Armature induction charging of moving electric vehicle batteries

• US 5,821,728 A
• Filed: 07/22/1996
• Issued: 10/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stanley A. Tollison
• Original Assignee: Stanley A. Tollison
• Inventors: Schwind, John P.
• Primary Examiner(s): TSO, EDWARD H
• Application Number:
  US08/685,943
• Time in Patent Office: 813 Days
• Field of Search: 320/2, 320/108, 320/109, 320/123, 320/101, 320/DIG. 36, 191/10
• US Class Current: 320/108
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/124 Detection or removal of foreign bodies
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/126 Methods for pairing a vehicle and a charging station, e.g. establishing a one-to-one relation between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/39 with position-responsive activation of primary coils
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/40 using two or more transmitting or receiving devices H02J50/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/60 responsive to the presence of foreign objects, e.g. detection of living beings
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• 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 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles

Abstract

Batteries of a moving electric vehicle are charged using an electromagnetic field extended along the centerline of a driving lane and a level controlled armature mounted on the underside of an electric vehicle by having the moving coils of the armature lowered to optimum proximity of the magnetic field as the moving vehicle straddles and traveress over the magnetic field. Current will be induced into the armature coils by the relative motion between the armature coils and the primary inductive coils. For billing purposes a vehicle is identified and timed as it enters and leaves the charging lane by means of a vehicle mounted bar code and scanners located at the entrance and exit of the charging lane. The billing information is relayed to a data storage and process center.

Claims

1. An apparatus for charging batteries of a moving electric vehicle comprising:

(A) an electromagnetic strip means for producing a magnetic field along a centerline of a roadway, comprising a series of inductive coils, power supply line, switches, and sensors;

(B) an armature and armature drive motor servo mechanism for transducing the magnetomotive force of said magnetic field to electromotive force, producing electric current for charging said batteries;

(C) a level controller and level controller servo mechanism means for positioning said armature in optimum proximity to said magnetic field wherein

(C1) the level controller including a road hazard protection means comprising;

(C1-1) an armature mounting plate;

(C1-2) lowering arms means for manipulating the mounting plate;

(C1-3) a level control arm and a level control arm shield;

a shock absorber means for connecting said level control arm to said lowering arms means for protecting the armature mounting plate and the armature from said hazards

(C1-4) a worm gear means for operating the lowering arms means;

(C2) the level controller servo mechanism comprising;

(C2-1) a magnetic field intensity sensor, a potentiometer, and a reversible servo motor for driving said worm gear means for maintaining optimum proximity of said armature to said magnetic field;

(D) a ratchetted safety release hub means for emergency disengagement of said worm gear means from a servo motor shaft;

(E) an antimagnetic shield means for protection of electric vehicle passengers and electronic equipment;

(F) means for identifying, timing and billing said vehicle for battery charging service.

2. The apparatus for charging batteries of a moving electric vehicle as described in claim 1 wherein said means for identifying, timing and billing said electric vehicle is provided comprising:

a vehicle mounted bar code;

entrance and exit scanners;

data storage and process center; and

means for transmitting information from said scanners to said data center.