Systems and methods for automatic connection and charging of an electric vehicle at a charging station
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station, the electric vehicle including a charging interface positioned on a roof and the charging station including a charging head configured to engage with the charging interface to charge the electric vehicle, comprising:
- automatically identifying the electric vehicle as the electric vehicle approaches the charging station;
determining that the approaching electric vehicle is supposed to be charged at the charging station based upon the identification;
automatically controlling a movement of the electric vehicle to position the electric vehicle with the charging interface positioned below the charging head;
lowering the charging head to land on the charging interface based on the identification;
automatically moving the electric vehicle after lowering the charging head to engage the charging head with the charging interface;
automatically stopping the electric vehicle when a pilot signal indicative of the engagement of the charging interface with the charging head is received;
automatically shifting a gear of the electric vehicle to neutral, and applying a brake of the electric vehicle after receipt of the pilot signal;
electrically connecting the charging interface with the charging head; and
activating current flow through the charging head to charge the electric vehicle.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides systems and methods for connecting an electric or hybrid electric vehicle to a charging station. Automated charging and docking processes may be provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle arrival and position may be detected. The vehicle may be charged with a charging arm and some automated vehicle positioning may occur. The vehicle may be charged and released. Fault detection may occur.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station, the electric vehicle including a charging interface positioned on a roof and the charging station including a charging head configured to engage with the charging interface to charge the electric vehicle, comprising:
-
automatically identifying the electric vehicle as the electric vehicle approaches the charging station; determining that the approaching electric vehicle is supposed to be charged at the charging station based upon the identification; automatically controlling a movement of the electric vehicle to position the electric vehicle with the charging interface positioned below the charging head; lowering the charging head to land on the charging interface based on the identification; automatically moving the electric vehicle after lowering the charging head to engage the charging head with the charging interface; automatically stopping the electric vehicle when a pilot signal indicative of the engagement of the charging interface with the charging head is received; automatically shifting a gear of the electric vehicle to neutral, and applying a brake of the electric vehicle after receipt of the pilot signal; electrically connecting the charging interface with the charging head; and activating current flow through the charging head to charge the electric vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 7, 8)
-
-
4. A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station, the electric vehicle including a charging interface positioned on a roof and the charging station including a charging head configured to engage with the charging interface to charge the electric vehicle, comprising:
-
automatically identifying the electric vehicle as the electric vehicle approaches the charging station; automatically controlling a movement of the electric vehicle to position the electric vehicle with the charging interface positioned below the charging head; lowering the charging head to land on the charging interface; automatically moving the electric vehicle after lowering the charging head to engage the charging head with the charging interface; automatically stopping the electric vehicle when a pilot signal indicative of the engagement of the charging interface with the charging head is received; automatically shifting a gear of the electric vehicle to neutral, and applying a brake of the electric vehicle after receipt of the pilot signal; and activating current flow through the charging head to charge the electric vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (5, 9, 10)
-
-
6. A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station, the electric vehicle including a charging interface positioned on a roof and the charging station including a charging head configured to engage with the charging interface to charge the electric vehicle, comprising:
-
automatically identifying the electric vehicle as the electric vehicle approaches the charging station; automatically controlling a movement of the electric vehicle to position the electric vehicle with the charging interface positioned below the charging head; detecting features on the roof of the electric vehicle to position the electric vehicle with the charging interface positioned below the charging head; lowering the charging head to land on the charging interface; automatically moving the electric vehicle after lowering the charging head to engage the charging head with the charging interface; automatically stopping the electric vehicle when a pilot signal indicative of the engagement of the charging interface with the charging head is received; and activating current flow through the charging head to charge the electric vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
-
Specification