DESC:A CHARGING GUN DOCKING MECHANISM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICTIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421002029 filed on 11/01/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a charging gun of a charger. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a charging gun docking mechanism of a charger.
BACKGROUND
Recently, there has been a rapid development in electric vehicles due to their use as a cleaner mode of transportation compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. The electric vehicle comprises a traction motor that propels the vehicle using energy stored in a power pack.
Currently, electric vehicles have a limited driving range determined by the capacity of power pack or battery system. Once the stored energy in the power pack is consumed, the vehicle cannot operate further and needs recharging. The recharging process depends on external infrastructure, such as charging stations, and may take significant time compared to refuelling conventional vehicles. The limited range and dependency on charging infrastructure pose challenges for EV adoption, particularly for long-distance travel. For the recharging, the charging gun docking mechanisms face notable challenges during vehicle charging, impacting usability and reliability. Insecurely held charging guns, often coupled with charging cables looped over the charger body, lack intuitive design and may result in improper cable management, leading to wear and tripping hazards. While secured docking solutions offer stability, they often require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with their operation, diminishing user convenience. Additionally, these solutions involve extra components and mechanical complexity, increasing manufacturing costs, maintenance requirements, and the potential for mechanical failure. Current docking methods include simple holders or clips, mechanical locks, and magnetic couplings. Simple holders are prone to misalignment and fail to secure the gun firmly, leading to accidental disconnections or improper contact. Mechanical locks provide a stable hold but often involve intricate mechanisms that complicate usage and increase system vulnerability. The magnetic couplings, though user-friendly, can lose effectiveness over time due to debris or alignment issues. These limitations emphasize the need for docking solutions that balance user-friendliness, reliability, and mechanical simplicity.
Thus, there exists a need for an improved charging gun docking technique which overcomes the one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging gun docking mechanism of a charger.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a charging gun docking mechanism of a charger. The docking mechanism comprises a charging gun and a gun holder assembly in the charger. The gun holder assembly is configured to receive and securely hold the charging gun via a guided hooking mechanism.
The present disclosure provides a charging gun docking mechanism of a charger. The docking mechanism as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of functionality, durability, and user convenience. The docking mechanism ensures secure placement of the charging gun through a gun holder assembly which provides stability to the charging gun and preventing accidental dislodgement. Furthermore, the docking mechanism enhances the attachment of the charging gun and ensures an easily detachable connection. Beneficially, the inclusion of guiding surface is configured to facilitate smooth and accurate insertion of the charging gun inside the gun holder assembly.
Additionally, the docking mechanism provides electrical isolation, thereby reducing the risks associated with unintended electrical contact.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a charging gun docking mechanism of a charger, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a charging gun docking mechanism of a charger and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “electric vehicle”, “EV”, and “EVs” are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle having stored electrical energy, including the vehicle capable of being charged from an external electrical power source. This may include vehicles having batteries which are exclusively charged from an external power source, as well as hybrid-vehicles which may include batteries capable of being at least partially recharged via an external power source. Additionally, it is to be understood that the ‘electric vehicle’ as used herein includes electric two-wheeler, electric three-wheeler, electric four-wheeler, electric pickup trucks, electric trucks and so forth.
As used herein, the term “charging gun docking mechanism” and “docking mechanism” are used interchangeably and refer to a system integrated into a charger, designed to securely receive, hold, and position a charging gun when not in use. The mechanism typically comprises a charging gun and a gun holder assembly, where the gun holder assembly is configured to provide structural support, protection from environmental factors, and, optionally, magnetic or mechanical retention features to ensure the charging gun is held in a stable and easily retrievable manner.
As used herein, the terms “charger” refers to a device or system configured to supply electrical energy to an energy storage device, such as a battery. The charger may include various components, such as power conversion circuits, control units, connectors, and interfaces, designed to regulate the voltage, current, and charging profile to ensure efficient and safe energy transfer. The charger may be integrated into a larger system or standalone and can be designed for various applications, including but not limited to electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.
As used herein, the term “charging gun” refers to a device used for delivering electric power to an electric vehicle (EV) or other electrical systems via a connector interface. The charging gun typically consists of a handle, a connector end that interfaces with the vehicle or charging port, and a cable or wiring that links the connector to the power source. The charging gun is designed to safely and efficiently transfer electrical energy from the charging station to the vehicle, incorporating safety features such as insulation, locking mechanisms, and user-friendly grips.
As used herein, the term “gun holder assembly” refers to a structural component a charging station designed to securely hold and support a charging gun (such as an electric vehicle charging gun) when it is not in use. The assembly typically includes a cavity or compartment to receive the charging gun, guiding surfaces to ensure proper alignment during insertion, and holding elements that secure the gun in place.
As used herein, the term “guided hooking mechanism” refers to a structural and functional arrangement designed to facilitate the secure engagement and alignment of two components through a predefined guiding pathway. The guided hooking mechanism ensures that the charging gun is smoothly guided into a designated position within the gun holder assembly. This mechanism incorporates features such as guiding surfaces, hooks, or projections that align and lock the charging gun securely, preventing accidental dislodgment while enabling easy insertion and removal.
As used herein, the term “protruding metal ring” refers to an annular component fixedly attached to or integrally formed on a lateral surface of the charging gun, wherein the ring extends outwardly from the surface to create a raised structure. The protruding metal ring is configured to interact with the gun holder assembly of the docking mechanism, providing a functional interface for resting, alignment, or other engagement mechanisms.
As used herein, the term “at least one hook-like projection” and “hook-like projection” are used interchangeably and refer to a structural feature on the protruding metal ring of the charging gun that extends outward in a shape resembling a hook. The at least one hook-like projection are designed to engage and interact with the holding elements of the gun holder assembly. The hook-like projections are configured to securely latch or lock onto corresponding features within the gun holder, ensuring that the charging gun remains securely held in place during use. The projections may vary in size, shape, and number, but their primary function is to facilitate a reliable and stable connection between the charging gun and the holder assembly.
As used herein, the term “at least one guiding surface” and “guiding surface” are used interchangeably and refer to a surface or multiple surfaces within the gun holder assembly of the charging gun docking mechanism. The at least one guiding surface are designed and configured to facilitate the proper alignment and smooth insertion of the charging gun into the cavity of the gun holder assembly. The guiding surface ensures that the charging gun is directed along a predetermined path during docking, minimizing the risk of misalignment or damage to the components. The guiding surface may include inclined planes, curved structures, or any other geometric features that assist in achieving accurate and hassle-free positioning of the charging gun.
As used herein, the term “at least one holding element” and “holding element” are used interchangeably and refer to a structural feature within the gun holder assembly that is designed to support, hold, or secure the charging gun in place. The holding element may be a physical component, such as a protrusion, recess, clamp, or bracket, that interacts with the charging gun or its associated features, such as the protruding metal ring or hook-like projection, to prevent undesired movement or dislodgement. The holding element may be configured to provide a locking or resting mechanism that ensures the charging gun remains stable within the cavity of the gun holder assembly during docking.
As used herein, the term “cavity” refers to a recess, hollow, or space formed within a charger assembly, configured to receive and accommodate another object. The cavity specifically pertains to the recess within the gun holder assembly, designed to securely hold the charging gun.
As used herein, the term “insulation layer” refers to a material or structure configured to electrically isolate one component from another, thereby preventing the flow of electrical current between charging gun and the docking mechanism. The insulation layer may be made of non-conductive materials, such as polymers, ceramics, or composites, and can be applied as a coating, lining, or an integral part of the component.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a charging gun docking mechanism 100 of a charger. The docking mechanism 100 comprises a charging gun 102 and a gun holder assembly 104 in the charger. The gun holder assembly 104 is configured to receive and securely hold the charging gun 102 via a guided hooking mechanism.
The present disclosure discloses the charging gun docking mechanism 100. The docking mechanism 100 as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing an enhanced functionality, safety, and ease of use to the vehicle owner. The guided hooking mechanism as disclosed in present disclosure is advantageously provides a secure and stable docking arrangement, thereby minimizing the risks of accidental dislodgement of the charging gun 102. Beneficially, the integration of a protruding metal ring 106 with at least one hook-like projections 108 facilitates precise alignment and firm locking of the charging gun 102 within the gun holder assembly 104, thereby improving operational reliability during charging. Beneficially, the at least one guiding surface 112 within the gun holder assembly 104 ensures the smooth insertion of the charging gun 102 and reduces the wear and tear over repeated use. Furthermore, the guided hooking mechanism significantly enhances the durability of the docking mechanism 100. Additionally, the insulation layer 116 inside the cavity 110 provides effective electrical isolation between the charging gun 102 and the gun holder assembly 104, ensures the user safety and compliance with electrical safety standards. Overall, the docking mechanism 100 is designed for robust performance, and enhanced safety.
In an embodiment, the charging gun 102 comprises a protruding metal ring 106 fixed on a lateral surface of the charging gun 102. The protruding metal ring 106 serves as a structural element configured to interact with the gun holder assembly 104 during docking. The protruding metal ring 106 facilitates guided engagement with the gun holder assembly 106, ensures secure placement and alignment of the charging gun 102. Beneficially, the placement of the protruding metal ring 106 on the lateral surface is optimized to enhance stability and enables reliable locking or resting interactions with the gun holder assembly 104.
In an embodiment, the protruding metal ring 106 comprises at least one hook-like projection 108. The hook-like projection 108 may be configured to engage with the gun holder assembly 104, to facilitate secure docking. Beneficially, the at least one hook-like projection 108 allows for precise alignment and a firm locking mechanism, thereby ensures the charging gun 102 is securely held in place when docked. Additionally, the hook-like projection 108 also contributes to the guided hooking mechanism which enables smooth and efficient docking and undocking operations while minimizing wear on the components of docking mechanism 100.
In an embodiment, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises a cavity 110 configured to receive the charging gun 102. The cavity 110 may be designed with precise dimensions and structural features to accommodate the charging gun 102 securely and effectively. The cavity 110 ensures proper alignment of the charging gun 102 during docking which enables reliable placement.
In an embodiment, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises at least one guiding surface 112. Furthermore, the guiding surface 112 is configured to facilitate smooth and accurate insertion of the charging gun 102 inside the cavity 110 of the gun holder assembly 104. The guiding surface 112 may be strategically integrated into the interior of the gun holder assembly 104 to facilitate the smooth and accurate insertion of the charging gun 102 into the gun holder assembly 104. The guiding surface 112 serves as a precise path or reference to ensure that the charging gun 102 aligns correctly with the cavity 110 of the gun holder assembly 104 during docking. Beneficially, the inclusion of the guiding surface 112 enhances user experience by making the charging gun insertion process easier and more intuitive, while also contributing to the secure and stable positioning of the charging gun 102 within the gun holder assembly 104.
In an embodiment, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises at least one holding element 114. Furthermore, the protruding metal ring 106 of the charging gun 102 rests on the at least one holding element 114 of the gun holder assembly 104. Furthermore, the at least one hook-like projection 108 of the protruding metal ring 106 locks on the at least one holding element 114 to secure the charging gun 102 inside the cavity 110 of the gun holder assembly 104. The at least one hook-like projection 108 of the protruding metal ring 106 engages with the holding element 114 to lock the charging gun 102 in the gun holder assembly 104. Beneficially, the interaction between the hook-like projections 108 and the holding element 114 ensures that the charging gun 102 remains securely retained inside the cavity 110 of the gun holder assembly 104 during use, thereby preventing unintended dislodgement. Furthermore, the secure locking mechanism also contributes to the overall durability and operational reliability of the docking mechanism 100, which significantly ensures that the charging gun 102 remains firmly positioned within the gun holder assembly 104 even under repeated use.
In an embodiment, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises an insulation layer 116 inside the cavity 110 configured to electrically isolate the charging gun 102 from the gun holder assembly 104. The insulation layer 116 serves the critical function of electrically isolating the charging gun 102 from the gun holder assembly 104, thereby preventing direct electrical contact between the two components. Beneficially, the insulation layer 116 ensures that, during the docking process, the charging gun 102 remains electrically separated from the metal or conductive parts of the gun holder assembly 104 which enhances the safety by reducing the risk of electric shock or short circuits.
In an embodiment, the docking mechanism 100 comprises the charging gun 102 and the gun holder assembly 104 in the charger. The gun holder assembly 104 is configured to receive and securely hold the charging gun 102 via the guided hooking mechanism. Furthermore, the charging gun 102 comprises the protruding metal ring 106 fixed on the lateral surface of the charging gun 102. Furthermore, the protruding metal ring 106 comprises the at least one hook-like projection 108. Furthermore, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises the cavity 110 configured to receive the charging gun 102. Furthermore, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises the at least one guiding surface 112. Furthermore, the guiding surface 112 is configured to facilitate smooth and accurate insertion of the charging gun 102 inside the cavity 110 of the gun holder assembly 104. Furthermore, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises at least one holding element 114. Furthermore, the protruding metal ring 106 of the charging gun 102 rests on the at least one holding element 114 of the gun holder assembly 104. Furthermore, the at least one hook-like projection 108 of the protruding metal ring 106 locks on the at least one holding element 114 to secure the charging gun 102 inside the cavity 110 of the gun holder assembly 104. Furthermore, the gun holder assembly 104 comprises an insulation layer 116 inside the cavity 110 configured to electrically isolate the charging gun 102 from the gun holder assembly 104.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A charging gun docking mechanism (100) of a charger, wherein the docking mechanism (100) comprises:
- a charging gun (102); and
- a gun holder assembly (104) in the charger,
wherein the gun holder assembly (104) is configured to receive and securely hold the charging gun (102) via a guided hooking mechanism.
2. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging gun (102) comprises a protruding metal ring (106) fixed on a lateral surface of the charging gun (102).
3. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protruding metal ring (106) comprises at least one hook-like projection (108).
4. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gun holder assembly (104) comprises a cavity (110) configured to receive the charging gun (102).
5. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gun holder assembly (104) comprises at least one guiding surface (112).
6. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the guiding surface (112) is configured to facilitate smooth insertion of the charging gun (102) inside the cavity (110) of the gun holder assembly (104).
7. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gun holder assembly (104) comprises at least one holding element (114).
8. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the protruding metal ring (106) of the charging gun (102) rests on the at least one holding element (114) of the gun holder assembly (104).
9. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one hook-like projection (108) of the protruding metal ring (106) locks on the at least one holding element (114) to secure the charging gun (102) inside the cavity (110) of the gun holder assembly (104).
10. The docking mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gun holder assembly (104) comprises an insulation layer (116) inside the cavity (110) configured to electrically isolate the charging gun (102) from the gun holder assembly (104).