Patent Application
20230178918
The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly for charging a work machine and a method for at least one of cooling and cleaning the connector assembly.
From an environment standpoint and in order to reduce dependence on conventional energy resources, electric work machines are now being employed at various worksites. The electric work machine typically includes a battery system for supplying operational power to one or more components of the electric work machine. The battery system may have to be charged periodically, as per application requirements. Charging of the battery system may require coupling of an external charging source with a socket disposed on the electric work machine. The external charging source may include a charging cable and a plug that may connect with the socket. Typically, the socket and the plug may be used to form an interface between the external charging source and the battery system.
Electric work machines may benefit from quick charging of the battery system, for example, to improve productivity at a worksite. In an example, quick charging of the battery system may eliminate a requirement of multiple battery systems on board the electric work machine. In some cases, the quick charging of the battery system may also eliminate a requirement of frequent removal and installation of large-sized battery system for offboard charging.
During the charging of the battery system, a temperature of the plug, the socket, and/or other components that connect the external charging source with the battery system may increase. Often, the plug and socket contacts of the socket may limit an amount of current that can be utilized to quickly charge the battery system. Specifically, a resistance at the socket contacts are typically high, such that at high current levels, a large amount of heat may be generated which may limit the amount of current that can be utilized to charge the battery system. Thus, in order to enable quick charging of the battery system, components that establish an electrical connection between the battery system and the external charging source may have to be maintained below a desired operating temperature while conducting large amounts of current into the battery system.
Moreover, in mining and construction applications, an environment in which the electric work machines operate may be often dirty and/or dusty, and may include small abrasive particles. Such particles, when introduced in the socket contacts may lead to wear of the socket and may also increase a resistance of the interface between the battery system and the external charging source. The wear from debris ingress may shorten a life of the socket contacts and may also lead to premature failure thereof. Thus, a technique may be required to facilitate cooling as well as cleaning of one or more components that establish the electrical connection between the external charging source and the battery system.
DE102015100347A1 describes an electrical connection body for a charging plug and/or a charging socket, the electrical connection body has a first connection area for galvanic connection with an electrical energy receiver and a second connection area for galvanic connection with an electrical energy source. The electrical connection body being characterized in that it has a cooling fluid channel formed in the electrical connection body. The present invention also discloses a charging plug for coupling to a corresponding connection device and for transmitting electrical energy, the charging plug being characterized in that it has an electrical connection body according to the invention, the cooling fluid channel of the electrical connection body is fluidly connected to a source of cooling fluid. The present invention also discloses a charging station for delivering electrical energy to a receiver of electrical energy, the charging station being characterized in that it has a charging plug according to the invention and a cooling fluid source which can be fluidly connected to the cooling fluid channel of the electrical connection body.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a connector assembly for charging a work machine is provided. The connector assembly includes at least one charging cable. The connector assembly also includes at least one connector arrangement. The at least one connector arrangement includes a socket disposed on the work machine. The socket extends along a first longitudinal axis. The socket defines a plurality of first through-apertures extending radially relative to the first longitudinal axis. The socket also defines a first passage extending along the first longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of first through-apertures. The at least one connector arrangement also includes a charging pin electrically connected to the at least one charging cable. The charging pin is adapted to couple with the socket. The charging pin extends along a second longitudinal axis. The charging pin defines a plurality of second through-apertures extending radially relative to the second longitudinal axis. The charging pin also defines a second passage extending along the second longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of second through-apertures. Further, when the socket is connected with the charging pin, the second passage aligns with the first passage and the second passage is in fluid communication with the first passage. Moreover, when the socket is connected with the charging pin, a fluid flowing through the socket and the charging pin is adapted to at least one of cool and clean the connector assembly.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for at least one of cooling and cleaning a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly allows charging of a work machine. The connector assembly includes at least one charging cable. The method includes connecting a charging pin of at least one connector arrangement of the connector assembly with a socket of the at least one connector arrangement. The socket is disposed on the work machine and extends along a first longitudinal axis. The socket defines a plurality of first through-apertures extending radially relative to the first longitudinal axis, and a first passage extending along the first longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of first through-apertures. Further, the charging pin is electrically connected to the at least one charging cable and extends along a second longitudinal axis. The charging pin defines a plurality of second through-apertures extending radially relative to the second longitudinal axis, and a second passage extending along the second longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of second through-apertures. Moreover, when the socket is connected with the charging pin, the second passage aligns with the first passage and the second passage is in fluid communication with the first passage. The method also includes introducing a fluid in the connector assembly, such that, when the charging pin is connected with the socket, the fluid flowing through the socket and the charging pin of the at least one connector arrangement is adapted to at least one of cool and clean the connector assembly.
Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.
Referring to
The work machine 100 may define a first end 104 and a second end (not shown) opposite to the first end 104. Further, the work machine 100 may include an operator cabin (not shown) where an operator may be seated to operate the work machine 100. Furthermore, the work machine 100 may wheels (not shown) that provide support and mobility to the work machine 100 on grounds. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may include tracks or drums instead of wheels. Moreover, the work machine 100 may further include an implement (not shown) disposed proximate to the second end. The implement may be used to perform one or more work operations, such as loading, material removal, stock piling, dumping, and the like.
Referring to
Further, a size and a capacity of the battery system 108 may be based on a size of the work machine 100 and/or operational requirements of the work machine 100. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the term “battery system” as used herein may include rechargeable electrical energy-providing modules of any kind, such as, lithium ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, capacitors, reaction cells (e.g., Zn-air cell), without any limitations. The battery system 108 may be rechargeable and may require replacement once the battery system 108 gets discharged or spent. The battery system 108 may be charged using an external charging source 110. For example, the external charging source 110 may be located at the worksite 102 (see
The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly 200 for charging the work machine 100. The connector assembly 200 may embody an interface between the battery system 108 and the external charging source 110 that may allow charging of the battery system 108. As shown in
Further, the connector assembly 200 includes one or more connector arrangements 222. In the illustrated example of
Further, the connector arrangement 222 includes a socket 224 disposed on the work machine 100 (see
The socket 224 may include a first socket portion 232 defined proximate to the first end 226 of the socket 224 and a second socket portion 234 defined proximate to the second end 228 of the socket 224. Further, the first fluid channel 230 may be defined between the first socket portion 232 and the receptacle insulator sleeve 218. Moreover, the cable 112 may be connected to the first socket portion 232. The socket 224 may also include one or more socket contacts 236 disposed proximate to the second end 228 of the socket 224. In the illustrated example of
Further, in some examples, a covering member 223 (shown in
As shown in
Referring again to
The connector arrangement 222 also includes the charging pin 246 electrically connected to the one or more charging cables 202. The charging pin 246 couples with the socket 224. Further, the charging pin 246 extends along a second longitudinal axis “A2”. The charging pin 246 may define a third end 248 and a fourth end 250. The fourth end 250 may be defined opposite the third end 248. The charging cable 202 may be connected to the charging pin 246 proximate to the third end 248 of the socket 224. In an example, the charging cable 202 may be soldered to the charging pin 246. Further, the connector assembly 200 may include the plug 204 for mounting the socket 224. The charging pin 246 may be mounted within the plug 204, such that the charging pin 246 may be concentric with the plug outer shell 206 and the plug insulator sleeve 208. Moreover, a second fluid channel 252 may be defined between the plug insulator sleeve 208 and the charging pin 246. The second fluid channel 252 may extend along the second longitudinal axis “A2”.
The charging pin 246 may include a first pin portion 254 defined proximate to the third end 248 of the charging pin 246 and a second pin portion 256 defined proximate to the fourth end 250 of the charging pin 246. Further, the second fluid channel 252 may be defined between the first pin portion 254 and the plug insulator sleeve 208. Moreover, the charging cable 202 may be connected to the first pin portion 254 of the charging pin 246. It should be noted that, when the charging pin 246 is connected to the socket 224, the second pin portion 256 may be partially and/or completely receivable within the pin receiving space 242 of the socket 224 for charging of the battery system (see
As shown in
Referring again to
It should be noted that the fluid may be delivered to the connector assembly 200 by an external air source 114, such as, a compressor, without any limitations. In some examples, the external air source 114 may be in fluid communication with the receptacle 212 via a hose 116. The hose 116 may connect to an inlet port 262 defined in the receptacle box 214. In other examples, the external air source 114 may be in fluid communication with the conduit 210. In some examples, the conduit 210 may be attached to the external air source 114 via the hose 116 for ease of use. Further, the fluid may include a temperature that facilitates cooling of one or more components of the connector assembly 200.
In an example, the fluid may enter the connector arrangement 222 through the socket 224. In such an example, the receptacle 212 receives the fluid from the external air source 114. An exemplary flow path “F1” of the fluid is illustrated in
Referring now to
Further, referring to
Further, when the socket 224 is disconnected from the charging pin 246, the fluid enters the socket 224 through one or more of the number of first through-apertures 240. The fluid may be introduced in the first through-apertures 240 via the first fluid channel 230. Moreover, the fluid may exit the socket 224 through the first passage 244. While flowing through the socket 224, the fluid may cause debris present in the socket 224 to be flushed out of the socket 224, thereby cleaning the socket 224. Moreover, as the covering member 223 is disconnected from the receptacle outer shell 216 during the cleaning of the socket 224, the debris and the fluid may easily flush out from the socket 224. In some examples, the charging pin 146 may also be cleaned based on an entry of the fluid via the conduit 210 and an exit of the fluid via the second passage 260, without any limitations.
In the illustrated example of
In the illustrated example of
Further, the first socket 624-1 may include a number of first through-apertures 640-1 and a first passage 644-1 similar to the first through-apertures 240 and the first passage 644 defined in the socket 224. The first socket 624-1 may also include one or more socket contacts 636-1 similar to the socket contact 236 (see
Moreover, the second socket 624-2 may include a number of first through-apertures 640-2 and a first passage 644-2 similar to the first through-apertures 240 and the first passage 244 defined in the socket 224. The second socket 624-2 may also include one or more socket contacts 636-1 similar to the socket contact 236. Additionally, a first fluid channel 630-2 may be defined between the receptacle insulator sleeve 618 and the second socket 624-2.
Further, the first charging pin 646-1 may include a number of second through-apertures 658-1 and a second passage 660-1 similar to the second through-apertures 258 and the second passage 260 defined in the charging pin 246. Additionally, a second fluid channel 652-1 may be defined between the plug insulator sleeve 608 and the first charging pin 646-1. Moreover, the first charging cable 602-1 may be connected to the first charging pin 646-1.
Further, the second charging pin 646-2 may include a number of second through-apertures 658-2 and a second passage 660-2 similar to the second through-apertures 258 and the second passage 260 defined in the charging pin 246. Additionally, a second fluid channel 652-2 may be defined between the plug insulator sleeve 608 and the second charging pin 646-2. Moreover, the second charging cable 602-2 may be connected to the second charging pin 646-2.
In an example, the fluid may enter the first connector arrangement 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 and exit the second connector arrangement 622-2 through the second socket 624-2. The guiding devices 666 may ensure that the fluid enters the first connector arrangement 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 and exits the second connector arrangement 622-2 through the second socket 624-2. In such an example, the receptacle 612 may receive the fluid from the external air source 114. Specifically, the hose 116 may connect to an inlet port 662 defined in the receptacle box 614. An exemplary flow path “F4” of the fluid through the first and second connector arrangements 622-1, 622-2 is illustrated in
In the illustrated example of
Further, the fluid exiting the first charging pin 646-1 may enter the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. The fluid may enter the second charging pin 646-2 via the second fluid channel 652-2 and the second through-apertures 658-2. Further, the fluid may flow through the second passage 660-2 and may be subsequently introduced in the first passage 644-2 of the second socket 624-2. Furthermore, the fluid may exit the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Specifically, the fluid may flow through the first passage 644-2 and the first through-apertures 640-2, and may be subsequently introduced in the first fluid channel 630-2. From the first fluid channel 630-2, the fluid may be introduced within the receptacle box 614 before being let out to the surrounding via an outlet port 664 defined in the receptacle box 614.
In an example, as illustrated in
In the illustrated example of
Further, the fluid exiting the second charging pin 646-2 may enter the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first charging pin 646-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. The fluid may enter the first charging pin 646-1 via the second fluid channel 652-1 and the second through-apertures 658-1. Further, the fluid may flow through the second passage 660-1 and may be subsequently introduced in the first passage 644-1 of the first socket 624-1. Furthermore, the fluid may exit the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Specifically, the fluid may flow through the first passage 644-1 and the first through-apertures 640-1, and may be subsequently introduced in the first fluid channel 630-1. From the first fluid channel 630-1, the fluid may be introduced within the receptacle box 614 before being let out to the surrounding via the outlet port 664 (see
In yet another example, as illustrated in
In the illustrated example of
Further, when the first socket 624-1 is connected with the first charging pin 646-1 and the second socket 624-2 is connected with the second charging pin 646-2, a second fluid flow “F7” may enter the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Specifically, the fluid received within the receptacle box 614 may flow through the first fluid channel 630-2 of the second socket 624-2 and may be subsequently introduced in the first through-apertures 640-2. Further, the fluid may flow through each of the first and second passages 644-2, 660-2. Moreover, the fluid may exit the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Specifically, the fluid may flow through the second passage 660-2 and the second through-apertures 658-2, and may be subsequently introduced in the second fluid channel 652-2. From the second fluid channel 652-2, the fluid may be introduced within the conduit 610. The fluid may flow through the conduit 610, thereby cooling the charging cable 602 before being discharged to the surrounding.
Referring now to
Further, when the first socket 624-1 is connected with the first charging pin 646-1 and the second socket 624-2 is connected with the second charging pin 646-2, a fourth fluid flow “F9” may enter the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Further, the fluid may flow through the second passage 660-2 and may be subsequently introduced in the first passage 644-2 of the second socket 624-2. Furthermore, the fourth fluid flow “F9” may exit the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Specifically, the fluid received from the second charging pin 646-2 may flow through the first passage 644-2 and the first through-apertures 640-2, and may be subsequently introduced in the first fluid channel 630-2. From the first fluid channel 630-2, the fluid may be introduced within the receptacle box 614 before being let out to the surrounding via the outlet port 664 defined in the receptacle box 614.
The present disclosure relates to the connector assembly 200, 600 that may allow charging of the battery system 108 of the work machine 100. This section will now be explained in relation to the connector assembly 200 described in relation to
The connector assembly 200 describes an improved technique that may allow efficient cooling as well as cleaning of various components the connector assembly 200. For example, when the socket 224 may be connected to the charging pin 246, the fluid flowing through the connector arrangement 222 may cool the various components of the connector assembly 200. A technique of cooling as described herein may allow fast charging of the battery system 108, which may in turn eliminate a requirement of multiple battery systems to operate the work machine 100. Moreover, the cooling technique may also eliminate safety and infrastructure challenges presented due to removal and installation of large-sized battery systems for off-board charging.
Further, when the socket 224 may be disconnected from the charging pin 246, the fluid flowing through the socket 224 may allow cleaning of the socket 224. Furthermore, a cleansing effect provided by the fluid that may reduce wear and tear at various contact points between the charging pin 246 and the socket 224.
Further, the fluid may include compressed air which may be easily available at mining and construction sites to clean and/or cool the connector assembly 200. Furthermore, various fittings that may be used to establish fluid flow through the connector assembly 200 may be robust, may be easily available, and may be cost-effective. Moreover, the usage of compressed air as the fluid may not affect high voltage conductors of the connector assembly 200. Additionally, as the first through-apertures 240 are defined proximate to the first end 226 of the socket 224 and the socket contact 236 is provided at the second end 228 of the socket 224, it may be possible to dispose two or more socket contacts instead of the single socket contact 236 for increasing a charging capability provided by the connector assembly 200. It should be further noted that the cooling and cleaning technique described herein may be applied to different charging pin and socket arrangements, without any limitations.
At step 1004, the fluid is introduced in the connector assembly 200, such that, when the charging pin 246 is connected with the socket 224, the fluid flowing through the socket 224 and the charging pin 246 of the one or more connector arrangements 222 is adapted to cool and/or clean the connector assembly 200.
In an example, the fluid is introduced in the connector assembly 200 through one or more of the number of first through-apertures 240 in the socket 224. Further, the fluid is passed through each of the first and second passages 244, 260. Moreover, the fluid is discharged from the connector assembly 200 through one or more of the number of second through-apertures 258 in the charging pin 246.
In another example, the fluid is introduced in the connector assembly 200 through one or more of the number of second through-apertures 258 in the charging pin 246. Further, the fluid is passed through each of the first and second passages 244, 260. Moreover, the fluid is discharged from the connector assembly 200 through one or more of the number of first through-apertures 240 in the socket 224.
In some examples, the charging pin 246 may be disconnected from the socket 224. Furthermore, the fluid may be introduced in the socket 224 through one or more of the number of first through-apertures 240 in the socket 224, such that the fluid flowing through the socket 224 may clean the socket 224. Moreover, the fluid may be discharged from the connector assembly 200 through the first passage 244 in the socket 224.
In some examples, the first charging pin 646-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 may be connected with the first socket 624-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1, and the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 may be connected with the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2.
In an example, the fluid may be introduced within the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Further, the fluid may be discharged from the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first charging pin 646-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Furthermore, the fluid exiting the first charging pin 646-1 may be introduced within the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Moreover, the fluid may be discharged from the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2.
In another example, the fluid may be introduced within the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Further, the fluid may be discharged from the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Furthermore, the fluid exiting the second charging pin 646-2 may be introduced within the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first charging pin 646-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Moreover, the fluid may be discharged from the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1.
In yet another example, the first fluid flow “F6” may be introduced within the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Further, the first fluid flow “F6” may be discharged from the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first charging pin 646-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Furthermore, the second fluid flow “F7” may be introduced within the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Moreover, the second fluid flow “F7” may be discharged from the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2.
In an example, the third fluid flow “F8” may be introduced within the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first charging pin 646-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Further, the third fluid flow “F8” may be discharged from the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1 through the first socket 624-1 of the one or more first connector arrangements 622-1. Furthermore, the fourth fluid flow “F9” may be introduced within the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second charging pin 646-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2. Moreover, the fourth fluid flow “F9” may be discharged from the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2 through the second socket 624-2 of the one or more second connector arrangements 622-2.
It may be desirable to perform one or more of the steps associated with the method 1000 in an order different from that depicted. Furthermore, various steps could be performed together.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
