Electric vehicle refueling

Abstract

A refueling station for an electric vehicle powered by a rechargeable battery. The station has a rack/frame containing rechargeable electric batteries, some fully charged. The removal of the rechargeable battery from the electric vehicle is accomplished by a grasping mechanism that engages the battery within the vehicle, removes it, and places it on the rack/frame. A gauge reads a charge capacity of the rechargeable battery withdrawn from the electric vehicle for purposes of charging the owner of the electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A refueling station for an electric vehicle powered by a rechargeable battery, comprising: a) a rack containing at least one rechargeable electric battery, having a full electrical charge therein; and, b) a grasping mechanism configured to, 1) engage an original rechargeable electric battery within the electric vehicle and remove the original rechargeable electric battery from the electric vehicle, 2) place and release the original rechargeable battery on the rack, 3) engage a fresh rechargeable electric battery from the rack, and, 4) place the fresh rechargeable electric battery in a location previously occupied by the original rechargeable electric battery within the electric vehicle.

2. The refueling station for electric vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the grasping mechanism includes a releasing mechanism causing the original rechargeable electric battery to be disengaged from the electric vehicle prior to the original rechargeable electric battery being removed from the electric vehicle.

3. The refueling station according to claim 2, wherein the grasping mechanism includes an electrical disengagement mechanism electrically isolating the original rechargeable electric battery from the electric vehicle prior to being removed from the electric vehicle.

4. The refueling station for electric vehicles according to claim 3, wherein the grasping mechanism includes a securing mechanism causing the fresh rechargeable battery to be physically engaged with the electric vehicle.

5. The refueling station according to claim 4, wherein the grasping mechanism includes an electrical engagement mechanism electrically connecting the fresh rechargeable electric battery to the electric vehicle after the fresh rechargeable electric battery has been placed in the electric vehicle.

6. The refueling station according to claim 1, wherein the rack includes a charging connection providing electrical power to at least one rechargeable electric battery therein.

7. The refueling station according to claim 6, a) further including, a clock mechanism; and, b) wherein, electrical energy is initiated to the at least one rechargeable electric battery at a chosen time as defined by the clock mechanism.

8. The refueling station according to claim 6, further including: a) a gauge reading a charge capacity of the original rechargeable electric battery; and, b) a display showing the charge capacity.

9. The refueling station according to claim 8, further including, a payment receipt mechanism receiving payment based upon the charge capacity.

10. The refueling station according to claim 8: a) wherein the original rechargeable electric battery contains a unique identification; and, b) further including, a debiting mechanism adjusting a total sum based on the charge capacity for an individual associated with the unique identification.

11. A refueling station for an electric vehicle powered by a rechargeable battery and comprising a grasping mechanism having, an engagement mechanism configured to engage and remove an original rechargeable electric battery from the electric vehicle and, place a fresh rechargeable electric battery in a location previously occupied by the original rechargeable electric battery within the electric vehicle.

12. The refueling station for electric vehicles according to claim 11, wherein the grasping mechanism further includes a releasing mechanism causing the original rechargeable electric battery to be disengaged from the electric vehicle prior to the original rechargeable electric battery being removed from the electric vehicle.

13. The refueling station according to claim 12, wherein the grasping mechanism further includes an electrical disengagement mechanism electrically isolating the original rechargeable electric battery from the electric vehicle prior to being removed from the electric vehicle.

14. The refueling station for electric vehicles according to claim 13, wherein the grasping mechanism further includes a securing mechanism causing the fresh rechargeable battery to be engaged with the electric vehicle.

15. The refueling station according to claim 14, wherein the grasping mechanism further includes an electrical engagement mechanism electrically connecting the fresh rechargeable electric battery to the electric vehicle after the fresh rechargeable electric battery has been placed in the electric vehicle.

16. A rack for rechargeable batteries comprising: a) a frame containing at least one rechargeable electric battery having a full electrical charge therein; b) a charging connection providing electrical power to at least one rechargeable electric battery within the frame; and, c) wherein, electrical energy is initiated to at least one rechargeable electric battery at a chosen time as defined by the clock mechanism.

17. The rack for rechargeable batteries according to claim 16, further including a clock mechanism providing a time-of-day indicator and activating electrical communication with the at least one rechargeable electric battery.

18. The rack for rechargeable batteries according to claim 16, further including: a) a gauge reading a charge capacity of one of the rechargeable electric batteries on the frame; and, b) a display showing the charge capacity.

19. The rack for rechargeable batteries according to claim 18, further including, a payment receipt mechanism receiving payment from a customer based upon the charge capacity.

20. The rack for rechargeable batteries according to claim 19, a) wherein the electric battery contains a unique identification; and, b) further including, a debiting mechanism adjusting a total sum based on the charge capacity for an individual associated and the unique identification.

Description

DRAWINGS IN BRIEF

[0060] FIGS. 1A and 1B are side and top views of the preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the assist system is secured to the vehicle via a towing slide mount.

[0061] FIG. 2 is side view in which the assist system is being towed as a trailer.

[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates the internal combustion engine of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred secondary bumper protection of the assist system in which the secondary bumper contacts the bumper on the vehicle.

[0064] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate two embodiments which are meant to reduce damage due to impact of the secondary bumper.

[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the charging engine is mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred mounting of the auxiliary battery to the electric vehicle.

[0067] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate different mounting mechanisms for the auxiliary battery.

[0068] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate alternative mounting/towing mechanisms for the auxiliary battery.

[0069] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the upper side of an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of the invention relative to FIG. 10A.

[0071] FIG. 11 illustrates a mounting platform.

[0072] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the cargo truck with the rechargeable battery.

[0073] FIG. 13 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the frame used to hold the rechargeable battery.

[0074] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the trolley or bus with the rechargeable battery.

[0075] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the frame system interacting with a remote bank.

DRAWINGS IN DETAIL

[0076] FIGS. 1A and 1B are side and top views of the preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the assist system is secured to the vehicle via a towing slide mount.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 1A, vehicle 10A has a slide mount 14A secured thereto. Platform 11A is secured into slide mount and presents a foundation for the mounting of motor/generator 12A. Electrical energy from motor/generator 12A is fed through electrical cable 15A which is connected to receptacle 16A of the electric vehicle 10A.

[0078] Receptacle 16A is the traditional connector used to recharge the rechargeable battery (not shown) within vehicle 10A. Unlike the illustration, in the preferred embodiment, receptacle 16A is positioned at the rear of vehicle 10A permitting easier connection with electrical cable 15A.

[0079] Activation and deactivation of motor/generator 12A is preferably done via radio transmitter 17A which is illustrated exterior to vehicle 10A, but, in the ideal embodiment, the operator of vehicle 10A activates from within vehicle 10A, to activate motor/generator 12A when the operator deems that the rechargeable battery needs to be boosted.

[0080] Alternatively, sensor 17B monitors the charge within the rechargeable battery and activates/deactivates motor/generator 12A when needed.

[0081] The embodiment, with the electrical connection within vehicle 10A, is illustrated in FIG. 1B. Again, platform 11B is secured to vehicle 10B on which is mounted motor/generator 12A. In this embodiment, electrical cable 15B is passed into trunk 17 to connect with receptacle 16B. Receptacle 16B is optionally created during manufacture of the electric vehicle 10B or is installed as an after-market item.

[0082] The embodiment of FIG. 113 provides more protection for the connection between electrical cable 15B and receptacle 16B.

[0083] Mounting, and dismounting the assist apparatus to the vehicle is ideally done as a two-step process. In mounting, first the platform is secured to the vehicle and then the motor/generator is secured to the platform. Dismounting is done in the reverse. This two-step process is easier due the component's weight.

[0084] FIG. 2 is side view in which the assist system is being towed as a trailer.

[0085] In this embodiment of the invention, vehicle 20 is equipped with a tow bracket 25 which is secured to trailer 24. Motor/generator 23 is carried by trailer 24. Power from the motor/generator 23 is communicated to vehicle 20 and its electrical receptacle 21 via electrical cable 22.

[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates the internal combustion engine of the present invention.

[0087] In the preferred embodiment, motor 30 is a typical internal combustion engine with its exhaust being muffled for noise concerns. Drive shaft 31 from motor 30 drives generator 32 and the electricity therefrom is communicated to the vehicle (not shown) via electrical cable 37.

[0088] Motor 30 is powered by hydrocarbon s such as gasoline and diesel in liquid form. Cannister 35 is used to contain hydrocarbons in the gaseous state such as propane and natural gas. Cannister 35 is securable to inlet 38 as indicated by arrows 36.

[0089] FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the U-shaped secondary bumper protection of the assist system in which the secondary bumper contacts the bumper on the vehicle.

[0090] Bumper 40 is generally U shaped with end of the legs 42 proximate to the vehicle's bumper 43. In this embodiment, legs 42 do not contact bumper 43 except during impact. In other embodiments, legs 42 are held firmly against bumper 43.

[0091] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate two embodiments which are meant to reduce damage due to impact of the secondary bumper.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5A, a top view and side view of the preferred bumper used to protect the motor/generator, leg 51A (only one shown in this illustration) are hollow and contain a spring 52 which extends from leg 51A so that on impact with the bumper, leg 51A is forced (arrow 54A) toward the electric vehicle's bumper 50A, allowing spring 52 to absorb the impacts force to minimize damage to bumper protecting the motor generator.

[0093] In FIG. 5B, a collapsible cannister 53A is secured to leg 51A. When the leg 51A and cannister 53A, are pressed against the vehicle's bumper 50B, collapsible cannister “crumbles” 53B as shown by arrow 54B. This crumbling absorbs the impact force to minimize damage.

[0094] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the charging engine is mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

[0095] In this embodiment, platform and charging engine 61 are mounted on the roof of vehicle 60. Power from charging engine 61 is communicated to the battery (not shown) within the vehicle 60 via electrical cable 62.

[0096] FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred mounting of the auxiliary battery to the electric vehicle.

[0097] Electric vehicle 70 has an internal rechargeable battery (not shown) as discussed above. A recharging connector 75 is used to charge the internal rechargeable battery as discussed above. Electricity from an external source (not shown) is communicated to the internal rechargeable battery via the recharging connector 75.

[0098] External battery 73 (ideally rechargeable) is secured to an exterior of the electric vehicle 70 via a cantilevered platform or mounting mechanism 71 which is secured to the vehicle via a slide connector 72. A similar such platform is discussed in FIG. 4 herein.

[0099] An electrical connection 74 electrically connects, via the recharging connector 75, the external battery to the internal rechargeable battery, thereby extending the life of internal rechargeable battery.

[0100] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate different mounting mechanisms for the auxiliary battery.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8A, external battery 80A includes flanges 79 which are selectively grasped by the mounting mechanisms 82A and 82B as indicated by arrows 83. This compression by flanges 79, secures the external battery to the platform or mounting mechanism (not shown). Flanges 79 are slidably secured to the mounting mechanism (not shown).

[0102] FIG. 8B is another method of securing the external battery to the mounting platform. In this embodiment, external battery 80B has a base member 81B which includes openings 85A and 85B which receive teeth 86A therein when tooth mechanism 84A and 84B are pressed as indicated by arrows 78. Movement of tooth mechanisms 84A and 84B, is ideally accomplished by an electric motor.

[0103] In yet another method, FIG. 8C secures the external battery to the mounting platform. In this embodiment, external battery 80C has a base member 81C which include teeth which are engaged by recesses within movable blocks 85B. Movement of blocks 85B, as indicated by arrows 77, is accomplished by manually through levers 87 which are moved as indicated by arrows 88.

[0104] In all of the mounts of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the external battery is easily installed and released so that it can be replaced at will.

[0105] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate alternative mounting/towing mechanisms for the auxiliary battery.

[0106] FIG. 9A illustrates a top mount for the external battery in a similar fashion to that described relative to FIG. 6. In FIG. 9A though, external battery 90 is secured to mounting mechanism 92 located on the roof of electric vehicle 93A. Electricity from external battery 90A is communicated using conduit/electrical wire 95A via connector 91.

[0107] FIG. 9B is similar to the arrangement discussed in FIG. 2. For the external battery embodiment, trailer 94 has a mounting mechanism as discussed above to mount the external battery 90B thereto. In this illustration, the connector for the electrical connection is located within the trunk of electric vehicle 93B and is accessed using electrical conduit wire 95B.

[0108] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the upper side of an embodiment of the invention.

[0109] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the underside of the an embodiment of the invention relative to FIG. 10A

[0110] Referring to both figures, the electric vehicle accessory of this embodiment interacts with the internal rechargeable battery within the electric vehicle. In this embodiment, platform 100A (its underside 1008) is secured to the electric vehicle by insert 101 as described above. This embodiment is also applicable for the roof mounted application and the trailer application.

[0111] Platform 100A has a mounting surface 113 which includes, in this illustration, four engagement mechanisms 103, each having a prong/finger 104. These prongs/fingers 104, when the engagement mechanism 103 is pressed against battery 102, and engage recesses 105 to secure the electric battery 102 to the surface 113 of platform 100A.

[0112] This engagement is ideally accomplished manually using lever 109 which is rotated as indicated by arrow 108. Movement of lever 109, causes internal rod 112 to rotate which moves connecting rods 104 to move the engagement mechanisms 104 to selectively engage or disengage with the battery 102. Alternatively, electric motor 110 is used in lieu of the manually operated lever 108.

[0113] Movement of lever 109 also causes relay switch 103 to selectively close or open. Relay switch 103 controls the operation of electrical connector 106 which receives electricity from battery 102 via electrical line 114 and selectively passes the electricity from battery 102 to the rechargeable battery (not shown) via electrical line 103. In this manner, movement of lever allows the operator selectively electrically connect or isolate battery 102 from the rechargeable battery (not shown) within the electric vehicle. This provides additional safety for the operator.

[0114] FIG. 11 illustrates a mounting platform.

[0115] Battery 123 is placed onto platform 120. To secure the battery 123 to the platform 120, engagement mechanisms 121A and 121B to move and engage battery 123 as outlined above.

[0116] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the cargo truck with the rechargeable battery.

[0117] In this embodiment, truck 130 has a hood 131 which is raised as indicated by arrow 132A to reveal the rechargeable electric battery 135. Rechargeable electric battery 135 is secured within truck 130 using latch 134A as described above.

[0118] In the removal of rechargeable electric battery 135, removal mechanism 136 is pressed against the rechargeable battery 135 as indicated arrow 132B. Jaws 137 press against latch 134A to release latch 134A, jaws 137 grasp rechargeable battery 135 which is be removed from the truck 130.

[0119] Placement of a fully charged battery is accomplished in the opposing manner.

[0120] FIG. 13 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the frame used to hold the rechargeable battery.

[0121] In this preferred embodiment, frame 140A is angled upwards and latch 134 is used to secure the rechargeable electric battery 141 once it is placed within frame 140A as indicated by arrow 142A.

[0122] One embodiment of the invention maintains the frame 140A in this position (angled upwards and not movable) to facilitate easy removal of the rechargeable battery, ideally, connection between rechargeable electric battery 141 with the electrical component of the truck (not shown) is via connector 143A which engages with the rechargeable battery 141 when it is fully inserted into frame 140A.

[0123] Another embodiment places the end of frame on a pivot or swivel 146 allowing the frame to be raised or lowered (140B) as required by ram 145. This embodiment allows the rechargeable electric battery to be held in a substantially horizontal position 140B and be raised/angled upward into the space formerly containing the hatch of the truck; thereby, allowing easy removal and insertion of the rechargeable battery 141.

[0124] In this embodiment, electrical connection between the rechargeable battery 141 and the truck is established when the frame in lowered and connectors 144 and 143 engage each other as indicated by arrows 142B.

[0125] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the trolley or bus with the rechargeable battery.

[0126] Trolly/bus 150 has a front hatch 151B and/or a rear hatch 151A. When opened, 152A, the internal rechargeable battery 153 is revealed within frame 156 as discussed above. After insertion as indicated by arrow 152B, the rechargeable electric battery 153 powers the trolly/bus 150, which in one embodiment has wheels 154 restring on track 155.

[0127] In this way, Trolly/bus 150 can hold a number of passengers (ideally more than ten) and transport them at reduced cost per mile and without generating hydrocarbon pollutants.

[0128] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the frame system interacting with a remote bank.

[0129] Frame/rack 160 is equipped with several bays 161A, 161B, and 161C (three in this illustration). The refueling station uses the gripping mechanism as outlined above to remove a rechargeable battery (162A shown here) and insert the rechargeable battery 162A as illustrated by arrow 163 into bay 161A.

[0130] The gripping mechanism (not shown) then grasps the fully charged rechargeable battery 162B and removes it from bay 161C as illustrated by arrow 163B. The fully charged rechargeable battery 16213 is then inserted into the electric vehicle (automobile or truck) as outlined above.

[0131] The partially spent rechargeable battery 162A, upon being inserted into bay 161A, engages with connector 164 which determines that amount of charge remaining in rechargeable battery 162A. This remaining balance is shown on display 165 and is communicated to controller/payment mechanism 166. The controller/payment mechanism 166 determines the amount to be debited the customer for the fully charged rechargeable battery 161C (the difference in electrical charge). The customer remits payment at the controller/payment mechanism 166 which communicates this amount to bank 167 for proper processing.

[0132] Note, ideally the connector 164 also provides electricity to recharge the batteries within the bays.

[0133] Also, ideally, a time-of-day clock is included with the controller/payment mechanism 166 allowing the controller/payment mechanism 166 to activate the charging process when the electrical rates are the lowest or to adjust for peak electrical demands.

[0134] In some embodiments, an identification for the rechargeable battery, such as 168, is included which allows the computer 166 and remote bank 167 to keep a running tab/bill on the battery's location and to charge for the transfer accordingly.

[0135] It is clear that the present invention provides for an improvement for electric vehicles in order to make these vehicles more acceptable to the general public.