Charging equipment for electrified vehicles

Abstract

Arrangement (10) comprising: a cord (18); and a lockable charging device housing (14) having a surface (70) shaped to conform to a shape (S) of a section of an electrified vehicle (50), wherein the lockable charging device housing (14) includes a groove (60) to receive the cord (18) when the cord (18) is wound around the lockable charging device housing (14), and characterized in that a locking arrangement (30) is positioned along an axis (A), wherein the cord (18) is wound around the axis (A) when the cord (18) is wound around the lockable charging device housing (14) and is received within the groove (60).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure is aimed at securing a charging device for an electrified vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In general, electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they can be powered by one or more battery-powered electric motors. Conventional motor vehicles, on the other hand, rely exclusively on an internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle. Electrified vehicles can use electric motors instead of, or in addition to, the internal combustion engine.

[0003] Examples of electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). An electrified vehicle's powertrain typically includes a battery pack containing battery cells that store electrical energy to power the electric motor. The battery cells can be charged before use and recharged during driving through regenerative braking or the combustion engine.

[0004] In some electrified vehicles, such as PHEVs, a charging device is used to transfer energy from a wall outlet to the battery cells of the electrified vehicle when the vehicle is parked. SUMMARY

[0005] An arrangement according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cord and a lockable charging device housing having a surface shaped to conform to the shape of a section of an electrified vehicle.

[0006] In another example of the above arrangement, the section of the electrified vehicle is a vehicle wheel.

[0007] In another example of any of the foregoing arrangements, the lockable charging device housing includes a groove for receiving the cord when the cord is wound around the lockable charging device housing.

[0008] In another example of any of the above arrangements, the locking mechanism is positioned along an axis. The cord is wound around the axis when it is wrapped around the lockable charging device housing and received within the groove.

[0009] In another example of any of the foregoing arrangements, the lockable charging device housing includes a groove for the optional reception of the cord.

[0010] In another example of any of the foregoing arrangements, the lockable charging device housing includes an extension, and the groove extends circumferentially around a circumference of the extension.

[0011] In another example for any of the above assemblies, the groove runs continuously around the entire perimeter of the extension.

[0012] In another example of any of the foregoing arrangements, the arrangement further comprises a locking arrangement secured directly to the lockable charging device housing. The locking arrangement is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0013] In another example of any of the foregoing arrangements, an electrified vehicle comprises the arrangement. The electric vehicle includes a vehicle wheel. The lockable charging device housing includes a groove that is received within a section of the vehicle wheel when the lock is in the locked position. The groove receives a section of the cord when the lock is in the unlocked position.

[0014] In another example of any of the above arrangements, a locking arrangement is secured directly to the lockable loading device housing. The locking arrangement engages directly with a section of the wheel.

[0015] In another example of any of the foregoing arrangements, the locking arrangement comprises a locking cylinder that can be received within a locking receptacle of the wheel.

[0016] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, positioning a surface of a lockable charging device housing on a section of an electrified vehicle. The surface has a shape that corresponds to a shape of the section of the electrified vehicle. The method includes securing the lockable charging device housing relative to the section after positioning.

[0017] In another example of any of the foregoing procedures, securing involves actuating a locking mechanism.

[0018] In another example of any of the above methods, the locking mechanism has direct contact points with the lockable charging device housing.

[0019] In another example of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes providing a groove in the lockable charging device housing. The groove is received within a section of the vehicle wheel when the lock is in the locked position, and the groove receives a section of the cord when the lock is in the unlocked position.

[0020] In another example of any of the foregoing methods, the groove extends around a circumference of the lockable charging device housing.

[0021] In another example of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes inserting a locking cylinder into a locking receptacle during securing.

[0022] In another example of any of the foregoing methods, the section is provided at least partially by a wheel rim of the wheel.

[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings, including all their various aspects or individual features, can be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment can be applied to all embodiments unless these features are incompatible. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a lockable charging device arrangement.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of sections of the lockable charging device assembly of the Fig. 1, with the cord fully unwound.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of sections of the lockable charging device assembly of the Fig. 1, with the cord fully unwound.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of sections of the lockable charging device arrangement of the Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view along line 5-5 in Fig. 3, with the cord fully wound up.

[0030] Fig. Figure 6 shows a lockable charging device housing of another exemplary lockable charging device arrangement.

[0031] Fig. Figure 7 shows the lockable charging device arrangement of claim 1, which moves into a secured position.

[0032] Fig. Figure 8 shows the lockable charging device arrangement of claim 1 in a secured position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Many electrified vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, use a charging station. Energy is transferred through the charging station from a source outside the electrified vehicle, such as a wall socket, to the vehicle. This energy charges the vehicle's battery cells.

[0034] This disclosure refers to a charging device that can be secured and locked to the electrified vehicle. Charging devices can be expensive, and securing the charging device can prevent theft.

[0035] With regard to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 contains an exemplary lockable charging device arrangement 10 a lockable charging unit housing 14 and a string 18 A first electrical connector 22 or the plug is located at one end of the cord 18 A second electrical connector 26 or the plug is located at the opposite end of the cord 18 A locking arrangement 30 is inside the case 14 positioned.

[0036] The case 14 includes a cover 32 and an extension 34 , which extend from the back of the cover32 extends. The locking arrangement 30 extends through the cover 32 and the expansion 34 .

[0037] The powertrain for the exemplary electrified vehicle 50 contains at least one battery pack 58 , a motor, a generator, and an internal combustion engine. The powertrain can use a first drive system comprising a combination of a power unit and a generator, or a second drive system comprising at least the motor, generator, and a battery pack.

[0038] As is known, the battery pack 58 Stored energy is used to power the engine, the generator, or both. The engine and generator can be separate or combined into a single unit.

[0039] The exemplary charging device 10 Can energy be drawn from a wall outlet?54 to an electrified vehicle 50 The energy is transferred. It is used to charge battery cells within the battery pack. 58 to recharge. The energy could be used for pre-charging. An operator of the electrified vehicle. 50 can use the charging device to charge the electrified vehicle 50 to the wall extraction point 54 to couple in order to connect the battery pack 58 of the electrified vehicle 50 to recharge when the electrified vehicle 50 for example, it is parked in a garage.

[0040] The charging device 10 receives from the wall outlet 54 Energy at 110 volts. Other example charging devices can receive energy at other voltages, such as 220 volts.

[0041] The charging device 10is a portable charging device. When not in use, the charging device can 10 in a trunk compartment of the electrified vehicle 50 can be stored. During storage, the cord can 18 , as in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 shown, rolled up and around the case 14 the lockable charging device 10 be wrapped up.

[0042] The exemplary case 14 defines a groove 60 , to the string 18 , to secure it when it is wound up. The groove 60 extends around a certain extent of the expansion 34 . In general, the groove 60 walls 62a and 62b up, which extend from a ground 40 extend.

[0043] The groove 60 holds the cord 18 , if the cord 18 to expand 34 is wrapped. The exemplary groove 60extends to the entire scope of the expansion 34 and is continuous around the entire circumference.

[0044] In the exemplary charging device 10 is the locking arrangement 30 positioned along an axis A, and the string 18 is when they are about the expansion 34 is wound up around axis A.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 6 contains another exemplary charging device 10a a groove of a housing 14a separate groove sections 60a , 60b and 60c The groove of the housing 14a It is not continuously circumferential.

[0046] With regard to the Fig. 7 to Fig. 8, with continuing reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the exemplary locking arrangement 30 used to power the charging device 10in a secure position on the electrified vehicle 50 to secure. In this example, the locking arrangement secures. 30 the charging device 10 on a wheel 64 of the electrified vehicle 50 .

[0047] Once secured, the exemplary charging device 10 within an open area 66 , which is at least partially pierced by a wheel rim of the wheel 64 is defined, recorded. Securing the charging device 10 on the bike 64 This prevents, among other things, the charging device 10 stolen during a charging process.

[0048] In particular, the expansion 34 the charging device 10 shaped so that the extension 34 within an open area 66 , which passes through a section P of the electrified vehicle 50is defined, can be recorded.

[0049] The extension 34 has one or more surfaces 70 on, which are shaped to form a shape S of a section of the electrified vehicle 50 to comply. That is, the surfaces 70 generally follow the contours of the section.

[0050] Since the surfaces 70 which have the shape of the S-shape of the section of the electrified vehicle 50 corresponds to the extension 34 the charging device 10 in the open area 66 fed up with the electrified vehicle 50 when the expansion 34 within the open area 66 is located. The charging device is securely in place. 10 on the electrified vehicle 50 can prevent the charging device from coming loose 10 contribute.

[0051] The groove60 is positioned so that, if the extension 34 within the open area 66 is positioned the groove 60 within the open area 66 lies. The groove 60 is through sections of the wheel 64 shielded and hidden, which helps to reduce the access points for removing the charging device 10 from the bike 64 to minimize.

[0052] The exemplary wheel 64 includes a locking mechanism 78 While the charging device 10 from the position of Fig. 6 into the secured position of Fig. When 7 is moved, a locking cylinder is activated. 80 the locking arrangement 30 within the locking mechanism 78 recorded during the expansion 34 within the open area 66 is recorded.

[0053] The locking mechanism 30is configured to accept a key via a keyhole 82 to record. The actuation of the key within the keyhole. 82 locks and unlocks the locking cylinder 80 the locking arrangement 30 to and from the locking mechanism 78 If the locking cylinder 80 from the locking mechanism 78 Once unlocked, the charging device can be used. 10 relative to the wheel 64 can be moved. If the locking cylinder 80 at the locking mechanism 78 The charging device is locked. 10 relative to the wheel 64 secured.

[0054] In another example, the locking arrangement includes 30 a locking mechanism, and the wheel 64It includes the locking cylinder. However, other examples may contain locking arrangements that do not include a locking receptacle, a locking cylinder, or neither.

[0055] In another example, a charging device can be located in a different area of ​​the electrified vehicle. 50 be secured. For example, in another example, the charging device could be attached to an exterior mirror of the electrified vehicle. 50 be locked. In such examples, the charging device includes surfaces shaped to match the shape of the exterior mirror, the area surrounding the exterior mirror, or both.

[0056] The foregoing description is by its nature exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure, may be apparent to the person skilled in the art. Therefore, the legal scope of protection afforded by this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

[0057] It is further described as follows: A. Arrangement, comprehensive: a string; and a lockable charging device housing having a surface shaped to conform to the shape of a section of an electrified vehicle. B. Arrangement according to A, wherein the section of the electrified vehicle is a vehicle wheel. C. Arrangement according to A, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes a groove to receive the cord when the cord is wound around the lockable charging device housing. D. Arrangement according to C, wherein the locking arrangement is positioned along an axis, the cord being wound around the axis when the cord is wound around the lockable loading device housing and is received within the groove. E. Arrangement according to A, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes a groove to optionally accommodate the cord. F. Arrangement according to E, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes an extension and the groove extends circumferentially around a circumference of the extension. G. Arrangement according to F, wherein the groove is continuous around the entire circumference of the extension. H. Arrangement according to E, further comprising a locking arrangement which is secured directly to the lockable charging device housing, wherein the locking arrangement is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. I. Electrified vehicle comprising the arrangement according to A and further comprising a vehicle wheel, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes a groove which is received within a section of the vehicle wheel when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the groove receives a section of the cord when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. J. Electrified vehicle according to I, wherein the arrangement comprises a locking arrangement secured directly to the lockable charging device housing, the locking arrangement engaging directly into a section of the wheel. K. Electrified vehicle according to J, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a locking cylinder which is to be received within a locking receptacle of the wheel. L. Procedure, comprehensive: Positioning a surface of a lockable charging device housing on a section of an electrified vehicle, wherein the surface has a shape corresponding to a shape of the section of the electrified vehicle; and Securing the lockable charging device housing relative to the section after positioning. M. Method according to L, wherein securing includes actuating a locking mechanism. N. Method according to M, wherein the locking mechanism has direct contact points with the lockable charging device housing. O. Method according to N, comprising providing a groove in the lockable loading device housing, wherein the groove is received within a section of the vehicle wheel when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the groove receives a section of a cord when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. P. Method according to L, comprising providing a groove in the lockable loading device housing, wherein the groove is received within a section of the vehicle wheel when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the groove receives a section of a cord when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. Q. Method according to P, wherein the groove extends around a circumference of the lockable charging device housing. R. Method according to L, further comprising the insertion of a locking cylinder into a locking receptacle during securing. S. Method according to L, wherein the section is provided at least partially by a wheel rim of the wheel.

Claims

[1] Arrangement, comprehensive: a string; and a lockable charging device housing having a surface shaped to conform to the shape of a section of an electrified vehicle. [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the section of the electrified vehicle is a vehicle wheel. [3] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes a groove to receive the cord when the cord is wound around the lockable charging device housing. [4] Arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the locking arrangement is positioned along an axis, wherein the cord is wound around the axis when the cord is wound around the lockable charging device housing and is received within the groove. [5] Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes a groove to selectively accommodate the cord. [6] Arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes an extension and the groove extends circumferentially around a circumference of the extension. [7] Arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the groove is continuous around the entire circumference of the extension. [8] Arrangement according to claim 5, further comprising a locking arrangement which is secured directly to the lockable charging device housing, wherein the locking arrangement is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. [9] Electrified vehicle comprising the arrangement according to claim 1 and further comprising a vehicle wheel, wherein the lockable charging device housing includes a groove which is received within a section of the vehicle wheel when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the groove receives a section of the cord when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. [10] Electrified vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the arrangement comprises a locking arrangement which is secured directly to the lockable charging device housing, wherein the locking arrangement engages directly into a section of the wheel. [11] Electrified vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a locking cylinder which can be received within a locking receptacle of the wheel.

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