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Apparatus that automates the connecting process between a primary connector and a secondary connector for charging an electric vehicle

  • US 10,538,172 B2
  • Filed: 07/06/2018
  • Issued: 01/21/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2017
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An automated electrical connection apparatus for charging a battery on an electric vehicle comprising:

  • a primary connector at a charging site comprising;

    a pop-up apparatus positioned under a ground surface that is capable of being adjusted between an in use or extended position out of the ground surface and a non-use, retracted or stowed position beneath the ground surface, wherein the pop-up apparatus comprises a container positioned under the ground surface, wherein the container includes a bottom end, an open top and at least one side wall comprising an inside wall and an outside wall,wherein the pop-up apparatus further comprises a primary adjustment mechanism having a top end and a bottom end positioned within the container and a primary connector cover housing an electrical connection device connected to the top end of the primary adjustment mechanism, wherein the primary connector cover is flush with the ground surface when the primary adjustment mechanism is in the retracted or stowed positionwherein the open top of the container includes a crown which provides a surface for the primary connector cover to rest on and a seal bed to prevent water and contaminants from entering the container;

    a secondary connector on an electric vehicle comprising;

    a secondary connector cover housing an electrical connection device and optionally, a secondary adjustment mechanism connected to the secondary connector cover which is positioned within the vehicle and is capable of being adjusted between an in use or extended position out from the vehicle and a non-use, retracted or stowed position within the vehicle,wherein an electrical connection is established between the primary connector cover and the secondary connector cover when the pop-up apparatus is adjusted to its extended position,wherein the electrical connection apparatus comprises at least one of the following;

    1.) wherein the electrical connection device on the primary connector cover comprises one or more primary induction coils connected to a power source and the electrical connection device on the secondary connector cover comprises one or more secondary induction coils, wherein the secondary induction coil is connected to a vehicle'"'"'s circuitry to charge the battery on the vehicle, wherein an electrical connection between the primary connector cover and the secondary connector cover is established without the primary connector cover being in physical contact with the secondary connector cover;

    2.) wherein the electrical connection device on the primary connector cover comprises a primary plug in connector connected to a power source and the electrical connection device on the secondary cover comprises a secondary plug in connector, wherein the secondary plug in connector is connected to a vehicle'"'"'s circuitry to charge the battery on the vehicle, wherein the primary plug in connector engages a secondary plug in connector when the pop-up apparatus of the primary connector is in the extended position;

    3.) wherein the electrical connection device on the primary connector cover comprises a primary side of an electrical transformer and the electrical connection device on the secondary connector cover comprise a secondary side of the electrical transformer, wherein the primary side of the electrical transformer is connected to a power source, wherein the secondary side of the electrical transformer is connected to a vehicle'"'"'s circuitry to charge the battery on the vehicle, wherein the primary side of the transformer and the secondary side of the transformer form a single transformer unit when the primary connector cover is in its extended position and connected to the secondary connector cover.

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