Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN APPARATUS FOR FORTIFYING PANTOGRAPH CHARGING RECEIVERS OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to charging systems, in respect of electric vehicles. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to pantograph charging systems, in respect of electric vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to an apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, thereby, extending lifespan of a charging infrastructure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electric vehicles (buses, cars, trucks, and/or the like) recharge their energy storage systems (ESS; for example, batteries), with power, from a utility grid. In some circumstances, when parked, at a spot, for a long time, electric vehicles are recharged.
One technique, for charging electric vehicles, in charging stations, is pantograph charging, which utilises an inverted pantograph that is installed on a gantry or mast.
Electric vehicles are parked (in charging stations), with the pantograph being installed on a rigid arm, beneath overhead charging outlets. The pantograph is lowered, onto charging receivers (such as rails), which are disposed (or are mounted) on a roof of the electric vehicle, enabling the charging of the energy storage systems.
Solar irradiation, dust, rainfall, snow, and other foreign objects could affect performance of charging receivers, during charging operations, due to their placement on the roof of the electric vehicle. No solutions are available, to address the aforementioned issues.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for: an apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, is disclosed. Said apparatus broadly comprises: an at least a charging receiver; an at least a mounting member; an at least a torque transmitting member; an at least a pinion; an at least a protecting member; an at least an actuating member; an at least a wiping member; an at least an auto retracting member; and an at least a stopper.
Said at least one mounting member secures said apparatus, on an electric vehicle’s roof. Said at least one mounting member is disposed on both ends of said at least one charging receiver. Said at least one torque transmitting member is rotatably mounted on said at least one mounting member.
Said at least one pinion is also rotatably mounted on said at least one mounting member, over said at least one torque transmitting member. Said at least one pinion and said at least one torque transmitting member mesh, with each other.
Said at least one actuating member actuates inward and outward movements (rotation) of said at least one protecting member. Said at least one actuating member broadly comprises: a horizontal strut; a vertical strut; and a tangential strut.
Said horizontal strut is rotatably associated with said at least one torque transmitting member. Said vertical strut is associated with one end of said horizontal strut. Said tangential strut is associated with a top end of said vertical strut. Said tangential strut is tangential, to said vertical strut. Said tangential strut extends, from one end to another end, parallel to said at least one charging receiver.
Said at least one protecting member is rotatably mounted on said at least one pinion. Said at least one protecting member is configured as a protective barrier, over said at least one charging receiver.
Said at least one wiping member is integrated with said at least one protecting member. Said at least one wiping member cleans said at least one charging receiver, whenever said at least one protecting member is rotated. Said at least one wiping member and said at least one protecting member extend, from one end to another end, parallel to said at least one charging receiver.
Said at least one auto retracting member is disposed on said horizontal strut’s one end, and is supported, on (or by) said at least one mounting member. Said at least one auto retracting member facilitates retracting of said at least one actuating member, to a home position, once an at least a pantograph is lifted, to a charging outlet.
Said at least one stopper is disposed on the bottom of said horizontal strut’s another end. Said at least one stopper prevents said at least one actuating member’s excessive rotation, during upward movements.
In another embodiment, said at least one pinion, said at least one torque transmitting member, and said at least one stopper are dispensed with, and said apparatus comprises: an at least a switching member; an at least a torque generating member; an at least a connecting member.
The method of working of said apparatus is also disclosed.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction, is cost-effective; and enhances charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, thereby, extending lifespan of a charging infrastructure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an at least an actuating member, of an apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates an electric vehicle, installed with an apparatus, for fortifying an electric vehicle’s pantograph charging receivers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “comprise” and “include”, and variations, such as “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and “including”, may imply the inclusion of an element (or elements) not specifically recited. Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied, in various other forms, as well.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “apparatus” is to be construed as: “a set of technical components (also referred to as “members”) that are communicatively and/or operably associated with each other, and function together, as part of a mechanism, to achieve a desired technical result”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively), is to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be, irrespective of the directions of arrows, in the drawings.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least” is to be construed in association with the suffix “one” i.e. it is to be read along with the suffix “one”, as “at least one”, which is used in the meaning of “one or more”. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the phrase “at least one” is a standard term that is used, in Patent Specifications, to denote any component of a disclosure, which may be present (or disposed) in a single quantity, or more than a single quantity.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least one” is to be construed in association with a succeeding component name.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “plurality” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “at least one”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “electric vehicle”, and its variations, is to be construed as being inclusive of: “a vehicle that can only be powered, by an electric motor, and (or which) draws electricity, from an energy storage system (all-electric vehicle); and a vehicle that can be powered, by: an electric motor, which draws electricity, from an energy storage system; and an internal combustion engine (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “energy storage system”, the acronym “ESS”, and variations, is to be construed as being inclusive of: “battery modules; battery packs; battery systems; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “battery”, and its variations, is to be construed as being inclusive of: “lithium-ion batteries”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “fortifying”, and its variations, is to be construed as being inclusive of: “protecting; safeguarding; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “dispensed” is to be construed in association with the suffix “with”.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the phrase “energy storage system” and the word “battery” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the phrases “inverted-type pantograph charging station” and “charging station” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of a range is to be construed as being inclusive of: the lower limit of the range; and the upper limit of the range.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method. Although the operations, in a method, are described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated, when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
An apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, (also referred to as “apparatus”), is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated, in Figure 1, said apparatus (20) broadly comprises: an at least a charging receiver (1; for example, a pantograph rail); an at least a mounting member (2; for example, a bracket); an at least a torque transmitting member (3; for example, a gear); an at least a pinion (4); an at least a protecting member (5; for example, a cover); an at least an actuating member (6; for example, a lever; as illustrated, in Figure 3); an at least a wiping member (7; for example, a brush); an at least an auto retracting member (8; for example, a spring); and an at least a stopper (9).
The at least one charging receiver (1) is disposed over (or is mounted on, or is associated with) a roof of the electric vehicle (13). Said at least one charging receiver (1) transfers power received, from an at least a pantograph (14). Said at least one pantograph (14) is lowered, from an inverted-type pantograph charging station’s charging outlet.
The at least one mounting member (2) is disposed on (or is associated with) both ends of the at least one charging receiver (1). Said at least one mounting member (2) secures the apparatus (20), on the roof of the electric vehicle (13).
The at least one torque transmitting member (3) is rotatably mounted on (or is rotatably disposed on, or is rotatably associated with) the at least one mounting member (2). The at least one pinion (4) is also rotatably mounted on (or is also rotatably disposed on, or is also rotatably associated with) the at least one mounting member (2), over the at least one torque transmitting member (3).
Said at least one pinion (4) and said at least one torque transmitting member (3) mesh, with each other.
The at least one actuating member (6) actuates inward and outward movements (rotation) of the at least one protecting member (5).
The at least one protecting member (5) is rotatably mounted on (or is rotatably disposed on, or is rotatably associated with) the at least one pinion (4). Whenever the at least one pinion (4) rotates, the at least one protecting member (5) also rotates, in the same direction. As illustrated, in Figure 1, the at least one wiping member (7) is integrated with the at least one protecting member (5). Said at least one wiping member (7) and said at least one protecting member (5) extend, from one end to another end, parallel to the at least one charging receiver (1).
The at least one wiping member (7) cleans the at least one charging receiver (1), whenever the at least one protecting member (5) is rotated. The at least one protecting member (5) is configured as a protective barrier, over the at least one charging receiver (1), shielding it, from solar irradiation, dust, rainfall, snow, and other foreign objects, which could affect its performance, during charging operations.
The at least one actuating member (6) broadly comprises: a horizontal strut (61); a vertical strut (62); and a tangential strut (63). The vertical strut (62) is associated with one end of the horizontal strut (61). The tangential strut (63) is associated with a top end of the vertical strut (62), and is tangential, to the vertical strut (62). Said tangential strut (63) extends, from one end to another end, parallel to the at least one charging receiver (1).
As illustrated, in Figure 1, the horizontal strut (61) is rotatably associated with the at least one torque transmitting member (3). Whenever the at least one actuating member (6) moves up and/or down, the at least one torque transmitting member (3) rotates accordingly.
The at least one auto retracting member (8) is disposed on (or is mounted on, or is associated with) the one end of the horizontal strut (61), and is supported, on (or by) the at least one mounting member (2). Said at least one auto retracting member (8) facilitates retracting of the at least one actuating member (6), to a home position (or an initial position), once the at least one pantograph (14) is lifted, to the charging outlet.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one actuating member (6) is made up of a sturdy, lightweight, and non-conductive material.
The at least one stopper (9) is disposed on (or is mounted on, or is associated with) the bottom, of the horizontal strut’s (61) another end. Said at least one stopper (9) prevents the at least one actuating member’s (6) excessive rotation, during upward movements.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated, in Figure 2, said at least one pinion (4), said at least one torque transmitting member (3), and said at least one stopper (9) are dispensed with, and said apparatus (20) comprises: an at least a switching member (10; for example, a switch); an at least a connecting member (11); and an at least a torque generating member (12; for example, an electric motor). The at least one connecting member (11) may be of any suitable type known in the art.
In this embodiment, as illustrated, in Figure 2, the at least one actuating member (6) is rotatably mounted on (or is rotatably disposed on, or is rotatably associated with) the at least one mounting member (2). The at least one protecting member (5) is also rotatably mounted on (or is also rotatably disposed on, or is also rotatably associated with) the at least one mounting member (2), over a mounting location of the at least one actuating member (6).
Said least one protecting member (5) is associated with an output shaft of the at least one torque generating member (12). Whenever the at least one torque generating member (12) rotates, the at least one protecting member (5) also rotates, in the same direction.
The at least one switching member (10) is disposed on the horizontal strut (61). Said at least one switching member (10) and said at least one torque generating member (12) are connected, by (or through) the at least one connecting member (11).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one protecting member (5) is made up of a flexible and opaque (i.e., non-transparent) material. For example, the material is High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one wiping member (7) is made up of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), nylon, polyester, and/or the like.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gap, which is between the at least one protecting member (5) and the at least one charging receiver (1), ranges between about 5 mm and about 7 mm.
The at least one protecting member’s (5) angle of curvature may vary, depending on various factors, such as width of the at least one charging receiver (1), width of the at least one protecting member (5), position of the at least one pinion (4), and/or the like.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of at least one protecting member (5) ranges between about 45 mm and about 50 mm. Alternatively, the at least one protecting member (5) may expand (or may extend), to a distance, which ranges between about 10 mm and about 15 mm, on both sides of the at least one charging receiver (1).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one protecting member’s (5) angle of curvature ranges between about 35 degrees and about 45 degrees.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the numbers of the apparatus (20), installed on the electric vehicle (13), may vary, depending on the numbers of the at least one charging receiver (1).
Figure 4 illustrates an electric vehicle, installed with the apparatus (20).
The working of the apparatus shall now be explained, as follows.
Until the electric vehicle (13) is in operation and not under charging, the at least one protecting member (5) is disposed over the at least one charging receiver (1), shielding it, from solar irradiation, dust, rainfall, snow, and other foreign objects, which could affect its performance, during charging operations.
When the electric vehicle (13) is the charging station, for charging, and parked, below the charging outlet, the at least one pantograph (14) is lowered, from the charging outlet. The downward movement (D1) of the at least one pantograph (14) pushes down (D2) the at least one actuating member (6).
Since the at least one actuating member (6) and the at least one torque transmitting member (3) are rotatably associated with each other, the downward movement (D2) of the at least one actuating member (6) rotates the at least one torque transmitting member (3), in the counter-clockwise direction (D3).
Since the at least one torque transmitting member (3) meshes, with the at least one pinion (4), said at least one pinion (4) rotates, in the clockwise direction (D4).
Due to the rotational association between the at least one pinion (4) and the at least one protecting member (5), said at least one protecting member (5) rotates, and moves away (D5), from over the at least one charging receiver (1).
During the away movement (D5), the at least one wiping member (7) cleans the at least one charging receiver (1). Once the at least one protecting member (5) is moved away, the at least one pantograph (14) is disposed on the at least one charging receiver (1), for charging the electric vehicle (13).
Until the at least one pantograph (14) is lifted up, due to the downward load, from the at least one pantograph (14), acting on the at least one actuating member (6), the at least one auto retracting member (8) is in an expanded state.
As soon as the charging is completed, the at least one pantograph (14) is lifted, from the at least one charging receiver (1). The upward movement of the at least one pantograph (14) releases the load, acting on the at least one actuating member (6), thereby, enabling the at least one auto retracting member (8) to return (to its original state). Thus, the at least one actuating member (6) moves upwards, to its home position.
The upward movement of the at least one auto retracting member (8) rotates the at least one torque transmitting member (3), in the clockwise direction, thereby, enabling the at least one pinion (4) to rotate, in the counter-clockwise direction. Due to the counter-clockwise rotation of the at least one pinion (4), the at least one protecting member (5) rotates inwards, and comes over the at least one charging receiver (1).
In the second embodiment, the downward movement (D1) of the at least one pantograph (14) pushes down (D2) the at least one actuating member (6), and activates the at least one switching member (10), to trigger the at least one torque generating member (12). During the upward movement of the at least one pantograph (14), the at least one switching member (10) is deactivated, thereby, causing the at least one actuating member (6) to move upwards, to its home position.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the configurations of the apparatus, and its various components, may be varied, based on requirements.
The disclosed apparatus (20) offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction, is cost-effective; and enhances charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, thereby, extending lifespan of a charging infrastructure.
Implementation of the disclosure can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Further, according to actual instrumentation of the disclosure, several selected tasks could be implemented, by hardware, by software, by firmware, or by a combination thereof, using an operating system. For example, as software, selected tasks according to the disclosure could be implemented, as a plurality of software instructions being executed, by a computing device, using any suitable operating system.
In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, one or more tasks, according to embodiments of the disclosure, is (or are) performed, by a data processor, such as a computing platform, for executing a plurality of instructions. Further, the data processor includes a processor, and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium, for storing instructions and/or data, and/or a non-volatile storage, for storing instructions and/or data. A network connection, a display, and/or a user input device, such as a keyboard (or mouse), are also provided.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements, without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure, may be made, by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
20 - Apparatus, for Fortifying an Electric Vehicle’s Pantograph Charging Receivers or Apparatus
1 - At Least One Charging Receiver
2 - At Least One Mounting Member
3 - At Least One Torque Transmitting Member
4 - At Least One Pinion
5 - At Least One Protecting Member
6 - At Least One Actuating Member
61 - Horizontal Strut
62 - Vertical Strut
63 - Tangential Strut
7 - At Least One Wiping Member
8 - At Least One Auto Retracting Member
9 - At Least One Stopper
10 - At Least One Switching Member
11 - At Least One Connecting Member
12 - At Least One Torque Generating Member
13 - Electric Vehicle
14 - At Least One Pantograph
D1 - Downward Movement of At Least One Pantograph
D2 - Downward Movement of At Least One Actuating Member
D3 - Counter-Clockwise Rotation of At Least One Torque Transmitting Member
D4 - Clockwise Rotation of At Least One Pinion
D5 - Away Movement of At Least One Protecting Member (from over at least one charging receiver)
, Claims:1. An apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, said apparatus (20) comprising:
an at least a mounting member (2) that is disposed on both ends of an at least a charging receiver (1), said at least one mounting member (2) securing said apparatus (20), on a roof of said electric vehicle (13);
an at least a torque transmitting member (3) that is rotatably mounted on said at least one mounting member (2);
an at least a pinion (4) that is rotatably mounted on said at least one mounting member (2), over said at least one torque transmitting member (3), with said at least one pinion (4) and said at least one torque transmitting member (3) meshing, with each other;
an at least an actuating member (6) that actuates inward and outward movements of an at least a protecting member (5), said at least one actuating member (6) comprising:
a horizontal strut (61) that is rotatably associated with said at least one torque transmitting member (3);
a vertical strut (62) that is associated with one end of said horizontal strut (61); and
a tangential strut (63) that is associated with a top end of said vertical strut (62), said tangential strut (63) being tangential, to said vertical strut (62), with: said tangential strut (63) extending, from one end to another end, parallel to said at least one charging receiver (1);
said at least one protecting member (5) that is rotatably mounted on said at least one pinion (4), said at least one protecting member (5) being configured as a protective barrier, over said at least one charging receiver (1);
an at least a wiping member (7) that is integrated with said at least one protecting member (5), said at least one wiping member (7) cleaning said at least one charging receiver (1), whenever said at least one protecting member (5) is rotated, with said at least one wiping member (7) and said at least one protecting member (5) extending, from one end to another end, parallel to said at least one charging receiver (1);
an at least an auto retracting member (8) that is disposed on said one end of said horizontal strut (61), and supported on said at least one mounting member (2), said at least one auto retracting member (8) facilitating retracting of said at least one actuating member (6), to a home position; and
an at least a stopper (9) that is disposed on the bottom, of said horizontal strut’s (61) another end, said at least one stopper (9) preventing said at least one actuating member’s (6) excessive rotation, during upward movements.
2. The apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said at least one pinion (4), said at least one torque transmitting member (3), and said at least one stopper (9) are dispensed with, and said apparatus (20) comprises:
an at least a switching member (10) that is disposed on said horizontal strut (61);
an at least a torque generating member (12), with an output shaft of said at least one torque generating member (12) being associated with said least one protecting member (5); and
an at least a connecting member (11) that connects said at least one switching member (10) and said at least one torque generating member (12).
3. The apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
said at least one protecting member (5) is made up of High-Density Polyethylene.
4. The apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
said at least one wiping member (7) is made up of Low-Density Polyethylene, nylon, or polyester.
5. The apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, or claim 4, wherein:
a gap, which is between said at least one protecting member (5) and said at least one charging receiver (1), ranges between 5 mm and 7 mm.
6. The apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 4, or claim 5, wherein:
said at least one protecting member’s (5) width ranges between 45 mm and 50 mm.
7. The apparatus (20), for fortifying an electric vehicle’s (13) pantograph charging receivers, to enhance charging efficiency, reliability, and safety, as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 4, claim 5, or claim 6, wherein:
said at least one protecting member’s (5) angle of curvature ranges between 35 degrees and 45 degrees.