U.S. patent application number 13/066887 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for overhead mobile charger system for reaching and charging electric vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Prosser Group LLC. Invention is credited to Stephen M. Burchett, Ronald Prosser.
Application Number | 20120013300 13/066887 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45466440 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120013300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prosser; Ronald ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
Overhead mobile charger system for reaching and charging electric
vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces
Abstract
An overhead mobile charger system for reaching and charging
electric vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side
parking spaces. The system includes a rail, a pair of trolleys, a
single EV battery charger, and apparatus for electrically
connecting the EV battery charger to a power source without
impinging upon movement of the pair of trolleys along the rail. The
rail mounts overhead of, and traverses, the pair of adjacent rows
of side-by-side parking spaces. The pair of trolleys are movably
mounted along the rail and reach the electric vehicles parked in
the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces. The
single EV battery charger is mounted to, and moves with, the pair
of trolleys to charge the electric vehicles parked in the pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces.
Inventors: |
Prosser; Ronald; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Burchett; Stephen M.; (Brooklyn, NY) |
Assignee: |
The Prosser Group LLC
|
Family ID: |
45466440 |
Appl. No.: |
13/066887 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61399490 |
Jul 13, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 11/1844 20130101;
Y02T 10/72 20130101; B60L 1/003 20130101; B60L 53/65 20190201; Y02T
10/70 20130101; B60L 53/30 20190201; B60L 3/0069 20130101; Y04S
30/14 20130101; Y02T 90/14 20130101; Y02E 60/00 20130101; Y02T
90/167 20130101; Y04S 10/126 20130101; B60L 3/04 20130101; B60L
53/63 20190201; Y02T 90/16 20130101; H02J 7/0071 20200101; Y02T
90/169 20130101; B60L 53/14 20190201; B60L 53/11 20190201; B60L
2210/30 20130101; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; Y02T 90/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/109 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. An overhead mobile charger system for reaching and charging
electric vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side
parking spaces, comprising: a) a rail; b) a pair of trolleys; c) a
single EV battery charger; and d) means for electrically connecting
said single EV battery charger to a power source without impinging
upon movement of said pair of trolleys along said rail; wherein
said rail is for mounting overhead of the pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces; wherein said rail is for traversing
the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces; wherein
said pair of trolleys are movably mounted along said rail for
reaching the electric vehicles parked in the pair of adjacent rows
of side-by-side parking spaces; and wherein said single EV battery
charger is mounted to, and moves with, said pair of trolleys for
charging the electric vehicles parked in the pair of adjacent rows
of side-by-side parking spaces.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising ceiling mounts; and
wherein said ceiling mounts are for mounting said rail to a
ceiling, overhead the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising trolley stops; wherein
said trolley stops are mounted to said rail; and wherein said
trolley stops are for limiting traversing of said pair of trolleys
on said rail to the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said rail is an I-beam, and as
such, has: a) a web; and b) a pair of flanges.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein each trolley comprises a
generally U-shaped body; and wherein said generally U-shaped body
of each trolley depends from around a lowermost flange of said
rail.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein each trolley comprises two sets
of wheels; wherein said two sets of wheels of each trolley are
rotatably mounted to said generally U-shaped body of an associated
trolley by axles and bearings; and wherein said two sets of wheels
of each trolley ride on said lowermost flange of said rail so as to
allow said pair of trolleys to ride along said rail.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said pair of trolleys comprise a
mounting plate; wherein said mounting plate of said pair of
trolleys fixedly attaches said generally U-shaped body of each
trolley to each other in a spaced relationship and in identical
orientation to each other so as to allow said pair of trolleys to
operate as a single unit.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said single EV battery charger
comprises a housing; and wherein said housing of said single EV
battery charger is dependingly attached to said mounting plate of,
so as to move with, said pair of trolleys.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said single EV battery charger
comprises a retractable charger cable; wherein said retractable
charger cable of said single EV battery charger selectively extends
from, and retracts into, said housing of said single EV battery
charger; wherein said retractable charger cable of said single EV
battery charger terminates in an EV charger handle; and wherein
said EV charger handle of said single EV battery charger is for
electrically connecting to the electric vehicles parked in the pair
of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces.
10. The system of claim 4, wherein said means includes a plurality
of conductors; wherein said plurality of conductors of said means
are rigid; wherein said plurality of conductors of said means are
uninsulated and thereby exposed; wherein said plurality of
conductors of said means are parallel to each other; wherein said
plurality of conductors of said means extend horizontally at one
side of said web of said rail by insulated suspenders; and wherein
said plurality of conductors of said means are for electrically
connecting to the power source so as to allow said plurality of
conductors of said means to be electrically hot and carry power
from the power source.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said means includes a plurality
of collector shoes; wherein said plurality of collector shoes of
said means are electrically connected to said single EV battery
charger by a cable; wherein said plurality of collector shoes of
said means slide freely along said plurality of conductors of said
means making electrical contact therewith as they move therealong
so as to allow said single EV battery charger to slide along said
rail, via said pair of trolleys, and remain electrically supported
without impinging upon movement of said pair of trolleys along said
rail.
12. The system of claim 5, wherein said means includes a unistrut;
and wherein said unistrut of said means extends horizontally at one
side of said web of said rail, outboard of said lowermost flange of
said rail, by rigid suspenders.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said means includes a plurality
of rolling reels; and wherein said plurality of rolling reels of
said means are rollingly mounted to, and move along, said unistrut
of said means, at one side of said single EV battery charger.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said means includes a power
cable; and wherein said power cable of said means is electrically
connected at one end thereof to said single EV battery charger,
reeves drapingly through said plurality of rolling reels of said
means so as to form slack, and is for electrically connecting at
the other end thereof to the power source so as to allow said
single EV battery charger to slide along said rail, via said pair
of trolleys, and remain electrically supported without impinging
upon movement of said pair of trolleys along said rail.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein said power cable of said means
is insulated; and wherein said power cable of said means is flat so
as to reeve more easily through said plurality of rolling reels of
said means.
16. The system of claim 9, wherein one trolley has an electric
motor; and wherein said electric motor of said one trolley is for
electrically connecting to the power source so as to cause said two
sets of wheels of said one trolley to rotate and thereby allow said
pair of trolleys to traverse said rail in either direction so as to
be able to reach the electric vehicles parked in the pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said EV charger handle of said
single EV battery charger comprises a hand-fitting enclosure;
wherein said hand-fitting enclosure of said EV charger handle of
said single EV battery charger is rigid; wherein said hand-fitting
enclosure of said EV charger handle of said single EV battery
charger is ergonomic; wherein said hand-fitting enclosure of said
EV charger handle of said single EV battery charger has a free
distal end for releasably engaging in the electric vehicles parked
in the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces; and
wherein said hand-fitting enclosure of said EV charger handle of
said single EV battery charger has a proximal end electrically
communicating with said retractable charger cable of said single EV
battery charger.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said EV charger handle of said
single EV battery charger comprises a pair of pushbuttons; wherein
said pair of pushbuttons of said EV charger handle of said single
EV battery charger are accessible via said hand-fitting enclosure
of said EV charger handle of said single EV battery charger;
wherein said pair of pushbuttons of said EV charger handle of said
single EV battery charger are in electrical communication with said
electric motor of said one trolley, via said retractable charger
cable of said single EV battery charger, and when one pushbutton of
said EV charger handle of said single EV battery charger is
pressed, said pair of trolleys traverse said rail in one direction,
and when the other pushbutton of said EV charger handle of said
single EV battery charger is pressed, said pair of trolleys
traverse said rail in an opposite direction to, to thereby
conveniently control movement of said single EV battery charger.
Description
1. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant non-provisional patent application claims
priority from provisional patent application No. 61/399,490, filed
on Jul. 13, 2010, for a CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING SYSTEMS, and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of the Invention
[0003] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an
electric vehicle charging system, and more particularly, the
embodiments of the present invention relate to an overhead mobile
charger system for reaching and charging electric vehicles parked
in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces.
[0004] B. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The electric vehicle ("EV") charging industry is coming of
age. Currently, EV chargers can only service one parking spot at a
time.
[0006] Referring now to FIG. 1, which is a diagrammatic perspective
view of a typical prior art EV charging station design, the typical
prior art EV charging station design a is for parking garage
application, has an overhead charging unit b, and is produced by
Control Module Industries..sup.1 The typical prior art EV charging
station design a is typical of today's commercially available
overhead systems, is mounted to a ceiling c, and has a retractable
cable d. .sup.1Control Module Industries, 89 Phoenix Ave, Enfield,
Conn. 06082, (860) 745-2433, (800) 722-6654.
[0007] As EV market penetration increases so will the number of
parking garage customers driving EVs. Garages having valet parking
will have to be continuously moving EVs in order to service them
from a single charger. In order to successfully charge multiple EVs
with a single charger, a parking garage attendant will need to
orchestrate the process. This person will be responsible for moving
the first EV to be charged into the EVSE parking spot, connecting
the EV charger to the EV, and activating the charger. Once charging
is complete, the attendant will disconnect the EV charger from the
EV, move the first EV to a different parking spot, move the second
EV to be charged into the EVSE parking spot, and begin the process
again.
[0008] There is only one alternative to this scenario currently
available. Purchasing and installing additional EV chargers will
allow the attendant to move an EV into one of several locations,
thus minimizing operational complexity and time. Therefore, the
bottleneck for an attendant to shuffle multiple EVs through a
single charger could be significantly reduced and operational
efficiencies gained. The cost of additional chargers and
accompanying infrastructure costs, however, may not be economically
feasible. Many of these chargers are likely to be level 3 chargers
that are capable of charging an EV in a few minutes vs. an hour or
more. Most level 3 chargers require a 60 amp 440 volt service or
greater. Having multiple level 3 chargers will place significant
stress on the facility electrical service. In addition to the cost
of multiple chargers ($40-50 k each), the costs of running multiple
conduits and wiring runs from the electrical panel box to chargers
can add significant cost to installations. Furthermore, if the
service to the panel and/or the panel box require(s) greater
electrical capacity, the cost increases dramatically. Thus, there
exists a need to have mobile charging stations that enable an
operator to move efficiently from EV to EV so as to enable the
charging infrastructure to be optimally used hence reducing the
number of EV chargers and infrastructure required to support the EV
throughput.
[0009] Numerous innovations for electric charging devices have been
provided in the prior art, which will be described below in
chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are
incorporated herein by reference thereto. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments
of the present invention in that they do not teach an overhead
mobile charger system for reaching and charging electric vehicles
parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces.
(1) U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,099 to Bruni et al.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,099--issued to Bruni et al. on Jun. 21,
1994 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 108--teaches a curb-side
battery charging system that provides a mechanism for transferring
electrical power to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery.
The battery charging system includes a housing that is disposed on
a wall, or is slidably attached to a track mounted to a ceiling,
for example. A retractable charging device is coupled to a power
supply, and mates with a receptacle device disposed in the vehicle.
A variety of charging devices can be employed in the battery
charging system. Electronic circuitry controls power supplied to
the vehicle from the power supply of the charging system. In
addition, an interface circuit allows a user to enter a code to use
the system, and which provides an identification for billing
purposes, or a credit card type key that activates the system and
performs the same functions. A fan is provided for cooling purposes
that causes an air flow through the system. The battery charging
system allows an electric vehicle to be charged without any type of
conventional electrical plug. The battery charging system provides
a mechanism for coupling power from a power source to an electric
vehicle to recharge its battery.
(2) U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,200 to Nor et al.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,200--issued to Nor et al. on Aug. 20,
1996 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 109--teaches a method and
apparatus for charging the battery of an electric vehicle. When the
electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, it is
interrogated to determine the nature of the charge controller that
is onboard the vehicle. Logic decisions invoking the particular
mode for charging the vehicle are made depending on the nature and
type of charge controller that is onboard the vehicle. Thus,
delivery of charging energy to the battery in the vehicle may be
entirely under the control of a charge controller onboard the
vehicle, or if the control module in the vehicle is less
sophisticated, then delivery of charging energy will be under the
control of a charging module within the charging station.
Parameters of initial charging current and voltage are therefore
set either by the onboard battery charging controller or the charge
controller in the charging station. Alternatively, these parameters
may be set manually or by insertion of a card into a data interface
to establish initial charging conditions. Under controlled
conditions, a plurality of vehicles may be charged at a single
establishment having a plurality of charging stations, either
sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the criteria to be
established. The charging station may be privately owned so as to
charge a fleet of vehicles, or there may be a plurality of charging
stations at a publicly accessible service station.
(3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,991 to Brake et al.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,991--issued to Brake et al. on Jul. 14,
1998 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 112--teaches a charging
apparatus with multiple charge stations. The apparatus includes a
single power supply that operates under the control of a
microprocessor to charge a plurality of battery packs disposed in
respective charging stations. Associated with each charging station
is a wiring harness assembly that includes an EEPROM memory chip
having one or more stored charging algorithms for the type or types
of battery packs to be charged at that charging station. The
microprocessor reads the charging algorithm from a charging
station's memory chip when a battery pack is inserted in the
charging station. The microprocessor utilizes a feedback control
loop including a resistor network to regulate the charging current
and charging voltage supplied to each battery pack being charged.
If a plurality of Li-Ion battery packs are disposed in respective
charging stations, each pack is sequentially charged so that the
voltage across the pack is raised to the rated output voltage of
the pack. Then, all of the Li-Ion battery packs are charged in
parallel until each is fully charged. The parallel charging reduces
total charging time.
(4) U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,215 to Henze et al.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,215--issued to Henze et al. on Sep. 8,
1998 in U.S. class 191 and subclass 2--teaches a method and
apparatus for charging batteries of a plurality of vehicles, which
includes a power source converter connectable to a power source to
receive electrical power, and for converting the electrical power
to a selected voltage potential that is distributed on a
distribution bus. A plurality of vehicle connecting stations are
connected to the distribution bus. Each vehicle connecting station
includes a station power converter for receiving electrical power
from the power source converter for charging the battery, and a
station controller to control electrical power flow to the vehicle
battery.
(5) U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,537 to Parmley, Sr.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,537--issued to Parmley, Sr. on Dec. 8,
1998 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 109--teaches a charging station
system of electric vehicles, which includes a building containing
charging equipment, and may provide other auxiliary services. The
system includes a T-bar extending from the building to provide
charging stalls or locations spaced along the T-bar. The building
is modular, and incorporates a standard ISO type configuration.
(6) U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,205 to Williams.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,205--issued to Williams on Jun. 27, 2000
in U.S. class 340 and subclass 932.2--teaches an electric vehicle
recharging parking meter that includes a parking meter, a
processor, a display interconnected to the processor for giving
visual information to a user, and an input device interconnected to
the processor. The input device enables the user to select the
parking time and/or the recharging time for the electric vehicle.
The processor is responsive to the user selection of recharge time,
parking time, and recharge power requirements entered on the input
device. A payment receptor for receiving payment for the parking
and recharge time selected by the user is interconnected to the
processor for indicating receipt of payment for parking time and
recharge electricity. The processor enables a switch to close so
that power is supplied to the vehicle from a power source. A
connector is attached to a post or stand on which the meter is
mounted, whereby the electric vehicle is interconnected to the
power source. A power controller, operable in response to signals
from the processor, is interconnected between the power source and
the connector.
(7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,450 to Schwendinger.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,450--issued to Schwendinger on Jan. 15,
2002 in U.S. class 242 and subclass 388.9--teaches a cable manager
having a support member and a bracket that mounts the support
member to a ceiling joist of a golf cart shed. A first pulley wheel
attaches to the top end of the support member, and a second pulley
wheel attaches to a pulley mounting bracket. A coil spring
entrained about the first pulley wheel has one end attached to the
pulley mounting bracket and the other end attached to the bottom
end of the support member. The second pulley wheel is suspended at
a lower elevation than the first pulley wheel, and moves down
against the force of the spring when the power cable entrained over
it is pulled down to connect to a golf cart for recharging. While
recharging occurs, the lower pulley is fixed to the support member
by attaching its bracket to an S-hook that attaches the spring to
the vertical support member. When the power cable is released, the
pulley moves up, but its upward travel is limited by a cable
bracket that captures the power cable and holds it in position for
easy retrieval for the next use. The cable manager is suspended
from the ceiling, above the tops of the golf carts, leaving the
area floor free of obstructions for the golf cart.
(8) United States Patent Application Publication Number
2008/0218121 to Gale et
[0017] United States Patent Application Publication Number
2008/0218121--published to Gale et al. on Sep. 11, 2008 in U.S.
class 320 and subclass 109--teaches a method for charging an
electric storage battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
through a power supply circuit, which includes coupling the charger
to the circuit, determining whether another appliance in the
circuit other than the charger is drawing current, determining a
maximum charge rate at which the battery can be charged using the
charger, charging the battery at the maximum charge rate if no
other appliance in the circuit is drawing current, and charging the
battery at less than the maximum charge rate if another appliance
in the circuit is drawing current.
[0018] It is apparent that numerous innovations for electric
charging devices have been provided in the prior art, which are
adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may
be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they
address, nevertheless, they would not be suitable for the purposes
of the present invention as heretofore described, namely, an
overhead mobile charger system for reaching and charging electric
vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces.
3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Thus, an object of the embodiments of the present invention
is to provide an overhead mobile charger system for reaching and
charging electric vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces, which avoids the disadvantages of the
prior art.
[0020] Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the
present invention is to provide an overhead mobile charger system
for reaching and charging electric vehicles parked in a pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces. The system includes a
rail, a pair of trolleys, a single EV battery charger, and
apparatus for electrically connecting the single EV battery charger
to a power source without impinging upon movement of the pair of
trolleys along the rail. The rail mounts overhead of, and
traverses, the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces. The pair of trolleys are movably mounted along the rail and
reach the electric vehicles parked in the pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces. The single EV battery charger is
mounted to, and moves with, the pair of trolleys to charge the
electric vehicles parked in the pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces.
[0021] The novel features considered characteristic of the
embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended
claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves,
however, both as to their construction and to their method of
operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of the
specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with
the accompanying figures of the drawing.
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING
[0022] The figures of the drawing are briefly described as
follows:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a typical prior
art EV charging station design;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the overhead
mobile charger system of the embodiments of the present invention
reaching and charging electric vehicles parked in a pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view
taken generally in the direction of ARROW 3 in FIG. 2 of the
overhead mobile charger system of the embodiments of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view taken
generally in the direction of ARROW 4 in FIG. 2 of the overhead
mobile charger system of the embodiments of the present invention
utilizing a collector shoe;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view taken
generally in the direction of ARROW 5 in FIG. 2 of the overhead
mobile charger system of the embodiments of the present invention
utilizing a festoon; and
[0028] FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the
area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW 6
in FIG. 3 of an EV charger handle.
5. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE FIGURES OF THE
DRAWING
A. Prior art.
[0029] a typical prior art EV charging station design for parking
garage application [0030] b overhead charging unit [0031] c ceiling
[0032] d retractable cable
B. General.
[0032] [0033] 10 overhead mobile charger system of embodiments of
present invention for reaching and charging electric vehicles 12
parked in pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14
[0034] 12 electric vehicles [0035] 14 pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces 14 C. Overall configuration of overhead
mobile charger system 10. [0036] 16 rail for mounting overhead of,
and for traversing, pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces 14. [0037] 18 pair of trolleys for reaching electric
vehicles 12 parked in pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces 14 [0038] 20 single EV battery charger for charging electric
vehicles 12 parked in pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces 14 [0039] 22 apparatus for electrically connecting single EV
battery charger 20 to power source 24 without impinging upon
movement of pair of trolleys 18 along rail 16 [0040] 24 power
source D. Specific configuration of rail 16. [0041] 26 ceiling
mounts for mounting rail 16 to ceiling 28, overhead pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 [0042] 28 ceiling
[0043] 30 trolley stops [0044] 32 web of rail 16 [0045] 34 pair of
flanges of rail 16 E. Specific configuration of each trolley of the
pair of trolleys 18. [0046] 36 generally U-shaped body of each
trolley of pair of trolleys 18 [0047] 38 two sets of wheels of each
trolley of pair of trolleys 18 [0048] 40 axles of two sets of
wheels 38 of each trolley of pair of trolleys 18 [0049] 42 bearings
of two sets of wheels 38 of each trolley of pair of trolleys 18
[0050] 44 mounting plate of pair of trolleys 18 [0051] 45 electric
motor of one of pair of trolleys 18 for electrically connecting to
power source 24 so as to cause two sets of wheels 38 of one trolley
of pair of trolleys 18 to rotate and thereby allow pair of trolleys
18 to traverse rail 16 in either direction so as to be able to
reach electric vehicles 12 parked in pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces 14 F. Specific configuration of single
EV battery charger 20. [0052] 46 housing of single EV battery
charger 20 [0053] 48 retractable charger cable of single EV battery
charger 20 [0054] 50 EV charger handle of single EV battery charger
20 for releasably and electrically connecting to electric vehicles
12 parked in pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces
14 G. Specific configuration of collector shoe embodiment of
apparatus 22. [0055] 52 plurality of conductors of apparatus 22 for
electrically connecting to power source 24 so as to allow plurality
of conductors 52 of apparatus 22 to be electrically hot and carry
power from power source 24 [0056] 54 insulated suspenders of
apparatus 22 [0057] 56 plurality of collector shoes of apparatus 22
[0058] 58 power cable of apparatus 22 H. Specific configuration of
festoon embodiment of apparatus 22. [0059] 60 unistrut of apparatus
22 [0060] 62 rigid suspenders of apparatus 22 [0061] 64 plurality
of rolling reels of apparatus 22 [0062] 66 power cable of apparatus
22 [0063] 68 one end of power cable 66 of apparatus 22 [0064] 70
other end of power cable 66 of apparatus 22 for electrically
connecting to power source 24 I. Specific configuration of EV
charger handle 50 of single EV battery charger 20. [0065] 72
hand-fitting enclosure of EV charger handle 50 of single EV battery
charger 20 [0066] 74 free distal end of hand-fitting enclosure 72
of EV charger handle 50 of single EV battery charger 20 for
releasably engaging in electric vehicles 12 parked in pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 [0067] 76 proximal
end of hand-fitting enclosure 72 of EV charger handle 50 of single
EV battery charger 20 [0068] 78 pair of pushbuttons of EV charger
handle 50 of single EV battery charger 20
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A. General.
[0069] Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals
indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 2, which is a
diagrammatic top plan view of the overhead mobile charger system of
the embodiments of the present invention reaching and charging
electric vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side
parking spaces, the overhead mobile charger system of the
embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 10 for
reaching and charging electric vehicles 12 parked in a pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14.
B. Overall Configuration of the Overhead Mobile Charger System
10.
[0070] The overall configuration of the overhead mobile charger
system 10 can best be seen in FIGS. 3-5, which are, respectively,
an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view taken generally in
the direction of ARROW 3 in FIG. 2 of the overhead mobile charger
system of the embodiments of the present invention, an enlarged
diagrammatic perspective view taken generally in the direction of
ARROW 4 in FIG. 2 of the overhead mobile charger system of the
embodiments of the present invention utilizing a collector shoe,
and an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view taken generally in
the direction of ARROW 5 in FIG. 2 of the overhead mobile charger
system of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a
festoon, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
[0071] The overhead mobile charger system 10 comprises a rail 16, a
pair of trolleys 18, a single EV battery charger 20, and apparatus
22 for electrically connecting the single EV battery charger 20 to
a power source 24 without impinging upon movement of the pair of
trolleys 18 along the rail 16.
[0072] The rail 16 is for mounting overhead of, and for traversing,
the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 (FIG.
1). The pair of trolleys 18 are movably mounted along the rail 16
for reaching the electric vehicles 12 parked in the pair of
adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 (FIG. 1). The
single EV battery charger 20 is mounted to, and moves with, the
pair of trolleys 18 for charging the electric vehicles 12 parked in
the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 (FIG.
1).
C. Specific Configuration of the Rail 16.
[0073] Ceiling mounts 26 are for mounting the rail 16 to a ceiling
28, overhead the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking
spaces 14 (FIG. 1).
[0074] Trolley stops 30 are mounted to the rail 16 and are for
limiting traversing of the pair of trolleys 18 on the rail 16 to
the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 (FIG.
1).
[0075] The rail 16 is, preferably, an I-beam, and as such, further
has a web 32 and a pair of flanges 34.
D. Specific Configuration of Each Trolley 18.
[0076] Each trolley 18 comprises a generally U-shaped body 36. The
generally U-shaped body 36 of each trolley 18 depends from around a
lowermost flange 34 of the rail 16.
[0077] Each trolley 18 further comprises two sets of wheels 38. The
two sets of wheels 38 of each trolley 18 are rotatably mounted to
the generally U-shaped body 36 of an associated trolley 18 by axles
40 and bearings 42, and ride on the lowermost flange 34 of the rail
16 so as to allow the pair of trolleys 18 to ride along the rail
16.
[0078] The pair of trolleys 18 comprise a mounting plate 44. The
mounting plate 44 of the pair of trolleys 18 fixedly attaches the
generally U-shaped body 36 of each trolley 18 to each other in a
spaced relationship and in identical orientation to each other so
as to allow the pair of trolleys 18 to operate as a single
unit.
[0079] One trolley 18 has an electric motor 45. The electric motor
45 of the one trolley 18 is for electrically connecting to the
power source 24 so as to cause the two sets of wheels 38 of the one
trolley 18 to rotate and thereby allow the pair of trolleys 18 to
traverse the rail 16 in either direction so as to be able to reach
the electric vehicles 12 parked in the pair of adjacent rows of
side-by-side parking spaces 14.
[0080] It is to be understood, however, that the electric motor 45
of the one trolley 18 can be eliminated and the pair of trolleys 18
can be pulled along the rail 16 manually.
E. Specific Configuration of the Single EV Battery Charger 20.
[0081] The single EV battery charger 20 comprises a housing 46. The
housing 46 of the single EV battery charger 20 is dependingly
attached to the mounting plate 44 of, so as to move with, the pair
of trolleys 18.
[0082] The single EV battery charger 20 further comprises a
retractable charger cable 48. The retractable charger cable 48 of
the single EV battery charger 20 selectively extends from, and
retracts into, the housing 46 of the single EV battery charger 20,
terminates in a EV charger handle 50 (FIG. 3), and can be used to
manually pull the pair of trolleys 18 along the rail 16 when the
electric motor 45 of the one trolley 18 is eliminated.
[0083] The EV charger handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20
is for electrically connecting to the electric vehicles 12 parked
in the pair of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14.
F. Specific Configuration of a Collector Shoe Embodiment of the
Apparatus 22.
[0084] The specific configuration of a collector shoe embodiment of
the apparatus 22 can best be seen in FIG. 4, which is again an
enlarged diagrammatic perspective view taken generally in the
direction of ARROW 4 in FIG. 2 of the overhead mobile charger
system of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a
collector shoe, and as such, will be discussed with reference
thereto.
[0085] The apparatus 22 comprises a plurality of conductors 52. The
plurality of conductors 52 of the apparatus 22 are rigid,
uninsulated and thereby exposed, are parallel to each other, extend
horizontally at one side of the web 32 of the rail 16 by insulated
suspenders 54, and are for electrically connecting to the power
source 24 so as to allow the plurality of conductors 52 of the
apparatus 22 to be electrically hot and carry power from the power
source 24.
[0086] The apparatus 22 further comprises a plurality of collector
shoes 56. The plurality of collector shoes 56 of the apparatus 22
are electrically connected to the single EV battery charger 20 by a
power cable 58, and slide freely along the plurality of conductors
52 of the apparatus 22 making electrical contact, therewith as they
move therealong so as to allow the single EV battery charger 20 to
slide along the rail 16, via the pair of trolleys 18, and remain
electrically supported without impinging upon movement of the pair
of trolleys 18 along the rail 16.
G. Specific Configuration of a Festoon Embodiment of the Apparatus
22.
[0087] The specific configuration of a festoon embodiment of the
apparatus 22 can best be seen in FIG. 5, which is again an enlarged
diagrammatic perspective view taken generally in the direction of
ARROW 5 in FIG. 2 of the overhead mobile charger system of the
embodiments of the present invention utilizing a festoon, and as
such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
[0088] The apparatus 22 comprises a unistrut 60. The unistrut 60 of
the apparatus 22 extends horizontally at one side of the web 32 of
the rail 16, outboard of the lowermost flange 34 of the rail 16, by
rigid suspenders 62.
[0089] The apparatus 22 further comprises a plurality of rolling
reels 64. The plurality of rolling reels 64 of the apparatus 22 are
rollingly mounted, and move along, the unistrut 60 of the apparatus
22, at one side of the single EV battery charger 20.
[0090] The apparatus 22 further comprises a power cable 66. The
power cable 66 of the apparatus 22 is electrically connected at one
end 68 thereof to the single EV battery charger 20, reeves
drapingly through the plurality of rolling reels 64 of the
apparatus 22 so as to form slack, and is for electrically
connecting at the other end 70 thereof to the power source 24 so as
to allow the single EV battery charger 20 to slide along the rail
16, via the pair of trolleys 18, and remain electrically supported
without impinging upon movement of the pair of trolleys 18 along
the rail 16.
[0091] The power cable 66 of the apparatus 22 is insulated and flat
so as to reeve more easily through the plurality of rolling reels
64 of the apparatus 22.
H. Specific Configuration of the EV Charger Handle 50 of the Single
EV Battery Charger 20.
[0092] The specific configuration of the EV charger handle 50 of
the single EV battery charger 20 can best be seen in FIG. 6, which
is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the area generally
enclosed by the dotted curve identified by ARROW 6 in FIG. 3 of an
EV charger handle, and as such, will be discussed with reference
thereto.
[0093] The EV charger handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20
comprises a hand-fitting enclosure 72. The hand-fitting enclosure
72 of the EV charger handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20
is rigid, ergonomic, and has a free distal end 74 for releasably
engaging in the electric vehicles 12 parked in the pair of adjacent
rows of side-by-side parking spaces 14 and a proximal end 76
electrically communicating with the retractable charger cable 48 of
the single EV battery charger 20.
[0094] The EV charger handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20
further comprises a pair of pushbuttons 78. The pair of pushbuttons
78 of the EV charger handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20
are accessible via the hand-fitting enclosure 72 of the EV charger
handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20, and are in
electrical communication with the electric motor 45 of the one
trolley 18, via the retractable charger cable 48 of the single EV
battery charger 20, and when one pushbutton 78 of the EV charger
handle 50 of the single EV battery charger 20 is pressed, the pair
of trolleys 18 traverse the rail 16 in one direction, and when the
other pushbutton 78 of the EV charger handle 50 of the single EV
battery charger 20 is pressed, the pair of trolleys 18 traverse the
rail 16 in an opposite direction to, to thereby conveniently
control movement of the single EV battery charger 20.
I. Impressions.
[0095] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above or two or more together may also find a useful application in
other types of constructions differing from the types described
above.
[0096] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described as embodied in an overhead mobile charger
system for reaching and charging electric vehicles parked in a pair
of adjacent rows of side-by-side parking spaces, nevertheless, they
are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood
that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes
in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present
invention illustrated and their operation, can be made by those
skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of
the embodiments of the present invention.
[0097] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others
can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various
applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of
prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *