US Patent 11370315 Hands-free charging system with internal power source

A hands-free charging system includes an electrical power source and a ground unit electrically connected to the power source. The ground unit includes an energy-storage device and a robotic coupler having a connector and an actuator configured to move the connector into engagement with a vehicle charge port. The energy-storage device is configured to power the actuator. A switching arrangement is configured to selectively electrically connect the power source to the energy-storage device and to the connector. A controller is programmed to, in response to a request to charge a vehicle, connect the connector to a charge port when the connector is electrically disconnected from the power source using an internal power source.