Slide-in overhead charger (ORC) for charging electric vehicles

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a slide-in overhead charger (ORC) for charging electric vehicles (170). The ORC (100) comprises an infrared (IR) sensor (108) configured to measure a distance value indicating the distance between the IR sensor (108) and a vehicle (170) parked beneath the ORC (100), and a control unit (104) configured to release a charging cable (150) when the distance value is less than a predetermined reference distance. The ORC (100) also comprises one or more microswitches (202) configured to detect movement of the charging cable (150) of the ORC (100), the microswitches (202) being arranged circumferentially on an annular plate (210). The microswitches (202) send signals to the control unit (104) when the charging cable (150) is touched.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electric charging systems. In particular, the present disclosure provides a suspended, retractable device for charging electric vehicles, configured to controllably release and retract charging cables and simultaneously incorporating mechanisms for detecting and reducing cable vibrations. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has evolved rapidly to meet the demands of increasing EV adoption. One such innovation is overhead charging systems, which offer unique advantages such as space-saving and efficient cable management. These systems typically use retractable cables that run from a ceiling- or pole-mounted EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) to the EV's charging point. However, many existing systems struggle with issues such as uncontrolled cable movement, safety risks, and limited adaptability to different vehicles and environments. For example, if a vehicle is parked directly beneath the unit, releasing the charging cable without proper control can cause it to fall onto the vehicle's roof, potentially causing scratches or other damage.The uncontrolled movement of the cable poses a risk not only to the vehicle but also to the user, who could be struck by the swinging or falling cable, potentially causing injury. Furthermore, if the ceiling charger is located some distance from the vehicle, the dangling cable can sway and strike the vehicle's bodywork, increasing the risk of damage.

[0003] In addition to safety concerns, current charging systems have significant technical limitations. Many existing systems are permanently installed and cannot be adjusted for different parking positions or vehicle types, resulting in limited flexibility, especially if the vehicle's charging port is in a non-standard position. This rigidity often requires users to reposition their vehicles multiple times or manually adjust the cable. Furthermore, existing charging systems require considerable force to pull the connectors and attach them to the electric vehicle, reducing overall convenience and excluding elderly users and people with disabilities.To meet the growing demand for user-friendly electric vehicle charging solutions, there is a clear need for an adaptable, automated charging system that can accommodate various vehicle designs while minimizing user intervention and ensuring safety.

[0004] Patent WO2017222557A1 discloses a system for managing overhead power cables for charging electric vehicles, in which the cable is managed by a winding mechanism. This system, which includes a double-sided positionable coupling and an arrangement of gears, makes it possible to unwind the cable from an overhead position, extend it to connect to the vehicle, and wind it back up after the charging process is complete.

[0005] The cited reference provides for an automatic rewind mechanism to prevent the cable from sagging. However, the cable can swing or wobble, increasing the risk of it striking the vehicle or user when deployed. Furthermore, the cable can fall abruptly from a height when released, potentially scratching or damaging the vehicle. The lack of active mechanisms to control the cable's speed and direction also increases the risk of user injury.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, shortcomings and limitations associated with existing charging systems by providing an efficient and safe solution for controlling the release and retraction of charging cables and for detecting cable vibrations. SUBJECT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0007] A general objective of the present disclosure is to enable the automatic release and retraction of a charging cable based on the detected position of the cable and environmental factors, in order to ensure optimal cable length and to avoid tangling or damage / injury to the vehicle / user.

[0008] One purpose of the present disclosure is to control the release of the charging cable based on distance measurements in such a way that the cable is only released when it is safe and appropriate.

[0009] Another function of the present disclosure is to determine a length up to which the cable should be released, based on the distances to the ground / vehicle detected by one or more infrared sensors.

[0010] Another function of the present disclosure is the controlled release and / or retraction of the cable when it sways, in order to prevent the cable (and couplings attached to it) from colliding with the vehicle or a user. SUMMARY

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to the field of electric charging systems. In particular, the present disclosure provides an overhead retractable device configured to controllably release and retract charging cables, while incorporating mechanisms for detecting and reducing cable oscillation.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a slide-in overhead charger (ORC) that includes an infrared (IR) sensor configured to measure a distance value indicating the distance between the IR sensor and a vehicle parked beneath the ORC, and a control unit configured to release a charging cable when the distance value is less than a predetermined reference distance. The automatic release of the charging cable simplifies the charging process and increases user convenience.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control unit can be communicatively coupled with several external IR sensors, each external IR sensor being configured to measure a corresponding external distance value indicating the distance between each external IR sensor and the vehicle, and the control unit can be configured to release the charging cable based on a minimum distance value between the measured external distance values ​​detected by the multiple external IR sensors and the distance value measured by the IR sensor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to release the charging cable up to a predetermined offset value that is below the measured distance value.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ORC may include a voltage sensor configured to detect the voltage in the charging cable, and the control unit may be configured to release the charging cable when the detected voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to prevent the charging cable from being released when the voltage falls below the threshold.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ORC may include one or more microswitches configured to detect movement of the ORC's charging cable, wherein the one or more microswitches may be arranged circumferentially on an annular plate, wherein the one or more microswitches may be configured to transmit a signal to the control unit when the charging cable comes into contact with it, and wherein the charging cable may be routed through an annular area of ​​the annular plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured so that it no longer releases the charging cable if one or more microswitches detect that the charging cable is moving.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to retract the charging cable when it detects fluctuation of the charging cable based on signals from one or more microswitches.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to release the charging cable based on inputs received from a user device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the ORC may include a means of propulsion configured to move the ORC.

[0021] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to move the ORC to a parking space using the means of propulsion when it detects the presence of the vehicle based on a reference distance that is greater than an external distance value measured by an external IR sensor associated with the parking space.

[0022] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram for a slide-in overhead charger (ORC) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 2A to 2C show exemplary representations of an arrangement for detecting fluctuations of the ORC according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 3A to 3C show exemplary representations of a scenario in which the ORC uses an infrared (IR) sensor for controlled release of the charging cable, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 4A to 4C show exemplary representations of a scenario in which the ORC uses the IR sensor and one or more external IR sensors to control the release of the charging cable, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary representation of a scenario in which the ORC can be moved to one or more parking spaces, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The described embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the necessary level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0025] The embodiments described herein relate to an overhead retractable device for controlled release and retraction of charging cables, incorporating mechanisms for detecting and attenuating cable oscillation.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an electric retractable overhead charger (ORC) 100. The ORC 100 can be mounted on a roof or overhanging structure. The ORC 100 can be used to charge electric vehicles 170 (for example) by connecting the ORC 100 to the electric vehicle 170 via a charging cable 150. The charging cable 150 may include a coupler or electrical interfaces that engage with corresponding interfaces on the vehicle 170 to establish an electrical connection between them. The ORC 100 can be configured to controllably extend and / or retract the charging cable 150. In some embodiments, the charging cable 150 may be wound around a rotatable element (not shown) connected to a controllable motor.In some embodiments, the charging cable 150 can be released and / or retracted by unwinding and / or winding it up, by actuating the motor and rotating the rotatable element in the appropriate direction. The length of the released or retracted cable 150 can be adjusted depending on the number of rotations of the rotatable element.

[0027] In some embodiments, the charging cable 150 may have a coupler 152 at its distal end (relative to the ORC 100). The coupler 152 may include an electrical interface configured to electrically connect the ORC 100 to an electric vehicle 170 for charging. In some embodiments, users of the vehicle 170 may be permitted to pull the coupler 152 and manually connect it to a terminal on the vehicle 170 to establish the electrical connection. To enable the user to pull the coupler 152, the ORC 100 may be configured to release / extend the charging cable 150 in a controlled manner to a suitable height, based on the distance to the ground and / or the distance to the vehicle. Furthermore, the ORC 100 may be configured to release the cable 150 upon receiving input from a user device 114 initiated by the user.The user device 114 can be a remote control, a mobile app on a smartphone or computer, mechanical interfaces (such as buttons, levers, control panels, and the like) connected to the ORC 100, or a similar interface that communicates wirelessly (via Bluetooth, telecommunications networks, local area networks, wireless fidelity, and the like, but not limited to) with the control unit 104. In some embodiments, the user device 114 can allow users to control the release and retraction of the charging cable 150 and to set parameters such as cable length, retraction speed, or preferred charging position.

[0028] As shown, the ORC 100 can contain a control unit 104. The control unit 104 can contain a processor (not shown) implemented as a microprocessor, microcomputer, microcontroller, digital signal processor, central processing unit, logic circuits, and / or any device for processing data based on operating instructions. The processor can be configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown). The memory can be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines on a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium, which can be retrieved and executed to perform one or more specific operations for controlling the release and retraction of the ORC 100's charging cable. The memory can include any non-volatile storage device, such as...a volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM) or a non-volatile memory such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to actuate the motor so that it rotates in both directions to either release and / or retract the charging cable 150. The manner in which the control unit 104 actuates the motor can be determined based on a number of parameters, as described below in this disclosure.

[0029] In one embodiment, the ORC 100 can include an infrared (IR) sensor 108 configured to measure a distance to the vehicle (e.g., distance value 352 in Fig. 3B), which indicates the distance between the ORC 100 and the vehicle 170 parked beneath the ORC 100. The IR sensor 108 can also be configured to measure a distance to the ground (e.g., reference distance 350 in). Fig. 3C), if no vehicle 170 is present. In some embodiments, the IR sensor 108 can be configured to detect distances by emitting IR light and detecting reflections of the emitted IR light on the ground or the vehicle 170. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to detect the presence of the vehicle 170 when the distance value detected / measured by the IR sensor 108 is less than the reference distance determined and stored in the control unit 104. The control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable 150 when the distance value is less than the reference distance, as described in the Fig. 3A to 3C described.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ORC 100 can be configured to communicate with a plurality of external IR sensors 140. The external IR sensors 140 can be configured to operate similarly to the IR sensor 108, i.e., to determine the distance to a disturbing object, such as the ground or the vehicle 170. The control unit 104 can be communicatively coupled to a plurality of external IR sensors 140, each configured to determine a corresponding distance to the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable 150 based on a minimum distance to the vehicle 170 below the corresponding distance values ​​detected by the plurality of external IR sensors 140. The external IR sensors 140 can be mounted on the roof or overhanging structure at a predetermined distance from the ORC 100.The operation of the control unit 104 using the external IR sensors 140 is described with reference to the . Fig. 4A to 4C are described. In one embodiment, the control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable when the measured distance is less than a predetermined distance from the reference distance, indicating the presence of the vehicle 170 that needs charging. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable 150 up to a distance corresponding to the distance to the vehicle determined by the IR sensors 108 / 140. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable up to a predetermined offset value that is less than the measured distance to the vehicle 170. The predetermined offset value can correspond to a safety buffer distance by which the coupler 152 of the charging cable 150 can be moved away from or disconnected from the vehicle 170.Taking the offset value into account can prevent the coupler 152 from colliding with and / or damaging the vehicle 170.

[0031] In one embodiment, the ORC 100 can include a voltage sensor 110 configured to detect the voltage of the charging cable 150. The control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable 150 when the detected voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold and to stop releasing it when the voltage falls below the threshold. For example, if the user pulls on the charging cable 150, thereby increasing the voltage in the cable 150 to more than the predetermined threshold, the ORC 100 can be configured to release the charging cable 150, thus allowing the cable to be pulled. After the charging cable 150 has been pulled to the desired length, the user can release it or stop pulling, thereby reducing the voltage to less than the predetermined threshold. In such an example, the ORC 100 can stop releasing the charging cable 150.In some embodiments, the voltage sensor 110 can be installed in line with the charging cable 150 or near the release mechanism to measure the voltage applied to the cable 150. The voltage sensor 110 can be configured to transmit the voltage to the control unit 104, which can then activate or deactivate the release of the charging cable 150 based on the voltage.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ORC 100 may include a motion means 112 configured to move / reposition the ORC 100. In some embodiments, the ORC 100 may be moved to a user-selected location, which can be specified in the inputs provided by the user's device 114. In some embodiments, the motion means 112 may be a motorized mechanism, such as a rail, a slide, or a robotic arm, capable of repositioning the loading system. The motion means 112 may be controlled by the control unit 104 or directly by user commands via the user device 114. Further examples of the use of the motion means 112 are described in Fig. 5 shown.

[0033] In some embodiments, the ORC 100 may include a fluctuation detection arrangement, such as the one described in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shown arrangement for detecting fluctuations 200. The arrangement 200 for detecting fluctuations can be configured to detect wobbling movements of the charging cable 150 when it is released or when it is freed.

[0034] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2A-2C, the arrangement for detecting fluctuations 200 can comprise an annular plate 210 and one or more microswitches, such as microswitches 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4 (collectively referred to as microswitches 202). In some embodiments, the microswitches 202 can have a sensing surface configured to detect touches. For example, when an object comes into contact with the sensing surface, the sensing surface contacts the body of the microswitch 202, triggering a signal that is transmitted to the control unit 104, as shown in Figure 2A-2C. Fig. 2B shown. In some embodiments, the microswitches 202 can be arranged circularly, i.e., circumferentially around the annular plate 210. In some embodiments, the annular plate 210 can have an annular region 212. In some embodiments, the charging cable 150 can be arranged to pass through the annular region 212, as shown in Fig. 2C shown. In some embodiments, the microswitches (202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4) can be arranged such that their sensitive surfaces are configured to detect movements in the cable 150. Any wiggle or displacement in the position of the cable 150 can trigger the microswitches (202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4) to send a signal to the control unit 104.

[0035] Each microswitch 202 can have an arc-shaped structure that connects it to the control unit 104 and ensures increased sensitivity. When the arc-shaped body experiences movement of the cable 150, it can activate the microswitch 202. All four microswitches (202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4) can be integrated and arranged in a ring on the annular plate 210, as shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows that any movement or displacement of the cable 150 can cause the microswitches (202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4) to touch, providing accurate feedback for detecting the movement. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to determine the type of wiggling or oscillation based on the combination or pattern of the microswitches 202 from which the signals are received. For example, in the case of circular wiggling of the charging cable 150 (and correspondingly, wiggling of the charging coupler 152), the control unit 104 can receive signals from each of the microswitches 202 sequentially (i.e., 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4, etc., or vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation). In other examples, during linear or backward oscillation, signals can be alternately transmitted from the microswitches 202 to the control unit 104 (e.g. 202-1, 202-3 or 202-2 and 202-4).

[0036] The control unit 104 can be configured to mitigate oscillation by controlling the release and retraction of the charging cable 150. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to retract the charging cable 150 upon detecting cable oscillation based on signals from the microswitches 202. Retraction shortens the charging cable 150 and thus reduces the oscillation. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 can be configured to prevent the charging cable from being released when the microswitches 202 detect oscillation. Furthermore, the control unit 104 can be configured to prevent the charging cable from being released when one or more microswitches 202 detect excessive oscillation above a predetermined threshold.

[0037] With reference to Fig. Figures 3A-3C show the operation of the ORC 100 when a vehicle 170 is parked directly under the ORC 100. Fig. 3A and Fig. Section 3B describes the operation of the ORC 100 when only the IR sensor 108 is used. The ORC 100 can begin with an initial calibration during installation. Before a vehicle 170 is parked, the ORC 100 can measure the distance from its position to the ground (i.e., the distance to the ground) using the IR sensor 108 and record this as the reference distance 350. When the vehicle 170 is later parked under the ORC 100, the user can activate the ORC 100, for example, via an app on the user device 114. At this point, the ORC 100 can measure the distance (i.e., vehicle-to-vehicle) and record the vehicle-to-vehicle distance value 352. If the distance value 352 is smaller than the reference distance 350, the ORC 100 can interpret this as the presence of the vehicle 170 and initiate the release of the charging cable 150. The cable can be extended up to the difference between the distance value 352 and a predetermined offset (e.g.,The charging cable 150 is released at a distance of 352 (10 cm), providing a safety margin that prevents the charging cable 150 or the coupler 152 from getting too close to the vehicle 170 or potentially colliding with it. Beyond this point, further release can be stopped, and the user must manually unplug the charging cable 150 to establish a connection with the vehicle 170. The voltage sensor 110 in the ORC 100 can monitor the voltage of the charging cable 150 during this process and allow further release of the charging cable 150 if the voltage increases. Furthermore, the ORC 100 can use the fluctuation detection mechanism (200) to interrupt / stop the release of the charging cable 150 if fluctuations are detected, or retract the charging cable 150 to reduce the fluctuations. The release of the charging cable 150 can only be activated when the movement comes to a standstill.If oscillation is detected near the point corresponding to the difference between the distance value 352 and the offset, the ORC 100 can retract the charging cable 150 to mitigate the oscillation and thereby minimize the risk of contact with the vehicle 170.

[0038] Fig. 3C shows a flowchart 300C of the operation of the ORC 100. With reference to Fig. During initial installation, the ORC 100 in Block 301 can use the IR sensor 108 to measure the distance between the ORC 100 and the ground, which is referred to as the reference distance 350. In Block 302, when the vehicle 170 is parked under the ORC 100, the user can activate the ORC 100 via an app on the user device 114. The ORC 100 can then remeasure the distance, which can be the distance-to-vehicle / distance value 352. If the distance value 352 is less than the reference value 350, the ORC 100 in Block 303 determines that the vehicle 170 is underneath it and initiates the release of the charging cable 150.

[0039] If the ORC 100 detects in block 303 that the charging cable 150 is wobbling / swaying during release, then the ORC 100 determines in block 304 whether the charging cable 150 is swaying and pauses / stops the release until the wobbling / swaying ceases. In some embodiments, the ORC 100 can retract the charging cable 150 to stop the wobbling. Then, in block 307, the control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable 150 until it reaches a length equal to the distance value 352 minus the specified offset. For example, if the distance value 352 is 100 cm and the specified offset is 10 cm, the charging cable 150 can be released up to 90 cm. The release of the charging cable 150 can be stopped after 90 cm. As soon as the charging cable reaches 150 to the set distance (e.g.Once the charging cable 150 (90 cm) is released, the user can manually pull on the charging cable 150 while locking it (308) to connect the charging coupler 152 to a port on the vehicle 170 and establish the electrical connection. The ORC 100 can monitor the voltage of the charging cable 150, and if the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, the ORC 100 / control unit 104 can allow the charging cable 150 to be released. The ORC 100 can stop the charging cable 150 from being released as soon as the coupler 152 is connected to the vehicle 170 and the user releases the charging cable 150, causing the voltage to fall below the predetermined threshold.

[0040] In block 303, if the distance value 352 is greater than the reference value 350, the control unit 104 can determine that the vehicle 170 is not below the ORC 100. Then, in block 306, the control unit 104 can be configured to release the charging cable 150 until it reaches a length equal to the distance value 352, minus the predetermined offset. In block 305, once the charging cable 150 has been released to the predetermined offset, which is less than the distance value 352, the user can manually pull on the charging cable 150 to connect the charging coupler 152 to a connector on the vehicle 170 and establish the electrical connection.

[0041] Once the vehicle is electrically connected to the ORC 100, the charging process can begin.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 4A-4C, the ORC 100 can be configured to receive distance values ​​from multiple external IR sensors 140. Referring to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B The ORC 100 may not be positioned directly above the vehicle 170 or a parking space, but installed nearby. In such cases, the ORC 100 can be configured via the control unit 104 to use the external IR sensors 140 to determine a safe distance to which the charging cable 150 can be lowered. Fig. 4A and Fig. While Figure 4B shows only one external IR sensor 140, the expert can recognize that any number of external IR sensors 140 can be used. During initial setup, before the vehicle 170 is parked, the ORC 100 can be configured to obtain and store distances to the ground or reference distances from the IR sensors 108 and the external IR sensors 140, which can be recorded as reference distances 450A and 450B, respectively. When the user parks the vehicle 170 and activates the charging process via an app on the user's device 114, the ORC 100 can be configured to (re)measure the distance values ​​452A and 452B from both the IR sensor 108 and the external IR sensor 140. Since the ORC 100 (and its corresponding IR sensor 108) and the external IR sensors 140 can be placed in different locations, the distance values ​​(i.e., the distance to vehicles) can be different.The ORC 100 / control unit 104 can be configured to determine the minimum distance values ​​452A, 452B detected / measured by the IR sensor 108 and / or the external IR sensors in order to release the charging cable 150. This minimum can be taken directly below the ORC 100 instead of the distance value 452A, since if the charging cable 150 sways, there is a risk that the coupler 152 could collide with other parts of the vehicle 170, which may be elevated. The external IR sensors 140 take such elevated sections of the vehicle 170 into account. Because the ORC 100 can only release the charging cable 150 up to the measured minimum distance, collisions due to swaying can be avoided.

[0043] In Fig. Section 4C shows a flowchart (400C) of the operation of the ORC 100 using multiple external IR sensors 140. In section 401, the ORC 100 can be configured to measure the reference distances 450A and 450B, which indicate the distance to the ground, from the IR sensor 108 and the external IR sensors 140. In section 402, when the user triggers the release of the charging cable by providing the corresponding inputs to the control unit 104 via the user device 114, the control unit 104 / ORC 100 can measure the distance values ​​452A and 452B using the IR sensor 108 and the external IR sensors 140. In blocking 403, the control unit 104 can determine whether the distance values ​​452A and / or 452B are smaller than the corresponding reference distance 450A and / or 450B.If either of the distance values ​​452A and / or 452B is smaller than the corresponding reference distance 450A and / or 450B, the control unit 104 can determine that at least part of the vehicle 170 is parked in a parking space assigned to the ORC 100. Then, in block 404, the ORC 100 can be configured to release the charging cable 150. The charging cable can be released up to a minimum of the predetermined offset value, which is smaller than the distance values ​​452A and / or 452B. For example, if the distance values ​​452A and / or 452B are 80 cm and 90 cm respectively, and the predetermined offset value is 10 cm, the control unit 104 can be configured to determine the minimum of the predetermined offset value minus the distance values ​​452A and / or 452B as 70 cm (this is the minimum of 90 cm - 10 cm and 80 cm - 10 cm). This prevents the cable from hitting the vehicle 170.In block 405, once the charging cable 150 has been released to a specified length, the user can manually unplug it from the ORC 100. The voltage sensor 110 can detect the increase in voltage caused by manually unplugging the cable. If the voltage exceeds the predefined threshold, the control unit 104 can be configured to allow the charging cable 150 to be released further. In block 406, while the cable is being released, the ORC 100 can monitor the charging cable 150 for any oscillation or fluctuation using the fluctuation detection arrangement. If this is detected, the ORC 100 can pause / stop the release process until the oscillation subsides or is mitigated. The process can be completed once the charging cable 150 is securely connected to the vehicle 170.

[0044] In Fig.Figure 5 shows an example of an ORC 100, which is movably installed between one or more parking spaces 502-1 to 502-4. At least one of the external IR sensors 140 (i.e., 140-1 to 140-4) can be provided at each of the parking spaces 502-1 to 502-4. In some embodiments, each of the external IR sensors 140-1 to 140-4 can be initialized after installation by determining the reference distances for them. Once the vehicle 170 is parked in one of the parking spaces 502-1 to 502-4, the external IR sensors 140 can determine the corresponding distance values ​​(i.e., the distances between the vehicles). If the distance values ​​are smaller than the corresponding reference distances, the presence of the vehicle 170 in that parking space is determined.For each parking space 502-1 to 502-4 where the distance value is less than the corresponding reference value, the control unit 104 can cause the ORC 100 to move to that parking space using the means of movement 112. The means of movement 112 can enable the ORC 100 to move closer to one of the parking spaces 502-1 to 502-4 where the vehicle 170 is parked. The ORC 100 can then be configured to execute blocks 404, 405, and 406 to release the charging cable 150, thus establishing an electrical connection between the ORC 100 and the vehicle 170 for charging.

[0045] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure can be developed without departing from the basic scope. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the following claims. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to produce and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person with ordinary technical knowledge. BENEFITS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0046] The present disclosure provides an overhead retractable device for controlled release and retraction of charging cables, which simultaneously includes mechanisms for detecting and attenuating cable oscillation.

[0047] The present disclosure enables the automatic release and retraction of a charging cable based on the detected position of the cable and environmental factors, thereby ensuring optimal cable length and avoiding entanglement or damage / injury to the vehicle / user.

[0048] The present disclosure governs the release of the charging cable based on distance measurements, so that the cable is only released when it is safe and appropriate.

[0049] This disclosure specifies a length up to which the cable is to be released, based on the distances to the ground / vehicle detected by one or more infrared sensors.

[0050] This disclosure governs the release and / or retraction of the cable when it sways, in order to prevent the cable (and couplings attached to it) from colliding with the vehicle or a user.

[0051] This disclosure simplifies the charging process and increases user convenience. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2017222557A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Slide-in overhead charger (ORC) (100) comprising the ORC (100): an infrared (IR) sensor (108) configured to measure a distance value indicating the distance between the IR sensor (108) and a vehicle (170) parked under the ORC (100); and a control unit (104) configured to release a charging cable (150) when the distance value is less than a specified reference distance. [2] ORC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is communicatively coupled to several external IR sensors (140), wherein each external IR sensor from the several external IR sensors (140) is configured to measure a corresponding external distance value indicating the distance of each external IR sensor to the vehicle (170), and the control unit (104) is configured to release the charging cable (150) on the basis of a minimum distance value between the measured external distance values ​​detected by the several external IR sensors (140) and the distance value measured by the IR sensor (108). [3] ORC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to release the charging cable (150) up to a predetermined offset value which is smaller than the measured distance value. [4] ORC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ORC (100) comprises a voltage sensor (110) configured to detect the voltage in the charging cable (150), and the control unit (104) configured to release the charging cable (150) when the detected voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to prevent the charging cable (150) from being released when the voltage falls below the threshold. [5] ORC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ORC (100) comprises one or more microswitches (202) configured to detect oscillation of the charging cable (150) of the ORC (100), wherein one or more microswitches (202) are arranged circumferentially on an annular plate (210), wherein one or more microswitches (202) are configured to send a signal to the control unit (104) when the charging cable (150) comes into contact with it, and wherein the charging cable (150) is guided through a ring-shaped area (212) of the ring-shaped plate (210). [6] ORC (100) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to no longer release the charging cable (150) when one or more microswitches (202) detect that the charging cable (150) is fluctuating. [7] ORC (100) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to retract the charging cable (150) upon detection of a fluctuation of the charging cable (150) based on signals from the one or more microswitches (202). [8] ORC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to release the charging cable (150) based on inputs received from a user device (114). [9] ORC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ORC (100) comprises a means of movement (112) configured to move the ORC (100). [10] ORC (100) according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (104) is configured to move the ORC (100) to a parking space (502) using the means of movement (112) when it detects the presence of the vehicle (170) on the basis of a reference distance which is greater than an external distance value measured by an external IR sensor (140) associated with the parking space (502).

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