Description:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

MAGNETIC LOCKING IN ELECTRIC CHARGING SYSTEMS

RIVER MOBILITY PRIVATE LIMITED
No. 25/3, KIADB EPIP Zone, Seetharampalya,
Hoodi Road, Mahadevapura, Whitefield,
Bengaluru – 560048, Karnataka
An Indian Company

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This invention relates to a system for providing magnetic locking and more particularly related to a magnetic locking establishing system and a method employed in electric charging systems.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Electric charging systems are in high demand as there is a radical shift from fossil fuel generated power towards electric power, which is environmentally sustainable, for various applications. Electric vehicles (EV) are the future of sustainable mobility and an effective mode of transport in urban and rural areas. Vehicles utilizing fossil fuels significantly cause carbon emissions and associated environmental problems, including climatic change. These conventional modes of mobility lead to air pollution and consequently to many health problems. Fossil fuels being non-renewable, their utilization by the vehicles is another area of environmental concern. To address the more important issue of climate change, vehicles running on fossil fuel need to be replaced with electric vehicles in the long run. Green mobility with reduced emissions from the transport sector is expected to aid in achieving the sustainable development goals.
[003] Various innovations are happening throughout the world in the arena of electric vehicles. A charging system is designed to charge an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. In the conventional electric charging systems, the connection between the charging gun and the vehicle charging inlet is established through a mechanical or physical locking such as a solenoid lock provided in the vehicle inlet. The charging pins of the charging gun or the vehicle inlet socket may get damaged physically, if the locking means is disconnected mistakenly before the charge storing device gets fully charged. This may lead to a reduction in the overall life of the charging system and an increase in its maintenance cost.
[004] Further, as the conventional charging systems employ mechanical or physical locking with moving parts for connecting the charging gun and vehicle inlet, the alignment between the changing gun and the vehicle inlet may not always be proper. The lack of proper alignment increases the chances of wear and tear in the charging system, thereby reducing the overall life of the charging system.
[005] Accidental disconnection of the charging gun may happen during a fast-charging process. In the conventional charging systems, accidental disconnections may cause arcing and consequently lead to a dangerous scenario, especially in Direct Current (DC) charging stations.
[006] Therefore, there is a need for a unique solution that addresses the problem of accidental disconnection and the associated physical damage to the charging gun and/or the vehicle inlet socket and the potential danger due to arching (especially during DC charging) present in the existing electric charging systems.
[007] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[008] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a magnetic locking system and method employed in electric charging systems.
[009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an electric charging system in which an accidental disconnection of the charging gun may not cause any physical damage to the charging gun and/or the vehicle inlet socket.
[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an electric charging system in which an accidental disconnection of the charging gun may not pose any danger such as arcing.
[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an electric charging system without any moving parts so that the wear and tear of the charging system can be reduced thereby ensuring higher overall life of the charging system.

SUMMARY
[0012] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a system for magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units. The system comprises a first unit and a second unit. The first unit may be connected to a power source. The first unit includes at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The second unit may be operatively connected to the first unit to allow a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units. The second unit includes an electromagnetic coil. The second unit may be adapted to magnetically attach to the first unit with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units. Further, the system includes one or more current modulating units connected with at least one of the first unit and the second unit to control a current flow through the electromagnetic coil. The first unit may be magnetically attached to the second unit with a predefined force of attraction. The predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the first unit and the second units operatively connected while the charging is in progress and lower than a force at which the first unit and/or the second unit gets damaged. The electromagnetic coil is laid around the circumference of at least one of the first unit and the second unit. The first unit and the second unit include one or more terminals. The one or more electric charging stages comprises one of a fast-charging mode and a slow-charging mode. A control unit is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit from the second unit while the fast-charging mode is in progress. A control unit is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units are fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit from the second unit.
[0013] In another embodiment, a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units is disclosed. The system includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is connected to a power source. The first unit includes an electromagnetic coil and a second unit operatively connected to the first unit for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units. The second unit includes at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The second unit is adapted to magnetically attach to the first unit with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units. Further, the system includes one or more current modulating units connected with at least one of the first unit and the second unit for controlling a flow of current through the electromagnetic coil. The first unit is magnetically attached to the second unit with a predefined force of attraction, where the predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the first unit and the second unit operatively connected while the charging is in progress, and lower than a force at which the first unit and/or the second unit gets damaged. The electromagnetic coil is laid around the circumference of at least one of the first unit and the second unit. The first unit and the second unit comprise one or more terminals. Further, one or more electric charging stages comprises one of a fast-charging mode and a slow-charging mode. A control unit is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit from the second unit while the fast-charging mode is in progress. Further, a control unit is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units are fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit from the second unit.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, a system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more batteries of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a charging gun and a vehicle inlet. The charging gun may be connected to an external power source. The charging gun includes at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet is operatively connected to the charging gun for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units of the vehicle. The vehicle inlet includes an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet is adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units.
[0015] Further, a vehicle control unit (VCU) is adapted to shift a power supply source of the electromagnetic coil of the vehicle inlet from the electric charge storing units of the vehicle to the external power supply during the electric charging of electric charge storing units. Additionally, a vehicle control unit (VCU) is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units is fully charged, thereby enabling a user to detach the charging gun from the vehicle inlet. Additionally, a vehicle control unit (VCU) is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from the user by way of turning ON the vehicle, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun from the vehicle inlet while the fast-charging mode is in progress.
[0016] In another embodiment, a system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a charging gun and a vehicle inlet. The charging gun is connected to an external power source. The charging gun includes an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet may be operatively connected to the charging gun for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units of the vehicle. The vehicle inlet comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. Further, the vehicle inlet is adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun with a predefined force during the electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units of the vehicle.
[0017] Additionally, a vehicle control unit (VCU) is adapted to shift a power supply source of the electromagnetic coil of the vehicle inlet from the electric charge storing units of the vehicle to the external power supply during the electric charging of electric charge storing units. Further, a vehicle control unit (VCU) is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from a user by way of turning on the vehicle, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun from the vehicle inlet while the fast-charging mode is in progress. Additionally, the system includes a vehicle control unit (VCU) adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun from the vehicle inlet.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, a method for establishing a magnetic locking between a charging gun and a vehicle inlet during electric charging of a vehicle is provided. The method includes generating electromagnetic fields around an electromagnetic coil, aligning the charging gun with the vehicle inlet and magnetically locking the charging gun with the vehicle inlet with a predefined force wherein the predefined force is established by the generated electromagnetic fields.
[0019] The method includes providing an automatic guiding of a charging gun with a vehicle inlet by the electromagnetic fields if the charging gun comprises at least one of an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet includes at least one of a metallic element and a magnet.
[0020] The method further includes providing an automatic guiding of a charging gun with a vehicle inlet by the electromagnetic fields, if the electric charge storing units of the vehicle holds an electric charge. The charging gun comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil and the vehicle inlet comprises an electromagnetic coil.
[0021] The method further includes stopping the electromagnetic fields if a user turns ON the vehicle during a fast-charging mode. The method includes sensing the ON state of the vehicle by the vehicle control unit (VCU), sending a signal to an external power source to discontinue the charging of the electric charge storing units of the vehicle by the vehicle control unit (VCU), sending a control signal to stop the current flow to the electromagnetic coil by the vehicle control unit (VCU), deenergizing the electromagnetic coil and disconnecting the charging gun from the vehicle inlet. The method further includes controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil by the one or more current modulating units. The one or more current modulating units are connected to at least one of the charging gun and the vehicle inlet.
[0022] The method further includes providing a source of power supply to the electromagnetic coil of the vehicle inlet, from the external power supply during the vehicle charging, thereby enabling fast charging of the electric charge storing units of the vehicle.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, a charging gun for electric charging one or more electric charge storing units includes one or more terminals and at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The charging gun is adapted to magnetically attach to a vehicle inlet with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units.
[0024] The charging gun further includes one or more current modulating units for controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is laid around the circumference of the charging gun. The charging gun is magnetically attached to the vehicle inlet with a predefined force of attraction. The predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the charging gun and the vehicle inlet operatively connected while the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units is in progress, and lower than a force at which the charging gun and/or vehicle inlet gets damaged.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle inlet for electric charging one or more electric charge storing units includes one or more terminals and at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet is adapted to magnetically attach to a charging gun with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units. The vehicle inlet further includes one or more current modulating units for controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is laid around the circumference of the vehicle inlet.
[0026] The vehicle inlet is adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun with a predefined force of attraction. The predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the charging gun and the vehicle inlet operatively connected while the charging of the one or more electric charge storing units is in progress, and lower than a force at which the vehicle inlet and/or the charging gun gets damaged.
[0027] The vehicle inlet is provided with a control unit adapted for sending a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun from the vehicle inlet while the fast-charging mode is in progress.
[0028] Further, the vehicle inlet is provided with a control unit adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun from the vehicle inlet.
[0029] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The example embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary model of a charging gun for charging an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[001] Figure 2b illustrates a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle inlet for charging an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[002] Figure 2c illustrates a schematic diagram of a charging gun for charging an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[003] Figure 3 illustrates, an energy refilling system for charging an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[004] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart showing a method of charging of an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[005] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for providing a magnetic locking between a charging gun and a vehicle inlet during electric charging of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[006] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart showing stopping of the electromagnetic fields in case a user turns ON the vehicle during a fast-charging mode of the electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[007] Figure 7 illustrates an energy refilling system for charging an electric vehicle in which the vehicle inlet includes an electromagnetic coil and the charging gun includes a metallic element or a magnet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[008] Figure 8 illustrates an energy refilling system for charging an electric vehicle in which the charging gun and the vehicle inlet include electromagnetic coils, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[009] Figure 9 illustrates an energy refilling system for charging an electric vehicle in which the vehicle inlet includes a metallic element or a magnet and the charging gun includes an electromagnetic coil, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 10 illustrates an energy refilling system for charging a high-power system in which the connector 1 includes an electromagnetic coil and the connector 2 includes a metallic element or a magnet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 11 illustrates an energy refilling system for charging a high-power system in which the connector 1 and the connector 2 include electromagnetic coils, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 12 illustrates an energy refilling system for charging a high-power system in which the connector 1 includes a metallic element or a magnet and the connector 2 includes an electromagnetic coil, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0014] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “retaining”, “connecting”, “charging”, “latching”, “transmitting”, "enabling”, "establishing", “attaching” and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes” and/or “including” as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components and the like, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and/or combinations thereof. The term “an embodiment” is to be read as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment.” Although any system and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary system and methods are now described.
[0015] The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0016] There is a need for an electric charging system that addresses the problem of accidental disconnection and the associated physical damage to the charging gun and/or the vehicle inlet socket and arcing related danger due to accidental disconnection during fast charging especially in DC charging stations.
[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units 108 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a first unit 104 and a second unit 106. The first unit 104 may be connected to a power source 102. The first unit 104 may include at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The second unit 106 may be operatively connected to the first unit 104 for allowing flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units 108. The second unit 106 includes an electromagnetic coil.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the first unit 104 may include an electromagnetic coil and a second unit 106 operatively connected to the first unit 104 for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units 108. The second unit 106 may include at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil.
[0019] The second unit 106 may be adapted to magnetically attach to the first unit 104 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108. Further, the system includes one or more current modulating units 112 connected with at least one of the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 for controlling a flow of current through the electromagnetic coil. The first unit 104 may be magnetically attached to the second unit 106 with a predefined force of attraction. The predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 operatively connected while the charging is in progress and lower than a force at which the first unit 104 and/or the second unit 106 gets damaged. The electromagnetic coil is laid around the circumference of at least one of the first unit 104 and the second unit 106. The first unit 104 and the second unit 106 include one or more terminals. The one or more electric charging stages include one of a fast-charging mode and a slow-charging mode.
[0020] A control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit 104 from the second unit 106 while the fast-charging mode is in progress. A control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit 104 from the second unit 106.
[0021] The term “electric charge storing units” refers to “batteries” or “power system” for storing electric charge in electric vehicles or high-power systems and can be used interchangeably.
[0022] It may be noted that the terms such as terminals, pins, connectors, and receptacles may be referred to as synonyms to each other and are represented as well understood concepts or the conventional terminologies used in the present art of the invention. It may further be noted that the interchangeable use of the terms does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In one embodiment, the term “terminals” refers to pins that are used to establish a plurality of connections with either the charging gun or the electric vehicle inlet when the pins act as a male connector. In another embodiment, the term “terminals” refers to connector pins that are the receiving terminals of either the charging gun or electric vehicle inlet that act as a female connector. In yet another embodiment, the terms ‘set of communication terminals’, ‘set of charging terminals’, and ‘set of proximity terminals’ refers to one or more corresponding terminals.
[0023] Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary model of a charging gun 200 for charging an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The term “charging gun” refers to a “connector” for charging an electric vehicle or a high-power system using an external power supply/charger and can be used interchangeably. Specifically, the charging gun includes a plug at one end that connects the external power supply or a charger.
[0025] The charging gun includes plurality of terminals at the other end to connect with the electric vehicle inlet terminals for transferring power safely to a battery of the electric vehicle. The charging gun may be implemented either as a female or as male connector.
[0026] The term ‘electric vehicle inlet/ vehicle inlet’ refers to a ‘power inlet’ or ‘socket’ provided in the electric vehicle for receiving power from the electric power supply via the charging gun or a connector. The electric vehicle inlet may be implemented either as a male connector or as a female connector for receiving the power.
[0027] As illustrated in Figure 2a, the charging gun 200 includes a housing 202. Further, the housing 202 includes a plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 to establish a plurality of connections with an electric vehicle inlet. The plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 of the charging gun 200 may be provided either as male connectors or as female connectors.
[0028] As illustrated in Figure 2b, the electric vehicle inlet may be provided as a female connector and the charging gun 200 may be provided as a male connector. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the electric vehicle inlet may be provided as a male connector and the charging gun 200 may be provided as a female connector. Therefore, when the plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 of the charging gun 200 are male connectors, a plurality of terminals of a casing of the electric vehicle inlet may be provided as female connectors. In some embodiments, the electric vehicle inlet may be provided as a male connector having a plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 whereas the charging gun 200 may be provided as a female connector having a plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210.
[0029] The plurality of terminals 206a, 206b, 204, 208, 210 for charging the electric vehicle are accommodated in the housing 202. Further, a set of temperature sensors 220 are provided in the housing 202 to monitor the temperature of the plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210. In case, the temperature of the housing 202 exceeds a threshold, the set of temperature sensors 220 notify a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) to stop the charging of the battery. The set of temperature sensors 220 may include but not limited to thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors, infrared sensor and semiconductor sensors. The temperature sensor 220 may be positioned inside the charging gun 200.
[0030] The vehicle inlet in the present embodiment includes at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. Further, the vehicle inlet may be adapted to magnetically attach to a charging gun 200 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more batteries. The vehicle inlet further includes one or more current modulating units 112 for controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be laid around the circumference of the vehicle inlet.
[0031] Further, the vehicle inlet may be adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun 200 with a predefined force of attraction. The predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the charging gun 200 and the vehicle inlet operatively connected while the charging of the one or more batteries is in progress, and lower than a force at which the vehicle inlet and/or the charging gun 200 gets damaged.
[0032] Further, a control unit 110 may be provided to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet while the fast-charging mode is in progress.
[0033] Additionally, a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more electric charge storing units is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet.
[0034] Figure 2c illustrates a schematic diagram of a charging gun 200 for charging an electric vehicle. In accordance with the embodiment, the inside of the housing 202 is provided with the plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 for power transfer from an electric power supply or a charging station to the electric vehicle through an electric vehicle inlet. The electric vehicle inlet is attached to the electric vehicle, whereas the charging gun 200 is portable. The charging gun 200 may be placed within a storage unit of the electric vehicle.
[0035] In another embodiment, the charging gun 200 can be attached to the charging station for charging the battery. The electric vehicle inlet is a port or a socket through which electric charge is transferred to the electric vehicle from the charging station.
[0036] The plurality of terminals 204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 comprises an earth terminal 204, a set of communication terminals 208, a set of power terminals 206a, 206b and a set of proximity terminals 210. Initially, the earth terminal 204 may be connected to the electric vehicle inlet. The electric vehicle inlet first establishes contact with the earth terminal 204 to prevent any potential hazards such as electrical hazards due to surge or residual current. The residual current or leakage current detected in the AC supply lines may be diverted to the ground for safe discharge.
[0037] The term “Vehicle Control unit (VCU)” refers to a master controller configured for monitoring and regulating the charging operations of the electric vehicle via the electric vehicle inlet. The electric vehicle of the present invention may include but is not limited to hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, battery driven or electric motor-assisted vehicles and the like.
[0038] The term “vehicle control unit” is used in the context of electric vehicle charging and “control unit” is used in the context of charging of high-power systems and can be used interchangeably. It may further be noted that the interchangeable use of the terms does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
[0039] The term ‘operation’ or ‘charging operation’ or ‘charging process’ refers to the activation of charging of the battery of an electric vehicle. That is, one end of the charging gun is connected to the electric vehicle via the electric vehicle inlet and another end of the charging gun is connected to a charging station or an external power supply. Subsequently, the charging station or the external power supply is triggered to transfer AC or DC power to the electric vehicle.
[0040] The term ‘external power supply’ or ‘power supply’ or ‘power source’ refers to a charging station or charger that can supply either Direct Current (DC) supply or Alternating Current (AC) supply and can be used interchangeably.
[0041] Figure 3 illustrates, an energy refilling system 300 for charging an electric vehicle 304 according to an embodiment. The energy refilling system 300 for charging an electric vehicle 304 includes a charging gun 200 and a vehicle inlet 306. The charging gun 200 may be connected to an external power supply 302.The charging gun 200 includes at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet 306 may be operatively connected to the charging gun 200 for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more batteries 308 of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle inlet 306 includes an electromagnetic coil. The vehicle inlet 306 may be adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun 200 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more batteries 308.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the charging gun 200 includes an electromagnetic coil and the vehicle inlet 306 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil.
[0043] Further, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to shift a power supply source of the electromagnetic coil of the vehicle inlet 306 from the batteries 308 of the vehicle to the external power supply 302 during the electric charging of batteries 308. Additionally, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil when the one or more batteries 308 is fully charged, thereby enabling a user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306.
[0044] Additionally, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil upon receipt of an input from the user by way of turning ON the vehicle, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.
[0045] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart showing a method of charging of the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Step 402 depicts the connection of charging gun 200 to the vehicle inlet 306. When the charging gun 200 is not connected to the vehicle inlet 306 in step 402, the method proceeds to step 404 via “No”. In step 404, the electromagnet control circuit draws battery power to excite the electromagnetic coil. Further, the method loops back to the step 402. In case, the charging gun 200 is connected to the vehicle inlet 306 in step 402, the method proceeds to step 406 via “Yes”. In step 406, the electromagnet control circuit draws AC power through the charging gun 200 to excite the electromagnetic coil.
[0046] At step 408, the VCU determines the current flow through the electromagnetic coil based on the vehicle state (ON/OFF) and the charging stage (fast/slow charging). In step 410, the VCU controls the current flow through the electromagnetic coil based on the determined current flow using the electromagnet control circuit. In step 412, the current flow through the electromagnetic coil generates a predefined magnetic force required for the determined vehicle state.
[0047] After the step 412, in case an error is detected during the charging of the electric vehicle such as over temperature, over voltage or accidental disconnection of the gun etc., the method proceeds to step 414, in which the VCU stops current through the electromagnetic coil.
[0048] After the step 412, in case, the charging of the electric vehicle is completed, the method proceeds to step 416, in which the VCU stops current through the electromagnetic coil so that the charging gun 200 can be removed from the vehicle inlet 306 easily.
[0049] After the step 412, in case of any user intervention during the fast or slow charging of the electric vehicle, the method proceeds to step 418. In step 418, the charging gun 200 may be locked to the vehicle inlet 306 with a greater force during fast charging. Further, the VCU stops current through the electromagnetic coil if the user turns the vehicle ‘ON’ or gives any input to stop the charging. Further, in step 418, the charging gun 200 may be locked with a lesser force during slow charging thus giving the user indication in the course of disconnection. The VCU detects disconnection of the charging gun 200 by the user and stops current through the electromagnetic coil so that the charging gun 200 can be removed from the vehicle inlet 306 easily.
[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for providing a magnetic locking between a charging gun 200 and a vehicle inlet 306 during electric charging of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. The method that is illustrated in Figure 5, as a collection of operations in a logical flow graph representing a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof.
[0051] At step 502, an electromagnetic field is generated around the electromagnetic coil. At step 504, the charging gun 200 is aligned with the vehicle inlet 306. The method further includes providing automatic guiding of a charging gun 200 with a vehicle inlet 306 by the electromagnetic fields. The charging gun 200 includes at least one of an electromagnetic coil and the vehicle inlet 306 comprises at least one of a metallic element and a magnet. In an alternative embodiment, automatic guiding of a charging gun 200 with a vehicle inlet 306 by the electromagnetic fields may be achieved, if the charging gun 200 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet or an electromagnetic coil and the vehicle inlet 306 comprises an electromagnetic coil.
[0052] Further, at step 506, the charging gun 200 is magnetically locked with the vehicle inlet 306 with a predefined force. The predefined force is established by the generated electromagnetic fields. The method further includes providing automatic guiding of a charging gun 200 with a vehicle inlet 306 by the electromagnetic fields, when the vehicle batteries 308 retain electric charge.
[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart showing stopping of the electromagnetic fields if a user turns ‘ON’ the vehicle during a fast-charging mode. The method that is illustrated in Figure 6, as a collection of operations in a logical flow graph representing a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.
[0054] At step 602, the vehicle control unit (VCU) 310, senses the ‘ON’ state of the vehicle. At step 604, the VCU sends a signal to an external power source 302 to discontinue the charging of the batteries 308 of the vehicle after detecting the ‘ON’ state of the vehicle.
[0055] Further, at step 606, the vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 sends control signal to stop the current flow to the electromagnetic coil. At step 608, the electromagnetic coil will be deenergized. Further, at step 610, the charging gun 200 may be disconnected from the vehicle inlet 306.
[0056] In yet another implementation of energy refilling system for charging the electric vehicle as illustrated in Figure 7, the vehicle inlet 306 includes an electromagnetic coil 702 and the charging gun 200 includes a metallic element or a magnet 704. When the C+ terminals of the charging gun 200 and the vehicle inlet 306 are connected, the vehicle inlet 306 shifts its source of power and starts receiving power from the charging gun 200. A power MUX circuit present inside the Electromagnet Control Circuit continuously monitors Input 1 (i.e., C+ terminal) as shown in Fig. 7. Further, the power MUX circuit preferentially facilitates in exciting the vehicle inlet coil 702 using the power from the external power supply in a case when the charging gun 200 is mated with the terminals of the vehicle inlet 306. However, in a scenario when power from the Input 1 is absent or, in other words, when the charging gun 200 is not mated with the vehicle inlet 306, the power MUX usually excites the vehicle inlet coil 702 using the power from the battery that is from Input 2 as shown in Fig. 7. The vehicle inlet coil 702 continuously remain excited using the power from the battery unless the charging gun 200 is mated with the vehicle inlet 306.
[0057] In yet another implementation, a magnet may be provided on the charging gun side and a metallic core may be provided on the vehicle inlet 306. In case the vehicle battery 308 is completely discharged, the only force of attraction that exists is the one between a magnet on the charging gun side and the metallic core of the vehicle inlet 306. This force of attraction may not be sufficient to facilitate the automatic guiding process. In the present embodiment, guiding may not happen since the vehicle inlet 306 coil will not be excited due to the completely discharged state of the vehicle battery 308.
[0058] In yet another implementation of the energy refilling system for charging an electric vehicle as illustrated in Figure 8, both the vehicle inlet 306 and the charging gun 200 include electromagnetic coils 702. In this implementation, the VCU sends the current modulating instruction via Controller Area Network (CAN) to the charging station. The charging station in turn controls the current through the electromagnetic coil 702 of the charging gun 200 via the current modulating unit.
[0059] Further, prior to the connection of vehicle inlet 306 and charging gun 200 and establishment of the CAN communication, the charging station will establish a continuous magnetic field through the charging gun 200 coil using current from the charging station. This magnetic field is sufficient for facilitating guiding of the charging gun 200 towards the vehicle inlet 306 during the connection process. On the vehicle inlet side, the vehicle battery 308 is charged and excites the electromagnetic coil 702 provided in the vehicle inlet 306, for producing an electromagnetic field.
[0060] Further, in case the vehicle battery 308 is completely discharged, the only force of attraction is the one in between the electromagnetic coil 702 on the charging gun side and the metallic core of the vehicle inlet 306, which may not be sufficient to facilitate in the automatic guiding process as a passive magnet or a metal is not present on the vehicle inlet side.
[0061] In yet another implementation of energy refilling system for charging the electric vehicle as illustrated in Figure 9, the vehicle inlet 306 includes a metallic element or a magnet 704 and the charging gun 200 includes an electromagnetic coil 702. In the present embodiment, power saving of the vehicle battery 308 is not a concern since there is no electromagnetic coil 702 to be powered on the vehicle inlet side. The metallic element or magnet included on the vehicle inlet side is not consuming any power from the battery 308. Consequently, a power MUX circuit is not required on the vehicle inlet side.
[0062] In the present implementation, a continuous magnetic field is established in the electromagnetic coil 702 of the charging gun 200 using current from the charging station, even before the vehicle inlet 306 and the charging gun 200 are connected to each other. This magnetic field is sufficient for automatic guiding of the charging gun 200 towards the vehicle inlet 306. In the present implementation, automatic guiding is always possible as there is no electromagnetic coil 702 on the vehicle inlet side, thereby obtaining the magnetic force by the vehicle inlet 306 independent of the battery charge.
[0063] Further, once the charging gun 200 is connected to the vehicle inlet 306, the VCU sends current modulating instruction via CAN to the external charging station. Subsequently, the charging station controls the current through the electromagnetic coil 702 via the current modulating unit.
[0064] In yet another implementation of the energy refilling system for charging the high-power system as illustrated in Figure 10, the connector 1 (1002) includes an electromagnetic coil 702 and the connector 2 (1004) includes a metallic element or a magnet 704. When the C+ terminals of the connector 2 (1004) and the connector 1 (1002) are connected, the connector 1 (1002) shifts it source of power and starts receiving power from the connector 2 (1004). A power MUX circuit present inside the Electromagnet Control Circuit continuously monitors Input 1 (i.e., C+ terminal) as shown in Fig. 10 Further, the power MUX circuit preferentially facilitates in exciting the vehicle inlet coil 702 using the power from the external power supply in a case when the connector 2 (1004) is mated with the terminals of the connector 1 (1002). However, in a scenario when power from the Input 1 is absent or, in other words, when the connector 2 (1004) is not mated with the connector 1 (1002), the power MUX usually excites the vehicle inlet coil 702 using the power from the battery that is from Input 2 as shown in Fig. 10. The vehicle inlet coil 702 continuously remain excited using the power from the battery unless the connector 2 (1004) is mated with the connector 1 (1002).
[0065] In yet another implementation, a magnet may be provided on the connector 2 side and a metallic core may be provided on the connector 1 side. In case, the power system is completely discharged, the only force of attraction that exists is the one between a magnet on the connector 2 side and the metallic core of the connector 1 (1002). However, this force of attraction may not be sufficient in facilitating the automatic guiding process. In the present embodiment, the guiding may not happen as the connector 1 (1002) coil will not be excited due to the completely discharged state of the power system.
[0066] In another implementation of energy refilling system for charging the high-power system as illustrated in Figure 11, both the connector 1 (1002) and the connector 2 (1004) includes electromagnetic coil 702. In this implementation, the control unit 110 sends the current modulating instruction via CAN to the external power system. The external power system in turn controls the current through the electromagnetic coil 702 of the connector 2 (1004) via the current modulating unit.
[0067] Further, prior to the connection of connector 1 (1002) and connector 2 (1004) and establishment of the CAN communication, the external power system will establish a continuous magnetic field through the connector 2 (1004) coil using current from the external power system. This magnetic field is sufficient for facilitating in guiding of the connector 2 (1004) towards the connector 1 (1002) during the connection process. On the connector 1 side, the power system is charged and excites the connector 1 (1002) electromagnetic coil 702 for producing an electromagnetic field.
[0068] Further, in case the power system is completely discharged, the only force of attraction is the one in between the electromagnetic coil 702 on the connector 2 side and the metallic core of the connector 1 (1002), which may not be sufficient to help in the automatic guiding process as a passive magnet or a metal is not present on the connector 1 side.
[0069] In yet another implementation of energy refilling system for charging the high-power system as illustrated in Figure 12, the connector 1 (1002) includes a metallic element or a magnet 704 and the connector 2 (1004) includes an electromagnetic coil 702. In the present embodiment, power saving of the power system is not a concern since there is no electromagnetic coil 702 to be powered on the connector 1 side. The metallic element or magnet included on the connector 1 side may not be consuming any power from the power system. Consequently, a power MUX circuit is not required on the connector 1 side.
[0070] In the present implementation, a continuous magnetic field is established in the electromagnetic coil 702 of the connector 2 (1004) using current from the external power system, even before the connector 1 (1002) and the connector 2 (1004) are connected to each other. This magnetic field is sufficient for automatic guiding of the connector 2 (1004) towards the connector 1 (1002). In the present implementation, automatic guiding is always possible as there is no electromagnetic coil 702 on the connector 1 side, which makes the magnetic force by the connector 1 (1002) independent of power system charge.
[0071] Further, once the connector 2 (1004) is connected to the connector 1 (1002), the control unit 110 sends current modulating instruction via CAN to the external power system. Subsequently, the external power system controls the current through the electromagnetic coil 702 via the current modulating unit.
[0072] The main advantage of the present invention is that a magnetic locking system and method employed in electric charging systems is provided, thereby avoiding physical damage to the charging gun and/or the vehicle inlet socket in case of accidental disconnection of the charging gun.
[0073] Another advantage of the present invention is that a magnetic locking system and method employed in electric charging systems is provided in which an accidental disconnection of the charging gun may not pose any danger such as arcing.
[0074] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that an electric charging system without any moving parts is provided, which reduces wear and tear thereby ensuring higher overall life of the charging system.
[0075] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily configure and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Reference labels:

102 Power source
104 First unit
106 Second unit
108 Electric charge storing unit
110 Control unit
112 Current modulating unit
200 Charging gun
202 Housing
204, 206a, 206b, 208, 210 Plurality of terminals
220 Temperature sensor
300 Energy refilling system
302 External power supply
304 Electric vehicle
306 Electric vehicle inlet
308 Battery
310 Vehicle control unit
702 Electromagnetic coil
704 Metallic element/ Magnet
1002 Connector 1
1004 Connector 2
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units 108, the system comprising:
a first unit 104 connected to a power source 102, the first unit 104 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702; and
a second unit 106 operatively connected to the first unit 104 for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units 108, the second unit 106 comprises an electromagnetic coil 702,
the second unit 106 is adapted to magnetically attach to the first unit 104 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more current modulating units 112 connected with at least one of the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 for controlling a flow of current through the electromagnetic coil 702.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first unit 104 is magnetically attached to the second unit 106 with a predefined force of attraction, where the predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 operatively connected while the charging is in progress, and lower than a force at which the first unit 104 and/or the second unit 106 gets damaged.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic coil 702 is laid around the circumference of at least one of the first unit 104 and the second unit 106.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 comprise one or more terminals.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more electric charging stages comprises one of a fast-charging mode and a slow-charging mode.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit 104 from the second unit 106 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit 104 from the second unit 106.

9. A system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units 108, the system comprising:
a first unit 104 connected to a power source 102, the first unit 104 comprises an electromagnetic coil 702; and
a second unit 106 operatively connected to the first unit 104 for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units 108, the second unit 106 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702,
the second unit 106 is adapted to magnetically attach to the first unit 104 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9 further comprising one or more current modulating units 112 connected with at least one of the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 for controlling a flow of current through the electromagnetic coil 702.

11. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first unit 104 is magnetically attached to the second unit 106 with a predefined force of attraction, where the predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 operatively connected while the charging is in progress, and lower than a force at which the first unit 104 and/or the second unit 106 gets damaged.

12. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electromagnetic coil 702 is laid around the circumference of at least one of the first unit 104 and the second unit 106.

13. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first unit 104 and the second unit 106 comprise one or more terminals.

14. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein one or more electric charging stages comprises one of a fast-charging mode and a slow-charging mode.

15. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit 104 from the second unit 106 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.

16. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the first unit 104 from the second unit 106.

17. A system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units 108 of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a charging gun 200 connected to an external power supply 302, the charging gun 200 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702; and
a vehicle inlet 306 operatively connected to the charging gun 200 for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle, the vehicle inlet 306 comprises an electromagnetic coil 702,
the vehicle inlet 306 is adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun 200 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to shift a power supply source of the electromagnetic coil 702 of the vehicle inlet 306 from the electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle to the external power supply 302 during the electric charging of electric charge storing units 108.

19. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling a user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306.

20. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 upon receipt of an input from the user by way of turning ON the vehicle, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.

21. A system for providing a magnetic locking during electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units 108 of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a charging gun 200 connected to an external power supply 302, the charging gun 200 comprises an electromagnetic coil 702; and
a vehicle inlet 306 operatively connected to the charging gun 200 for allowing a flow of electric charge to one or more electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle, the vehicle inlet 306 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702,
the vehicle inlet 306 is adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun 200 with a predefined force during the electric charging of one or more electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle.

22. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to shift a power supply source of the electromagnetic coil 702 of the vehicle inlet 306 from the electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle to the external power supply 302 during the electric charging of electric charge storing units 108.

23. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 upon receipt of an input from a user by way of turning on the vehicle, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.

24. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein a vehicle control unit (VCU) 310 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306.

25. A method for providing a magnetic locking between a charging gun 200 and a vehicle inlet 306 during electric charging of a vehicle, the method comprising:
generating electromagnetic fields around an electromagnetic coil 702;
aligning the charging gun 200 with the vehicle inlet 306; and
magnetically locking the charging gun 200 with the vehicle inlet 306 with a predefined force wherein the predefined force is established by the generated electromagnetic fields.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising providing an automatic guiding of a charging gun 200 with a vehicle inlet 306 by the electromagnetic fields,
if the charging gun 200 comprises at least one of an electromagnetic coil 702, and
the vehicle inlet 306 comprises at least one of a metallic element and a magnet 704.

27. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising providing an automatic guiding of a charging gun 200 with a vehicle inlet 306 by the electromagnetic fields,
if the electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle holding an electric charge,
the charging gun 200 comprises at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702 and
the vehicle inlet 306 comprises an electromagnetic coil 702.

28. The method as claimed in claim 25 further stopping the electromagnetic fields if a user turns ON the vehicle during a fast-charging mode, comprises:
sensing, by the vehicle control unit (VCU) 310, the ON state of the vehicle;
sending, by the vehicle control unit (VCU) 310, a signal to an external power supply 302 to discontinue the charging of the electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle;
sending, by the vehicle control unit (VCU) 310, a control signal to stop the current flow to the electromagnetic coil 702;
deenergizing the electromagnetic coil 702; and
disconnecting the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306.

29. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil 702 by the one or more current modulating units 112,
wherein one or more current modulating units 112 are connected to at least one of the charging gun 200 and the vehicle inlet 306.

30. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising providing a source of power supply to the electromagnetic coil 702 of the vehicle inlet 306, from the external power supply 302 during the vehicle charging, thereby enabling fast charging of the electric charge storing units 108 of the vehicle.

31. A charging gun 200 for electric charging one or more electric charge storing units 108, comprising:
one or more terminals; and
at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702;
the charging gun 200 is adapted to magnetically attach to a vehicle inlet 306 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108.

32. The charging gun 200 as claimed in claim 31 further comprising one or more current modulating units 112 for controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil 702.

33. The charging gun 200 as claimed in claim 31, wherein the electromagnetic coil 702 is laid around the circumference of the charging gun 200.

34. The charging gun 200 as claimed in claim 31, wherein the charging gun 200 is magnetically attached to the vehicle inlet 306 with a predefined force of attraction,
where the predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the charging gun 200 and the vehicle inlet 306 operatively connected while the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is in progress, and lower than a force at which the charging gun 200 and/or vehicle inlet 306 gets damaged.

35. The charging gun 200 as claimed in claim 31, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to safely detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.

36. The charging gun 200 as claimed in claim 31, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306.

37. A vehicle inlet 306 for electric charging one or more electric charge storing units 108, comprising:
one or more terminals; and
at least one of a metallic element, a magnet and an electromagnetic coil 702,
the vehicle inlet 306 is adapted to magnetically attach to a charging gun 200 with a predefined force during the electric charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108.

38. The vehicle inlet 306 as claimed in claim 37 further comprising one or more current modulating units 112 for controlling flow of current through the electromagnetic coil 702.

39. The vehicle inlet 306 as claimed in claim 37, wherein the electromagnetic coil 702 is laid around the circumference of the vehicle inlet 306.

40. The vehicle inlet 306 as claimed in claim 37, wherein the vehicle inlet 306 is adapted to magnetically attach to the charging gun 200 with a predefined force of attraction,
where the predefined force of attraction is higher than a force required to keep the charging gun 200 and the vehicle inlet 306 operatively connected while the charging of the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is in progress, and lower than a force at which the vehicle inlet 306 and/or the charging gun 200 gets damaged.

41. The vehicle inlet 306 as claimed in claim 37, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 upon receipt of an input from a user, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306 while the fast-charging mode is in progress.

42. The vehicle inlet 306 as claimed in claim 37, wherein a control unit 110 is adapted to send a control signal to one or more current modulating units 112 for stopping the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 702 when the one or more electric charge storing units 108 is fully charged, thereby enabling the user to detach the charging gun 200 from the vehicle inlet 306.