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CN-121986035-A - Light electric vehicle parking and charging system

CN121986035ACN 121986035 ACN121986035 ACN 121986035ACN-121986035-A

Abstract

A connector for use in parking and charging an LEV (light electric vehicle) (202) includes an LEV support structure connector (104) and an LEV connector (204). The LEV support structure connector (104) is configured to mount to the LEV support structure (102). The LEV connector (204) is configured to be mounted to the LEV (202). The connectors (104, 204) each comprise a front connector board (306, 506), the front connector boards (306, 506) being arranged to mate with corresponding connector boards (306, 506) at the other connector (104, 204). The LEV support structure connector (104), the LEV connector (204), or both, comprises a magnetic material or magnet (307) for mating with a corresponding magnet (307, 512) or magnetic material of the other connector (104, 204) to draw the connectors (104, 204) together when brought into proximity to each other, and a rubber bushing (309, 510), the rubber bushing (309, 510) cushioning the front connector plate (306, 506) and aligning the front connector plate (306, 506) with each other when a user places the LEV (202) into the LEV support structure (102), thereby assisting in forming a magnetic connection between the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204).

Inventors

  • H. Libin
  • M Adaofu pine
  • C. Miren
  • ERIK BERGQVIST

Assignees

  • 斯坦达布有限公司

Dates

Publication Date
20260505
Application Date
20240905
Priority Date
20231009

Claims (16)

  1. 1. An LEV (202) (light electric vehicle) support structure connector (104) for use in parking and charging an LEV (202), the LEV support structure connector (104) configured to be mounted to an LEV support structure (102), the LEV support structure connector (104) comprising: A first front connector board (306), the first front connector board (306) being arranged to mate with a second front connector board (506) of an LEV connector (204) mounted to the LEV (202); A magnetic material or magnet (307), the magnetic material or magnet (307) being arranged to cooperate with the magnet (512) or magnetic material, respectively, of the LEV connector (204) to draw the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204) together when the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204) are in proximity to each other, and to hold the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204) together by magnetic force only when the LEV (202) is parked at the LEV support structure (102), and -A rubber bushing (309), the rubber bushing (309) being arranged to provide cushioning and allow horizontal and vertical movement to align the front connector plates (306, 506) with each other when a user places the LEV (202) to the LEV support structure (102) to assist in forming a magnetic connection between the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204).
  2. 2. An LEV (202) (light electric vehicle) connector (204) for use in parking and charging an LEV (202), the LEV connector (204) configured to be mounted to the LEV (202), the LEV connector (204) comprising: A second front connector plate (506), the second front connector plate (506) being arranged for mating with the first front connector plate (306) of the LEV support structure connector (104) of claim 1; A magnetic material or magnet (512), the magnetic material or magnet (512) being arranged to cooperate with the magnet (307) or magnetic material, respectively, of the LEV support structure connector (104) to draw the LEV connector (204) and the LEV support structure connector (104) together when the LEV connector (204) and the LEV support structure connector (104) are in proximity to each other, and to hold the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204) together by magnetic force only when the LEV (202) is parked at the LEV support structure (102), and A rubber bushing (510), the rubber bushing (510) being arranged to provide cushioning and allow horizontal and vertical movement to align the front connector plates (306, 506) with each other when a user places the LEV (202) into the LEV support structure (102) to assist in forming a magnetic connection between the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204).
  3. 3. A connector for use in parking and charging an LEV (202) (light electric vehicle), comprising: The LEV support structure connector (104) according to claim 1, and The LEV connector (204) of claim 2.
  4. 4. A connector according to claim 3, wherein the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204) comprise near field communication hardware, such as NFC circuitry (508), that allows data to be exchanged between the LEV (202) and the LEV support structure (102) when the LEV (202) is parked at the LEV support structure (102).
  5. 5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the data exchanged between the LEV (202) and the LEV support structure (102) includes data related to the identity and status of the LEV (202).
  6. 6. The connector of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the magnet (307) is mounted to the LEV support structure connector (104) and the LEV connector (204) comprises a metal plate that is attracted to the magnet (307) when the LEV (202) is placed on the LEV support structure (102).
  7. 7. The connector of any of claims 3-6, wherein the front connector plate (306) of the LEV support structure connector (104) comprises an electrical connector electrically connected to an electrical grid, and the front connector plate (506) of the LEV connector (204) comprises a corresponding electrical connector electrically connected to a battery of the LEV (202) so as to transmit power and enable charging of the LEV (202) when the front connector plates (306, 506) are in contact with each other.
  8. 8. The connector of any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the LEV support structure connector (104) includes a guide (304), the guide (304) being operable to assist in aligning the front connector plates (306, 506) with one another when the LEV (202) is inserted into the LEV support structure (102).
  9. 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the guide (304) is funnel-shaped to enable insertion of the LEV connector (204) in an off-center position, and wherein the inclined portions of the funnel form an included angle of about 25-40 degrees with respect to each other at the wide end of the guide (304) and are narrowed to form an included angle of about 3-12 degrees with respect to each other at the narrow end of the guide (304).
  10. 10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the guide (304) has a side that is flat in a vertical plane and the LEV connector (204) has a corresponding side that is flat in the vertical plane so as to prevent rotation of the LEV connector (204) relative to the LEV support structure connector (104) when the LEV (202) is placed on the LEV support structure (102).
  11. 11. The connector according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the magnet (307) is a permanent magnet.
  12. 12. The connector of any of claims 3 to 11, wherein the front connector plate (306, 506) is flat and includes embedded contacts (308, 504).
  13. 13. The connector of any of claims 3-12, wherein the front connector plate (306, 506) is rectangular.
  14. 14. The connector of any of claims 3 to 13, wherein the front connector plate (306, 506) is operable to move in a horizontal and/or vertical direction due to deformation of the rubber bushing (309, 510).
  15. 15. An LEV (202) (light electric vehicle) support structure (102) comprising a plurality of LEV support structure connectors (104) according to claim 1.
  16. 16. An LEV (202) (light electric vehicle) (202) comprising an LEV connector (204) according to claim 2.

Description

Light electric vehicle parking and charging system Background The present invention relates to parking and charging of light electric vehicles (LEVs, light Electric Vehicles), such as electric scooters, electric bicycles (e-bikes) and the like. LEV is a class of electric vehicles that includes a wide range of small and light vehicles designed for short range travel. These vehicles are typically powered by an electric motor and use a battery as their energy source. LEVs is typically chosen for their efficiency, low environmental impact, and applicability to city commutes and short trips. Common types LEVs include electric bicycles (e-bikes, electric bicycles), electric scooters, electric skateboards, and electric power scooters. LEVs parking and charging may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the infrastructure available in a particular area. Just like a conventional bicycle, an electric bicycle can be usually parked at a bicycle frame. Many cities have specialized bicycle frames and bicycle sharing projects. Motorized scooters and booster scooters are typically parked in designated areas or docking stations. Some cities have established specific parking areas or pens for these vehicles to keep them orderly and prevent cluttering. Electric bicycle batteries can typically be charged by removing the battery pack and plugging it into a standard electrical outlet using an electrical cord. Electric scooters used in shared scooter programs are typically maintained by the company that provides the electric scooter. Staff of these companies collect scooters on a regular basis, charge them at a central facility, and redistribute them to designated pick-up points. Some cities are also developing public charging infrastructure specifically for LEVs. This may include dedicated charging stations for hot areas such as shopping malls or transportation hubs. The charge cost of sharing LEVs (e.g., scooter rental) is typically included in the rental fee. Users typically pay for the time they use the vehicle and companies handle the charging. The battery may also be removed from the share LEVs and replaced with a rechargeable battery that is recharged at a central location Because LEVs regulations and infrastructure may vary widely from one city or region to another, users often need to be familiar with local regulations and available services when using or parking their LEVs. This can sometimes present an obstacle to adoption of LEVs, and can also present many challenges associated with maintaining a patchwork of related infrastructure. There is therefore sufficient room for improvement in terms of parking and charging LEVs. Disclosure of Invention In one aspect, an LEV (light electric vehicle) support structure connector for use in parking and charging an LEV includes a first connector member configured to be mounted to an LEV support structure. The first connector part comprises a first front connector plate arranged to mate with a second front connector plate of a second connector part of an LEV connector, a magnetic material or magnet arranged to mate with a corresponding magnet or magnetic material of the LEV connector, respectively, to pull the first and second connector parts together when they are brought into proximity with each other, and a rubber bushing arranged to provide cushioning and allow horizontal and vertical movement to assist the magnet in aligning the front connector plates with each other when a user places the LEV to the LEV support structure. In one aspect, an LEV (light electric vehicle) connector for use in parking and charging an LEV includes a second connector member configured to be mounted to the LEV. The second connector part comprises a second front connector plate arranged to mate with a first front connector plate of a first connector part of an LEV support structure connector, magnetic material or magnet arranged to mate with a corresponding magnet or magnetic material of the first connector, respectively, to pull the first and second connector parts together when they are brought into proximity with each other, and a rubber bushing arranged to provide cushioning and allow horizontal and vertical movement to help the magnet align the front connector plates with each other when a user places the LEV to the LEV support structure. In one aspect, a connector for use in parking and charging an LEV (light electric vehicle) includes an LEV support structure connector and an LEV connector. In some embodiments, the first connector part and the second connector part may comprise near field communication hardware, such as NFC circuitry, that allows data to be exchanged between the LEV and the LEV support structure when the LEV is parked at the LEV support structure. In some embodiments, the data exchanged between the LEV and the LEV support structure may include data related to the identity and status of the LEV. In some embodiments, the magnet may be mounted to the first connector part and th