Charging cable tether

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments include devices, systems, and methods for releasably attaching a charging interface (which is coupled to an overhead cable) to a lower surface to help limit accidental movement of the charging interface. In an exemplary embodiment, a device includes a releasable coupling. An upper interface is configured to secure a first end of the releasable coupling to a means for attaching it to one end of an overhead cable extending downward from an overhead body. A lower interface is configured to releasably secure a second end of the releasable coupling to the lower surface. The lower interface is configured to release the second end of the releasable coupling in response to strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to a charging cable for vehicles.

[0002] The statements in this section are provided only as background information in connection with this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Electric vehicles are charged using charging stations, which include power cables that terminate at a charging interface. The charging interface can be connected to a charging port on the electric vehicle to replenish the charge in the vehicle's battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed embodiments include devices, systems, and methods for releasably attaching a charging interface (which is connected to an overhead cable) to a lower surface to help limit accidental movement of the charging interface.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a device includes a releasable coupling. An upper interface is configured to secure a first end of the releasable coupling to an apparatus at one end of an overhead cable extending downward from an overhead body. A lower interface is configured to releasably secure a second end of the releasable coupling to a lower surface. The lower interface is configured to release the second end of the releasable coupling in response to strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a system includes an overhead charging source. A charging interface is configured to provide power for a rechargeable vehicle. A charging cable is configured to electrically connect the charging interface to the overhead charging source and mechanically support the charging interface. A releasable fastening device includes a releasable coupling. An upper interface is configured to secure a first end of the releasable coupling to the charging interface connected to the charging cable, which extends downward from the overhead charging source. A lower interface is configured to releasably secure a second end of the releasable coupling to a lower surface. The lower interface is configured to release the second end of the releasable coupling in response to strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a method includes attaching a first end of a releasable connector to a charging interface at one end of a charging cable extending downward from an overhead power source. A second end of the releasable connector is releasably attached to a lower surface. The second end of the releasable connector is configured to release from the lower surface when a force applied to at least one of the charging interface, the charging cable, and the releasable connector produces a strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold.

[0008] Further features, advantages, and applications will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the focus is on illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 It is a partial schematic plan view of an overhead charging station including an exemplary releasable connection system for a fixed charging interface;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic plan view of the details of the releasable connection system;

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A partial schematic plan view of a releasable connector that, in response to strain applied to the releasable connector, maintains the position of the charging interface and releases the charging interface, respectively.

[0013] Figures 4A-4C , Figure 5 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is a partial schematic plan view of an exemplary lower interface for attaching a releasable coupling to the lower surface;

[0014] Figure 7A and 7B It is a partial schematic plan view of an exemplary releasable connector including extendable elements; and

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method for releasably attaching a charging interface to a lower surface. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. It should be noted that the first digit of the three-digit reference numerals corresponds to the figure number at the first appearance of the element.

[0017] The following description is for illustrative and not limiting purposes only, explaining various embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for releasably attaching a charging interface (extending from an overhead cable) to an underlying surface to help limit accidental movement of the charging interface.

[0018] refer to Figure 1In various embodiments, the charging station 100 for the rechargeable vehicle 102 includes an overhead charging system 104. The overhead charging system 104 includes an overhead body, such as an overhead charging source 108. The overhead charging source 108 may include an interface to a public electrical utility or another electrical system accessible to provide power to the rechargeable vehicle 102. The overhead charging system 104 also includes an overhead cable, such as a charging cable 110. In various embodiments, the charging cable 110 terminates in a device such as a charging interface 112 configured to connect to a charging port 114 of the rechargeable vehicle 102. As a result, the overhead charging system 104 can supply power from the overhead charging source 108 to the charging interface 112 via the charging cable 110 to supply power for charging a battery (not shown) included in the rechargeable vehicle 102. The overhead charging system 104 may be mounted to an overhead structure 116, such as a building's ceiling, canopy, or other structure. Although in various embodiments the charging cable 110 is described as being configured from an overhead-mounted charging system 104, it should be understood that one or more embodiments described herein can be used for charging systems at any height and are not necessarily limited to overhead heights from which the charging cable 110 is suspended.

[0019] In various embodiments, the overhead-mounted charging system 104 saves space on the lower surface 118 of the charging station 100 by eliminating the need for one or more floor-mounted charging devices. The lower surface 118 may include the ground, a paved surface, or a structured floor. The overhead-mounted charging system 104 may be configured to place the charging interface 112 near the charging port 114 of the electric vehicle 102 to facilitate connection between the charging interface 112 and the charging port 114. In various embodiments, as further described below, a cable securing system 120 movably connects the charging interface 112 and its associated charging cable 110 to the lower surface 118 to help limit accidental movement of the charging interface.

[0020] For further reference Figure 2 In various embodiments, the cable securing system 120 includes a releasable connector 222. As further described herein, the releasable connector may include a cable, strip, cord, rope, wire, or other connector for securing the charging interface 112 to a lower surface. A first end 201 of the releasable connector 222 is releasably coupled to the charging interface 112 via an upper interface 224. The upper interface 224 may include a clamp, strip, wire harness, adhesive device, or another means coupled to the first end 201 of the releasable connector 222 and configured to secure to the charging interface 112. The upper interface 224 may also include a pivot or rotatable element to allow the charging interface 112 to rotate relative to the releasable connector 222 without twisting or torturing the releasable connector 222.

[0021] The second end 203 of the releasable connector 222 is releasably coupled to the lower surface 118 via a lower interface 226. In various embodiments, the lower interface 226 is releasable by using a releasably interconnected first connector 228 and a second connector 230. In various embodiments, the first connector 228 is coupled to the second end 203 of the releasable connector 222, and the second connector 230 is formed in or coupled to the lower surface 118. The first connector 228 thereby releasably secures the cable tie to the second connector 230 at the lower surface 118.

[0022] As further described below, the releasable coupling 222 may also include one or more additional elements to enhance usability. In various embodiments, an extendable element 240 is integrated into or may be coupled to the releasable coupling 222 to provide a degree of flexibility when the releasable coupling 222 is coupled to the lower surface 118 via the lower interface 226, and to provide a degree of elasticity in the releasable coupling 222 to absorb a degree of strain. In various embodiments, a high-visibility element 250 is also integrated into or may be coupled to the releasable coupling 222 to make the releasable coupling 222 more easily visible to a vehicle operator or other person. The extendable element 240 and the high-visibility element 250 are referenced below. Figure 7A and 7B Further description.

[0023] For further reference Figure 3A and 3B In various embodiments, the lower interface 226 is configured to release from the lower surface 118 when a force is applied to the charging cable 110, the charging interface 112, or the releasable connector 222, causing the strain on the lower interface 226 to exceed a predetermined release threshold. As a result, the cable securing system 120 holds the charging cable 110 and the charging interface 112 along or near the overhead structure 116 ( Figure 1 The extended vertical line 300 is held until the applied force causes strain that causes the lower interface 226 to release.

[0024] For example, when wind blows on the charging cable 110 and / or the charging port 112, or when a person brushes against the charging cable 110 and / or the charging port 112, it may be desirable to tighten the cable system 120 to keep the charging cable 110 and the charging port 112 substantially in place. This way, such a small force on the charging cable 110 and / or the charging port 112 will not release the lower connector 226, allowing the charging port 112 to swing freely and impact a vehicle or person. However, when a stronger force is applied to the charging cable 110 and / or the charging port 112, such as by a vehicle hitting the charging cable 110 or a person directly hitting the charging port 112, it may be desirable to release the lower connector 226 to prevent injury to the vehicle or person. Furthermore, releasing the lower connector 226 can help limit or prevent damage to the charging cable 110 and the charging port 112, which could potentially be damaged if the charging cable 110 and the charging port 112 are rigidly held in place under a strong impact.

[0025] like Figure 3A As shown, the charging cable 110 and / or charging port 112 are subjected to a first force 310, which causes a first strain 320 to be applied to the lower port 226. The first force 310 may cause the first strain 320 on the lower port 226 to be less than a predetermined release threshold. As a result, the first connector 228 and the second connector 230 remain engaged with each other to prevent the lower port 226 from releasing the releasable connector 222. In contrast, and as... Figure 3B As shown, the charging cable 110 and / or charging port 112 may be subjected to a second force 311, which causes a second strain 321 to be applied to the lower port 226, exceeding a predetermined release threshold. As a result, the first connector 228 is released from the second connector 230 to release the releasable connector 222, helping to limit or prevent damage to the charging cable 110 and charging port 112 or other property and / or help prevent injury to nearby persons.

[0026] The first connector 226 and the second connector 228 of the lower interface 226 can be arranged in various ways to enable the cable securing system 120 to hold the charging cable 110 and the charging interface 112 in place until strain exceeding the release threshold is reached. For example, see also... Figures 4A-4C The lower interface 226 may include a magnetic connector. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the first magnetic lower interface 411 may include a magnet 461 deployed as a first connector, which is attracted to a magnetically attached metal base 471 deployed as a second connector. The magnet 461 is configured to remain magnetically fixed to the magnetically attached metal base 471 until a strain exceeding a release threshold is applied to the magnet 461 by the releasable connector 222 to pull the magnet 460 away from the magnetically attached metal base 471.

[0027] like Figure 4B As shown, the second magnetic lower interface 412 may include a magnetically attached metal body 462, which is deployed as a first connector and attracted by a magnet 472 deployed as a second connector. The magnetically attached metal body 462 is configured to remain magnetically fixed to the magnet 472 until a strain exceeding a release threshold is applied to the magnetically attached metal body 462 by a releasable connector 222 to pull the magnetically attached metal body 462 away from the magnet 472.

[0028] like Figure 4C As shown, the third magnetic lower interface 413 may include a first magnet 463 deployed as a first coupling, which is attracted to a second magnet 473 deployed as a second coupling. It should be understood that the first magnet 463 and the second magnet 473 are oriented such that opposite magnetic poles of the first magnet 463 and the second magnet 473 face each other to facilitate magnetic attraction between the opposing magnetic poles. The first magnet 463 and the second magnet 473 are configured to remain magnetically fixed to each other until a strain exceeding a release threshold is applied to the first magnet 463 by the releasable coupling 222 to pull the first magnet 462 away from the second magnet 472. It should be understood that the second coupling may be mounted in or on the lower surface 118 using fasteners or adhesives suitable to the properties of the second coupling and the lower surface 118 to hold the second coupling in or on the lower surface.

[0029] The lower interface 226 can also use a mechanical coupling instead of magnetic force to secure the releasable coupling 222 to the lower surface. See also... Figure 5 The lower interface 510 may include a deformable plug 560 as a first connector, the deformable plug being configured to be received within a socket 570 as a second connector. Similar to the previously described connectors, the deformable plug 560 may be configured to remain fixed within the socket 570 until a strain exceeding a release threshold is applied to the deformable plug by the releasable connector 222. The socket 570 may be formed in the lower surface 118, or the socket 570 may be a receiving fastener that can be fixed to the lower surface 118.

[0030] For further reference Figure 6A The lower interface 610 may include a deformable hook 660 as a first coupling, the deformable hook being configured to connect with a ring 670 as a second coupling. The deformable hook 660 may be configured to maintain its hook shape and thus remain fixed to the ring 670 until a strain exceeding a release threshold is applied to the deformable hook 660 by the releasable coupling 222. In response to the application of strain exceeding the release threshold, the deformable hook 660 may straighten and thus slide off the ring 670. See also... Figure 6BThe lower interface 611 may include a plurality of deformable hooks 661 as first couplings, the deformable hooks extending from a base 665 coupled to the releasable coupling 222. The deformable hooks 661 are configured to connect with a plurality of rings 671 as second couplings, the rings extending from the base 675 coupled to the lower surface 118. Thus, the deformable hooks 661 and rings 671 operate as hook and ring fasteners to secure the releasable coupling 222 until a strain exceeding a release threshold is applied.

[0031] For further reference Figure 7A and 7B As previously referred to Figure 2 The releasable coupling 222 may include an extendable element 240. In various embodiments, the purpose of the extendable element 240 is to allow for connection via the lower interface 226 (…). Figure 2 The releasable coupling 222 provides a degree of flexibility when attached to the lower surface 118. The extension element also provides a degree of elasticity in the releasable coupling 222 to absorb strain. For example, if a vehicle or pedestrian slightly impacts the releasable coupling 222, the extension element 240 can allow the releasable coupling 222 to remain fixed to the lower surface 118. Figure 7A As shown, the releasable coupling 222 may include an elastic segment 780 as an extendable element, allowing the releasable coupling 222 to be stretched. Figure 7B As shown, the releasable coupling 222 may include a spring 781 as an extendable element to allow the releasable coupling 222 to be stretched.

[0032] For further reference Figure 7A and 7B As previously referenced Figure 2 The releasable coupling 222 may include a high-visibility element 250. In various embodiments, the purpose of the high-visibility element 250 is to make the releasable coupling 222 more easily visible to vehicle operators and pedestrians, helping them avoid collisions with the releasable coupling 222 and / or disengagement of the releasable coupling. The high-visibility element 250 may include flexible or rigid materials with bright colors, such as sunlight orange and / or yellow commonly used in safety clothing and warning structures (such as cones, roadblocks, and similar structures). The high-visibility element 250 may also include reflective or semi-reflective materials, as also used in safety clothing and warning structures (such as cones, roadblocks, and similar structures). Figure 7A As shown, the releasable connector 222 may include an attachable, highly visible element 750, which is integrated into or attached to the releasable connector 222. Figure 7BAs shown, the releasable coupling 222 may be a high-visibility element 751 that slides on the releasable coupling 222 and the spring 781. It should be appreciated that the releasable coupling 222 may include one of the extendable element 240 and the high-visibility element 250, or the releasable coupling 222 may include both the extendable element 240 and the high-visibility element 250. Furthermore, the extendable element 240 and the high-visibility element 250 may overlap or be integrated into a single element to achieve both purposes.

[0033] For further reference Figure 8 An exemplary method 800 is provided for releasably attaching a charging interface connected to an overhead cable to a lower surface. Method 800 begins at block 805. At block 810, a first end of a securing cable is attached to a charging interface at one end of a charging cable extending downward from an overhead power source. At block 820, a second end of the securing cable is releasably attached to the lower surface, wherein the second end of the securing cable is configured to release from the lower surface when a force applied to at least one of the charging interface, the charging cable, and the securing cable produces a strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold. Method 800 ends at block 825.

[0034] In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as “constructed as,” “made of,” “constructible as,” “operable to,” “suitable for,” “capable of,” “compliant with,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context otherwise requires, such terms (e.g., “constructed as”) generally cover active state components and / or inactive state components and / or standby state components.

[0035] While specific aspects of the subject matter of the invention described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the subject matter and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover within their scope all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if the intention is to include a specific number of introductory claim enumerations, such an intention will be explicitly stated in the claims, and if such an enumeration is not present, such an intention is not present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim enumerations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim enumeration by the indefinite article “a(a)” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such an introductory claim enumeration to a claim containing only one such enumeration, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a(a)” or “an” (e.g., “a(a)” or “an” should generally be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); the same applies to the use of definite articles for introducing claim enumerations. Furthermore, even when a specific number of introductory claim enumerations is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted as indicating at least the number stated (e.g., in the absence of other modifiers, the bare statement “two enumerations” generally means at least two enumerations, or two or more enumerations). Furthermore, in cases where conventional usages such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are applied, this construction is generally intended for use by those skilled in the art to understand the meaning of the conventional usage (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B, and C, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that, unless the context otherwise indicates, alternative terms and / or phrases that typically give two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to cover the possibility of including one, any one, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0036] Regarding the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations described herein can generally be performed in any order. Furthermore, although various flows of operations are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations can be performed in orders other than those illustrated, or can be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orders may include overlapping, interleaving, interrupted, reordered, ascending, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orders, unless the context otherwise requires. Moreover, unless the context otherwise requires, terms such as “in response to,” “related to,” or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants.

[0037] It should be recognized that the detailed description set forth above is merely exemplary in nature and that variations which do not depart from the spirit and / or essence of the claimed subject matter are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Such variations should not be considered as deviations from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A charging system, comprising: Overhead charging power supply; A charging interface configured to provide power for a rechargeable vehicle; A charging cable configured to electrically connect the charging interface to the overhead charging power source and mechanically support the charging interface; as well as A releasable fastening device, the releasable fastening device comprising: Releasable connector; Upper interface, the upper interface being configured to secure a first end of the releasable connector to a charging interface connected to the charging cable, the charging cable extending downward from the overhead charging source; and A lower interface configured to releasably secure a second end of the releasable connector to a lower surface, wherein the lower interface is configured to release the second end of the releasable connector in response to strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold, wherein the strain is generated in response to a force applied to at least one object selected from the charging interface, the charging cable, and the releasable connector, wherein the lower surface includes a parking surface for the rechargeable vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower interface includes a first coupling member configured to be releasably secured to a second coupling member at the lower surface.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first connector comprises a first magnet, and the second connector comprises a magnetically attached object.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the magnetic object comprises an object selected from a magnetic metal object and a second magnet, the second magnet exhibiting a second magnetic pole opposite to the first magnetic pole of the first magnet.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the first connector includes a deformable plug, and the second connector includes a receptacle configured to receive the deformable plug.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first coupling and the second coupling comprise at least one deformable hook and at least one ring.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the releasable coupling comprises at least one additional element selected from extendable elements and high-visibility elements.

8. A charging method, comprising: The first end of the releasable connector of the system as described in any one of claims 1-7 is attached to a charging interface at one end of a charging cable that extends downward from an overhead power source. as well as The second end of the releasable connector is releasably attached to the lower surface, wherein the second end of the releasable connector is configured to release from the lower surface when a force applied to at least one of the charging interface, the charging cable, and the releasable connector produces a strain on the lower interface exceeding a release threshold.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein releasably attaching the second end of the releasable coupling includes attaching the second end of the releasable coupling to a corresponding attachment device at the second end of the releasable coupling and the lower surface.

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