System for electrically connecting batteries to electric vehicles
First Claim
1. An electrical connection system for at least partially electric vehicle, the electrical connection system comprising:
- an electrical connector comprising;
a first electrical connector configured to permanently attach to an underside of a vehicle or to a battery, and configured to removeably couple to a second electrical connector that itself is configured to permanently attach to the other of the vehicle or the battery to which the first electrical connector is not attached, whereinsaid first electrical connector comprises a first coupling portion adapted for mating with a second coupling portion of said second electrical connector and the first electrical connector comprises;
at least a high voltage interface for transmitting high voltage electricity between said first and second electrical connectors;
a mounting portion for permanently attaching to a respective one of said vehicle or said battery; and
a coupler attached to the mounting portion to allow relative motion between the coupling portion and the mounting portion, said coupler configured for compensating for misalignment between the first and second electrical connectors.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The connection system is designed to facilitate electrical and data connections between the battery and the electric vehicle. The connectors are designed with alignment mechanisms to account for initial misalignment of the battery and vehicle while still ensuring positive contact between them. The alignment mechanisms also introduce compliance into the system to ensure that the mechanical components of the system are not placed under unwanted loads or stresses. The connection system houses data connectors carrying communication signals as well as power connectors carrying high voltage electricity. The data connectors are shielded to prevent interference caused by proximity to the high voltage elements. The connection system uses no mechanical latching or locking mechanisms.
226 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An electrical connection system for at least partially electric vehicle, the electrical connection system comprising:
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an electrical connector comprising; a first electrical connector configured to permanently attach to an underside of a vehicle or to a battery, and configured to removeably couple to a second electrical connector that itself is configured to permanently attach to the other of the vehicle or the battery to which the first electrical connector is not attached, wherein said first electrical connector comprises a first coupling portion adapted for mating with a second coupling portion of said second electrical connector and the first electrical connector comprises; at least a high voltage interface for transmitting high voltage electricity between said first and second electrical connectors; a mounting portion for permanently attaching to a respective one of said vehicle or said battery; and a coupler attached to the mounting portion to allow relative motion between the coupling portion and the mounting portion, said coupler configured for compensating for misalignment between the first and second electrical connectors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification