Method and Apparatus for Automatic Charging of an Electrically Powered Vehicle
First Claim
1. An apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle configured to convey one or more humans, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor configured to detect the vehicle'"'"'s proximity to the apparatus; and
one or more chargers configured to automatically mate with and supply electrical power to the vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle are provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing proximity or presence of the vehicle, and one or more chargers for automatically coupling with corresponding receptacles of the vehicle and charging an onboard electrical storage device (e.g., a battery). The vehicle may be driven to or parked in a position that automatically couples the apparatus and vehicle as needed, or the apparatus may include locomotion means (e.g., wheels, tracks, rails) for moving along one or more axes of movement. The degree of coupling may depend on the type of charger to be engaged—such as direct contact for conductive and inductive chargers, or close proximity for a near-field charger. The apparatus may also include manual controls for moving/operating the apparatus, a processor for controlling operation of any element(s) of the apparatus, and/or other components.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle configured to convey one or more humans, the apparatus comprising:
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a sensor configured to detect the vehicle'"'"'s proximity to the apparatus; and one or more chargers configured to automatically mate with and supply electrical power to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
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trigger means configured to initiate automatic charging of the vehicle; and charging means configured to charge the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. An apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle configured to convey one or more humans, the apparatus comprising:
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a trigger configured to activate the apparatus to initiate a charging session in which the apparatus charges the vehicle; an electrical charging interface configured to transfer electrical energy to the vehicle; and a director configured to assist with mating of the electrical charging interface to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle, the method comprising:
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receiving a first electronic signal signifying presence of the vehicle in proximity to an automatic charging apparatus; automatically mating at least one charger interface of the automatic charging apparatus with a corresponding receptacle of the vehicle without action on the part of an operator of the vehicle; and charging an electrical power storage device of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification