DESC:CHARGING PORT OPENING MECHANISM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202321023320 filed on 29/03/2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to charging port of electric vehicles. The present disclosure particularly relates to a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Recently, there has been a rapid development in electric vehicles because of their ability to resolve pollution-related problems and serve as a clean mode of transportation. Generally, electric vehicles include a battery pack, power pack, and/or combination of electric cells for storing electricity required for the propulsion of the vehicles. The electrical power stored in the battery pack of the electric vehicle is supplied to the traction motor for moving the electric vehicle. Once the electrical power stored in the battery pack of the electric vehicle is depleted, the battery pack is required to be charged from a power source or by replacing the depleted battery pack with a fully charged battery pack.
The electric vehicles comprise a charging port in which a charging gun is connected to recharge the depleted power pack of the electric vehicle. The combination of the charging gun and the charging port establish electrical connection between the power source and electrical vehicle. However, the present designs of the charging port have certain drawbacks. The present designs of the charging ports fail to provide accidental removal of the charging gun from the charging port. Such accidental removal of the charging gun from the charging port while the electric vehicle is charging may cause arcing, which may damage the charging gun or the charging port. Similarly, unauthorized removal of the charging gun from the charging port may stop undesirably stop the charging of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, while the charging gun is plugged in the charging port, the charging port may have exposed portions that may allow entry of dust and/or water in the charging port during the charging of the vehicle.
Therefore, there exists a need for an improved charging port assembly that overcomes one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle. The charging port assembly comprises a charging port and at least one port covering member. The charging port comprises a plurality of charging connectors. The at least one port covering member act as a charging gun securing member when a charging gun is connected in the charging port.
The present disclosure provides a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle. The charging port assembly, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing accidental removal of the charging gun from the charging port of the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing unauthorized removal of the charging gun from the charging port of the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of unauthorized access to the charging port of the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing entry of dust and/or water in the charging port, while the charging port is open to receive the charging gun or while the charging gun is plugged in the charging port of the electric vehicle.
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:
Figure 1 illustrates a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a charging port assembly when closed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a charging port assembly when open, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4A and 4B illustrates connection of a charging gun with the charging port assembly, in accordance with an embodiment 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 recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing 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 port assembly and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. 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 minimized 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, or 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 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 that 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-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, electric four-wheelers, electric pickup trucks, electric trucks, and so forth.
As used herein, the terms “power pack” “battery pack”, “battery”, and “power pack” are used interchangeably and refer to multiple individual battery cells connected to provide a higher combined voltage or capacity than what a single battery can offer along with the necessary electronic components and circuitry required to do so. The battery pack is designed to store electrical energy and supply it as needed to various devices or systems. Battery packs, as referred herein may be used for various purposes such as power electric vehicles and other energy storage applications. Furthermore, the battery pack may include additional circuitry, such as a battery management system (BMS), to ensure the safe and efficient charging and discharging of the battery cells. The battery pack comprises a plurality of cell arrays which in turn comprises a plurality of battery cells.
As used herein, the term “charging port” refers to an electrical socket on the vehicle that allows to connect it to a charging station to refill the battery pack of the electric vehicle. The charging port electrical connection and communication between the charger and the electrical vehicle. The charging port may include different types of connectors.
As used herein, the term “plurality of charging connectors” refers to various electrical connection and communication points in the charging port to which the charging gun is connected.
As used herein, the term “at least one port covering member” refers to a protective metal and/or plastic covering that covers the charging port (when not in use). The covering member may be removably fixed on the charging port to cover the charging port when not in use. Alternatively, the covering member may be permanently fixed on the charging port. Such fixed covering members may comprise
As used herein, the term “charging gun securing member” refers to a protective member that securely holds the charging gun in the charging port during the charging of the electric vehicle.
As used herein, the term “charging gun” refers to a device that is used to charge an electric vehicle from an external power source.
As used herein, the term “plurality of connector pins” refers to refers to metal pins present in the charging gun that are connected in the connectors of the charging port to establish electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source.
As used herein, the term “plurality of retractable flaps” refers to thin, flat piece of metal and/or plastic that is fixed or attached on one side only and covers an opening on the other side. The plurality of retractable flaps may be fixed via spring mechanism. The spring mechanism may generate a force to keep the plurality of retractable flaps in unretracted position to keep the charging port closed. The plurality of retractable flaps may be retracted by applying external force greater than the force generated by the spring mechanism.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a charging port assembly 100 for an electric vehicle. The charging port assembly 100 comprises a charging port 102 and at least one port covering member 104. The charging port 102 comprises a plurality of charging connectors 102a. The at least one port covering member 104 act as a charging gun securing member when a charging gun 106 is connected in the charging port 102.
The present disclosure provides charging port assembly 100 for the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly 100, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing accidental removal of the charging gun 106 from the charging port 102 of the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly 100, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing unauthorized removal of the charging gun 106 from the charging port 102 of the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly 100, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of unauthorized access to the charging port 102 of the electric vehicle. The charging port assembly 100, as disclosed by the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing entry of dust and/or water in the charging port 102, while the charging port 102 is open to receive the charging gun 106 or while the charging gun 106 is plugged in the charging port 102 of the electric vehicle.
In an embodiment, the plurality of charging connectors 102a receive a plurality of connector pins of the charging gun 106 to electrically connect the electric vehicle with a power source. Beneficially, the plurality of charging connectors 102a receive a plurality of connector pins of the charging gun 106 enable charging of the battery pack of the electric vehicle. Beneficially, the plurality of connector pins of the charging gun 106 may snugly fit in the plurality of charging connectors 102a.
In an embodiment, the at least one covering member 104 comprises a plurality of retractable flaps 104a. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a may be fixed to a spring mechanism. Beneficially, the spring mechanism may keep the plurality of retractable flaps 104a in unretracted position.
Figure 2 in accordance with an embodiment describes that the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are in unretracted position to keep the charging port 102 closed. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a, when unretracted, keep the charging port 102 closed. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a, when unretracted prevent the entry of dust and/or water in the charging port 102.
Figure 3 in accordance with an embodiment describes that the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are retracted to open the charging port 102 for receiving the charging gun 106. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a, when retracted, open the charging port 102. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a, when retracted, expose the plurality of charging connectors 102a enabling connection of the charging gun 106 in the charging port 102.
Figure 4A & 4B in accordance with an embodiment describes that the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are retracted by the charging gun 106. Beneficially, the charging gun 106 may be in contract with the plurality of retractable flaps 104a to retract the plurality of retractable flaps 104a. In an embodiment, the charging gun 106 may be pushed and twisted simultaneously for retraction of the plurality of retractable flaps 104a to open the charging port 102.
In an embodiment, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a maintain a force on the charging gun 106 to securely hold the charging gun 106 in the charging port 102. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a prevent the accidental removal of the charging gun 106 from the charging port 102. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a function to make the at least one port covering member 104 act as the charging gun securing member.
In an embodiment, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are configured to provide ingress protection to the charging port 102 when the charging gun 106 is connected in the charging port 102. Beneficially, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a minimizes any potential gap between the charging gun 106 and the charging port 102 to prevent entry of dust and/or water in the charging port while the charging gun 106 is plugged in the charging port 102.
In an embodiment, the charging port 102 comprises a guiding mechanism to guide the insertion and removal of the charging gun 106. Beneficially, the guiding mechanism may be a design element in the charging port 102. Beneficially, the guiding mechanism ensures proper alignment of the charging gun 106 with the charging port 102 before plugging in of the charging gun 106 in the charging port 102.
In an embodiment, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a become unretracted, when the charging gun 106 is removed from the charging port 102. Beneficially, the spring mechanism enables the plurality of retractable flaps 104a to come in the default unretracted position once the charging gun 106 is removed from the charging port 102.
In an embodiment, the charging port assembly 100 comprises a charging port 102 and at least one port covering member 104. The charging port 102 comprises a plurality of charging connectors 102a. The at least one port covering member 104 act as a charging gun securing member when a charging gun 106 is connected in the charging port 102. Furthermore, the plurality of charging connectors 102a receive a plurality of connector pins of the charging gun 106 to electrically connect the electric vehicle with a power source. Furthermore, the at least one covering member 104 comprises a plurality of retractable flaps 104a. Furthermore, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are in unretracted position to keep the charging port 102 closed. Furthermore, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are retracted to open the charging port 102 for receiving the charging gun 106. Furthermore, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are retracted by the charging gun 106. Furthermore, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a maintain a force on the charging gun 106 to securely hold the charging gun 106 in the charging port 102. Furthermore, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a are configured to provide ingress protection to the charging port 102 when the charging gun 106 is connected in the charging port 102. Furthermore, the charging port 102 comprises a guiding mechanism to guide the insertion and removal of the charging gun 106. Furthermore, the plurality of retractable flaps 104a become unretracted, when the charging gun 106 is removed from the charging port 102.
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 combinations 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”, and “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 port assembly (100) for an electric vehicle, wherein the charging port assembly (100) comprises:
- a charging port (102), comprising a plurality of charging connectors (102a); and
- at least one port covering member (104), wherein the at least one port covering member (104) act as a charging gun securing member when a charging gun (106) is connected in the charging port (102).
2. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging connectors (102a) receive a plurality of connector pins of the charging gun (106) to electrically connect the electric vehicle with a power source.
3. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one covering member (104) comprises a plurality of retractable flaps (104a).
4. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of retractable flaps (104a) are in unretracted position to keep the charging port (102) closed.
5. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of retractable flaps (104a) are retracted to open the charging port (102) for receiving the charging gun (106).
6. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of retractable flaps (104a) are retracted by the charging gun (106).
7. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of retractable flaps (104a) maintain a force on the charging gun (106) to securely hold the charging gun (106) in the charging port (102).
8. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of retractable flaps (104a) are configured to provide ingress protection to the charging port (102) when the charging gun (106) is connected in the charging port (102).
9. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging port (102) comprises a guiding mechanism to guide the insertion and removal of the charging gun (106).
10. The charging port assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of retractable flaps (104a) become unretracted, when the charging gun (106) is removed from the charging port (102).