公开(公告)号：US11370317B2

公开(公告)日：2022-06-28

申请号：US16579265

申请日：2019-09-23

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Sree Shankar Satheesh Babu ,  Gregory A. Cole ,  Martin Krucinski

IPC: B60L53/37 ,  B60L53/16

Abstract: Systems, methods and software for automated electrical connector positioning for electric vehicle (EV) charging are provided. Using, for example, the disclosed automatic charging device, a method for charging an EV includes capturing an image of at least a portion of a pattern positioned in a fixed location in a landing zone of an EV-side electrical connector in a fixed position on or in an underside of the EV. The method includes determining, based on the image, a displacement of a charger-side electrical connector from an initial position to a final position, the final position corresponding to the charger-side electrical connector matingly engaged with the EV-side electrical connector. The method includes actuating the charger-side electrical connector from the initial position to the final position according to the displacement.

公开(公告)号：US20210178922A1

公开(公告)日：2021-06-17

申请号：US16710451

申请日：2019-12-11

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Gregory A. Cole ,  Alexander P. Riley ,  William J. Eakins

IPC: B60L53/37 ,  H02J7/00 ,  B60L53/16 ,  B60L53/31

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for electric vehicle (EV) charging are disclosed. Devices include a base and at least one vertical rail coupled to the base and extending upward therefrom, and at least one slide engaged with the rail(s). Single rail devices include at least two slides engaged with the rail. Devices having at least two rails include at least one slide engaged with each of the rails. A connector unit having a first end and a second end is pivotably coupled to a plurality of elongate support arms at portions of the second end. An opposite end of each support arm is pivotably coupled to individual slide(s). The disclosed devices, systems and methods enable precise positioning of charger electrical connectors for mating engagement with vehicle electrical connectors for EV charging. Automation features are integratable for hands-free operation in a variety of residential and commercial EV charging environments.

公开(公告)号：US20210086641A1

公开(公告)日：2021-03-25

申请号：US16579342

申请日：2019-09-23

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge ,  Gregory A. Cole ,  William J. Eakins ,  Stefan Rakuff ,  Harshang Shah ,  Sangeun Choi ,  Martin Krucinski

IPC: B60L53/36 ,  G05B15/02 ,  B60L53/16 ,  B60L53/66 ,  G05D1/02 ,  H02J7/00

Abstract: Devices, methods and software for automated electrical connector positioning for electric vehicle (EV) charging are provided. Using, for example, the disclosed automatic charging device, a method for charging an EV includes determining receipt of an EV-side electrical connector to a charging zone of an EV charging environment. The method includes actuating a charger-side electrical connector from an initial position outside of the charging zone to a final position inside of the charging zone. The final position corresponds to the charger-side electrical connector matingly engaged with the EV-side electrical connector.

公开(公告)号：US20210086638A1

公开(公告)日：2021-03-25

申请号：US16579531

申请日：2019-09-23

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Gregory A. Cole ,  Stefan Rakuff ,  William J. Eakins

IPC: B60L53/35 ,  B60L53/16

Abstract: A vehicle-side receptacle unit is described that is positionable on an underside of an electrical vehicle (EV) and a method for operating such unit. The vehicle-side receptacle facilitates hands-free connection of an automatic charging device including a charger electrical connector of a floor-positioned recharging unit. The automatic charging device includes a plurality of movable links including a distal link and a proximal link and a pivotal lift arm connected to the distal link coupled to the plurality of movable links and to the charger electrical connector. The plurality of movable links include rounded edges and the rounded edges are configured to minimize rotational interference between links during motion. The plurality of movable links include spring loaded casters. The plurality of movable links are coplanar when in a non-operational position and when in an operational position.

公开(公告)号：US20210053455A1

公开(公告)日：2021-02-25

申请号：US16547218

申请日：2019-08-21

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge ,  Gregory A. Cole ,  William J. Eakins ,  Sangeun Choi ,  Martin Krucinski

IPC: B60L53/31 ,  B60L53/36 ,  B60L53/30 ,  B60L53/66 ,  B60L53/16

Abstract: Systems and method for underside charging of electric vehicles (EVs) are provided. With the EV positioned in a charging environment having a ground surface, a floor unit device actuates an electrical connector toward a charge receptacle of an EV vehicle unit, and the vehicle unit actuates the charge receptacle toward the electrical connector. The actuation facilitates coupling between the connector and the charge receptacle. A flow of electrical current is initiated through the coupled connector and charge receptacle to charge the EV power storage device. Upon completion of the EV charging process, the electrical connector and the charge receptacle are actuated away from one another to facilitate decoupling therebetween.

公开(公告)号：US10929811B2

公开(公告)日：2021-02-23

申请号：US16365215

申请日：2019-03-26

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Gregory A. Cole ,  Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge

IPC: G06Q10/08 ,  G06T17/00

Abstract: Systems, methods and software for mapping locations of cartons are provided. The method includes, for a first carton, assigning a first identifier to the first carton received for positioning in: a pallet space of a pallet, or in a container space of a container. The method includes determining one or more physical properties of the first carton. The method includes associating the one or more physical properties of the first carton with the first identifier. The method includes determining an as-positioned location of the first carton in the pallet space or in the container space. The method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) map of the pallet space or the container space. The 3D is generated based on: the determined one or more physical properties of the first carton, and the determined as-positioned location of the first carton in the pallet space or in the container space.

公开(公告)号：US10899246B1

公开(公告)日：2021-01-26

申请号：US16695076

申请日：2019-11-25

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Sree Shankar Satheesh Babu ,  William J. Eakins ,  Gregory A. Cole

IPC: B60L53/37 ,  B60L53/16 ,  G02B27/00 ,  H04N5/225 ,  G06T7/73

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location and/or orientation of at least a portion of an electric vehicle relative to at least a portion of a charging station. A camera system can include a camera housing having outer, intermediate, and inner layers that are concentric to each other. The outer, protective layer and the intermediate layer can each have wiper assemblies that wipe debris from a surface of the intermediate layer or inner layer, respectively, as the associated outer or intermediate layer is rotated. The intermediate layer also include one or more lenses that are selectively to capture an image(s) of the vehicle by a camera. The camera housing can be lifted from a recessed position in an assembly housing while the outer layer is simultaneously rotatably retracted so that the camera can capture an image through the inner layer and a selected lens of the intermediate layer.

公开(公告)号：US20200310391A1

公开(公告)日：2020-10-01

申请号：US16365244

申请日：2019-03-26

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Gregory A. Cole ,  Carlos W. Morato

IPC: G05B19/418 ,  B25J9/16

Abstract: A robotic unit for manipulating items and products may receive assistance from a product management system if an exception occurs indicating the robotic unit cannot complete a given task with respect to handling the product. The product management system may be associated with a plurality of different assistance centers and response centers providing different types or levels of assistance. The product management system can classify the exception according to hierarchal tiers to determine the type of assistance required. The product management system can then generate and direct an intervention request to one of the response centers based on the classification. The assistance and response centers may be equipped and staffed to provide particularized assistance to the robotic unit. In an example, the robotic unit may store data and instructions received from the assistance and response center for future implementation.

公开(公告)号：US10651590B1

公开(公告)日：2020-05-12

申请号：US16182059

申请日：2018-11-06

Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG

Inventor： Martin Krucinski ,  Stefan J. Raaijmakers ,  William J. Eakins ,  Gregory A. Cole ,  Sangeun Choi ,  Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge

IPC: H01R4/60 ,  H01R13/52 ,  H01R13/10 ,  H01R13/04

Abstract: A conductor arrangement includes a first connector having a first connector body made from an electrically insulated material and including a first electrical conductor. A pin extends from the first connector body and includes a core made from an electrically conductive material. The core is electrically connected with the first electrical conductor. A second connector has a second connector body made from an electrically insulated material and includes a second electrical conductor. A socket extends through the second connector body between two opposed openings. A sleeve made from an electrically conductive material is disposed along the socket and is electrically connected with the second electrical conductor. An electrical connection between the first and second electrical conductors is established when the pin is fully disposed within the socket such that the core is electrically connected with the sleeve.