Electric vehicle charging handle

The 90-degree angled EV charger handle with integrated lights and rotary latch addresses the issues of space fitment and visibility in charging stations, enhancing safety and clarity of charging status.

JP2025529423APending Publication Date: 2025-09-04VOLTPOST INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025515330
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-12
Filing Date
2023-09-12
Publication Date
2025-09-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging stations lack a compact charging handle design that fits in tight spaces, pose a safety hazard due to protrusion into traffic paths, and lack visual charging status indication, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Method used

A 90-degree angled EV charger handle with a compact housing, integrated light sources for visibility, and a rotary latch for cable control, featuring a waterproof design and multiple connector types, including a light transmission assembly for visual charging status indication.

Benefits of technology

Enhances charging safety and visibility by allowing compact fitment in tight spaces, reducing collision risks, and providing clear charging status indication, especially in low-light conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The EV charger handle includes a housing, the housing including an overmold, a first body, a second body, and a charging cable insert perpendicular to the axis of the EV charge port. The overmold includes a light transmission assembly and a light source. The EV charger handle includes a charging plug. The charging plug includes a switching grommet, a charging plug mount, a plurality of female contact pins, and a pin restrainer. The charging plug further includes an inner charging plug shell, an outer charging plug shell, and a charging plug grommet. The inner charging plug shell is configured to receive the switching grommet, the charging plug mount, the female contact pins, and the pin restrainer. The outer charging plug shell is configured to be secured to the inner charging plug shell by the charging plug grommet. The EV charger handle further includes a rotating latch.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 375,342, filed September 12, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), or simply electric vehicles (EVs), are charged through a variety of power sources, including direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). A typical charging station, also known as a charging point or electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is a device that provides electrical power to charge the batteries of plug-in EVs. Charging stations house connectors conforming to various international standards in the charging handle. AC charging stations typically have a charging handle with multiple connectors to allow charging of a variety of vehicles that use competing standards.

[0004] One problem with these charging stations is the lack of a compact charging handle to facilitate charging in tight spaces. Typically, charging station handles are straight. That is, when plugged into the battery, the charging handle extends straight from the charging cable, with the same axis as the charging cable. This often forces users to bend the cable to fit into tight charging spaces, which can lead to partial or complete breakage of the insulation surrounding the high-voltage wires over time. This creates a potentially dangerous situation for users. Furthermore, at curbside and sidewalk-side charging stations, if the EV charging port is located on the roadside of the vehicle, the straight charging handle protrudes into the path of active traffic, bicycles, or pedestrians, creating a hazard in densely populated areas. In low-visibility conditions, a charging handle protruding into the path of active traffic, bicycles, or pedestrians can be difficult to see, posing a collision risk.

[0005] Another problem with these charging stations is the lack of a charging status indication on the charging handle. Some EVs, but not all, have some kind of visual indication on the EV itself to inform the user about the charging status while the EV is charging. However, without such an indication on the EV itself, it is difficult for the user to understand the charging status.

[0006] As EVs become more popular, curbside and sidewalk charging, as well as charging in limited-space environments like garages and public parking lots, are becoming increasingly necessary for the development of convenient, carbon-neutral transportation infrastructure. The use of charging equipment in these limited-space environments poses several challenges. One of them is that users must operate EV charging stations on the roadway in conditions with poor visibility. The current design of most standard EV charging handles, modeled after the nozzle design of gasoline fuel pumps from decades ago, was not designed with public roads in mind. They tend to protrude significantly from the side of the vehicle, often by more than a foot. Furthermore, they are typically dark and made of dull-colored plastic. These features pose a risk of collision with oncoming traffic on the roadway, resulting in serious damage.

[0007] Therefore, a solution is needed to improve charging connectivity in tight space environments, provide better visual indication of the charging side, and create a safer and more user-friendly EV charger handle to eliminate user ambiguity. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure provides an electric vehicle (EV) charger handle that may include a housing, a charge cable insert perpendicular to an axis of the EV charger handle and configured to receive a charge cable from an EV charging station, and a charge plug configured to be inserted into an electrical receptacle of the EV. The charge plug may include a switching grommet. The switching grommet may include a push button embedded in the switching grommet. The charge plug may include a charge plug mount that may be configured to secure the EV charger handle to the EV. The charge plug may include a plurality of female contact pins that may be configured to ensure electrical connection with male contact pins of the EV electrical receptacle. The charge plug may include a pin restrainer that may be configured to secure the plurality of female contact pins to the EV charger handle. The charge plug may include an inner charge plug shell that may be configured to accommodate the switching grommet, the charge plug mount, the plurality of female contact pins, and the pin restrainer. The charge plug may include an outer charge plug shell. The outer charge plug shell may be secured to the inner charge plug shell by the charge plug grommet.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the EV handle may be configured to orient the charging cable from the EV charging station at a 90 degree angle relative to the EV's electrical receptacle.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing may include an overmold, a first body, and a second body, wherein the second body may be configured to securely or mechanically couple the overmold to the EV charger handle.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the EV charger handle may further include a rotation latch positioned on the housing.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotary latch may be located on the second fuselage.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the EV charger handle may further include a light transmission assembly configured to receive and transmit light from the light source.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source may be disposed within the light transmission assembly.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the EV charger handle may further include a processor in electronic communication with the light source.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source may be configured to be controlled by a wireless device.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source may be an LED.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source may further include a programmable RGB / RGB+W LED light source.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the overmold may include a light transmission assembly configured to receive and transmit light from the light source.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a push button in the switching grommet may be configured to provide a waterproof seal to the EV charger handle in response to being engaged with the rotating latch.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotary latch can facilitate controlled extension and retraction of a charging cable from an EV charging station.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pin restrainer may be annular.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging cable insert may include a cable strain relief that can provide stress protection and relief to the wires and cable connections of the charging cable and can prevent breakage of the connections or cable of the charging cable.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Hall Effect sensor board may be disposed on the charging plug mount. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross section of one embodiment of an EV charger handle of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an EV charger handle of the present disclosure illustrating the parts within the EV charger handle.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an illustration of how one embodiment of an EV charger handle of the present disclosure provides visual indications to the user.

[0029] FIG. 4A illustrates the dangers posed by existing EV charger handles.

[0030] FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of an EV charger handle of the present disclosure that provides a 90 degree cable angle.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates the use of a rotary latch on an EV charger handle of the present disclosure to control the retraction and retraction of a charging cable.

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the handle operation of the EV charger.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a right side view of one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a left side view of one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view showing one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an EV charger handle.

[0040] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an EV charger handle of the present disclosure illustrating parts within the EV charger handle.

[0041] [Detailed disclosure description] Although the claimed subject matter is described in terms of specific embodiments, other embodiments, including embodiments that do not provide all of the advantages and features set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Various structural, logical, process step, and electronic changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined solely by reference to the appended claims.

[0042] The present disclosure provides an electric vehicle (EV) charger 10, as shown in Figure 1. The EV charger handle 10 includes a compact housing 15 configured to orient a charging cable 42 from an EV charging station 40 at a 90-degree angle to an electrical receptacle 44 within an EV 50, as shown in Figures 4B and 6. In an embodiment, the charging cable 42 can be oriented perpendicular to the direction of the connection axis. The internal components of the EV charger handle 10 are configured to provide a low-profile or compact enclosure.

[0043] In one embodiment, the EV charger handle 10 includes a charging plug 30 for connecting to a charging socket of the EV 50. The EV charger handle 10 may include any of a Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 plug. Furthermore, the charging cable 42 may be an insulated cable containing multiple individually insulated electrical wires. These electrical wires are connected to contact pins 33 of the charging plug 30 inside the housing 15, as shown in FIG. 2 . The housing 15 of the EV charger handle 10 may further be configured to be waterproof to protect the electrical wire connection points from damage. The EV charger handle 10 may further be configured to be brightly colored and / or painted with a reflective paint to make it easily identifiable in low-visibility environments.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 , in one embodiment, the EV charger handle 10 includes a handle 19. The handle 19 may include two or more parts that allow a cable to be fed through the housing 15 and cable strain relief 21 and then crimped onto the incorporated contact pins 33. The components are then fastened (e.g., snapped) together to form an assembly to which the cable and contact pins 33 cannot otherwise be crimped, while still providing the necessary structural rigidity and sealing between the charging plug shell 35 and the internal structure to ensure safe operation of the charging plug 30. A secondary cylindrical structure can be assembled over the charging plug shell 35 and the internal structure, sealing against the rear housing and the charging plug shell 35 to form an enclosed volume around the internal structure. The secondary cylindrical structure may include a second body 18 that can be fastened to the first body 17 to form a watertight seal, such as by compressing an O-ring or overmolded gasket. This cylindrical structure can be assembled by screws, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or other techniques. In the case of a threaded system, O-rings, gaskets, or seals may be included at the front and rear of the barrel. As dictated by the assembly orientation, the front end has a flat surface that can carry an O-ring or seal, and the rear end has a captive O-ring or seal on its interior surface or a small ledge or overhang that mates with a complementary ledge or overhang on the charging plug shell 35, allowing the leading edge to easily pass without impact.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, one or more power-operated light sources 26 can be included in the housing 15. The light sources 26 can be minimally on or off, or can increase and decrease in intensity to create various patterns or flashes. The light sources 26 can be powered independently or separately from the electrical connection of the charging circuit. When the EV charger handle 10 is removed from the EV charging station 40, the light sources 26 can alternately turn on and off at a frequency that creates an attention-grabbing pattern without being too high to be perceptible to the human eye or potentially causing visual distress to individuals sensitive to flashing lights. This can continue until the EV charger handle 10 is connected to the EV 50, providing the operator with a highly visible accessory that can more easily be recognized by passing drivers and vehicles. Once connected, the lights can remain illuminated (on) or can remain illuminated only when ambient lighting conditions are such that the handle illumination provides increased visibility. This state may be maintained by the light source 26 until it is removed from the vehicle, at which point it may revert to a flashing behavior until it is docked back into the EV charging station 40. Other illumination sequences are possible.

[0046] The sequence and / or color of the lights can change to indicate various states of charging or operability. For example, the intensity, brightness, and / or color can change. When the EV charger handle 10 is docked, the lights can remain lit to indicate conditions such as a broken station needing repair or a station with a reservation.

[0047] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the various parts of the EV charger handle 10. The EV charger handle 10 includes a housing 15. The housing 15 is formed by an overmold 16, a first body 17, and a second body 18. The overmold 16 may be constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material to allow a user 60 to grip the EV charger handle 10. Other grip materials, such as silicone or rubber, may be used. The choice of material is not limited herein, and any material may be used.

[0048] The overmold 16 may include a light-transmitting assembly 25 configured to receive and partially transmit light from the light source 26. The overmold 16 may include an opening for the light-transmitting assembly 25, or the overmold 16 itself may be at least partially translucent. The light-transmitting assembly 25 may be constructed of any material that exhibits translucent or transparent properties. Furthermore, the light-transmitting assembly 25 may be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Alternatively, the light-transmitting assembly 25 may include two or more components molded together using a double-shot injection mold. The light-transmitting assembly 25 may also include a light-guiding mechanism for controlling the location on the light-transmitting assembly 25 where visible light is emitted from the light-transmitting assembly 25 and / or the overmold 16.

[0049] The light transmission assembly 25 can have a variety of shapes, such as a circle, a square, a cube, a prism, a dome, and the like.

[0050] Although disclosed with a light transmission assembly 25, the light mechanism can be implemented in another area of ​​the EV charger handle 10.

[0051] The overmold 16 may further include or enclose a light source 26. In one embodiment, the light source 26 may be separate from the overmold 16. The light source 26 may be disposed within the light-transmitting assembly 25. The placement of the light source 26 within the light-transmitting assembly 25 is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The light source 26 may be a light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light source 26 may be any one of an incandescent, fluorescent, or gas discharge lamp type. The LED light source described herein may further include an LED array having a plurality of LEDs configured to emit multicolored light. Specifically, the LED array may include any combination of red, green, blue, or white LEDs (e.g., RGB, RGB+W). White LEDs (or other white light sources) can be used in combination with colored films to create different colors. These LEDs can be driven by forward currents of various intensities to generate any color in the visible spectrum, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The LED forward current can be supplied by a power source, such as a lithium-ion battery, through control circuitry, or through power supplied elsewhere to the EV charger handle 10. The power source and control circuitry can be implemented on a PCB board within the light-transmitting assembly.

[0052] The light source 26 described in the embodiments disclosed herein may include additional circuitry or a processor to enable remote control of lighting functions via a wireless device 55 ( FIG. 6 ) to control LED array parameters such as color, intensity, and frequency. The wireless device 55 may be any electronic device that provides human-computer interaction (HCI) and wireless communication means, such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, a laptop, a tablet, or an EV tablet. The wireless device 55 may include a non-transitory storage medium that stores a software application program that instructs a processor included in the wireless device to provide a graphical user interface to a user and control the operation of the light source.

[0053] Embodiments of the system may include a processor programmed with software and / or firmware to perform the functions described herein, along with appropriate digital and / or analog interfaces for connecting to other elements. Alternatively or additionally, the system may include hardwired and / or programmable hardware logic circuitry that performs at least some of the functions described herein. Program code or instructions for the processor to implement the various methods and functions disclosed herein may be stored in a readable storage medium, such as a memory.

[0054] 2 , the housing 15 may further include a first body 17. In one embodiment, the body 17 may be part of the overmold 16. In another embodiment, the body 17 may be separate from the overmold 16. The body 17 may be configured to tightly seal the light source 26 to the light transmission assembly 25.

[0055] The housing 15 may further include a charge cable insert 20 that is perpendicular to the axis of the EV charger handle 10. In an embodiment, the charge cable insert 20 is configured to receive a charge cable 42 from an EV charging station 40, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 12 . In one embodiment, the charge cable insert 20 may be part of the handle 19. In another embodiment, the charge cable insert 20 may be part of the first body 17. In another embodiment, the charge cable insert 20 may be part of the overmold 16. The insertion angle of the charge cable 42 provided by the housing 15 of the EV charger handle 10 is perpendicular to the connection axis of the connection between the EV charger handle 10 and the electrical receptacle 44 of the EV 50. This facilitates a compact connection between the EV charger handle 10 and the EV 50. FIG. 4A shows a conventional EV charger handle in which the charge cable 42 extends at least one foot or more away from the vehicle, potentially putting it in the path of oncoming vehicles in most usage scenarios, creating a hazard. 4B shows the EV charger handle 10 of the embodiment disclosed herein, where the perpendicularity of insertion provided by the charging cable insert 20 relative to the charging cable 42 facilitates a compact and snug connection between the EV charger handle 10 and the EV 50. As shown in FIG. 4B, the EV charger handle 10 of the embodiment disclosed herein fits snugly to the body line of the EV 50.

[0056] Orienting the EV charger handle 10 perpendicular to the connection axis between the EV charger handle 10 and the electrical receptacle 44 modifies the assembly process of the EV charger handle 10. The cable is assembled into the housing 15, and the contact pins 33 are crimped after being inserted into the body 17 and / or overmold 16. A series of structures are used to hold the contact pins 33 in place and guide the inner conductors into the correct position, allowing for reliable and consistent assembly.

[0057] In one embodiment, the cable and conductors are bent and inserted into the charging plug mount 32, which maintains the correct position and bend radius of the conductors. The charging plug mount 32 may also include a mechanism to hold the contact pins 33 in place instead of the cable itself, ensuring a more secure engagement than is possible with individual conductors. The charging plug mount 32 can be designed with a series of radial mechanisms to facilitate assembly while also maintaining proper separation between any current-carrying conductors to ensure proper insulation is achieved. The structure of the charging plug mount 32 and first body 17 maintains the proper position during assembly to allow the cable and its contained conductors to rotate 90° while maintaining the bend radius required for the individual conductor diameter. This occurs through cooperation between the mechanisms in the first body 17 that allow the cable to be pulled in and the cavities or protrusions in the charging plug mount 32 that hold the cable or contact pins 33, and is designed to allow elastic deformation during insertion of either the structure of the charging plug mount 32 or the conductor's insulation.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an EV charger handle 10 of the present disclosure that provides a visual indication to a user 60. The EV charger handle 10 can emit a steady or pulsating light to indicate that the EV 50 is charging, thereby alerting passing vehicles and pedestrians in dimly lit areas. The visual indication provided by the light source not only provides visibility to passing vehicles and pedestrians, but also provides illumination to the user when inserting or removing the EV charger handle 10 from the EV 50 under all weather and lighting conditions. This reduces the risk of collisions between the user 60, the EV 50, the EV charger handle 10, the charging cable 42, and the EV charging station 40 in road traffic. For example, after removal from the EV charging station 40, the EV charger handle 10 can emit a steady or pulsating light to indicate to passing vehicles that the charging process is beginning. This ensures the user's safety and maintains visibility to passing vehicles when entering the road.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 2 , the charging cable insert 20 may further include a cable strain relief 21. This may be additional cable length for the charging cable 42 or another mechanism to relieve strain on the cable. The cable strain relief 21 may prevent excessive bending at the point where it exits the rest of the handle where it is most prone to bending. The cable strain relief 21 may provide protection and relief from stress on the wires and cable connections of the charging cable 42, preventing breakage of the connections or cable of the charging cable 42.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 2 , the EV charger handle 10 further includes a charging plug 30 configured to be inserted into an electrical receptacle 44 of the EV 50. The charging plug 30 includes a switching grommet 31 and a charging plug mount 32. The switching grommet 31 includes a push button 38 embedded therein and can provide a waterproof seal. The charging plug mount 32 can facilitate securing the EV charger handle 10 to the EV 50. The charging plug 30 further includes a plurality of female contact pins 33. The plurality of female contact pins 33 can facilitate ensuring electrical connection with male contact pins on the EV 50. The charging plug 30 further includes a pin restrainer 34. The pin restrainer 34 can facilitate securing the plurality of female contact pins 33 to the charging plug 30. The charging plug 30 can further include an inner charging plug shell 37. The inner charge plug shell 37 is configured to house the switching grommet 31, the charge plug mount 32, the plurality of female contact pins 33, and the pin restrainer 34. The components of the charge plug 30 may be secured and snapped together to create an assembly. The charge plug 30 further includes an outer charge plug shell 35 and a charge plug grommet 36. The outer charge plug shell 35 may be configured to be secured to the inner charge plug shell 37 by the charge plug grommet 36.

[0061] The housing 15 of the EV charger handle 10 further includes a second body 18 that secures the overmold 16 to the charging plug 30. An outer charging plug shell 35 is assembled over the inner charging plug shell 37 and the second body 18 and provides fastening for the overmold 16 and the second body 18 to form a waterproof seal. The outer charging plug shell 35 can be assembled via screws, adhesive, a snap connection, or ultrasonic welding. A charging plug grommet 36, which may be an O-ring, gasket, or sealant, is installed between the outer and inner charging plug shells and can provide IP44 protection and a waterproof seal between the pin holder and components of the second body 18.

[0062] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the EV charger handle 10. The EV charger handle 10 of Figure 14 is similar to that of Figure 2, but includes a Hall effect sensor board 70 on the charging plug mount 32 instead of the push button 38 embedded in the switching grommet 31. The EV charger handle 10 further includes a pin nozzle shroud 39 that is connected to the second body 18 and configured to engage with the EV 50 when the EV charger handle 10 is connected to the EV 50.

[0063] The EV charger handle 10 further includes a rotary latch 28, as shown in FIG. 5. The rotary latch 28 may be located on the second body 18, as shown in FIG. 6. The rotary latch 28 may be configured to latch the EV charger handle 10 to the EV charging station 40 when the EV charger handle 10 is not in use, and may be, for example, SAE J1772 LEVEL 2 compatible. The rotary latch 28 may additionally be configured to retract and retract the charging cable 42 from the cable mechanism 43 of the EV charging station 40. The rotary latch 28 may be connected (e.g., snapped) to a detent in the socket of the EV charging station 40 that receives the EV charger handle 10. This allows the EV charger handle 10 to be locked into the socket of the EV charging station 40. The dimensions may be specified by the SAE J1772 standard for the socket. FIG. 5 shows the rotary latch 28 of the EV charger handle 10.

[0064] The rotary latch 28 may be spring-loaded to rotate about a mounting pin. The rotary latch 28 may also have an embedded magnet instead of a switch or push button 38. The magnet is sensed via a magnetic Hall Effect sensor board 70 (shown in FIG. 14) to sense whether and how much the rotary latch 28 is depressed. The use of a magnet and magnetic Hall Effect sensor allows the user to depress the latch by different amounts to activate cable payout or retraction at different speeds. For example, depressing the rotary latch 28 further can cause the mechanism to speed up.

[0065] Additionally, in one embodiment, there may be a cavity within the rotating latch 28 configured to mate with the switching grommet 31 of the charging plug 30. Depressing the rotating latch 28 may depress the latch and actuate (e.g., depress) the switching grommet 31.

[0066] In an embodiment, a push button 38 in the switching grommet 31 may be configured to provide a waterproof seal to the EV charger handle 10 in response to engaging the rotary latch 28. Figure 5 illustrates the use of the rotary latch 28 in the EV charger handle 10 of the present disclosure to control the retraction and retraction of the charging cable 42. As shown by the arrow, a user 60 can depress the rotary latch 28 to engage the push button 38.

[0067] 6 illustrates one embodiment of operation. The EV charger handle 10 can emit a steady or pulsed light to communicate the interaction state of the system. For example, light can be emitted when plugged into the EV charging station 40, when unplugged from the EV charging station 40, or when plugged into the electrical receptacle 44 of the EV 50. Light can also be coupled with interaction with the EV charging station 40 and / or a mobile app on the user's wireless device 55.

[0068] The light source 26 may also be capable of changing color and intensity to create lighting patterns that are more visible and less obtrusive than those described elsewhere herein. Having multiple colors and adjustable intensities may provide additional information to users, passersby, or public authorities more generally. It may indicate when charging is complete, when the charging EV 50 has exceeded its reserved time, or when the EV 50 is currently violating parking regulations for a particular area. A processor may be used to change color and intensity based on various inputs.

[0069] 7-12 show various views of an embodiment of an EV charger handle 10.

[0070] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to one or more particular embodiments, it will be understood that other embodiments of the present disclosure may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is deemed to be limited only by the appended claims and their reasonable interpretation.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle (EV) charger handle, comprising: Housing and a charge cable insert perpendicular to an axis of the EV charger handle, the charge cable insert configured to receive a charge cable from an EV charging station; a charging plug configured to be inserted into an electrical receptacle of the EV; The charging plug is Switching grommet, a charging plug mount configured to secure the EV charger handle to the EV; a plurality of female contact pins configured to establish electrical connection with male contact pins of the electrical receptacle of the electric vehicle; a pin restrainer configured to secure the plurality of female contact pins to the EV charger handle; an inner charging plug shell configured to house the switching grommet, the charging plug mount, the plurality of female contact pins, and the pin restrainer; an outer charge plug shell secured to the inner charge plug shell by a charge plug grommet; EV charger handle.

2. the EV charger handle is configured to orient the charging cable from the EV charging station at a 90 degree angle relative to the electrical receptacle of the EV. The EV charger handle of claim 1 .

3. the housing includes an overmold, a first body, and a second body, the second body configured to secure the overmold to the EV charger handle. The EV charger handle of claim 1 .

4. The EV charger handle further includes a rotary latch located on the housing. The EV charger handle of claim 3.

5. The rotary latch is located on the first body. The EV charger handle of claim 4.

6. The rotary latch facilitates controlled extension and retraction of the charging cable from the EV charging station. The EV charger handle of claim 4.

7. a push button in the switching grommet configured to provide a waterproof seal to the EV charger handle in response to engagement with the rotary latch. The EV charger handle of claim 4.

8. the overmold includes a light transmission assembly configured to receive and transmit light from a light source; The EV charger handle of claim 3.

9. the light source is disposed within the light transmission assembly; The EV charger handle of claim 8.

10. the EV charger handle further comprises a processor in electronic communication with the light source. The EV charger handle of claim 8.

11. the light source is configured to be controlled by a wireless device. The EV charger handle of claim 10.

12. The light source is an LED. The EV charger handle of claim 8.

13. the light source further comprises a programmable RGB LED light source; 13. The EV charger handle of claim 12.

14. the EV charger handle further includes a light transmission assembly configured to receive and transmit light from a light source. The EV charger handle of claim 1 .

15. The pin restrainer is annular. The EV charger handle of claim 1 .

16. the charging cable insert includes a cable strain relief configured to protect the charging cable. The EV charger handle of claim 1 .

17. the EV charger handle further includes a Hall effect sensor board disposed on the charging plug mount. The EV charger handle of claim 1 .