Systems and methods for automatic connection and charging of an electric vehicle at a charging station
AssigneeProterra Inc.
InventorsReuben Sarkar, Michael Alan Finnern, Michael Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims12
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.