US 7,993,155 B2 · System for electrically connecting batteries to electric vehicles

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.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electrical connection system for a battery of an at least partially electric vehicle, the electrical connection system comprising:

a first electrical connector configured to permanently attach to an underside of an at least partially electric vehicle;
a second electrical connector configured to permanently attach to a battery, wherein the first and second electrical connectors are configured to be removably coupled to each other, along an axis substantially perpendicular to the underside of the at least partially electric vehicle;
wherein each of the first and second electrical connectors further comprise:
a high voltage interface for transmitting high voltage electricity between the first and second electrical connectors;
a low voltage data interface for transmitting data carried on an electrical signal between the first and second electrical connectors;
and
a shielding mechanism to counteract electromagnetic effects caused by the one or more high voltage connection elements.

4 more elements

An electrical connection system for a battery of an at least partially electric vehicle, the electrical connection system comprising:

a first electrical connector configured to mount to an underside of an at least partially electric vehicle, comprising:
a first coupling portion for mating with a second coupling portion of a second electrical connector;
a first mounting portion for attaching the first electrical connector to the at least partially electric vehicle;
and
a first coupler attaching the first coupling portion to the first mounting portion with a spring mechanism positioned between the first coupling portion and the first mounting portion, the first coupler allowing relative motion between the first coupling portion and the first mounting portion;
the second electrical connector configured to mount to a battery, comprising:
the second coupling portion for mating with the first coupling portion of the first electrical connector;
wherein the first coupler compensates for misalignment between the first and second electrical connectors;
and
wherein the first and second coupling portions include:
a high voltage interface for transmitting high voltage electricity between the first and second coupling portions;
and
a data interface for transmitting data between the first and second coupling portions.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for electrically connecting batteries to electric vehicles

Life of this patent

System for electrically connecting batteries to electric vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20