Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a charging station for an electric vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a charging station that may also be used as a portable charging station.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Charger for an electric vehicle serve to transform a commercially available electric power into an electric power suitable for charging a battery of the electric vehicle. Chargers typically are either provided as portable chargers or fixed chargers. A user of the electric vehicle may have to generally decide between having one of the fixed or portable chargers. Having both chargers may incur additional costs.
[0004] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a means to provide a charging setup for an electric vehicle that can integrate portable and fixed charging capabilities.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a charging station for use with an electric vehicle.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging station, where a charger unit of the charging station may be used selectively as a portable charger.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging station, where a charger unit of the charging station may be safely secured.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging station that allows for good cable management.

SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure generally relates to a charging station for an electric vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a charging station that may also be used as a portable charging station.
[0010] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a charging station. The charging station includes a charger unit. The charger unit includes a body adapted to house a charging circuit. The body includes one or more external faces having a scalloped profile. The body further includes one or more latching elements disposed on the one or more external faces. The charging station further includes a charging dock adapted to be secured to a surface. The charging dock further includes a locking mechanism. The charging dock is adapted to receive the charger unit such that, on receiving the charger unit, the locking mechanism of the charging dock meshes with the one or more latching elements of the charger unit to removably secure the charger unit to the charging dock.
[0011] In some embodiments, the one or more latching elements include a first pin and a second pin disposed on a rear face of the charger unit. The first pin and the second pin are further disposed towards respective first and second edges on the rear face of the charger unit.
[0012] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the charging dock includes a first hook adapted to receive and lock the first pin of the charger unit.
[0013] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the charging dock includes a spring-loaded mechanism adapted to receive and lock the second pin of the charger unit.
[0014] In some embodiments, the spring-loaded mechanism is configured to be locked in position by a user of the charging station such that, responsive to being locked upon receiving the second pin of the charger unit, the charger unit is fixedly secured to the charging dock.
[0015] In some embodiments, the charger unit includes an input plug and an output charger handle, the input plug and the output charger handle electrically coupled to the charger unit.
[0016] In some embodiments, the input plug and the output charger handle are electrically coupled to the charger unit through respective input and output cables.
[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more external faces having the scalloped profile is adapted to provide regions for the input and output cables to be rolled over, for storage of the input and output cables.
[0018] In some embodiments, the charger unit includes a cable locking mechanism adapted to secure the input and output cables to the charger unit once the input and output cables have been rolled over the one or more external faces having the scalloped profile.
[0019] In some embodiments, the charger unit includes an input plug holder and an output handle holder on a front face of the body of the charger unit such that, upon rolling of the input and output cables over the one or more external faces having the scalloped profile. The input plug holder and the output handle holder are adapted to receive the respective input plug and the output charger handle to secure the respective input plug and the output charger handle.
[0020] In some embodiments, the charging dock includes an output handle socket, adapted to receive and removably secure the output charger handle once the charger unit is secured to the charging dock.
[0021] In some embodiments, the output handle socket is configured with one or more magnetic elements adapted to secure metallic elements of the output charger handle.
[0022] In some embodiments, the charger unit includes one or more handles on one or more external faces of the body of the charger unit to facilitate gripping of the charger unit through the one or more handles.
[0023] In some embodiments, the charger unit includes one or more indicator devices on an external face of the body of the charger unit. The one or more indicator devices include any one or a combination of: a light emitting diode (LED), and a display device.
[0024] In some embodiments, the charging dock is adapted to be secured to the surface through one or more fasteners.
[0025] In some embodiments, the charging dock includes a cavity and a screen adapted to selectively allow access to the cavity. The cavity includes one or more holes to allow respective the one or more fasteners therethrough in order to secure the charging dock to the surface.
[0026] In some embodiments, the charger unit includes a hanging loop disposed on an edge proximate the rear face of the body of the charger unit. The hanging loop is adapted to be secured to a hook to allow the charger unit to be hung from the hook.
[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a charging station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a charger unit of the charging station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the charger unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic perspective front of the charger unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic perspective front of the charger unit along with input plug and output handle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic perspective front of the charger unit along with input and output cables, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a charging dock of the charging station, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a charging station 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging station 100 may be a modular unit and may include a charger unit 102 and a charging dock 152. The charger unit 102 may be adapted to be removably secured to the charging dock 152 as and when required. In an embodiment, the charger unit 102 may be configured to charge a battery of an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle is a battery powered vehicle including, and not limited to two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, motorbikes/motorcycles, three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, four-wheelers such as cars and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) that primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the vehicle. Furthermore, the types of electric vehicles include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle.
[0038] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate schematic perspective, side, and front views, respectively, of the charger unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring now to FIGs. 1 to 2C, the charger unit 102 includes a body 104. The body 104 may include one or more external faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 104 includes a rear face 110, a front face 112, a top face 114, a bottom face 116, and a side face 118. The body 104 further includes a second side face (not shown in figure). The body 104 may form an enclosure housing a charging circuit of the charger unit 102. The charger unit 102 may be of any size, according to application requirements. In some embodiments, the charger unit 102 may be of such a size so as to fit within a boot of a vehicle, such as a scooter. The body 104 of the charger unit 102 may be made of any one or a combination of materials, such as, without limitations, metals, alloys, ceramics, plastics, polymers, etc. The body 104 of the charger unit 102 may further be provided with a plurality of vents in order to facilitate movement of air therethrough. The movement of air may further facilitate cooling of the charging circuit housed within the body 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 104 is provide with vents 132 on the top face 114, and vents 134 on the front face 112 of the body 104.
[0039] The one or more external faces 110-118 of the body 104 may have a scalloped profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom faces 114, 116 have scalloped profiles. Scalloped profile may include a contoured profile where the face having the scalloped profile has a dip in its contour between the rear and front faces 110, 112. The scalloped profiles may provide a means for better and improved cable management, as may be discussed later in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the side face 118 and the second side face may have scalloped profiles. In some other embodiments, the top and bottom faces 114, 116, as well as the side face 118 and the second side face may have scalloped profiles.
[0040] The body 104 further includes one or more latching elements disposed on the one or more external faces 110-118. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more latching elements include a first pin 120, and a second pin (not shown) disposed on the rear face 110 of the body 104 of the charger unit 102. The first pin 120 and the second pin are further disposed towards respective top and bottom edges of the rear face 110. The latching elements may facilitate securing of the charger unit 102 with the charging dock 152.
[0041] The body 104 may further include one or more handles provided on the external faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 104 includes a handle 130 provided on the front face 112 of the body 104. The handle 130 may facilitate gripping of the charger unit by a user of the charging station 100. In other words, the charger unit 102 may be conveniently carried around by using the handle 130. In some embodiments, the body 104 may include additional handles, such as on the top face 114.
[0042] The body 104 may further include one or more indicator devices provided on the external faces. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 104 includes an indicator device 136 provided on the front face 112 of the body, towards a bottom edge of the body 104. The indicator device 136 may be configured to indicate to the user of the charging station 100, a state of operation of the charger unit 102. For example, the indicator device 136 may indicate to the user if the charger unit 102 is currently being used to charge a vehicle, or if it is being recharged itself. In some embodiments, the indicator device 136 may include any one or a combination of a light emitting diode (LED), and a display device.
[0043] The charger unit 102 further includes a hanging loop 186 disposed on an edge proximate the rear face 110 of the body 104. In some embodiments, the hanging loop 186 may be disposed on the rear face 110 towards an edge with the side face 118 of the body 104. In some embodiments, the hanging loop 186 may be disposed on the side face 118 towards an edge with the front face 112 of the body 104. The hanging loop 186 may be a retractable element adapted to be in an extended or retracted state. In its retracted state, the hanging loop 186 may remain flush with the body 104 of the charger unit 102. In its extended state, the hanging loop 186 may extend beyond the edge of the body 104. The hanging loop may be adapted to be secured to an external hook, such that the charger unit 102 may be hung from the external hook.
[0044] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate schematic perspective views of the charger unit 102 including an input plug 140 and an output charger handle 142, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The charger unit 102 includes the input plug 140 and the output handle 142. The input plug 140 and the output charger handle 142 are electrically coupled to the charger unit 102 via input and output cables 144, 146, respectively. The input plug 140 is adapted to supply an electric power to the charger unit 102, and the output charger handle 142 is adapted to couple to the electric vehicle to transmit the electric power.
[0045] Referring now to FIGs. 1 to 3B, the external faces having the scalloped profiles (i.e., the top and bottom faces 114, 116) may be adapted to provide regions for the input and output cables 144, 146 to be rolled over for storage of the input and output cables 144, 146 when the charger unit 102 is not being operated. In some embodiments, the scalloped profiles of the side face 118, the second side face along with the scalloped profiles of the top and bottom faces 114, 116 may be adapted to provide regions for the input and output cables 144, 146 to be rolled over for storage of the input and output cables 144, 146 when the charger unit 102 is not being operated.
[0046] Further, the charger unit 102 may include a cable locking mechanism 148 adapted to secure the input and output cables 144, 146 to the charger unit 102 once the input and output cables 144, 146 have been rolled over the top and bottom faces 114, 116. The cable locking mechanism 148 may include a securing element 302, such as an elastic band. The securing element 302 may be fixedly attached to a face or an edge of the body 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing element 302 is fixedly attached, at one of its end, to an edge between the front face 112 and the second side face. Once the input and output cables 144, 146 are rolled over, the securing element 302 may be extended across the second side face, over the rolled input and output cables 144, 146 and another end of the securing element 302 may be secure to a tab 304. When not in use, the securing element 304 may be in a retracted position so as not to hang freely about unsecured.
[0047] In some embodiments, the charger unit 102 may include a plurality of such cable locking mechanisms (not shown) adapted to secure the rolled input and output cables 144, 146.
[0048] Once the input and output cables 144, 146 are rolled over the scalloped surfaces, the input plug 140 and the output handle 142 are preferably secured. The charger unit 102 is further provided with an input plug holder 180 and an output handle holder 182 on the front face 112 of the body 104. Upon rolling of the input and output cables 144, 146 over the top and bottom faces 114, 116, the input plug holder 180 and the output handle holder 182 are adapted to receive the respective input plug 140 and the output charger handle 142 to secure the respective input plug 140 and the output charger handle 142.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the charging dock 152, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging dock 152 is adapted to be secured to a surface. The surface may be any fixed surface, such as a floor, a wall, a ceiling, etc. The charging dock 152 is adapted to be secured to the surface through one or more fasteners, such as, without limitations, screws, rivets, bolts, etc. The charging dock 152 includes a cavity (not shown) and a screen 166 adapted to selectively allow access to the cavity. The cavity may include one or more holes (not shown) to allow the respective one or more fasteners therethrough in order to secure the charging dock 152 to the surface.
[0050] The charging dock 152 includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a first hook 154 adapted to receive and lock the first pin 120 of the charger unit 102. The locking mechanism further includes a spring-loaded mechanism 156 adapted to receive and lock the second pin of the charger unit 102. The charging dock 152 is adapted to receive the charger unit 102 such that, on receiving the charger unit 102, the locking mechanism of the charging dock 152 meshes with the one or more latching elements of the charger unit 102 to removably secure the charger unit 102 to the charging dock 152. In other words, when the first hook 154 receives the first pin 120, and the spring-loaded mechanism 156 receives the second pin, the charger unit 102 is removably secured to the charging dock 152.
[0051] The spring-loaded mechanism 156 is further configured to be locked in position once it receives the second pin. Once locked, the second pin may be fixedly coupled to the spring-loaded mechanism. Thus, in a locked position, the charger unit 102 may not be decoupled from the charging dock 152. The charger unit 102 may be provided with a lock 190 (shown in FIG. 1) that may be operated using a key 192 (shown in FIG. 1). However, the spring-loaded mechanism 156 may be locked using other means, such as using electronic locks, biometric locks, etc. The charging dock 152 may further include cushion pads 168. The cushion pads 168 may serve to provide a softer surface of contact between the charging dock 152 and the charger unit 102. In some embodiments, the cushion pads 168 may also provide the user with tactile feedback when the charger unit 102 is secured or removed from the charging dock 152. In an embodiment, the cushion pads 168 are made of foam material.
[0052] The charging dock 152 further includes an output handle socket 160 adapted to receive and removably secure the output charger handle 142 once the charger unit 102 is secured to the charging dock 152. In some embodiments, the output handle socket 160 is configured with one or more magnetic elements 162 adapted to secure metallic elements of the output charger handle 142.
[0053] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprise” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. 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 appended claims.
[0054] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
[0055] The present invention provides a charging station for use with an electric vehicle.
[0056] The present invention provides a charging station, where a charger unit of the charging station may be used selectively as a portable charger.
[0057] The present invention provides a charging station, where a charger unit of the charging station may be safely secured.
[0058] The present invention provides a charging station that allows for good cable management.
, Claims:1. A charging station (100), comprising:
a charger unit (102) comprising a body (104) adapted to house a charging circuit, wherein the body (104) comprises:
one or more external faces (110, 112, 114, 116, 118) having a scalloped profile; and
one or more latching elements disposed on the one or more external faces (110 – 118); and
a charging dock (152) adapted to be secured to a surface, and comprising a locking mechanism,
wherein the charging dock (152) is adapted to receive the charger unit (102) such that, on receiving the charger unit (102), the locking mechanism of the charging dock (152) meshes with the one or more latching elements of the charger unit (102) to removably secure the charger unit (102) to the charging dock (152).

2. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more latching elements comprise a first pin (120) and a second pin disposed on a rear face (110) of the charger unit (102), the first pin (120) and the second pin further disposed towards respective first and second edges on the rear face (110) of the charger unit (102).

3. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism of the charging dock (152) comprises a first hook (154) adapted to receive and lock the first pin (120) of the charger unit (102).

4. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism of the charging dock (152) comprises a spring-loaded mechanism (156) adapted to receive and lock the second pin of the charger unit (102).

5. The charging station as claimed in claim 4, wherein the spring-loaded mechanism (156) is configured to be locked in position by a user of the charging station (100) such that, responsive to being locked upon receiving the second pin of the charger unit (102), the charger unit (102) is fixedly secured to the charging dock (152).

6. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger unit (102) comprises an input plug (140) and an output charger handle (142), the input plug (140) and the output charger handle (142) electrically coupled to the charger unit (102).

7. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the input plug (140) and the output charger handle (142) are electrically coupled to the charger unit (102) through respective input and output cables (144, 146).

8. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more external faces (110 – 118) having the scalloped profile is adapted to provide regions for the input and output cables (144, 146) to be rolled over, for storage of the input and output cables (144, 146).

9. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the charger unit (102) comprises a cable locking mechanism (148) adapted to secure the input and output cables (144, 146) to the charger unit (102) once the input and output cables (144, 146) have been rolled over the one or more external faces (110 – 118) having the scalloped profile.

10. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the charger unit (102) comprises an input plug holder (180) and an output handle holder (182) on a front face (112) of the body (104) of the charger unit (102) such that, upon rolling of the input and output cables (144, 146) over the one or more external faces (110 – 118) having the scalloped profile, the input plug holder (180) and the output handle holder (182) are adapted to receive the respective input plug (140) and the output charger handle (142) to secure the respective input plug (140) and the output charger handle (142).

11. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the charging dock (152) comprises an output handle socket (160), adapted to receive and removably secure the output charger handle (142) once the charger unit (102) is secured to the charging dock (152).

12. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the output handle socket (160) is configured with one or more magnetic elements (162) adapted to secure metallic elements of the output charger handle (142).

13. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger unit (102) comprises one or more handles (132) on one or more external faces (110 – 118) of the body (104) of the charger unit (102) to facilitate gripping of the charger unit (102) through the one or more handles (132).

14. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger unit (102) comprises one or more indicator devices (136) on an external face of the body (104) of the charger unit (102), and wherein the one or more indicator devices (136) comprise any one or a combination of: a light emitting diode (LED), and a display device.

15. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging dock (152) is adapted to be secured to the surface through one or more fasteners.

16. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the charging dock (152) comprises a cavity and a screen (166) adapted to selectively allow access to the cavity, and wherein the cavity comprises one or more holes to allow respective the one or more fasteners therethrough in order to secure the charging dock (152) to the surface.

17. The charging station (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger unit (102) comprises a hanging loop (186) disposed on an edge proximate the rear face (110) of the body (104) of the charger unit (102), the hanging loop (186) adapted to be secured to a hook to allow the charger unit (102) to be hung from the hook.