Disconnect for a Charging unit for an electric vehicle

• US 20080185991A1
• Filed: 02/07/2007
• Published: 08/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Moffat Harris, Scott C Harris
• Original Assignee: David Moffat Harris, Scott C Harris
• Inventors: Harris, Scott C., Harris, David M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,859,219 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/109
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/20 AC to AC converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/12 by confirmation, e.g. of the input
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/04 Cutting off the power supply under fault conditions protective devices and circuit arrangements in general H01H; H02H
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/16 Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/18 Cables specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6395 for wall or panel outlets
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/2441 with built-in overvoltage protection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles

Abstract

A device for a plug in vehicle includes a cord with a ball-like covering that allows it to be dropped. The cord bounces when dropped, and no damage is caused. There is also an electrical actuator that is based on when the vehicle is in a mode that allows it to be charged. When the vehicle is in the charge mode, the actuator either magnetically attracts the cord, or tightens agains the cord to hold it more tightly If the vehicle is put in reverse, for example, the actuator is deenergized, and the cord is less tightly held, facilitating its disconnection.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a vehicle detection part, that detects whether said vehicle is in a first mode in which it can be charged and produces an indication indicative thereof;

a connection socket, coupled to said vehicle, allowing charging of the vehicle; and

a cord controlling part, producing an action at an area adjacent to said connection socket, to hold an attached part more securely to said connection socket when said indication represents said first mode that allows charging, and to hold the attached part less securely when said indication represents that said vehicle is not in said first mode.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein said cord controlling part includes an electromagnet that is selectively actuated.

3. A device as in claim 1, wherein said cord controlling part includes an actuator that changes a physical connection of said connection socket.

4. A device as in claim 3, wherein said connection socket includes an electrical connection part, and said actuator moves said electrical connection part.

5. A device as in claim 3, wherein said connection socket includes an electrical connection part, and said actuator tightens or loosens a connection of said electrical connection part.

6. A device as in claim 1, wherein said cord controlling part includes an electrically actuable part, that is selectively actuated, and further comprising an electrical cord, interacting with said electrically actuatable part.

7. A device as in claim 6, wherein said electrically actuable part is an electromagnet, and said electrical cord includes a part that is attracted to said electromagnet.

8. A device as in claim 6, wherein said electrical cord includes a portion formed from a section of an elastomeric sphere.

9. A method, comprising:

Detecting a mode of a vehicle, a first mode being a mode in which the vehicle can be charged by electric power;

Based on said detecting that said vehicle can be charged, operating an electrical part to hold more securely to said vehicle.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein said operating comprises actuating an electromagnet.

11. A method as in claim 9, wherein said operating comprises actuating an actuator to move relative to at least electrical contact.

12. A method as in claim 11, wherein said actuating comprises moving an electrical contact in or out relative to said vehicle.

13. A method as in claim 11, wherein said actuating comprises tightening a contact against another contact.

14. A method as in claim 9, further comprising using an electrical cord to connect to said vehicle, and causing said cord to bounce if it hits the ground.

15. An electrical cord, comprising:

a first connection, having a connection end, and a cover surrounding at least a portion of said connection end, said cover defining a section of a sphere, and formed of an elastomeric material;

a second connection end; and

a cord, between said first and second connection ends.