EP4662084A1

EP4662084A1 - Modular electric vehicle supply equipment (evse) with electronic lock

Info

Publication number: EP4662084A1
Application number: EP24704742.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Torben AUNE
Original assignee: Enua AS
Current assignee: Enua AS
Priority date: 2023-02-10
Filing date: 2024-02-08
Publication date: 2025-12-17
Also published as: WO2024165703A1; WO2024165705A1; EP4662085A1; NO20230137A1; NO348345B1

Abstract

A locking mechanism for an electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE, arrangement for providing electrical power to an electric vehicle, EV, wherein the arrangement comprises a first module configured to receive electrical power from an external power supply and a second module configured to receive electrical power from the first module, the second module further configured to supply electrical power to an EV; wherein the locking mechanism is configured to allow the second module to be releasably attached to the first module; wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a moveable locking plate, the locking plate moveable between a locked position in which the second module cannot be detached from the first module and an unlocked position in which the second module can be detached from the first module; a locking pin configured to prevent or allow movement of the locking plate between the locked position and the unlocked position; wherein when the locking pin is in a first position, the locking plate is able to move between the locked position to the unlocked position; wherein when the locking pin is in a second position, the locking plate is prevented from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Description

MODULAR ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE) WITH ELECTRONIC LOCK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). In particular, the present invention relates to a modular EVSE for AC-to-DC charging.

BACKGROUND

An electric vehicle charging station, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is a device intended to provide electrical power from the power grid for electric vehicles (EVs), such as electric and hybrid automobiles.

Current EVs typically include embedded AC-to-DC converters in the EV, thus when charging from home or the office, their sub-transmission lines provide AC electric power at a low voltage to the EVSE. The EVSE in turn redirects the AC power and/or any available phases to an EV for charging. In layman’s terms an EVSE is a controlled access point to the power grid for the EV. EVSEs can also include devices or arrangements for further managing of said available power phases.

Acquiring an EVSE, e.g. for private or commercial use, can be a costly acquisition, where the actual EVSE hardware must be provided in addition to the necessary work to install said EVSE. In addition, in many countries, it is very likely that the installer of the EVSE is required to be a certified electrician to do the necessary on-site instalment and adjustments, further increasing the cost of installation.

In a use-case where an EV owner is in need of an additional or more EVSE for his or her EV, e.g. where one’s primary EVSE is fixed and located at the user’s primary home and another secondary EVSE is permanently installed at a secondary recreational home, such as a cottage, either the primary or secondary EVSE will remain idle and unused at all times. Acquiring an additional or more EVSEs is an expensive procurement, given that there are currently no user friendly commercial EVSEs can be utilised between locations.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved EVSE that addresses at least some of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular EVSE arrangement that can be utilised at multiple predetermined charging locations.

According to a first aspect of the invention there may be provided an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) arrangement for providing electrical power to an electric vehicle from an electrical power grid, wherein the arrangement comprises a first module, a second module, a primary input terminal, and a primary output terminal. The primary input terminal is connected to said first module, wherein the primary input terminal provides electrical power to said first module from the electrical power grid. The second module is releasably connected to the first module, wherein the first module includes a protrusion for holding the second module. The second module includes a processor, wherein the processor includes a first sensor and second sensor for sending data to the processor. The second module further includes a power distribution unit controlled by the processor for providing electrical power from the first module to the second module, wherein the second module is connected to said primary output terminal. The second module provides electrical power to said primary output terminal for conducting electrical power to an electric vehicle. The releasable connection between the first module and second module comprises an unlocked mode and a locked mode, wherein the second module is releasable from the first module in the unlocked mode, and wherein the second module is fixed to the first module in the locked mode.

The second module may include an electronic locking unit for engaging with the protrusion of the first module, wherein the electronic locking unit and the protrusion provides the unlocked mode and the locked mode. The electronic locking unit may include a housing unit, wherein the housing unit includes a first housing unit part and a second housing unit part. The first housing unit may be at least a plate and the second housing unit may be a frame. The electronic locking unit may include a locking plate, wherein the locking plate may be in the housing unit and is pivotable in between first and second housing unit parts. The locking plate may further include at least a spring for pushing the locking plate through the second housing part and the locking plate is compressible towards the first housing part. An edge of the locking plate may be adapted to engage and mate with the protrusion of the first module.

The electronic locking unit may include an actuator, wherein the actuator may be located in the first housing part. The electronic locking unit may include a shaft, wherein the shaft is rotated in a predetermined manner by the actuator towards an unlocked mode or a locked mode. The actuator may further include a gearbox for rotating the shaft at a predetermined angle and speed.

The electronic locking unit may include a sensor plate for engaging with the first sensor or the second sensor. The sensor plate may be connected to a first end of the shaft. The sensor plate may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion may be engageable with the first sensor in the unlocked mode and second protrusion may be engageable with the second sensor in the locked mode.

The electronic locking unit may include a locking pin for engaging with the locking plate, locking pin may be connected to a second end of the shaft. The shaft may pass through an aperture of the first housing part. The locking pin may engage with the locking plate in the locked mode, wherein the locking plate is no longer compressible towards the first housing part.

In the locked mode the processor may be in communication and may actuate the power distribution unit to provide electrical power from the first module to the second module. The first module may be adapted to be fixed to any third-party structure with a connection to the electrical power grid. The first module may include a socket in connection with the primary input terminal. The second module may include a plug-in connection with the primary output terminal. The first module may provide electrical signals to the second module by a connection between the socket of said first module and the plug of said second module.

The first module may include a cover wherein the cover includes a seal and a spring for enclosure and wherein the cover is adapted to protect the socket from external elements. The cover may be adapted to open when the plug is inserted in the socket at predetermined force.

The plug and the primary output terminal of the second module may be connected to the power distribution unit.

The second module may include a sensor system, wherein the sensor system can detect the presence of a vehicle within a predetermined distance from the arrangement. The sensor system may be a radar or ultrasound system.

The arrangement may include a near field communications (NFC) system, wherein the first module includes an encodable NFC tag and the second module includes an NFC reader.

According to a second aspect there may be provided a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE arrangement for providing electrical power to an electric vehicle EV, wherein the arrangement comprises a first module configured to receive electrical power from an external power supply and a second module configured to receive electrical power from the first module, the second module further configured to supply electrical power to an EV. The locking mechanism is configured to allow the second module to be releasably attached to the first module. The locking mechanism comprises a moveable locking plate, the locking plate moveable between a locked position in which the second module cannot be detached from the first module and an unlocked position in which the second module can be detached from the first module. The locking mechanism also comprises a locking pin configured to prevent or allow movement of the locking plate between the locked position and the unlocked position. When the locking pin is in a first position, the locking plate is able to move between the locked position to the unlocked position. When the locking pin is in a second position, the locking plate is prevented from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position.

The locking plate allows the first and second modules to be attached and held together. The locking pin ensures that the first and second modules can be locked together so that they do not accidentally come apart from each other. This is important because electrical power is being supplied from one module to another, in order to charge an electric vehicle and so if the two modules become detached from each other the flow of electrical power is interrupted and the electric vehicle is not charged properly. The locking mechanism therefore helps ensure that the components needed to charge the vehicle, by supplying electrical power to the electrical vehicle, stay connected to each other while the electric vehicle is charging. Additionally, the locking mechanism helps prevent theft of one or both of the modules since the locking mechanism locks the first and second modules together.

Preferably, when the locking plate is in the locked position, the locking plate engages with the first module and when the locking plate is in the unlocked position, the locking plate does not engage with the first module. The engagement between the locking plate and the first module provides a mechanism by which the first and second modules may be held together in the locked stated.

In some examples, the locking plate comprises an edge configured to engage with a retaining part of the first module. This provides a relatively simple method of engagement between the locking mechanism and the first module.

The locking mechanism may be an electro-mechanical locking mechanism. An electro-mechanical locking mechanism may provide a suitable compromise between the ease of manufacturing a mechanical locking mechanism and security of an electrical locking mechanism such that the resulting locking mechanism is effective whilst not being significantly difficult to manufacture. The locking mechanism may comprise a biasing means configured to bias the locking plate in the locked position. This may ensure that the first and second modules are locked together by default.

The biasing means may be a spring, or any other suitable biasing means.

Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises an actuator configured to control movement of the locking pin between the first position and the second position. The actuator may be configured to rotate the locking pin between the first position and the second position. However, any other suitable type of movement is also possible, for example linear movement.

The locking mechanism may comprise a sensing mechanism configured to detect whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The sensing mechanism may provide some sort of indication to a user, for example a visual or audible indication. The sensing mechanism may help determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked or unlocked state and may provide this information to a user for an improved user experience.

In some examples, the sensing mechanism may be configured to detect movement of the actuator in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The sensing mechanism may be able to detect linear movement or rotational movement of part of the actuator for example a shaft. A location may be marked on the actuator using a marker, for example a dot on a shaft of the actuator, and the sensor may be able to detect movement or changes in position of the marker in order to determine the actuator is moving. Being able to detect movement of the actuator may also be used to indicate whether the locking mechanism is broken. For example, no movement of the actuator for an extended period of time, (for example, several weeks or several months) may indicate that the locking mechanism is broken.

The sensing mechanism may comprise an indicator and a sensor, wherein the sensor may be arranged to detect the presence or absence of the indicator in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state. In some examples, detecting the presence of the indictor means that the locking mechanism in in the locked state, but in other examples that opposite could be true i.e. the absence of the indictor means that the locking mechanism in in the locked stated. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor may be arranged to detect movement of the indicator in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state. Movement of the indictor could be from the locked state to the unlocked state, or vice versa.

The indicator is preferably arranged to be moved by the actuator when the locking pin is moved, such that the locking pin and the indicator are moved at substantially the same time. In this way, movement of the locking pin and movement of the indicator are substantially correlated, in the sense that when one moves the other will also move. This provides an effective and accurate method for determining the location of the locking pin and thus determined whether the locking mechanism is in the locked or unlocked state. The position or location of the locking pin may not be visible or may be difficult to determine, and so the indicator in combination with the sensing mechanism may allow this information (i.e. the position of the locking pin) to be determined more easily.

The indicator and the locking pin do not have to move in the same manner. For example, one of the indicator or locking pin could be rotated and the other could be moved linearly, and vice versa. In some examples, both the locking pin and the indicator move in the same manner.

The indicator may be arranged to be moved, by the actuator, from a first indicating position to a second indicating position when the locking pin in moved from the first position to the second position. This may help more clearly distinguish between when the locking pin is in the first position and the second position.

In some examples, the sensor may comprise a first sensor and a second sensor. The indicator may comprise a first indicating means and a second indicating means. When the locking pin is in the first position the first indicating means may be detectable by the first sensor and when the locking pin is in the second position the second indicating means may be detectable by the second sensor. Having separate sensors and indicating means for the first and second positions of the locking pin may make it easier to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked or unlocked state as this arrangement reduces the potential of incorrect detection of the indicator by the sensor.

The first and second indicating means may be first and second arms. The first and second indicating means may be attached to a common point. The first and second indicating means may be attached to each other.

The first and second indicating means may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second indicating means may be circumferentially spaced apart, preferably they may be spaced apart by 90 degrees. Spacing the first and second indicating means apart helps avoid incorrect detection of one of the indicating means by one or more of the sensors.

The sensor may be a light detecting sensor and the indicator may be arranged to prevent light from reaching the sensor when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. In some examples the indicator may be arranged to prevent light from reaching the sensor when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state. This provides a simple mechanism for indicating whether the locking mechanism is in the locked or unlocked sate. Any other suitable sensor may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a preferred embodiment charging device providing electric power from an electric power grid to an electric vehicle;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the arrangement in an unconnected/unlocked mode;

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the arrangement in a connected/locked mode;

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement with the first module and electronic locking unit without the housing unit in unconnected/unlocked mode; Fig. 5 illustrates a view of the arrangement with the first module and electronic locking unit without the housing unit in in connected/locked mode;

Fig. 6 illustrates a front exploded view of the electronic locking unit;

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the electronic locking unit;

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement with the first module and electronic locking unit without the housing unit in unconnected/unlocked mode with sensors from the second module;

Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement with the first module and electronic locking unit without the housing unit in in connected/locked mode with sensors from the second module; and

Fig. 10 illustrates a side view of the arrangement in unconnected/unlocked mode with locking plate compressed as second module is being detached or attached to the first module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) arrangement 1 for charging an electric vehicle (EV) 101 using electric power from an electrical power grid 100. The EVSE arrangement 1 comprises a first module 2 that is arranged to be attached to a structure that is connected to the power grid 100, and a second module 3 that is attachable to and detachable from the first module 2.

In particular, the first module 2 is intended to be attached and fixed to any structure that is able to receive electricity from an electrical power grid 100 including residential homes, cabin, or parking facilities. The first module 2 is in communication with said power grid 100, such as a low voltage network whose voltages are typically below 1000 V.

The means of fixing the first module 2 to said structures can be mechanical in nature, such as, but not limited to, screws, nails, clamping, or magnetic systems, etc. Once the first module 2 has been fixed to a suitable structure, it is not intended to be removed from the structure. In this way, the first module 2 is intended to effectively become permanently fixed to the structure, rather than regularly moved or carried around. Of course, it will be appreciated that the first module 2 is intended to be located at one location long term, rather than temporarily, but in practice the first module 2 could be relocated if needed, for example when moving house.

The first module 2 is in communication with the power grid 100 through an electrical connection to a primary input terminal 4 of the first module 2, from which the first module 2 receives its electric power from the power grid 100.

The electric power provided to the first module 2 from the power grid 100 is typically greater than the power output of a residential outlet. For example, the first module 2 will typically receive more than 15 amperes which is typically provided from a residential socket. The primary input terminal 4 of the first module 2 can be connected directly to variety of conductor systems, such as, but not limited to, multi-wire planar cables, also known as ribbon cables or flexible flat cables (not shown). The first module 2 further includes an electrical outlet, for example a socket 2b, to which the first module 2 directs its received electric power provided by the primary input terminal 4, providing an outlet for electricity.

The second module 3 includes an electrical inlet, for example a plug 3b, that is connectable to the electrical outlet, such as the socket 2b, of the first module 2, providing electrical communication between the first module 2 and the second module 3, thus providing electric power from the former to the latter. The second module 3 directs the received electric power from the electrical outlet, such as the plug 3b, to a primary output terminal 5 of the second module 3. In the context of this disclosure, an outlet is not necessarily a standard plug but may be a bespoke connection that has been designed with the benefits and advantages of the invention in mind, in particular to provide an electrical connection between a first module 2 that receives power from the power grid 100 and a second module 3 which provides the electrical connection between the power grid 100 and the EV The primary input and output terminals 4, 5 can be multi-conducting terminals. Additionally, the socket 2b of the first module 2 and/or the plug 3b of the second module 3 can be multi-conducting plugs and sockets.

The primary output terminal 5 is suitable to be connectable to any suitable electric cable for charging EVs, such as any commercial multi-conductor cables for charging EVs (such as Type 1 and Type 2 cables), in order to provide the electric power to the EV 101.

The second module 3 can also include a power distribution unit 70, wherein the power distribution unit 70 can distribute the electric power received by the EVSE arrangement 1 from the electric grid 100, and redirect said electrical signals to the EV 101. The received electric power may be distributed between multiple output terminals 5 on the second module 3 so that electrical signals received from one first module 2 can be redirected to multiple EVs 101. This may provide an efficient charging solution in which multiple EVs 101 can be charged using one EVSE arrangement 1 .

The power distribution unit 70 can comprise of an arrangement of switches, such as, but not limited to relays and contactors, etc. The power distribution unit 70 within the second module 3 can be in communication with the plug 3b and primary output terminal 5, wherein said communication permits the electricity distribution unit 70 to act as an interface between the plug 3b and primary output terminal 5. The power distribution unit 70 may help provide electrical protection against power surges.

The second module 3 can also include a protected earth (PE) conductor (not shown), which provides an additional ground communication between plug 3b and the primary output terminal 5 (not shown).

Although the electrical outlet of the first module 2 has been described as being a socket and the electrical input of the second module 3 has been described as being a plug, it will be appreciated that the opposite may also apply. In other words, it is also possible that the electrical outlet of the first module 2 is a plug and the electrical input of the second module 3 is a socket. Figure 2 and Figure 3 are cross-sectional side views showing how the first module 2 and the second module 3 are fixed or coupled together using a mechanical connection. In particular, a retaining part 2a on the first module 2, for example protrusion 2a that protrudes from an edge of the first module 2, engages with a retaining part on the second module 3, for example an edge 7b (which may also be referred to as a shoulder portion or an abutment protrusion) on the second module 3, such that the first and second modules 2, 3 are fixed together. In some examples, the protrusion 2a may protrude along substantially the entire length of the edge of the first module 2. In other examples, the protrusion 2a may protrude along only part of the length of the edge of the first module 2, for example a central part or an off-centre part. In some other examples, the protrusion 2a may comprise a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other along at least part of the length of the edge of the first module 2. An electronic locking unit 60 provided on the second module 3 is used to lock the first and second modules 2, 3 together (as shown in Figures 3 and 5) to prevent them from separating from each other, and to unlock the first and second modules 2, 3 from each other so that they can be separated from each other (as shown in Figures 2 and 4). Since the first module

2 is generally attached to a structure, as described previously, the second module

3 is portable because it is not designed to be permanently fixed to anything. Instead, it can be attached to and detached from the first module 2 without the use of tools, prior training, or experience. A user can simply attach and detach the second module 3 from the first module 2 at their convenience.

Generally, the locking unit 60 engages with the protrusion 2a on the first module 2, via the edge 7b on the second module 3, due to the geometry of the components 60, 2a, 7b, so that when the locking unit 60 is locked, it would not be possible to properly detach the second module 3 from the first module 2.

The electronic locking unit 60 is shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7. The electronic locking unit 60 comprises a housing unit 6, which further comprises a first housing part 6a and a second housing part 6b. The first housing part 6a includes at least a plate 6c which can act as a support for some components as well as a cover for other components, as will be described later. The second housing part 6b includes at least a frame 6d that forms part of the housing unit and allows components to be housed within the frame 6d.

A locking plate 7 is held between the first and second housing parts 6a, 6b so that the locking plate 7 is housed within the housing unit 6. The locking plate 7 comprises a hinged edge 7c and an unhinged edge 7b, which in the example shown in Figure 7 comprises a raised lip portion 7e. The hinged edge 7c comprises two protrusions 7d on either end of the hinged edge 7c which rest in corresponding grooves 6e in the second housing part 6b, allowing the locking plate 7 to rotate along the hinged edge 7c about the protrusions 7d. Since the grooves 6e are positioned inwardly of the hinged edge 7c, the unhinged edge 7b of the locking plate 7 extends beyond the housing unit 6. Thus, due to the forward positioning of the locking plate 7 relative to the rest of the housing unit 6, the locking plate 7 protrudes through the housing unit 6. In particular, the lip portion 7e protrudes over the frame 6d of the second housing portion 6b.

A biasing means, for example in the form of one or more springs 7a, biases the locking plate 7 towards the second housing part 6b. In this configuration the lip portion 7e protrudes through the housing unit 6 and engages with the protrusion 2a on the edge of the first module 2, holding the first and second modules 2, 3 together. In other words, the biasing means 7a biases the locking plate 7 in the engaged configuration rather than in a disengaged configuration. Although a spring 7a has been illustrated, other suitable biasing means could be used, for example a flexible metal strip or flexible plastic part, which biases the locking plate 7 towards the second housing part 6b.

The springs 7a are compressible such that the locking plate 7 can be rotated about the hinged edge 7c against the bias of the springs 7a, moving the locking plate 7 towards the first housing part 6a. In this configuration, when the springs 7a are compressed, the locking plate 7 and the second housing part 6b are substantially parallel to each other. The bases of the locking plate 7 and the second housing part 6b are substantially flush to each other. When the locking plate 7 moves towards the first housing part 6a, the lip portion 7e disengages from the protrusion 2a on the edge of the first module 2 so that the first and second modules 2, 3 are no longer fixed together. The biasing means acts to hold the first and second modules 2, 3 together.

As explained previously, when the first module 2 and the second module 3 are attached together, i.e. the second module 3 is attached to the first module 2, as shown at least in Figures 2 and 3, the edge 7b of locking plate 7 is in contact and mates with the protrusion 2a of the first module 2. Furthermore, when the second module 3 is attached to the first module 2, the plug 3b of the second module 3 is connected to the socket 2b of the first module 2 to allow electrical power to flow between the first and second modules 2, 3.

As shown in at least Figure 7, the first housing part 6a further includes an actuator 8, for example a servomotor or a gear motor. The actuator 8 is received by a receiving portion 19 on the first housing part 6a, in the form of two gripping arms. The receiving portion 19 prevents the actuator 8 from moving around or becoming dislodged and holds the actuator 8 in place. The actuator 8 includes a shaft 9 that is moved by the actuator 8 in a predetermined manner. In some examples the movement will be rotational movement, but other movement such as linear movement is also possible. This actuator 8 allows the shaft 9 to be moved between different positions, for example towards a first position 200 or a second position 300.

In some embodiments the actuator 8 may include a gearbox 8a positioned between the actuator 8 and the shaft 9. The gearbox 8a permits the shaft 9 to receive torque from the actuator 8 at a predetermined speed and force, and then increase or decrease the speed of movement of the shaft 9. In addition, the gearbox 8 may permit the shaft 9 to receive the torque at a predetermined angle, e.g. being perpendicular relative to the actuator or at an angle as found necessary by the geometry of the EVSE arrangement 1.

In some embodiments the shaft 9 can be connected to a manual lock-and-key device (not shown) in the second module 3, instead of the actuator, allowing the shaft 9 to be moved (e.g., rotated) towards the first position 200 or the second position 300 through the action of a key turning in the lock. In this case, at least part of the lock will be connected to the shaft such that movement of said part of the lock, caused through movement of the key, will cause movement of the shaft 9.

Looking still at Figure 7, a sensor plate 10 is attached to a first end 9a of the shaft 9. The actuator 8 can control movement of the sensor plate 10 via the shaft 9. The sensor plate 10 comprises a first protrusion 10a and a second protrusion 10b, wherein the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b are positioned at a predetermined angle relative to each other. In the example shown in Figure 7, the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b are substantially perpendicular to each other, having an angle of about 90 degrees between each other. However, other angles are possible including but not limited to 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 180 degrees. Preferably the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b are located sufficiently far apart from each other such that they cannot be considered in the same place at the same time. This ensures that each of the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b can have distinct locations or positions at a given point in time. Therefore, preferably the angle between the first and second protrusions is greater than 10 degrees and more preferably greater than 20 degrees.

In the illustrated example, the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b extend outwardly from the sensor plate 10. As the sensor plate 10 has a disc-like shape, the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b extend radially away from the sensor plate 10. In the illustrated examples, the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b also extend in a direction that is perpendicular to an axial extent of the shaft. However, as will be appreciated, the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b may be configured in any suitable manner.

In the example shown in Figures 4-9, the sensor plate 10 rotates with the shaft 9 in a predetermined manner towards a first position 200 (shown in Figures 4 and 8) or a second position 300 (shown in Figures 5 and 9). As the sensor plate 10 rotates, the positions of the protrusions 10a, 10b also changes. In particular, when the sensor plate 10 has rotated to the first position 200, the first protrusion 10a of the sensor plate 10 is readable, or detectable, by a first sensor 12 on the second module 3, as shown in Figure 8. When the sensor plate 10 has rotated to the second position 300, the second protrusion 10b of the sensor plate 10 is readable, or detectable, by a second sensor 13 on the second module 3. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b are sufficiently spaced apart from each other on the sensor plate 10 such that each of the first and second protrusions 10a, 10b have distinct positions at any given time. This helps ensure that each of the first and second sensors 12, 13 reads, or detects, only one of the protrusions. Clear readings or signals can then be determined by each of the first and second sensors 12, 13.

Optionally, the second module 3 can include at least one sensor 12, 13 that can read in a binary manner when a protrusion 10a, 10b is at the first position 200 or a second position 300.

The sensors 12, 13 detect the presence or movement of a sensor plate protrusion 10a, 10b. In the illustrated example in Figures 8 and 9, each sensor plate protrusion 10a, 10b is associated with one sensor. This means that one sensor 12 detects the presence or movement of a first sensor plate protrusion 10a and the other sensor 13 detects the presence or movement of a second plate protrusion 10b. By detecting the presence or movement of the sensor plate protrusions 10a, 10b, the sensors detect movement of the sensor plate 10, and so the sensors 12, 13 can detect a change in position or orientation of the sensor plate 10.

Any suitable sensor can be used to detect the presence or movement of the sensors plate 10 via the sensor plate protrusions 10a, 10b. For example, sensors 12, 13, can comprise, but are not limited to, photocells or hall effect sensors. In the examples shown, each sensor 12, 13 projects a light or laser from one side of the sensor 12, 13 which comprises an appropriate emitter to the other side of the sensor 12, 13 which comprises an appropriate detector. When the light or laser is no longer detected, the sensor 12, 13 determines that the light or laser has been blocked by a protrusion 10a, 10b. Since one sensor 12 is associated with one protrusion 10a and the other sensor 13 is associated with other protrusion 10b, it is possible to determine the position of both protrusions 10a, 10b based on which sensor 12, 13 is still receiving light or a laser beam and which sensor 12, 13 is no longer receiving light or a laser beam. In this way, the sensors 12, 13 can determine whether or not the protrusions 10a, 10b are in the first or second position 200, 300. In addition, the sensor detector can detect change in received light level, indicating that the protrusions 10a, 10b are moving. For example, if one sensor 12 was previously receiving a light or laser beam and then detects that the amount of light or laser beam that is being detected by the sensor detector is reducing overtime, the sensor 12 can determine that the protrusion 10a is moving into the path of the sensor 12, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the actuator 8 can itself include one or more sensors (not shown) that can measure the movement of the shaft 9 in order to determine whether the shaft has been to the first position 200 or the second position 300. For example, these one or more sensors in the actuator 8 can measure the predetermined rotations it provides to the shaft 9, therefore being able to determine whether the shaft has been moved to the first position 200 or the second position 300.

Considering further details of the locking unit 60, at a second end 9b of the shaft 9 is a locking pin 11 , which can be seen at least in Figures 8 and 9. In these examples the locking pin 11 takes the form of a rectangular block, but any suitable shape could be used. As can be seen in Figure 6, the locking pin 11 is positioned between the first housing part 6a and the locking plate 7, and is flush with the underside of the first housing part 6a. The second end 9b of the shaft 9 therefore extends through the first housing part 6a. The locking pin 11 moves, for example by rotation, with the shaft 9 in a predetermined manner towards the first position 200 or the second position 300. Since the locking pin 11 and the sensor plate 10 are connected to the same shaft 9, the movement of the locking pin 11 will happen at the same time and in substantially the same manner as movement of the sensor plate 10, for example the locking pin 11 and the sensor plate 10 will both be moved in the same direction by the shaft 9. In this way, either both the locking pin 11 and the sensor plate 10 will move towards the first position 200 or both the locking pin 11 and the sensor plate 10 will move towards the second position 300. The sensor plate 10 can therefore indicate the position of the locking pin 11 , through detection of the protrusions 10a, 10b by the sensors 12, 13. When the locking pin 11 is in the first position 200, shown in Figures 4 and 8, the locking pin 11 is located in the space between the first housing part 6a and the locking plate 7, lying flush against the underside of the first housing part 6a but not in contact with any part of the locking plate 7. In this configuration, the locking pin 11 does not block movement of the locking plate 7, and so the locking plate 7 on the second module 3 can still be rotated about its hinged edge 7c towards the first housing part 6a, compressing the spring 7a. This movement means that the lip portion 7e on the second module 3 disengages from the protrusion 2a on the edge of the first module 2 so that the first and second modules 2, 3 are no longer fixed together. In other words, the electronic locking unit 60 on the second module 3 is unlocked when the locking pin 11 is in the first position 200, because movement of the locking plate 7 is still permitted. Thus, in the first position 200 it is possible to detach the second module 3 from the first module 2. As mentioned previously when the locking pin 11 moves, so does the sensor plate 10 and the sensor protrusions 10a, 10b because the are attached to the same shaft 9. Thus, when the locking pin 11 has been rotated to the first position 200 as described above, the sensor plate 10 has also been rotated to the first position 200 by the shaft 9. In this position, the first protrusion 10a, is detectable by the first sensor 12 and the second protrusion 10b is not detectable by the second sensor 13. Thus, the sensors 12, 13 can determine that the locking pin 11 , and therefore the locking unit 60, is in the unlocked state (which corresponds to the relevant components being in the first position 200). When the locking pin 11 is in the second position 300, shown in Figures 5 and 9, the locking pin 11 is now in contact with a part of the locking plate 7, namely the lip portion 7e. Thus, in the second position 300, the locking pin 11 is now positioned between the lip portion 7e and the first housing part 6a, making contact with both. In this configuration, the locking pin 11 blocks movement of the locking plate 7, and so the locking plate 7 can no longer be rotated about its hinged edge 7c and the spring 7a cannot be compressed. This means that the lip portion 7e on the second module 3 is prevented from disengaging from the protrusion 2a on the edge of the first module 2 and instead remains engaged so that the first and second modules 2, 3 remain fixed together. The edge 7b of the now immovable locking plate 7 remains in contact with and mates with the protrusion 2a of the first module 2. In other words, the electronic locking unit 60 on the second module 3 is locked when the locking pin 11 is in the second position 300 because movement of the locking plate 7 is prevented. Thus, at the second position 300, it is not possible to detach the second module 3 from the first module 2. Again, when the locking pin 11 has been rotated to the second position 300 as described above, the sensor plate 10 has also been rotated to the second position 300 by the shaft 9. In this position, the second protrusion 10b, is detectable by the second sensor 13 and the first protrusion 10a is not detectable by the first sensor 12. Thus, the sensors 12, 13 can determine that the locking pin 11 , and therefore the locking unit 60, is in the locked state (which corresponds to the relevant components being in the second position 300).

In summary, operation of the locking unit 60, to lock the first and second modules 2, 3 together is as follows. A user connects the first and second modules together 2, 3, for example by pushing the second module 3 onto the first module 3. This action causes the lip portion 7e of the locking plate 7 on the second module 3 to engage with the protrusion 2a on the first module 2 to hold the first and second modules 2, 3 together. The locking unit 60 can then be locked by the user which causes the locking pin to move and prevent further movement of the lip portion 7e and locking plate 7. In this way, the first and second modules 2, 3 are locked together. The locked state is detected by the sensor plate 10 and sensors 12, 13.

In some examples, the locking unit 60 can be locked using a switch or button on the second module 2. In this case, the switch or button is electrically connected to the actuator 8 and can send a signal to the actuator to initiate movement of the locking pin 11 to the locked position 300, and vice versa. The locking unit 60 may also be locked using a key, as briefly described previously. In other examples, the locking unit 60 can be locked by a user using a mobile phone or other computing device, as will be described later.

The sensors 12, 13 of the locking unit 60 are connected to a first circuit board 14 embedded in the second module 3. The first circuit board 14 can include a processor 15 intended to receive and process data from the sensors 12, 13. The processor 15 also controls the electrical communication between the plug 3b of the second module 3 and the socket 2b of the first module 2. In this way, the sensors can inform the processor 15, through the signals sent from the sensors 12, 13 to the processor 15, whether the locking unit 60 is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

In the first position 200, which is the unlocked configuration, the processor 15 receives an indication from the first sensor 12, which has detected the presence of the first protrusion 10a, and does not receive an indication from the second sensor 13. In some examples, receiving an indication from the first sensor 12 may comprise no longer receiving a signal because the light or laser beam has been broken or interrupted by the presence of the first protrusion 10a in the path of the light or laser beam. In other examples, receiving an indication from the first sensor 12 may comprise receiving a signal that the first protrusion 10a has been detected. In other words, the processor 15 receiving an indication from the first sensor 15 includes positively receiving a signal and also the absence of a previously received signal. Similarly, the processor 15 not receiving an indication from the second sensor 13 may include continuing to send a signal indicating the continued detection off a light or laser beam (and so there has been no change in signals sent from the second sensor 13 to the processor 15, and so there is no indication). In other words, the processor 15 not receiving an indication from the first sensor 15 includes a lack of change in the signal received (which may be considered as continuing to positively receiving a signal) and also the absence of a received signal.

The processor 15 receives similar indications in a corresponding manner when the locking unit 60 is in the locked state.

In the unlocked configuration, the processor 15 does not permit electrical communication between the plug 3b of the second module 3 and the socket 2b of the first module 2. This can be achieved in a number of suitable ways. For example, the processor 15 may not activate (or may deactivate) a switch, for example a switch in the power distribution unit 70, wherein the processor 15 is in communication with the power distribution unit 70 and wherein inactivation or deactivation of the switch prevents the power distribution unit 70 from sending electrical power signals to the output terminals 5 on the second module 3. If the actuator 8 itself includes one or more sensors as described above, these sensors are also in communication with the processor 15 and can send the data to the processor 15 in a similar manner as sensors 12, 13.

In the second position 300, which is the locked configuration, the processor 15 permits electrical communication between the plug 3b of the second module 3 and the socket 2b of the first module 2. This can be achieved in a number of suitable ways. For example, the processor 15 may activate a switch in the power distribution unit 70.

The processor 15, using indications received from the sensors 12, 13 determines and controls whether electrical power should flow between the first and second modules 2, 3. Preventing electrical power to flow when the first and second modules 2, 3 are not locked together acts as a safety mechanism so that the risk of live electrical outlets being exposed when the second module 3 is attached to the first module 2 is reduced.

As we have seen, the locking unit 60 locks the first and second modules 2, 3 together through a combination of electrical and mechanical components. The locking plate 7 on the second module 3 engages with the protrusion 2a on the first module 2 to hold the first and second modules 2, 3 together. The locking pin 11 prevents movement of the locking plate 7 so that the locking plate 7 on the second module 3 cannot be disengaged from the protrusion 2a on the first module 2. The locking unit 60 can therefore be described as an electromechanical locking unit 60.

In some examples, a light or other form of visual indicator may be provided on the second module 3 to indicate to a user whether the first and second modules 2, 3, are in the locked or unlocked state. In these examples, the light or visual indicator may be connected to the processor 15, which receives indications from the sensors 12, 13 about the locked and lucked states, or the light/visual indicator may be directly connected to the sensors 12, 13. This is useful because the EV will not charge when the modules are in the unlocked state, because the processor 15 does not permit electrical communication between the plug 3b of the second module 3 and the socket 2b of the first module 2 (as described previously), and so the user can be alerted accordingly. In some examples, the first and second modules 2, 3 are automatically placed in the locked state when the second module 3 is attached to the first module 2. However, this may also be controlled by a user (for example using a key, a switch, or a mobile device) as described previously.

Although the first and second modules 2, 3 have been described as being able to be locked together and unlocked, at least partly using the locking unit 60, a failsafe mechanism is preferably present such that in the event that the locking unit 60 fails and the user is unable to put the locking unit in the first position 200 (corresponding to the unlocked configuration), the user can still separate the first and second modules 2, 3 from each other.

One such fail-safe mechanism is provided in the form of two breakable portions

20, shown in Figure 6. The breakable portions 20 comprise tabs 21 , or ears 21 , on either side of the housing unit 6. The tabs 21 primarily serve to attach the electronic locking unit 60 to the second module 3, for example using screws. The tabs 21 provide a point of weakness which can be overcome through application of a sufficiently large force above a certain threshold. This means that in the event the electronic locking unit 60 malfunctions and cannot be put into the unlocked configuration, the first and second modules 2, 3 can still be detached from each other but only through the application of a large force such that the tabs 21 fail and break. As an example, the force required to cause the tabs to fail could be equivalent to at least 50 kg (e.g. around 500 N). The threshold at which the tabs 21 break needs to be high enough that a user would not break the tabs 21 through rough handling of the first and second modules 2, 3. For example, a threshold of 5-10 N would be too low. The threshold must also not be too high otherwise the average general user would not be able to apply sufficient force to break the tabs

21. For example, a threshold of 1000 N or more would be too high. The breakable portions 20 therefore provide the user with a way to separate the first and second modules 2, 3, from each other that is independent of the locking unit 60 and can be used in an emergency when the locking unit 60 fails. When the locking unit is not in the locked state, and the first and second modules 2, 3 are not locked together, the breakable portions 20 would not be broken by a user wanting to detach the second module 3 from the first module 2, because in this case the locking plate 7 would simply be moved as the action of the user would be enough to overcome the bias of the spring 7a. Thus, the breakable portions 20 are needed when the locking unit 60 is in the locked state such that the locking plate 7 cannot be moved.

The locking unit 60 may have failed because one or more of the actuator 8 or shaft 9 may have stopped working and so the locking pin 11 cannot be moved into the unlocked position. Alternatively, or in addition, the locking unit 60 may have failed because one or more of the sensors 12, 13 may have failed and so are not able to detect the protrusions on the sensor plate 10. In this case, the processor may not receive signals from the sensors 12, 13 about the state of the locking unit 60. Alternatively or in addition, the locking unit 60 may have failed because the locking unit 60 is unable to receive or act upon instructions received from the processor 15 about what state the locking pin 11 should be in. In this case, the processor 15 is effectively the failed or broken component.

When the breakable portions 20 have been broken, the housing unit 6 is no longer securely fixed to the second module 3 such that the housing unit 6, comprising the locking unit 60, is movable relative to the second module 3. In this case, the user can move the second module 3 away from the first module 2 whilst the locking unit 60 remains engaged with the first module 2 through the locked engagement between the locking plate 7 and the protrusion 2a on the first module 2. In other words, after the breakable portions 20 have been broken, the looking unit 60 does not necessarily change from the locked state to the unlocked state. Instead, the broken locking unit 60 typically remains attached to the first module 2 but the second module can be removed leaving behind the housing unit 6 and the locking unit 60 within.

In the case that the breakable portions 20 have been broken, through a failure of a component in the locking unit 60, the user can simply replace the broken locking unit 60 with a new locking unit 60 and affix this new locking unit to the second module 3 using new tabs 21 provided on the new locking unit 60. Thus, the whole second module 3 does not need to be replaced in the event that it needs to be forced apart from the first module 2. Rather, only the locking unit 60 inside the second module 3 needs to be replaced, significantly reducing the cost of replacing parts. Any parts of the broken locking unit 60 that remain attached to the first module 2 can simply be removed using any suitable means, such as breaking or deconstruction the old locking unit 60 as this is no longer needed.

Whilst the locking unit 60, including the locking plate 7 and edge 7b, have been described as being part of the second module 3 and the protrusion 2a has been described as being part ofthe first module 2, it will be appreciated that the opposite may also be true in some arrangements. For example, the locking unit 60, including the locking plate 7 and edge 7b, could be part of the first module 2 and the protrusion 2a could be part of the second module 3. In this arrangement, the locking mechanism 60 forms part of the module that is attached to the fixed structure rather than forming part of the module that is designed to be portable. The locking mechanism 60 functions the same in this configuration, as does the engagement between the protrusion 2a and the edge 7b.

In addition, whilst the breakable portions 20 have been described as forming part of the housing 6 of the locking unit 60 on the second module 3, in other examples the breakable portions 20 may form part of the internal housing of the first module 2. In this case, the locking mechanism 60 on the second module 3 may be attached to breakable portions on the first module 2, for example by screwing the housing 6 of the locking mechanism 60 to the breakable portions. When a sufficient force is applied, the breakable portions on the first module 2 break, allowing the second module 3 to be unlocked and detached from the first module 2. Alternatively, if the locking unit 60 is part of the first module 2, as described above, the breakable portions may still form part of the housing of the locking unit 60 but in this case they will also be located on the first module 2 along with the rest of the locking unit 60.

The socket 2b of the first module 2 generally includes some form of cover or protector (not shown) to enclose and protect the socket 2b from the external elements, such as humidity or unwanted objects like debris or unintentional touch or tampering from a person, as a means of tamper-proofing. This is particularly useful when the second module 3 is detached from the first module 2. As already discussed, the second module 3 is portable while the first module 2 remains in one place. The second module 3 can be connected to any suitable first module 2; it is not only compatible with one other first module 2. In this way, the second module 3 can be moved from one location to another, allowing the user to charge their EV using the same second module 3 but different first modules 2. Since the second module 3 can be moved around, it is desirable that any electrical components on the first module 2 are not exposed and cannot easily be damaged, as this could cause the modules to stop working properly.

In some examples the cover is a hinged cover which is biased in a closed position covering and sealing the socket 2b on the first module 2. A biasing means such as a spring can be used to bias the cover in the closed position. When the second module 3 is connected to the first module 2, the cover 2c opens when the plug 3b of second module 3 applies a predetermined pressure, in order to overcome the bias, on the cover 2c in order for the plug 3b to connect with the socket 2b. In some examples, the cover may comprise a seal, for example a sealing portion around the perimeter of the cover, to provide further protection against the ingress of water or debris to the socket 2b. The sealing portion may be located on an internal side of the cover, such as an internal perimeter.

To prevent the cover from unintentionally opening, the biasing means may require a minimum threshold force to be applied to force the cover open. This will ensure that the cover cannot be accidentally opened. In some examples, the force required to overcome the bias is about 50 N. In some examples, the force required to overcome the bias is about 100N. The minimum threshold force needed to overcome the bias must be sufficiently high that it cannot be accidentally opened through accidental interaction with the cover. It must also not be openable by a child. Further, the cover must not open in extreme weather conditions such as high wind, rain, snow etc. The minimum threshold force needed to overcome the bias must also not be so high as to make it difficult to connect the first and second modules 2, 3 together during use. The cover therefore acts as a safety feature as well as a weather-proofing feature because it prevents water and other debris from coming into contact with the socket 2b as well as accidental exposure of the socket 2b.

Although a hinged cover has been described, in some examples the cover may be a slidable cover.

As has been mentioned previously, in some arrangements the electrical outlet of the first module 2 is a plug and the electrical input of the second module 3 is a socket. In this case, plug on the first module 2 may be recessed so that the cover can be used to cover and protect the plug. A suitable protrusion on the second module 3 can be arranged to apply pressure to the cover in order to open the cover.

The cover is preferably integrated into the first module 2 so that the cover cannot be considered as optional and cannot be removed by a user. By making the cover an integrated component, rather than a separate component which needs to be attached and reattached, the user does not need to buy an extra cover for the first module 2. In addition, it is not possible to forget the cover, ensuring that the safety and weatherproofing features are always present on the first module 2.

The cover generally opens from bottom-to-top, rather than from top-to-bottom. For example, a hinged cover would rotate upwards from the closed to the open position. This provides the advantage that, in the event that the cover does not close properly for some reason, there is a reduced chance of rain, snow, debris etc falling from above and into an opening created by the cover.

The socket 2b may include additional standardized safety precautions, for example fuses, circuit breakers, and residual current breakers. In addition, some arrangements be configured such that all electrical conductors between the socket 2b and the plug 3b must be in electrical connection with each other as a condition for the EVSE arrangement 1 to conduct electricity.

The EVSE arrangement 1 can include at least one transmitting/receiving system such as, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, broadband cellular networks, NFC, radio-frequency identifications (RFID), power-line communication (PLC), general packet radio service (GPRS), and/or a “vehicle-to-grid” communication system according to the standard ISO 15118 which is also known as “Plug & Charge”. The transmitting/receiving system can include a transmitter and a receiver or a combination such as one or more transceivers. The receiver (or transceiver when present) is connected to the processor 15 in the second module 3 for processing received data by said transmitting/receiving system.

Generally, the transmitting/receiving system can be used to facilitate communication between the first and second modules 2, 3, which can be used to control various functions of either the first or second module 2, 3. For example, the first or second module 2, 3 may be able to transmit data (e.g. to a mobile device, or to the other of the first or second module 2, 3) provided by the arrangement 1 , such as, but not limited to, whether the EVSE arrangement 1 is properly installed and/or locked, whether the EVSE arrangement 1 is available for use (i.e. there is currently no second module 3 attached to the first module 2), an amount of electrical power to be supplied from the grid 100 to the second module 3, and/or transmit information about the charging speed from the EVSE arrangement 1 to the vehicle 101. The transmitting/receiving system may also transmit suitable commands to the processor 15, such as, but not limited to, activate or deactivate the EVSE arrangement 1 e.g. using a switch, and/or set the charging speed from the EVSE arrangement 1 to the vehicle 101. More details about some of these functions will be provided below.

An example of a transmitting/receiving system is shown in Figure 1. Both the first and second modules 2, 3 can each include some form of short-range communication, for example a near field communications (NFC) unit. In this example, an NFC tag 16 is located on the first module 2 and an NFC reader 17 is located on second module 3. The NFC tag 16 is readable by the NFC reader 17. The NFC reader 17 can transmit the data that has been read from NFC tag 16 to the processor 15 for processing.

As mentioned above, the transmitting/receiving system can provide several functions, some of which will be described in the following. One function provided by the transmitting/receiving system relates to whether the electronic locking unit 60 should be in first position 200 (the unlocked state) or second position 300 (the locked state). The NFC reader 17 can communicate with the processor 15 to tell the processor 15 whether or not the locking unit 60 should be in the locked or unlocked state. In one implementation, the NFC reader 17 on the second module 3 can only read the NFC tag 16 on the first module when the NFC tag and reader 16, 17 are within a certain proximity to each other. If the NFC reader 17 is too far away from the tag 16, the reader cannot read the tag 16 and so it is determined that the first and second modules 2, 3 are not close to each other. In this case, the NFC reader 17 can send an instruction to the processor 15 indicating that the locking unit 60 should be in the unlocked state. If the NFC reader 17 is able to read the NFC tag 16, it can be determined that the first and second modules 2, 3 are close together such that they are likely attached to each other. In this case, the NFC reader 17 can signal to the processor 15 that the locking unit 60 should be in the locked state.

As mentioned previously, the locking unit 60 can be locked or unlocked by a user using a mobile phone. To enable this, an app running on a mobile device can be used by the user to select either the locked or unlocked stated. Once the user has indicated the desired state in the app, the app may communicate with the processor 15 on the second module 3 (for example using NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™ , or other suitable forms of communication), and the processor 15 then instructs the actuator 8 of the locking mechanism 60 to move the locking pin 11 into the user- requested state. The processor 15 then receives corresponding signals from the sensors 12, 13 about the state of the locking pin 11 (i.e. either the locking unit 60 is in the locked or unlocked state), and the processor subsequently instructs switches in the circuit board 14 accordingly to either provide or prevent electrical communication between the first and second modules 2, 3.

In this example the ability of the second module 3 to receive electrical power from the first module 2, is effectively automatically initiated once the user has indicated that the locking mechanism 60 should be in the locked state. This is because the processer 15 receives confirmation from the sensors 12, 13 that the locking pin 11 is in the locked state and then subsequently controls the switches based on this confirmation signal.

However, in other examples the ability of the second module 3 to receive electrical power from the first module 2, can be separately instructed by the user using the app. In this situation, the user can initially instruct the processer 15 (via the app) to place the locking mechanism 60 in a desired state, as before, and the processor 15 controls the actuator s and locking pin 11 accordingly. The sensors 12, 13 may confirm the state of the locking pin 11 , as before, but in this case the processor 15 does not control the switches in the circuit board 14 until additional confirmation has been received from the user that charging is to be initiated or ceased. The user may then subsequently indicate on that app that charging is to be started or stopped, and the app signals the processor 15 accordingly. Only once the processor 15 has received confirmation of the locking pin 11 state from the sensors 12, 13 and confirmation from the user regarding charging does the processor 15 proceed to signal the switches to start or stop providing power to the second module 3 from the first module 2.

Although the above implementations have been described as receiving signals from an app on a mobile device, in some alternate forms of these implementations the processor 15 may receive the controls instructions from a remote server such as a cloud server. In this case, the app on the mobile phone communicates with the remote server which subsequently communicates with the processor 15 on the second module 15.

Another function provided by the transmitting/receiving system includes a verification system. In this case, the NFC tag 16 on the first module 2 can include information about the first module 2, such as an ID number. Each second module 3 may be configured to work with certain specifically identified first modules 2. By “work” we mean that the second module 3 can receive electrical power from the first module 3 and provide said electrical power to an EV 101. This may help ensure that only verified second modules 3 can receive power from the first module 2, which may help prevent unauthorised users from connecting their unverified second module 3 to a first module 2. Thus, the verification system helps control and limit which second modules 3 can receive electrical power from any given first module 2. In some examples, more than one second module 3 may be verified to receive charge from a given first module 2. In some examples, a given second module 3 may be verified to receive charge from more than one first module 2.

As mentioned, the NFC tag 16 on the first module 2 comprises a unique ID associated with the first module 2. The NFC reader 17 on the second module 3 can read the IDs on the tag 16 and send this information to the processor 15 which can determine whether the first module 2 is approved to work with the second module 3. In some examples, the processor 15 may send the ID information to a remove server such as a cloud-based server which determines whether the ID is approved, for example by looking the ID up in a database of approved modules. In other examples, the processor 15 may send the ID information to an app running on a mobile device and either the app or the user can indicate to the processor 15 whether the first module 2 is an approved module. If the first module 2 is a verified and approved module, the processor 15 on the second module 3 enables electrical communication between the first and second modules 2, 3 such that the second module 3 can receive electrical power from the first module 2. Thus, the processor may proceed to instruct the locking unit 60 and/or the circuit board switches based on instructions received from the user as described previously. If the first module 2 is not verified to work with the second module 3, the processor 15 on the second module 3 prevents electrical communication between the first and second modules 2, 3 such that the second module 3 cannot receive electrical power from the first module 2. Thus, the processor 15 may not send any signals to the locking unit 60 or the switches, and so electrical charge will not be able to pass from the first module 2 to the second module 3 and the locking unit 60 cannot be locked. Alternatively, the processor 15 may actively instruct the locking unit 60 to be in the unlocked state and/or may instruct the switches to break electrical communication between the first and second modules 2, 3.

As well as indicating whether the first module 2 is verified to work with the second module 3, the ID may have other information associated with it such as charge limits, ratings, charger location etc. In this case, as described previously in relation to the verification system, the processor 15 may receive the ID from the first module 2 and send this information to either a remote server or an app on a mobile device. This ID can then be looked up in a database which, as well as indicating whether this ID of the first module 2 is approved, also comprises information about how much charge the first module 2 is authorised to provide to a second module 3, and what location the first module 2 is authorised to operate in. This information can then be received by the processor 15 on the second module 3, which can use this information to control switches or relays in order to ensure the correct amount of power is supplied to the EV 101 from the first module 2.

In some examples, instead of communication with a remote server or mobile device, the information related to regulating and controlling the amount of charge provided to the EV by the EVSE arrangement 1 is stored directly on the tag 16. For example, the NFC tag 16 can store information relating to charge limits, ratings, charger location, etc. Such information may be preprogrammed into the tag 16 during manufacturing. In this case, the NFC reader 17 on the second module 3 may read this data from the tag 16 and provide this data to the processor 15. Again, this may be useful as it allows the second module 3 to verify how much charge should be drawn from the mains electricity supply. For example, the NFC tag 17 could indicate that only x Amps should be drawn from the first module 2 to charge the EV 101 . This helps ensure that the charger does not draw more power than can be handled by the EV, which would risk damaging the EV.

Various different functionalities of a transmitting/receiving system, such as an NFC system, have been described in relation to a single transmitting/receiving system. However, as will be appreciated, these functionalities could be provided individually by different transmitting/receiving systems, or one or more transmitting/receiving systems can be used to provide a combination of one or more of the above-described functionalities. Additionally, although a passive NFC tag has been described as storing the ID of the first module, the ID may also be stored in a QR code, an active NFC reader, or any other suitable form. The second module 3 can also include an electronic component, such as a proximity sensor 18, which can detect a vehicle or vehicles within a predetermined distance and/or a predetermined area, such as a parking spot, from the EVSE arrangement 1. Said proximity sensor 18 can send the sensor data to either the processor 15 or to another third-party receiver (not shown), and utilize said parking data for post-processing. Said proximity sensor 18 can be, but not limited to, a radar sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. Said sensor 8 can be useful for private users or third parties, such as parking operators, to monitor a parking area and allow control of the EVSE arrangement 1.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for an electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE, arrangement for providing electrical power to an electric vehicle, EV, wherein the arrangement comprises a first module configured to receive electrical power from an external power supply and a second module configured to receive electrical power from the first module, the second module further configured to supply electrical power to an EV; wherein the locking mechanism is configured to allow the second module to be releasably attached to the first module; wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a moveable locking plate, the locking plate moveable between a locked position in which the second module cannot be detached from the first module and an unlocked position in which the second module can be detached from the first module; a locking pin configured to prevent or allow movement of the locking plate between the locked position and the unlocked position; wherein when the locking pin is in a first position, the locking plate is able to move between the locked position to the unlocked position; wherein when the locking pin is in a second position, the locking plate is prevented from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position.

2. The locking mechanism of clam 1 wherein when the locking plate is in the locked position, the locking plate engages with the first module and when the locking plate is in the unlocked position, the locking plate does not engage with the first module.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking plate comprises an edge configured to engage with a retaining part of the first module.

4. The locking mechanism of any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism is an electro-mechanical locking mechanism.

5. The locking mechanism of any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism comprises a biasing means configured to bias the locking plate in the locked position.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 5 wherein the biasing means is a spring.

7. The locking mechanism of any preceding claim further comprising an actuator configured to control movement of the locking pin between the first position and the second position.

8. The locking mechanism of claim 7 wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the locking pin between the first position and the second position.

9. The locking mechanism of any preceding claim further comprising a sensing mechanism configured to detect whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

10. The locking mechanism of claim 9 wherein the sensing mechanism is configured to detect movement of the actuator in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

11. The locking mechanism of claim 9 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises an indicator and a sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect the presence or absence of the indicator in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

12. The locking mechanism of claim 9 wherein the sensing mechanism comprises an indicator and a sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect movement of the indicator in order to determine whether the locking mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

13. The locking mechanism of claim 12 wherein the indicator is arranged to be moved by the actuator when the locking pin is moved, such that the locking pin and the indicator are moved at substantially the same time.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP

14. The locking mechanism of claim 13 wherein the actuator is connected to a shaft, such that the actuator drives movement of the shaft, and wherein the indicator and the locking pin are both attached to the shaft such that movement of the shaft by the actuator causes movement of both the locking pin and the indicator.

15. The locking mechanism of claim 13 or 14 wherein the indicator is arranged to be moved, by the actuator, from a first indicating position to a second indicating position when the locking pin in moved from the first position to the second position.

16. The locking mechanism of claim 15 wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor and wherein the indicator comprises a first indicating means and a second indicating means, and when the locking pin is in the first position the first indicating means is detectable by the first sensor and when the locking pin is in the second position the second indicating means is detectable by the second sensor.

17. The locking mechanism of claim 16 wherein the first and second indicating means are spaced apart from each other, preferably by 90 degrees.

18. The locking mechanism of claim 12 wherein the sensor is a light detecting sensor and the indicator is arranged to prevent light from reaching the sensor when the locking mechanism is in the locked state.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP