the boot space (B) of the vehicle, wherein said cable dispenser comprising:
a cable spool (102a) adapted to accommodate the charging cable (C);
an electrical charger (102b); and
a dispensing port (102c) adapted to enable dispensing of the charging cable (C) beneath the boot floor of the boot space (B).
5. The system (100) claimed in claim 1, wherein said cable mover (106) comprising:
a control module (106d) configured to receive at least one control signal from the ECU;
a platform (106c) adapted to secure said control module (106d) to said platform (106c);
a plurality of second rotors (106b) adapted to be rotatably secured to said platform (106c); and
a first rotor (106a), wherein
said second rotors (106b) are adapted to be coupled with said first rotor (106a); and
said control module (106d) is configured to rotate said plurality of second rotors (106b) based on the control signal from the ECU, wherein the rotation of said plurality of second rotors (106b) facilitates rotation of said first rotor (106a), thereby facilitating movement of the charging cable (C) attached to said cable mover (106).
6. A system (100) for dispensing a charging cable (C) from a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a cable dispenser (102) configured to dispense the charging cable (C) from a boot space (B) of the vehicle, based on at least one control signal received from an ECU;
a cable pathway (204) comprising a first pathway (204a) and a second pathway (204b), wherein said cable pathway (204) is adapted to facilitate movement of the charging cable (C); and
a cable mover (206) configured to move the charging cable (C) along said cable pathway (204) to a destination closer to a power source, based on at least one control signal received from the ECU,
wherein
said cable dispenser (102) is configured to dispense the charging cable into said cable pathway (204);
said cable pathway (204) is secured to a bottom portion (BP) of the vehicle; and
said cable mover (206) is adapted to be accommodated within said cable pathway (204).
7. The system (100) claimed in claim 6, wherein said cable mover (206) comprising:
a control module (206d) configured to receive at least one control signal from the ECU;
a platform (206c) adapted to secure said control module (206d) to said platform (206c);
a plurality of pulleys (206b) adapted to be connected to each other by a rope (R), wherein said plurality of pulleys (206b) are rotatably secured within said platform (206c) and facilitates transverse movement of the rope (R) with respect to said cable pathway (204);
a plurality of rotors (206a) adapted to be rotatably secured to said cable pathway (204), wherein
said control module (206d) configured to rotate said plurality of pulleys (206b) based on the control signal from the ECU thereby facilitating transverse movement of the rope (R) and the charging cable (C) attached to the rope (R); and
said control module (206d) configured to rotate said plurality of rotors (206a) based on the control signal from the ECU thereby facilitating movement of said cable mover (206) along said cable pathway (206).
8. A system (100) for dispensing a charging cable (C) from a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a cable dispenser (102) configured to dispense the charging cable (C) from a boot space (B) of the vehicle, based on at least one control signal received from an ECU;
a cable pathway (304) adapted to facilitate movement of the charging cable (C); and
a cable mover (306) configured to move the charging cable (C) along said cable pathway (304) to a destination closer to a power source, based on at least one control signal received from the ECU,
wherein
said cable dispenser (102) is configured to dispense the charging cable into said cable pathway (304);
said cable pathway (304) is secured to a bottom portion (BP) of the vehicle; and
said cable pathway (304) comprising:
a plurality of pulleys (304a) connected to each other by a rope (r); and
a plurality of auxiliary pulleys (304b), wherein said plurality of pulleys (304a) are configured to move the rope (r) within said cable pathway (304), thereby facilitating movement of a plug (P) to the destination.
9. A method (600) of dispensing a charging cable from a vehicle, said method comprising:
detecting (602), by a sensor (S), the presence of a power source within a predetermined distance from the sensor (S);
transmitting (604), by the sensor (S), at least one signal to an ECU based on the detection of the power source;
generating and transmitting (606), by the ECU, at least one control signal to a cable dispenser (102) and at least one control signal to a cable mover (106, 206, 306); and
dispensing (608), by the cable dispenser (102), a charging cable (C) from a boot space (B) of the vehicle into a cable pathway (104, 204, 304).

10. The method (600) as claimed in claim 9, said method comprising:
moving (610), by the cable mover (106, 206, 306), the charging cable (C) within the cable pathway (104, 204, 304) to a destination, wherein the charging cable (C) is adapted to be attached to the cable mover (106, 206, 306) and a plug (P) is adapted to be connected to the charging cable (C).