A charging connector and a charging port for charging a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates a charging connector (100) at a charging station for interfacing with a charging port (200) of a vehicle to charge the vehicle The charging connector (100) comprises a plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and 5 low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The charging port (200) also comprises a plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. 10

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A CHARGING CONNECTOR AND A CHARGING PORT FOR CHARGING A VEHICLE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to charging of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a charging connector and a charging port configured to interface with each other for charging low voltage as well as high voltage vehicles.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] The transition from conventional combustion engine vehicles to vehicles using one or more electric motors as a power source is a promising global strategy for decarbonizing the transport sector. India is among a handful of countries which targets to have at least 30% new vehicle sales to be fully or partially electric by 2030.

[0007]

[0003] In general, high voltage vehicles (HVDC) such as four wheelers and low voltage vehicles (LEVDC) such as two wheelers and three wheelers are charged using different chargers. Across the world, the high voltage vehicles use Power Line communication standards whereas low voltage vehicles predominantly use CAN (Controller Area Network) communication standards . For example, North American Charging Standard (NACS) is a vehicle charging connector system developed by Tesla and is used worldwide. However, the same is designed targeting only four wheelers since it uses Power Line communication (CP, PP, PE) standards. Since two wheeler and three wheelers segments use only LEVDC / CAN communication standard, addition of the CAN signal lines (CAN+, CAN) to the NACS connector makes the connector imperative for the Indian two wheeler market and also for the global two wheeler / three wheeler segment. Owing to different charging communication standards, there is no single vehicle inlet charging connector solution that exists globally which can be used for charging both Light Vehicle (LEVDC < 120 VDC) and high voltage vehicle (HVDC < 500 VDC). Also, difference in voltage levels impacts the size of the connectors. The size of connectors for charging high voltage vehicles is greater than size of connectors for charging low voltage vehicles. Majority of connectors for charging high voltage vehicles, such as CCS2 charging connectors, are bulky in size and, therefore, have difficulty with respect to space availability and packaging and are, therefore, not commonly used for low voltage vehicles. Further, a single household may have both low voltage vehicles as well as high voltage vehicles. This is typically true for developing countries like India. However, in order to charge different vehicles of the same household, different chargers as well as different charging stations are required. This will increase cost as well as inconvenience to the customer owing to different chargers and also owing to different charging station which may be available at different distances, which is undesirable.

[0008]

[0004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior arts.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a charging connector is disclosed. The charging connector is provided at a charging station for interfacing with a charging port of a vehicle to charge the vehicle. The charging connector comprises a plurality of interface connectors. The plurality of interface connectors are configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The vehicle is one of a high voltage vehicle and a low voltage vehicle.

[0011]

[0006] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface connectors comprises first interface connectors for communication between the charging connector and the charging port to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles. The first interface connectors support power line communication.

[0012]

[0007] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface connectors comprises second interface connectors for communication between the charging connector and the charging port to support low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The second interface connectors support CAN communication.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment, the charging connector further comprises power supply pins and protective earth line receptacle for AC charging and DC charging of the low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

[0014]

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a charging port is disclosed. The charging port is disposed in a vehicle. The charging port is configured to interface with a charging connector at a charging station for charging the vehicle. The charging port comprises a plurality of interface receptors configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicle and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles.

[0015]

[0010] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface receptors comprises first interface receptors for communication between the charging port and the charging connector to support the high voltage communication protocols for charging the high voltage vehicles. The first interface receptors support power line communication.

[0016] [Oi l] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface receptors comprises second interface receptors for communication between the charging port and the charging connector to support low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The second interface receptors support CAN communication.

[0017]

[0012] In an embodiment, the charging port further comprises power supply receptacles and protective earth line pin for AC charging and DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

[0018]

[0013] In an embodiment, at least two interface receptors are disposed on a raised eyelet for insulation from the remaining interface receptors.

[0019]

[0014] In an embodiment, the charging port comprises a cap detachably attached to the housing of the plurality of interface receptors for enclosing the plurality of interface receptors.

[0020]

[0015] In yet another aspect of the present invention, an assembly for charging a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle is one of a high voltage vehicle and a low voltage vehicle. The assembly comprises a charging connector and a charging port. The charging connector is provided at a charging station and the charging port is disposed in the vehicle. Upon assembly, the charging port is adapted to lockably engage with the charging connector and communicate with the charging connector by means of both high voltage communication protocols and low voltage communication protocols. The charging connector comprises a plurality of interface connectors configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The charging port comprises a plurality of interface receptors complementary to the plurality of interface connectors of the charging connector. The plurality of interface receptors is configured to support the high voltage communication protocols for charging the high voltage vehicles and the low voltage communication protocols for charging the low voltage vehicles. Upon connecting / assembling the charging connector with the charging port, the plurality of interface connectors interface with the plurality of interface receptors to support high voltage communication protocols and the low voltage communication protocols.

[0021]

[0016] In an embodiment, the charging port lockably engages with the charging connector by means of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded locking member provided on a cap of the charging port, a first slot on the charging port and a second slot on the charging connector. The spring loaded locking member is adapted to lockably engage the first slot and the second slot upon receiving the charging connector in the charging port.

[0022]

[0017] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface connectors comprises first interface connectors for communication between the charging connector and the charging port to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles. The first interface connectors support power line communication.

[0023]

[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface connectors comprises second interface connectors for communication between the charging connector and the charging port to support low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The second interface connectors support CAN communication.

[0019] In an embodiment, the charging connector further comprises power supply pins and a protective earth line receptacle for AC charging and DC charging of the low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

[0024]

[0020] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface receptors comprises first interface receptors for communication between the charging port and the charging connector to support the high voltage communication protocols for charging the high voltage vehicles. The first interface receptors support power line communication.

[0025]

[0021] In an embodiment, the plurality of interface receptors comprises second interface receptors for communication between the charging port and the charging connector to support low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The second interface receptors support CAN communication.

[0026]

[0022] In an embodiment, the charging port comprises power supply receptacles and protective earth line pin for AC charging and DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

[0027]

[0023] In an embodiment, at least two interface receptors are disposed on a raised eyelet for insulation from the remaining interface receptors.

[0028]

[0024] In an embodiment, the charging port comprises a cap detachably attached to the housing of the plurality of interface receptors for enclosing the plurality of interface receptors.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]

[0025] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly having a charging connector and a charging port in an interfaced state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the charging connector and the charging port in a disassembled state, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the charging connector, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the charging connector, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the charging port, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the charging port, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the charging port, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 illustrates a locking mechanism lockably engaging the charging connector and the charging port of the vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039]

[0026] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[0040]

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly 300 comprising a charging connector 100 and a charging port 200 in an interfaced state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a charging connector 100 and a charging port 200 in a disassembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]

[0028] As already known, the charging connector 100 is provided at a charging station and the charging port 200 is disposed in a vehicle . The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle and a hybrid vehicle. The construction and operation of the charging station (not shown) is already known in the art and has not been discussed in the present invention. However, this should not be construed as limiting and now known or later developed charging stations using the charging connector 100 as shown in the present invention are well within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, charging port 200 is disposed in the vehicle (not shown) and the charging port 200 is operably connected to one or more battery packs (not shown) of the vehicle by means of a battery management system (BMS) (not shown). The battery management system manages one or more battery packs in the vehicle.

[0042]

[0029] The charging connector 100 is connected at one end of a charging cable 102. The other end (not shown) of the charging cable 102 is connected to a plug (not shown) which can be plugged into the charging station. The charging cable 102 along with the charging connector 100 and the plug is generally known as a charging gun and is used to charge the vehicle from an external power source / charging station. The charging gun may also include additional features such as LED indicators (not shown), built-in safety protections (not shown), and the ability to remotely monitor and control the charging process.

[0043]

[0030] For charging both high voltage vehicle and low voltage vehicle, the charging port 200 is required to interact with the charging connector 100 for communicating various parameters including voltage and current requirements of the vehicle to be charged. For example, the voltage and current requirements for charging a low voltage vehicle will be different than the voltage and current requirements for charging a high voltage vehicle. The same is required to be communicated to the charging connector 100 prior to charging of the vehicle. The charging port 200 and the charging connector 100 also communicate with each other for other charging parameters such as type of charging connector, charging duration, charging speed etc. which are already known in the art and are well within the scope of the present invention.

[0044]

[0031] The charging connector 100 of the present invention comprises a plurality of interface connectors 106, 108. The plurality of interface connectors 106, 108 are configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and the low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The charging port 200 of the present invention comprises a plurality of interface receptors 206, 208. The plurality of interface receptors 206, 208 are configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and the low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. Upon connecting the charging connector 100 with the charging port 200, the plurality of interface connectors 106, 108 interfaces with the plurality of interface receptors 206,208 to support high voltage communication protocols and low voltage communication protocols and allow charging of both the low voltage vehicles and the high voltage vehicles.

[0045]

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a charging connector 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a charging connector 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046]

[0033] As mentioned, the charging connector 100 at the charging station is configured to interface with the charging port 200 disposed in the vehicle for charging low voltage vehicle as well as high voltage vehicles. The charging connector 100 is complementary to the charging port 200 and comprises a plurality of interface connectors 106, 108 configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. . The plurality of interface connectors 106, 108 comprises first interface connectors 106 for communication between the charging connector 100 and the charging port 200 to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles. The first interface connectors 106 comprises communication lines such as a control pilot line (CP) 106a and a proximity pilot (PP) line 106b which supports high voltage communication protocols such as power line communication protocols . In other words, the first interface connectors 106 support power line communication. Similarly, the second interface connectors 108 comprises CAN lines such as CAN+ line 108a and CAN- line 108b which supports low voltage communication protocols such as CAN line communication protocols. In other words, the second interface connectors 108b support CAN communication. The presence of both the first interface connectors 106 and the second interface connectors 108 in a single charging connector 100 allows charging of both high voltage vehicles and low voltage vehicles. The charging is enabled as per the charging requirements of each vehicle.

[0047]

[0034] The charging connector 100 further comprises power supply receptacles (DC+ / L, DC- / N) 110 and protective earth line pins (PE) 112 for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In a nonlimiting example, the charging connector 100 further comprises power supply pins (DC+ / L, DC- / N) and protective earth line receptacles (PE) for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In a nonlimiting example, the charging connector 100 further comprises power supply receptacles (DC+ / L, DC- / N) and protective earth line receptacles (PE) for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In a non-limiting example, the charging connector 100 further comprises power supply pins (DC+ / L, DC- / N) and protective earth line pins (PE) for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In Figures 3 and Figure 4, the plurality of interface connectors 106, 108 are shown to be receptacles. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the plurality of interface connectors 106, 108 can be pins or a combination of both pins and receptacles. It is to be understood that pins are male parts and the receptacles are female parts, the pins being received in the receptacles.

[0048]

[0035] In a non-limiting example, the high voltage communication protocol for charging high voltage vehicle is ISO 15118-2 / 3 and the low voltage communication protocol for charging low voltage vehicle is IS 17017-25 / IEC- 61851-25.

[0049]

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a charging port 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a charging port 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a charging port 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]

[0037] The charging port 200 shown in Figures 5-7 is configured to interface with the charging connector 100 provided at the charging station for charging low voltage as well as high voltage vehicles. The charging port 200 comprises a plurality of interface receptors 206, 208. The plurality of interface receptors 206, 208 are configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles. The plurality of interface receptors 206, 208 comprises first interface receptors 206 and second interface receptors 208. The first interface receptors 206 are configured for communication between the charging port 200 and the charging connector 100 to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles. The second interface receptors 208 are configured for communication between the charging port 200 and the charging connector 100 to support low voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles. The first interface receptors 206 comprises power lines such as control pilot line (CP) 206a and proximity pilot line (PP) 206b which supports high voltage communication protocols such as power line communication (PLC) protocols. In other words, first interface receptors 206 support power line communication. Similarly, the second interface receptors 208 comprises CAN lines such as CAN+ line 208a and CAN- line 208b which supports low voltage communication protocols such as CAN line communication protocols. In other words, second interface receptors 208 supports CAN communication. The presence of both the first interface receptors 206 and the second interface receptors 208 support charging of both high voltage vehicles and low voltage vehicles to enable charging as per the charging requirements of each vehicle .

[0051]

[0038] The charging port 200 further comprises power supply pins (DC+ / L, DC- / N) 210a, 210b and protective earth line receptacle (PE) 212 for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In a nonlimiting example, the charging port 200 comprises power supply receptacles (DC+ / L, DC- / N) and protective earth line pin (PE) for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In a non-limiting example, the charging port 200 comprises power supply pins (DC+ / L, DC- / N) and protective earth line pin (PE) for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles. In a non-limiting example, the charging port 200 comprises power supply receptacles (DC+ / L, DC- / N) and protective earth line receptacle (PE) for AC charging and / or DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles In Figures 5 and Figure 6, the plurality of interface receptors 206, 208 are shown to be pins. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the plurality of interface connectors 206, 208 can be receptacles or a combination of both pins and receptacles. It is to be understood that pins are male parts and the receptacles are female parts, the pins being received in the receptacles.

[0052]

[0039] In the present invention, at least two interface receptors are disposed on a raised eyelet for insulation from the remaining interface receptors. . In Figure 6, the first interface receptors 206 as well as second interface receptors 208 lines i.e. the control pilot line 206a, the proximity pilot line 206b, CAN+ line 208a and CAN- line 208b are disposed on separate grommets / raised eyelets 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, respectively. In Figure 7, the first receptors 206 i.e. control pilot line (CP) 206a and proximate pilot line (PP) 206b are disposed on a single grommet / raised eyelet 204a and the second receptors 208 i.e. CAN+ line 208a and CAN- line 208b are disposed on a separate single grommet / raised eyelet 204b.

[0053]

[0040] In a non-limiting example, the high voltage communication protocol for charging high voltage vehicle is ISO 15118-2 / 3 and the low voltage communication protocol for charging low voltage vehicle is IS 17017-25 / IEC- 61851-25.

[0054]

[0041] The charging port 200 further comprises a cap 214. The cap 214 is detachably attached to a housing 216 comprising plurality of interface receptors 206, 208. The cap 214 is adapted for enclosing the plurality of interface receptors 206, 208.

[0055]

[0042] Figure 8 illustrates a locking mechanism for lockably engaging the charging connector 100 and charging port 200 of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056]

[0043] The charging port 200 is adapted to lockably receive the charging connector 100 by means of a locking mechanism and both the charging connector 100 and charging port 200 communicate with each other by means of communication protocols to support charging of high voltage as well as low voltage vehicles as already discussed in preceding paragraphs. As shown in Figure 8, the locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded locking member 202 being provided on the cap 214 of the charging port 200, a first slot 218 being provided on the charging port 200 and a second slot (not shown) being provide on the charging connector 100, the spring loaded locking member 202 adapted to lockably engage the first slot 218 and the second slot upon receiving the charging connector 100 in the charging port 200. In a non-limiting example, the locking member comprises a snap fit mechanism which can be snap fitted into the slots for lockably engaging the charging connector to the charging port as well as retracted from the slot for disengaging the charging connector from the charging port. The construction of the charging connector 100 as well as charging port 200 has already been discussed in detail in the preceding paragraphs.

[0057]

[0044] The claimed features of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed features enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of using different chargers for charging low voltage vehicle and high voltage vehicle is solved by the present invention

[0058]

[0045] The present invention addresses the communication protocol challenge at a hardware connector / port level by providing a plurality of interface connectors in the charging connector and a plurality of interface receptors in charging port which interface with each other to support both high voltage communication protocols and the low voltage communication protocols .

[0059]

[0046] The present invention also addresses size constraints in respect of the charging connector and the charging port due to difference in voltage levels required for charging high voltage vehicles and the low voltage vehicles with a single connector. In the prior arts, the charging connectors for charging high voltage vehicles have larger power pins which are separate from the communication pins whereas charging connectors for charging low voltage vehicle are compact owing to less voltage requirements. The present invention utilizes the advantage associated with charging connectors / ports for charging low voltage vehicles. The charging connector and the charging port of the present invention is packaged in a way that will keep the size of the charging connector and the charging port approximately one-third smaller than the size of CCS2 (Combined Charging System- Combo 2) connector / port and additionally will be of the same size in comparison to existing charging connector / port design such as NACS (North American Charging Standard) despite the increase in signal connections.

[0060]

[0047] The present invention also saves on providing an onboard charger in the vehicle by providing HVDC supply on the same pin as that of AC supply. This feature of the charging port results in weight reduction and cost reduction of the vehicle as onboard charger is not required in the vehicle for conversion of AC supply to DC supply.

[0061]

[0048] The present invention solves charging incompatibility to an EV supply equipment / charging station at a connector pinning level as the charging connector of the present invention allows vehicles to be charged at dedicated fast charging stations for two wheelers as well as four wheelers.

[0062]

[0049] The present invention eliminates hardware redundancy by providing a plurality of interface connectors in a single charging connector and a plurality of interface receptors in a single charging port which support both high voltage communication protocols and the low voltage communication protocols. If one of the communication line fails due to a hardware issue (single fault condition), the other communication line on the connector can still ensure that the vehicle can be charged. This is true for vehicles supporting either of the protocols.

[0063]

[0050] The present invention results into compact packaging by providing a plurality of interface connectors in the charging connector and a plurality of interface receptors in charging port which support both high voltage communication protocols and the low voltage communication protocols. Compact packaging means simpler assembly process and lesser errors post manufacturing which reduces overall costs.

[0064]

[0051] In the present invention, as the charging connector / charging port provides CAN interface lines, a HLC (high level communication) to CAN conversion module is not needed on the vehicle side which is needed to interface with a four wheeler charging station. This saves significant cost on the vehicle side.

[0065]

[0052] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0066] List of Reference Numerals

[0067] 100- charging connector

[0068] 102- charging cable

[0069] 106- first interface connector

[0070] 106a- Control Pilot line of charging connector

[0071] 106b-Proximity Pilot line of charging connector

[0072] 108-second interface connector

[0073] 108a-CAN+ line of charging connector

[0074] 108b-CAN- line of charging connector

[0075] 110a, 110b- power supply receptacles of charging connector

[0076] 112- protective earth lines pins

[0077] 200- charging port

[0078] 202- locking member

[0079] 204a- grommet

[0080] 204b- grommet

[0081] 204c- grommet

[0082] 204d- grommet 206- first interface receptors

[0083] 206a- Control Pilot line of charging port

[0084] 206b-Proximity Pilot line of charging port

[0085] 208 -second interface connector 208a-CAN+ line of charging port

[0086] 208b-CAN- line of charging port

[0087] 210a, 210b- power supply pins of charging port

[0088] 212-Protective earth lines receptacle

[0089] 214- cap 216- housing

[0090] 218- first slot

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A charging connector (100) at a charging station for interfacing with a charging port (200) of a vehicle to charge the vehicle, the charging connector (100) comprises: a plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles, wherein the vehicle is one of a high voltage vehicle and a low voltage vehicle.

2. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) comprises first interface connectors (PP,CP) (106a, 106b) for communication between the charging connector (100) and the charging port (200) to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles, wherein first interface connectors (106a, 106b) support powerline communication (PLC) and wherein the plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) comprises second interface connectors (CAN+, CAN-) (108a, 108b) for communication between the charging connector (100) and the charging port (200) to support the low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles, wherein second interface connectors (108a, 108b) support CAN communication.

3. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises power supply pins (DC+ / L, DC- / N) (110a, 110b) and a protective earth line (PE) (112) for AC charging and DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

4. A charging port (200) disposed in a vehicle, the charging port (200) being configured to interface with a charging connector (100) in a charging station, the charging port (200) comprises: a plurality of interface receptors (206, 208)configured to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles, wherein the vehicle is one of a high voltage vehicle and a low voltage vehicle.

5. The charging port (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) comprises first interface receptors (PP,CP) (206a, 206b) for communication between the charging port (200) and the charging connector (100) to support the high voltage communication protocols for charging the high voltage vehicles, wherein first interface receptors (206a, 206b) support powerline communication (PLC) and wherein the plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) further comprises second interface receptors (CAN+, CAN-) (208a, 208b) for communication between the charging port (100) and the charging connector (200) to support the low voltage communication protocols for charging the low voltage vehicles, wherein second interface receptors (208a, 208b) support CAN communication.

6. The charging port (200) as claimed in claim 4, further comprises power supply receptacles (DC+ / L, DC- / N) (210) and a protective earth line pin (PE) (212) for AC charging and DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

7. The charging port (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least two interface receptors of the plurality of receptors (206, 208) being disposed on a raised eyelet for insulation from remaining interface receptors.

8. The charging port (200) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a cap (214) detachably attached to a housing (216) of the plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) for enclosing the plurality of interface receptors (206, 208).

9. An assembly (300) for charging a vehicle, the assembly (300) comprises: a charging connecter (100) operably connected to a charging station; and a charging port (200) disposed in the vehicle, the vehicle being one of a high voltage vehicle and a low voltage vehicle; wherein the charging port (200) adapted to lockably engage with the charging connector (100) and communicate with the charging connector by means of communication protocols; wherein the charging connector (100) comprises a plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) configured to support at least one of high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles and low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles; wherein the charging port (200) comprises a plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) complementary to the plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) of the charging connector (100), the plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) configured to support the high voltage communication protocols for charging the high voltage vehicles and the low voltage communication protocols for charging the low voltage vehicles; and wherein, on connecting the charging connector (100) with the charging port (200), the plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) interface with the plurality interface receptors (206, 208) to support one of the high voltage communication protocols and the low voltage communication protocols.

10. The assembly (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the charging port (200) lockably engages with the charging connector (100) by means of a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded locking member (202) being provided on a cap (214) of the charging port (200), a first slot (218) being provided on the charging port (200) and a second slot beingprovided on the charging connector (100), the spring loaded locking member (202) adapted to lockably engage the first slot (206) and the second slot upon receiving the charging connector (100) in the charging port (200).

11. The assembly (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the plurality of interface connectors (106, 108) comprises first interface connectors (PP,CP) (106a, 106b) for communication between the charging connector (100) and the charging port (200) to support high voltage communication protocols for charging high voltage vehicles, wherein first interface connectors (106a, 106b) support powerline communication (PLC); and second interface connectors (CAN+, CAN-) (108a, 108b) for communication between the charging connector (100) and the charging port (200) to support the low voltage communication protocols for charging low voltage vehicles, wherein second interface connectors (108a, 108b) support CAN communication; and wherein the plurality of interface receptors (206, 208) comprises first interface receptor (PP,CP) (206a, 206b) for communication between the charging port (200) and the charging connector (100) to support the high voltage communication protocols for charging the high voltage vehicles, wherein first interface receptors (206a, 206b) support power line communication (PLC); and second interface receptors (CAN+, CAN-) (208a, 208b) for communication between the charging port (100) and the charging connector (200) to support the low voltage communication protocols for charging the low voltage vehicles, wherein second interface receptors (208a, 208b) support CAN communication.

12. The assembly (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the charging connector further comprises power supply pins (DC+ / L, DC- / N) (110a, 110b) and a protective earth line (PE) (112) for AC charging and DC charging of low voltage vehicles andhigh voltage vehicles, and wherein the charging port further comprises power supply receptacles (DC+ / L, DC- / N) (210) and a protective earth line pin (PE) (212) for AC charging and DC charging of low voltage vehicles and high voltage vehicles.

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