Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle charging systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a charging assembly for facilitating efficient and reliable charging of vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A charging handle of an electric vehicle is a pivotal component of a charging system. The charging handle serves as an interface between the electric vehicle and a charging station. The charging handle is designed to provide a secure and an efficient connection, allowing the transfer of electrical power from the charging station to an electric vehicle’s battery. Conventional charging handles are designed as basic mechanical components lacking indication or charging control features. The operations of the conventional charging handles are entirely automated with a predetermined State of Charge (SOC) value, or users rely on a mobile application to operate the conventional charging handles, adding an additional layer of complexity. While a few charging handles incorporate tactile buttons or switches to halt charging, but offer touch or swipe capabilities for varied functions. Moreover, the conventional charging handles consistently employ a mechanical hook to secure or release the handle onto a vehicle inlet during charging sessions.
[0003] One such prior art discloses a mounting-type charger which is based on an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to enable a vehicle battery to be charged. The mounting-type charger may include a control pilot (CP) port which receives a CP signal transmitted through a charging cable connected to the EVSE. A Proximity Pilot (PP) port is provided to sense whether the charging cable is in proximity to a vehicle connector or not. A power conversion unit, for example, a Direct Current (DC)-DC converter may be included to transform Alternating Current (AC) commercial power supplied from the EVSE in one of a constant voltage mode and a constant current mode to generate a battery charging power. A micro controller unit (MCU) is connected to the CP port and the PP port to determine an output power amount and requests supply of the commercial power according to a duty width of the CP signal after detecting whether the charging cable has been injected into the connector or not by using a signal transmitted from the PP port, and vary an operation mode of the power conversion unit according to SOC of the vehicle battery. A CP switching unit varies a signal value of the CP signal of the CP port by responding to the request of supplying the commercial power of the MCU.
[0004] However, the conventional charger/charging handle fails to integrate button/touch or swipe sense on the charging handle to allow the user to initiate or stop electric vehicle charging, get the charging status, etc. Further, the conventional charger/charging handle fails to indicate multiple functions like time/SOC left to charge, and the like.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for an improved charging assembly for the vehicle to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art(s).

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging assembly which integrates a button/touch or swipe sense on a charging handle to allow a user to initiate or stop electric vehicle charging, receive charging status, etc.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging assembly that indicates through a display, multiple functions like time/State of Charge (SOC) remaining to charge an electric vehicle.

SUMMARY
[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to vehicle charging systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a charging assembly for facilitating efficient and reliable charging of vehicles.
[0009] In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a charging assembly for a vehicle. The charging assembly includes a vehicle supply equipment including a first microcontroller. The charging assembly includes a charging handle including a second microcontroller operatively connected with the first microcontroller via a communication interface, and a control circuit operatively connected with the second microcontroller and configured to control a solenoid for enabling latching and unlatching operations of the charging handle.
[0010] In an embodiment, the communication interface may include a plurality of signals to transmit a command between the first microcontroller and the second microcontroller to perform at least one event.
[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one event may be at least one of an initiation of the charging operation, a termination of the charging operation, and an alteration of the charging operation.
[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of signals may include at least one of Control Pilot (CP) signals, Proximity Pilot (PP) signals, power supply signals, and communication interface signals.
[0013] In an embodiment, the first microcontroller may be configured to continuously monitor the CP signals to identify a status of a charging operation.
[0014] In an embodiment, the first microcontroller may be configured to detect a triggering event of the CP signals and PP signals to identify latching or unlatching of the charging handle into or from a vehicle inlet, and perform the at least one event based on the identification.
[0015] In an embodiment, the second microcontroller may be configured to intercept the communication interface, and transmit the command to the first microcontroller to perform the at least one event.
[0016] In an embodiment, the charging handle may include an indicator operatively connected with the second microcontroller and configured to display a plurality of charging parameters.
[0017] In an embodiment, the charging handle may include a plurality of sensors to detect user interaction with the charging handle and transmit the command to the first microcontroller to perform the at least one event based on the detection, or a plurality of switches operatively connected to the first microcontroller, where the first microcontroller may detect a trigger of each of the plurality of switches and perform the at least one event based on the detection.
[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of switches may include a mechanical switch or a tactile switch.
[0019] In an embodiment, the charging handle may include an authentication means to identify and authenticate an actual user engaged in a charging operation.
[0020] 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 THE DRAWINGS
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example schematic view of an electric saddle type vehicle.
[0023] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate block diagrams of a charging assembly for a vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting a passive switch operation in a charging assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram depicting an active touch or swipe sense operation of a charging assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate different views of a charging assembly for a vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0029] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.
[0030] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0031] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0032] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in FIG. 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in FIG. 2.
[0035] An Electric Vehicle (EV) or 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) primarily work on the principle of driving an electric motor using the power from the batteries provided in the EV. Furthermore, the EV may have at least one wheel which is electrically powered to traverse such a vehicle. The term ‘wheel’ may be referred to any ground-engaging member which allows traversal of the EV over a path. The types of EVs include Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Range Extended Electric Vehicle. However, the subsequent paragraphs pertain to the different elements of the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
[0036] In construction, as shown in FIG. 1, an EV (10) typically comprises a battery or battery pack (12) enclosed within a battery casing and includes a Battery Management System (BMS), an on-board charger (14), a Motor Controller Unit (MCU), an electric motor (16), and an electric transmission system (18). The primary function of the above-mentioned elements is detailed in the subsequent paragraphs: The battery of the EV (10) (also known as Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery) is re-chargeable in nature and is the primary source of energy required for the operation of the EV (10), wherein the battery (12) is typically charged using the electric current taken from the grid through a charging infrastructure (20). The battery (12) may be charged using Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC), wherein in case of AC input, the on-board charger (14) converts the AC signal to DC signal after which the DC signal is transmitted to the battery (12) via the BMS. However, in case of DC charging, the on-board charger (14) is bypassed, and the current is transmitted directly to the battery (12) via the BMS.
[0037] The battery (12) is made up of a plurality of cells which are grouped into a plurality of modules in a manner in which the temperature difference between the cells does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. The terms “battery”, “cell”, and “battery cell” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any of a variety of different rechargeable cell compositions and configurations including, but not limited to, lithium-ion (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt oxide, other lithium metal oxides, etc.), lithium-ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel-zinc, silver zinc, or other battery type/configuration. The term “battery pack” as used herein may be referred to multiple individual batteries enclosed within a single structure or multi-piece structure. The individual batteries may be electrically interconnected to achieve a desired voltage and capacity for a desired application. The Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system whose primary function is to ensure that the battery (12) is operating safely and efficiently. The BMS continuously monitors different parameters of the battery such as temperature, voltage, current, and so on, and communicates these parameters to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Motor Controller Unit (MCU) in the EV (10) using a plurality of protocols including and not limited to a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol which facilitates the communication between the ECU/MCU and other peripheral elements of the EV (10) without the requirement of a host computer.
[0038] The MCU primarily controls/regulates the operation of the electric motor (16) based on the signal transmitted from the vehicle battery, wherein the primary functions of the MCU include starting of the electric motor (16), stopping the electric motor (16), controlling the speed of the electric motor (16), enabling the vehicle to move in the reverse direction and protect the electric motor (16) from premature wear and tear. The primary function of the electric motor (16) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, wherein the converted mechanical energy is subsequently transferred to the transmission system of the EV (10) to facilitate movement of the EV (10). Additionally, the electric motor (16) also acts as a generator during regenerative braking (i.e., kinetic energy generated during vehicle braking/deceleration is converted into potential energy and stored in the battery of the EV). The types of motors generally employed in EVs (10) include, but are not limited to DC series motor, Brushless DC motor (also known as BLDC motors), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Three Phase AC Induction Motors, and Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM).
[0039] The transmission system (18) of the EV (10) facilitates the transfer of the generated mechanical energy by the electric motor (16) to the wheels (22a, 22b) of the EV (10). Generally, the transmission systems (18) used in EVs (10) include single speed transmission system and multi-speed (i.e., two-speed) transmission system, wherein the single speed transmission system comprises a single gear pair whereby the EV (10) is maintained at a constant speed. However, the multi-speed/two-speed transmission system comprises a compound planetary gear system with a double pinion planetary gear set and a single pinion planetary gear set thereby resulting in two different gear ratios which facilitates higher torque and vehicle speed.
[0040] In one embodiment, all data pertaining to the EV (10) and/or charging infrastructure (20) are collected and processed using a remote server (known as cloud) (24), wherein the processed data is indicated to the rider/driver of the EV (10) through a display unit present in the dashboard (26) of the EV (10). In an embodiment, the display unit may be an interactive display unit. In another embodiment, the display unit may be a non-interactive display unit.
[0041] Embodiments explained herein relate to vehicle charging systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a charging assembly for facilitating efficient and reliable charging of vehicles.
[0042] In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a charging assembly for a vehicle. The charging assembly includes a vehicle supply equipment including a first microcontroller. The charging assembly includes a charging handle including a second microcontroller operatively connected with the first microcontroller via a communication interface, and a control circuit operatively connected with the second microcontroller and configured to control a solenoid for enabling latching and unlatching operations of the charging handle.
[0043] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIGs. 2A-5C.
[0044] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate block diagrams of a charging assembly (200) for a vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0045] With reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the charging assembly (200) may include an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) (202) and a charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the EVSE (202) may include a first microcontroller (204). It may be appreciated that the EVSE (202) may be referred to as a vehicle supply equipment. The first microcontroller (204) may be interchangeably referred to as an EVSE Micro Controller Unit (MCU) throughout the disclosure.
[0046] In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include a second microcontroller (208). The second microcontroller (208) may be interchangeably referred to as a charging handle MCU throughout the disclosure. In an embodiment, the second microcontroller (208) may be operatively connected with the first microcontroller (204) via a communication interface (210).
[0047] In an embodiment, the communication interface (210) may include a plurality of signals to transmit a command or an input between the first microcontroller (204) and the second microcontroller (208) to perform an event. The event may be for example, without limitation, an initiation of a charging operation, a termination of the charging operation, and an alteration of the charging operation. The plurality of signals may include, but are not limited to, Control Pilot (CP) signals, Proximity Pilot (PP) signals, power supply signals, and communication interface signals.
[0048] In an embodiment, the communication interface (210) may be an independent interface, for example, but not limited to, an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and the like. In an embodiment, the communication interface (210) may be the same interface, for example, but not limited to, Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) interface, and the like. In an embodiment, the communication interface (210) may be utilized by the EVSE (202) to communicate with the vehicle.
[0049] In an embodiment, the first microcontroller (204) may be configured to continuously monitor the CP signals to identify a status of the charging operation. In an embodiment, the first microcontroller (204) may be configured to detect a triggering event of the PP signals to identify latching or unlatching of the charging handle (206) into or from a vehicle inlet. Further, the first microcontroller (204) may be configured to perform the event based on the identification of the latching or unlatching of the charging handle (206) into or from the vehicle inlet.
[0050] In an embodiment, the second microcontroller (208) may be configured to intercept the communication interface (210), and transmit the command to the first microcontroller (204) to perform the event. In an embodiment, the second microcontroller (208) may be configured to receive charging information from the first microcontroller (204), i.e., whether the charging operation has been initiated, or the vehicle is on charge, or the charging operation has been terminated or altered.
[0051] In an embodiment, the charging assembly (200) may include a control circuit (212). The control circuit (212) may be operatively connected with the second microcontroller (208). In an embodiment, the control circuit (212) may be configured to control a solenoid (214) for enabling latching and unlatching operations of the charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the solenoid (214) may be mounted on the EVSE (202). In an embodiment, the solenoid (214) may be mounted on the vehicle. In an embodiment, the control circuit (212) may receive solenoid status from the first microcontroller (204). The first microcontroller (204) may provide the solenoid status to the control circuit (212) based on the status of the charging operation. In an embodiment, the control circuit (212) may use 12V auxiliary to control latching and unlatching operations of the charging handle (206).
[0052] In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include an indicator (216). Examples of the indicator (216) may include, without limitation, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) strip, a display means, and the like. The indicator (216) may be operatively connected with the second microcontroller (208). The indicator (216) may be configured to display a plurality of charging parameters. The plurality of charging parameters may include, but not limited to, remaining charging time, the status of the charging operation, remaining SOC, and the like.
[0053] In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include a plurality of sensors (222) (as illustrated in FIG. 4) to detect user interaction with the charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may be associated with the indicator (216). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may be associated with the second microcontroller (208). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may transmit the command to the first microcontroller (204) to perform the event based on the detection of the user interaction. Examples of the plurality of sensors (222) may include, but not limited to, authentication sensors, touch sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, infrared sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.
[0054] In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include a plurality of switches (218). In an embodiment, the plurality of switches (218) may be connected to the indicator (216). In an embodiment, the plurality of switches (218) may be operatively connected to the first microcontroller (204). In an embodiment, the plurality of switches (218) may be operatively connected to the second microcontroller (208). In an embodiment, the first microcontroller (204) may be configured to detect a trigger of each of the plurality of switches (218) and perform the event based on the detection. The plurality of switches may be, for example, a mechanical switch or a tactile switch. In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include a plurality of power pins for DC and/or AC power delivery for charging the vehicle.
[0055] In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include an authentication means (not shown) or the authentication sensor to identify and authenticate an actual user engaged in the charging operation. The authentication means may be provided to avoid a risk of unauthorized removal of the charging handle (206) during the charging operation, and inconvenience caused during the charging operation. After completion of the charging cycle or the charging operation, the charging handle (206) may be easily accessible to anyone.
[0056] In an embodiment, the authentication means may recognize an authorized user engaged with the charging assembly (200) while it is in operation, such that the authentication means may not allow unlatching of the solenoid by other persons. In an embodiment, the authentication means may include, for example, a fingerprint sensor on a thumb dimple area of the charging handle (206) to detect fingerprint data of the authorized user and prevents unauthorized removal of the charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the fingerprint data belonging to the authorized user may be stored locally in the EVSE (202) or on a server, facilitating convenient access to the charging handle (206) for the authorized user.
[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram (300) depicting a passive switch operation in the charging assembly (200), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 3, 12V auxiliary power supply signal may be used for Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based communication. The plurality of switches (218a-218d) may be used for closing or opening the 12V power supply signal to generate an action. The action may be, for example, pressing of at least one switch of the plurality of switches (218a-218d), triggering of the at least one switch of the plurality of switches (218a-218d), or the like. The plurality of switches (218a-218d) may be collectively referred to as the plurality of switches (218). The action may be detected by the EVSE (202) and/or the vehicle. Based on the action detected by the EVSE (202) and/or the vehicle, the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204) may initiate the charging operation, terminate the charging operation, or alter the charging operation based on the detection of the action.
[0059] In an embodiment, the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204) may continuously monitor the CP signal to identify the status of the charging operation. In an embodiment, the CP signal may be interrupted by the vehicle, while charging. The interrupt may be a CP short with a CP reference ground or an open CP signal. While charging if the CP signal gets the interrupt, it may be considered as a normal shutdown or emergency shutdown scenario. In response to the interrupt, the EVSE (202) may be configured to stop the charging operation and convey the stop charging status to the vehicle using the communication interface (210). The communication interface may be the PWM signal, the PLC interface, or the CAN bus.
[0060] In an embodiment, the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204) may detect the triggering event of the PP signal to identify an insertion of the charging handle (206) in the vehicle inlet. The PP signal may also act as a reference for the CP signal and/or the 12V power supply signal. Based on the triggering event of the PP signal being detected by the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204), the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204) may terminate the charging operation.
[0061] In an embodiment, the user may create a timeout event by electrically opening the switches (218c) on the communication interface (210) (for e.g., the CAN bus) on the EVSE (202) and/or the vehicle. The timeout event may be considered as normal or emergency shutdown scenario. Based on the timeout event, the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204) may terminate the charging operation.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram (400) depicting an active touch or swipe sense operation of the charging assembly (200), according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 4, the charging handle (206) may include the plurality of sensors (222) to detect user interaction with the charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may be operatively connected with a touch/swipe sense circuit (220). In an embodiment, the touch/swipe sense circuit (220) may be provided in connection with the first microcontroller (204) through the communication interface (210). The plurality of sensors (222) may transmit the command to the first microcontroller (204) to perform the event based on the detection of the user interaction. The plurality of sensors (222) may be operated in all types of weather conditions.
[0064] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may be wrapped around a body of the charging handle (206) for accurately detecting multi-point touch/swipe sense by the user. In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may relay the detected data to the first microcontroller (204) over the communication interface (210). Based on the data received from the plurality of sensors (222), the EVSE (202) or the first microcontroller (204) may initiate or stop the charging operation. In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may detect different types of touch, tap, and swipe to perform different events that may be predefined.
[0065] FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate different views (500A-500D) of the charging assembly (200) for the vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0066] With reference to FIGs. 5A-5C, the indicator (216) may be one or more than one based on the requirement. In an embodiment, the indicator (for e.g., 216a) may be provided on top portion of the charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the indicator (for e.g., 216b) may be positioned in at least one end of the charging handle (206). In an embodiment, the changing handle (206) may include the indicators (216a, 216b) on the top portion of the charging handle (206), and in the at least one end of the charging handle (206) based on the requirement, as illustrated in FIGs. 5A, 5B, and 5C.
[0067] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (222) may be positioned, without limitation, on the top portion and the bottom portion of the charging handle (206), as illustrated in FIGs. 5A and 5C. In an embodiment, the plurality of switches (218) may be used instead of the plurality of sensors (222). In an embodiment, the charging handle (206) may include both the plurality of sensors (222) and the plurality of switches (218).
[0068] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed methods, processes, modules, devices, systems, and computer program product can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized.
[0069] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[0070] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure 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 present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0071] The present disclosure provides a charging assembly which integrates a button/touch or swipe sense on a charging handle to allow a user to effectively initiate or stop electric vehicle charging, get charging status, etc.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a charging assembly that indicates multiple functions like time/State of Charge (SOC) left to charge an electric vehicle using a display.
[0073] The present disclosure achieves a significant cost reduction by comprehensively integrating an entire circuit, including both electrical components and solenoids, from mechanical parts into a charging assembly, rather than within the vehicle.
[0074] The present disclosure improves a charging experience, control and intuitive experience of a user.
[0075] The present disclosure allows a user to set a minimum charging time/State of Charge (SOC) and avoids charging disturbance timeout using the charging handle.
[0076] The present disclosure ensures better utilization of an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

List of References:
Charging assembly (200)
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) (202)
First Microcontroller/EVSE MCU (204)
Charging Handle (206)
Second Microcontroller/Charging Handle MCU (208)
Communication Interface (210)
Control Circuit (212)
Solenoid (214)
Indicator (216)
Switches (218)
Touch/swipe sense circuit (220)
Sensors (222)
, Claims:1. A charging assembly (200) for a vehicle, comprising:
a vehicle supply equipment (202) comprising a first microcontroller (204); and
a charging handle (206), comprising:
a second microcontroller (208) operatively connected with the first microcontroller (204) via a communication interface (210); and
a control circuit (212) operatively connected with the second microcontroller (208) and configured to control a solenoid (214) for enabling latching and unlatching operations of the charging handle (206).
2. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication interface (210) comprises a plurality of signals to transmit a command between the first microcontroller (204) and the second microcontroller (208) to perform at least one event.
3. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one event comprises at least one of: an initiation of a charging operation, a termination of the charging operation, and an alteration of the charging operation.
4. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of signals comprises at least one of: Control Pilot (CP) signals, Proximity Pilot (PP) signals, power supply signals, and communication interface signals.
5. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first microcontroller (204) is configured to continuously monitor Control Pilot (CP) signals to identify a status of a charging operation.
6. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first microcontroller (204) is configured to detect a triggering event of Proximity Pilot (PP) signals and Control Pilot (CP) signals to identify latching or unlatching of the charging handle (206) into or from a vehicle inlet, and perform at least one event based on the identification.
7. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second microcontroller (208) is configured to intercept the communication interface (210), and transmit a command to the first microcontroller (204) to perform at least one event.
8. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging handle (206) comprises an indicator (216) operatively connected with the second microcontroller (208) and configured to display a plurality of charging parameters.
9. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging handle (206) comprises at least one of:
a plurality of sensors (222) to detect user interaction with the charging handle (206) and transmit a command to the first microcontroller (204) to perform at least one event based on the detection; and
a plurality of switches (218) operatively connected to the first microcontroller (204), wherein the first microcontroller (204) detects a trigger of each of the plurality of switches (218) and performs the at least one event based on the detection.
10. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of switches (218) comprises a mechanical switch or a tactile switch.
11. The charging assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging handle (206) comprises an authentication means to identify and authenticate an actual user engaged in a charging operation.