WO2023139454A1

WO2023139454A1 - A system for vandalism protection during charging of an electric two-wheeler

Info

Publication number: WO2023139454A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/050300
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dinkar AGRAWAL; Sagar THAKKAR; Shantanu LAXMIKANT DIWAKAR; Sagnik Deb
Original assignee: Oben Electric Vehicles Private Limited
Priority date: 2022-01-19
Filing date: 2023-01-13
Publication date: 2023-07-27

Abstract

A system (200) for vandalism protection during charging of an electric two-wheeler (100) is disclosed. The system (200) includes a pre-designed cabinet box (202), positioned in between rear seat on upper body frame of the electric two-wheeler (100) and front handlebar of the electric two-wheeler (100). The pre-designed cabinet box (202) is configured to encompass a female charging plug (306). The pre-designed cabinet box (202) includes an upper flap (302), configured to cover the pre-designed cabinet box (202). The system (200) also includes a pre-designed mechanical lock. The pre-designed mechanical lock is mechanically coupled over the pre-designed cabinet box (202) and configured to fasten the upper flap (302).

Description

A SYSTEM FOR VANDALISM PROTECTION DURING CHARGING OF AN ELECTRIC TWO-WHEELER

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

This Application claims priority from a Provisional patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241003009, filed on January 19, 2022, and titled “A SYSTEM FOR VANDALISM PROTECTION DURING CHARGING OF AN ELECTRIC TWO- WHEELER”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an electric two-wheeler, and more particularly to a system for vandalism protection during charging for an electric twowheeler.

BACKGROUND

Demand of on-board and off-board vehicle charging systems are increasing daily with the increase in electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) in the automotive market. For charging, any electric two-wheeler is provided with a charger on outer vehicle body frame. The placement of the charger on the outer vehicle body frame provides easy accessibility during usage.

During the charging process, such charger on the outer vehicle body frame is exposed. Any child or any mentally unstable customer may unknowingly touch or interact with the exposed charger and get electrical shock from the high voltage direct current line. Further, the charging cables and other components are exposed, and any outsider can easily steal such components. Security issues are always present with such exposed chargers on the outer vehicle body frame.

Conventionally, a solenoid valve with a lock is used to make a tamper proof cover during on-going charging process. But on failure of solenoid during charging, the removal of the charger becomes complicated as charging gets completed. Also, cost of such solenoid valve system is high because the conventional system uses mechanical lock that is actuated with the help of electronic device called solenoid valve.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system for vandalism protection during charging of an electric two- wheeler and therefore address the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for vandalism protection during charging of an electric two-wheeler is disclosed. The system includes a pre-designed cabinet box. The pre-designed cabinet box is positioned in between rear seat on upper body frame of the electric two-wheeler and front handlebar of the electric two-wheeler. The pre-designed cabinet box is configured to encompass a female charging plug. The pre-designed cabinet box also includes an upper flap. The upper flap is configured to cover the pre-designed cabinet box.

The system also includes a pre-designed mechanical lock. The pre-designed mechanical lock is mechanically coupled over the pre-designed cabinet. The predesigned mechanical lock is configured to fasten the upper flap with the pre-designed cabinet box.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary electric two-wheeler vehicle depicting a system for vandalism protection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary system for vandalism protection in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the exemplary system for vandalism protection in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an electric two-wheeler depicting a connection of a charger with the electric two -wheeler during charging, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pre-designed cabinet box when the pre-designed cabinet box is locked and the electric two-wheeler is charging, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 A is a perspective view of a pre-designed cabinet box configured with has mechanically latched to lock the rear seat storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 B is a perspective view of the rear seat storage compartment locking arraignment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated online platform, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary electric two-wheeler 100 depicting a system for vandalism protection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electric two-wheeler 100 refers to electric motorcycles and scooters, which are plug-in electric vehicles. In such embodiment, electricity is stored on board in a rechargeable battery, which drives one or more electric motors. The exemplary electric two-wheeler 100 locks charging plugs in a cabinet box (not shown in FIG. 1) during ongoing charging process.

In such embodiment, the system 200 for vandalism protection is located on top section of the upper body frame of the electric two-wheeler 100. In one embodiment, the system 200 for vandalism protection is located in between rear seat on the upper body frame of the electric two- wheeler 100 and front handlebar of the electric two-wheeler 100. As used herein, the “rear seat” refers to beck seat of the electric two-wheeler 100. As used herein, the “handlebar” refers to steering control attachment of the electric two-wheeler 100.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary system 200 for vandalism protection in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 for vandalism protection includes a pre-designed cabinet box 202. As stated, the predesigned cabinet box 202 is positioned in between the rear seat and the front handlebar. In one specific embodiment, the pre-designed cabinet box 202 rectangular in shape having V shaped box.

The pre-designed cabinet box 202 is configured to encompass a female charging plug. In such embodiment, the female charging plug includes two or three recessed holes. The female charging plug electrically couples with a male charging plug for charging connectivity and recharges an electrically coupled battery module. As used herein, “male plug” refers an electrical device with two or three pins that is inserted in a socket to make an electrical connection. As used herein, “female plug” is a connector attached to a wire, cable, or piece of hardware, having one or more recessed holes with electrical terminals inside, and constructed in such a way that a plug with exposed conductors can be inserted snugly into it to ensure a reliable physical and electrical.

The pre-designed cabinet box 202 includes an upper flap (not shown in FIG. 2). The upper flap is configured to cover the pre-designed cabinet box 202. The pre-designed cabinet box 202 is tightly closed by a pre-designed mechanical lock. In such embodiment, the pre-designed mechanical lock fastens the upper flap of the predesigned cabinet box 202 with an extruded locking attachment (as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). The extruded locking attachment is positioned at a predefined degrees horizontal on the side inside wall of the pre-designed cabinet box 202. In one embodiment, the extruded locking attachment is positioned at 90 degrees on the side inside wall of the pre-designed cabinet box 202.

The pre-designed cabinet box 202 also encompasses a mechanical latch. The mechanical latch is configured lock and unlock a rear seat storage compartment (as shown in FIG. 6). The rear seat storage compartment is positioned adjacent to the predesigned cabinet box 202. During operation, a user may access the rear seat storage compartment by unlocking through the mechanical latch. In such embodiment, the pre-designed cabinet box 202 provides an extra level of security for the rear seat storage compartment. In one embodiment, charging cable and other charging components may be easily stored in the rear seat storage compartment below pillion rider. As used herein, the term “latch” refers to a metal bar with a catch and lever used for fastening a door or gate.

The pre-designed cabinet box 202 is designed with leaning down curvature. During closed condition, no water or dust may pass into female charging plug naturally with help of gravitational force.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view 300 of the exemplary system for vandalism protection in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 for vandalism protection includes a pre-designed cabinet box 202. The pre-designed cabinet box 202 is configured to encompass the female charging plug 306. In such embodiment, the female charging plug 306 electrically couples with a male charging plug for charging connectivity (as shown in FIG. 4).

The pre-designed cabinet box 202 is tightly closed by a pre-designed mechanical lock. In such embodiment, the pre-designed mechanical lock fastens the upper flap 302 of the pre-designed cabinet box 202 with an extruded locking attachment 310. The upper flap 302 acts as the top wall for the pre-designed cabinet box 202. The pre-designed cabinet box 202 also encompasses a mechanical latch 304.

The mechanical latch 304 is configured lock and unlock the rear seat storage compartment. The rear seat storage compartment is positioned adjacent to the predesigned cabinet box 202. In such embodiment, pre-designed cabinet box 202 provides an extra level of security for the rear seat storage compartment.

Furthermore, the upper flap 302 of the pre-designed cabinet box 202 includes upward ridge 308 to allow passage of the male charging plug wires. During operation, as the pre-designed cabinet box 202 is closed during on-going process of charging, the wires of the male charging plug on one end easily pass to the pre-designed cabinet box 202 by traversing through the upward ridge 308 and connecting to the female charging plug 306. The male charging plug on another end connects to an electrical energy source. In such embodiment, the whole pre-designed cabinet box 202 is closed, and no dust or water particles may pass. The upward ridge 308 is fabricated in the shape of inverted U. The upward ridge 308 may also be fabricated in different other shapes like V or A depending upon the diameter and shape of male charging plug wires.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view 400 of an electric two-wheeler depicting a connection of a charger with the electric two -wheeler during charging, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In such embodiment, the female charging plug 306 electrically couples with male charging plug 402 for charging connectivity. The coupling can be easily disabled after charging is complete. The upper flap 302 covers the pre-designed cabinet box 202. FIG. 4 also depicts the mechanical latch 304 encompassed within the pre-designed cabinet box 202. In such embodiment, the predesigned mechanical lock fastens the upper flap 302 of the pre-designed cabinet box 202 with an extruded locking attachment 310.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view 500 of a pre-designed cabinet box when the pre-designed cabinet box is locked and the electric two-wheeler is charging, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. During on-going charging, as the pre-designed mechanical lock fastens the upper flap 302 of the pre-designed cabinet box 202 tightly, the wires of the male charging plug 402 easily passes through upper ridge 308 and connects to the electrical energy source. Such closed position 502 of the pre-designed cabinet box 202 not only helps in safety protection for children but also added antitheft security measures. The male charging plug 402 may not be removed as the predesigned cabinet box 202 is closed.

FIG. 6 A is a perspective view 600 of a pre-designed cabinet box configured with has mechanically latched to lock the rear seat storage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figured shows how the mechanical latch is linked to the rear seat storage compartment. The rear seat storage compartment locking arraignment 602 is shown in FIG. 6 B.

FIG. 6 B is a perspective view 602 of the rear seat storage compartment locking arraignment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rear seat storage compartment locking arraignment 602 includes a preconfigured lock 604 hooked to a pre-designed plate by a string or attachment. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system 200 protection to protect an electric two-wheeler 100 against vandalism. The present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution in one system 200 having vehicle female charging plug 306 and a mechanical lock. The arrangement serves the purpose of tamperproofing to prevent harm to child and acts child safe.

Since cabinet lock is locked, the system 200 acts as anti-theft protection which is unlike other electric two wheelers 100 which are prone to theft when vehicle is charging. After usage the charging wires may be stored in rear side storage compartment. Earlier, while the charging wires is not in use, the whole wire set up has to be stored in a compartment with mechanical locks, that added an extra cost as mechanical lock is an additional cost with the latch 304.

In present disclosure, one pre-designed cabinet box 202 is used and that is locked with the help of mechanical lock. The present locking mechanism is easier, no chance of failure since the locking mechanism is not electronic device. Further, only one lock serves the purpose of acting child safe during vehicle charging and antitheft of charger when charger is not in use as it is stored in a rear seat storage compartment which is accessible through the latch present in the pre-designed cabinet box 202.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (200) for vandalism protection during charging of an electric twowheeler (100), the system (200) comprising: a pre-designed cabinet box (202) positioned in between rear seat on upper body frame of the electric two- wheeler (100) and front handlebar of the electric two- wheeler (100), wherein the pre-designed cabinet box (202) is configured to encompass a female charging plug (306), wherein the pre-designed cabinet box (202) comprises an upper flap (302), wherein the upper flap (302) is configured to cover the pre-designed cabinet box (202); and a pre-designed mechanical lock mechanically coupled over the predesigned cabinet box (202) and configured to fasten the upper flap (302) with the pre-designed cabinet box (202).

2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mechanical latch (304) encompassed within the pre-designed cabinet box (202) and configured to lock and unlock a rear seat storage compartment.

3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the female charging plug (306) electrically couples with a male charging plug (402) for charging connectivity and recharges an electrically coupled battery module.

4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper flap (302) of the pre-designed cabinet box (202) is designed with an upward ridge (308), wherein the upward ridge (308) is configured to allow passage of the male charging plug (402) wires when the upper flap (302) is fastened with the pre-designed mechanical lock.

5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the male charging plug (402) wires connects to the female charging plug (308) by traversing through the upward ridge (308).

6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-designed mechanical lock comprises an extruded locking attachment (310) positioned at a pre-defined angle horizontally on the side inside wall of the pre-designed cabinet box (202).

7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-designed cabinet box (202) is designed with leaning down curvature to monitor entry of water and dust into the female charging plug (306).

8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, the upward ridge (308) may be fabricated in shapes like V and A depending upon the diameter and shape of wires of the male charging plug (402).