摘要 |
An inductive charging apparatus for use in charging a battery of an electric vehicle, for example, that provides for a tactile feel. The inductive charging apparatus comprises an inductive charging coupler and a charge port disposed in the electric vehicle and coupled to the battery of the electric vehicle. The charging coupler comprises a center magnetic core, and a primary winding disposed around the center magnetic core. A charger cable is coupled between the primary winding and an external power source for coupling energy to the charging coupler. A coupler housing is provided that has two mating coupler halves that are configured to provide a handle, and the mating coupler halves enclose the primary winding and the center magnetic core, and secures the charger cable in the handle. A plurality of indentations are formed in the side of the housing. The charge port has an opening into which the inductive charging coupler is inserted. The charge port comprises a ferrite core and a secondary winding disposed adjacent to the ferrite core that is coupled to the battery of the electric vehicle. A plurality of flexible fingers protrude from the opening that engage the indentations in the side of the housing of the coupler when the coupler is inserted into the charge port.
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