Charging stations for electric vehicles
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A charging station for an electric vehicle having roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes, comprising:
- a support structure configured to overhang the roof of the electric vehicle;
a pair of charging electrodes;
a connector arm including a first end and a second end, wherein (a) the first end of the connector arm is connected to the pair of charging electrodes, and (b) the second end of the connector arm is pivotably coupled to the support structure at a pivot such that the connector arm is configured to rotate about the pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the roof of the electric vehicle; and
a positioning device configured to rotate the connector arm at the pivot to move the pair of charging electrodes towards the roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes of the electric vehicle to establish contact therebetween.
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Abstract
The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.
39 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A charging station for an electric vehicle having roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes, comprising:
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a support structure configured to overhang the roof of the electric vehicle; a pair of charging electrodes; a connector arm including a first end and a second end, wherein (a) the first end of the connector arm is connected to the pair of charging electrodes, and (b) the second end of the connector arm is pivotably coupled to the support structure at a pivot such that the connector arm is configured to rotate about the pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the roof of the electric vehicle; and a positioning device configured to rotate the connector arm at the pivot to move the pair of charging electrodes towards the roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes of the electric vehicle to establish contact therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A charging station for an electric vehicle having roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes, comprising:
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a support structure configured to overhang the roof of the electric vehicle; a pair of charging electrodes coupled to the support structure and configured to provide DC power to the roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes of the electric vehicle; a DC power source electrically connected to the pair of charging electrodes; a connector arm including a first end and a second end, wherein (a) the first end of the connector arm is connected to the pair of charging electrodes, and (b) the second end of the connector arm is pivotably coupled to the support structure at a pivot such that the connector arm is configured to rotate about the pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the roof of the electric vehicle; and a positioning device configured to rotate the connector arm at the pivot to move the pair of charging electrodes towards the roof-mounted charge-receiving electrodes of the electric vehicle to establish contact therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification