GB2588672A

GB2588672A - Electric vehicle charging station enclosure

Info

Publication number: GB2588672A
Application number: GB1915922.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Freeling-Wilkinson Olivier
Original assignee: Urban Electric Networks Ltd
Current assignee: Urban Electric Networks Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-01
Filing date: 2019-11-01
Publication date: 2021-05-05
Also published as: GB201915922D0

Abstract

An electric vehicle (EV) charging station enclosure 10, for an EV charging station 100 installed below ground, includes a base 12 and a sidewall 14 defining a cavity 16, wherein a dividing member 18 across the cavity provides: a first (charging station) chamber 20 on one side for receiving the charging station; and a second (cable) chamber 22 on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the enclosure. An aperture 18a (e.g. slot) through the dividing member, or between the sidewall and dividing member, allows a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the charging station chamber for connection to the EV charging station. A top plate 24 may be provided over the cavity, the top plate having an aperture 24a disposed over the charging station chamber for a telescopic or retractable bollard of the charging station. In a further embodiment, the enclosure is an infrastructure enclosure for installation in the ground for receiving an infrastructure (e.g. parking meter, water fountain, road sign, advertisement). The infrastructure may include a device or system of; an electrical supply, a water supply, a gas supply, sewerage, telephone, or an internet supply.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1915922.7 RTM Date:29 April 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Skokbord Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION ENCLOSURE

The present invention relates to an electric vehicle charging station enclosure for an electric vehicle charging station for installation below ground.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Electrically-powered vehicles (particularly cars) are becoming increasingly widespread, and run on batteries which must be recharged regularly. This usually requires the electric vehicle to be plugged into a charging station for an extended period of time, typically over 40 minutes. This is relatively long compared to refuelling times for petrol/diesel vehicles. There is a need to provide more electric vehicle charging stations to accommodate the increasing numbers of electric cars.

In some towns and cities, electric vehicle charging stations have been installed on streets. A typical electric vehicle charging station includes a column installed on the pavement with a socket connected to mains power. It is typically cemented in place. However, such charging stations can restrict pavement space for pedestrians, in conjunction with other objects installed in the street, and can be considered unsightly.

One way of addressing these issues is to provide a charging station with a retractable bollard or charging portion. The charging station is installed below ground by placing it in an excavated hole and connecting a mains cable to it. In use, the bollard can be extended above the surface to expose its charging socket for use, and when charging is complete the bollard can be retracted into the ground for storage. This frees up street space whilst concealing the charging station from view when not in use. Of course, when excavating a hole in the ground for the charging station, care must be taken to avoid damaging utilities such as water pipes, power cables and drainage, which may be installed relatively close to the surface.

However, there are still significant problems associated with installation and maintenance. It is inevitably necessary to access an electric vehicle charging station at some point after installation. For example, the charging station may need to be serviced, repaired or upgraded. In other cases, the charging station may need to be replaced entirely, or perhaps decommissioned. Whilst this is facile for an above-ground charging station, it is much more difficult for a charging station installed below ground. This is because it requires digging up pavement, which risks damaging both the charging station and nearby utilities, as well as requiring subsequent pavement repairs, which are costly and often result in unsightly patchwork repairs.

Once the charging station in the ground has been uncovered, the mains cable can be disconnected from it and the charging station lifted out of the ground. Of course, to test any repairs or upgrades, the charging station must be replaced in the ground and reconnected to the mains cable, which involves extra time and effort, particularly if further work is needed and the station must be disconnected and lifted out again.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosure for an electric vehicle charging station for installation in or below ground, the enclosure comprising a base, a sidewall on the base defining a cavity, a dividing member across the cavity, providing a charging station chamber on one side for receiving the charging station and a cable chamber on the other side outside the charging station chamber for storing a slack length of (or excess) mains cable within the enclosure, and an aperture or slot through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member or wall for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the charging station chamber for connection to the electric vehicle charging station. The power cable may be the mains cable, or may be a cable which can receive and/or transfer power from the mains cable.

This provides a protective housing, or former / ground former, for receiving the charging station. The enclosure may be considered to be a subterranean enclosure or box. The enclosure should be installed at least partially below ground level. The charging station may be provided in its own casing, and the casing can be installed in the protective enclosure. That is, the enclosure is preferably for an encased charging station. This can make it easier to lift the charging station out of the enclosure, for example if a handle or handles are provided on the casing. Of course, in some instances the charging station (or where applicable other infrastructure) may extend above ground some or all of the time, with a foundation in the ground. Providing a separate enclosure allows the charging station unit to be easily removed from the ground after installation (the enclosure remains in the ground), for example for servicing, upgrading, replacing or decommissioning the charging station. Importantly, it can be done without the disruption and cost of a) digging up the street or pavement to access the charging station, and b) subsequently repairing the street or pavement after work on the charging station is completed.

The installation process is also significantly improved or streamlined because mains cable slack can be stored in the cable chamber, for connection to the charging station before it is installed in the enclosure. The problem of deciding on the length of mains cable required for a charging station in a given installation, which would allow it to be removed from the enclosure whilst remaining connected to that cable, is substantially mitigated -a longer-than-necessary length of mains cable (relative to the cable chamber width) is provided, and excess mains cable is stored in the chamber. The enclosure allows the charging station (or where applicable other infrastructure) within the enclosure to be removed, for example to allow for a repair or an upgrade whilst the enclosure remains cemented in the ground.

The term 'mains cable' refers to electrical cable of the type intended to be installed in the ground for power distribution. The mains cable may be a high voltage power cable.

The charging station may include a retractable bollard or pillar for a vehicle charging socket. Storing the slack mains cable in a second chamber separated from the charging station chamber substantially mitigates the risk of damage to the cable or bollard if the mains cable were to become snagged or trapped in the mechanism for moving the bollard between deployed and retracted positions.

The cable chamber should be sized so that it can store a length of mains cable which is at least long enough for the charging station to be positioned or set down on an area of ground immediately adjacent to the top of the enclosure, whilst the mains cable remains connected to the charging station.

The mains cable may be directly connected to the charging station.

The mains cable may be indirectly connected to the charging station. The mains cable may connect to a junction box. Another power cable may be connected to the junction box for connection to the charging station. The secondary power cable may extend through the aperture in or next to the dividing member. The secondary power cable may have a smaller diameter than the mains cable. The secondary power cable may be more flexible than the mains cable, for example by having less shielding than the mains cable. The junction box may be provided or stored in the cable chamber.

The charging station chamber should be sized to have a footprint which is substantially at least as long and wide as the charging station to be housed in the enclosure.

The elongate aperture or slot in or next to the dividing member may be open at its top end. The aperture or slot may be substantially straight or linear. The aperture or slot may be substantially vertical. The aperture or slot may be arranged along an axis which is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the base. The aperture or slot may be provided through the dividing member. The aperture or slot may be disposed substantially along a longitudinal centreline of the dividing member. The dividing member may be substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal centreline.

VVhen lowering the charging station into the enclosure, or lifting it out of the enclosure, the cable can move up/down through the slot as the charging station moves up/down. This makes it quicker and easier to safely disconnect and re-connect the cable from the charging station, where needed, and also quicker and easier to test whether a repair, upgrade or replacement of a charging station has been done correctly.

The length of the aperture or slot may be selected according to the connection point of the cable to the charging station, whilst accounting for the slack portion of the mains cable in the cable chamber and the weight of the cable. The slot may be U-shaped or may include a rounded or U-shaped end. An upward-facing interior face of the aperture or slot may provide support for a portion of the mains cable disposed therethrough.

The aperture or slot should be at least as wide as the cable it is intended to receive. The width of the aperture or slot may be around one third of the width of the dividing member. The width of the slot may be substantially constant along most or all of its length.

The slot may extend from the top of the dividing member (or adjacent thereto) towards the base of the enclosure. The slot may be approximately half the length of the dividing member. The slot may terminate or end approximately halfway between the base and the top of the sidewall.

A second aperture may be provided through the base or sidewall of the cable chamber. This allows mains cable to enter into the cable chamber from outside the enclosure. The second aperture may be provided with a seal for preventing ingress of water. The second aperture may be provided in the sidewall opposite the dividing member.

The dividing member may be substantially vertical or upright relative to the base. The dividing member may be the only internal wall extending across the enclosure, for maximising the volume of the cavity for a given size of enclosure.

The cable chamber may be smaller than the charging station chamber. The cable chamber may be between about 5% and 30% of the volume of the cavity. The cable chamber be between about 10% and 15% of the volume of the cavity.

This ensures that there is a suitable space for receiving the charging station, and also a suitable space for receiving enough slack mains cable, whilst still being economical with the overall volume of the enclosure. This in turn limits the size of the hole that must be excavated for installing the enclosure in the ground.

The cable chamber width may be selected based on the flexibility of the mains cable for storage in that chamber. The cable chamber may be wider than it is long.

The sidewall may be substantially the same length and width as the base. The sidewall may include four walls. Opposing pairs of the walls may be substantially parallel. The walls may define a substantially cuboidal cavity on the base. The dividing member may be positioned across the cavity between two of the walls.

The cable chamber may disposed at one end of the enclosure. The charging station chamber may be disposed at another end of the enclosure.

A top plate may be provided or releasably connected over the cavity. The top plate may be wider and/or longer than the base. The top plate may be apertured for a telescopic bollard of the charging station to move in and out of the enclosure. The aperture in the plate may be disposed over the charging station chamber and not the cable chamber. The plate aperture may include a seal for preventing or minimising ingress of water. Alternatively the seal may be provided on a retractable bollard of the charging station. The plate may be substantially level with the ground or pavement surrounding the enclosure when the enclosure has been installed below ground.

A plate aperture member or plug may be provided to seal the top plate aperture. For example, if the enclosure is installed in the ground in readiness for receiving a charging station, but the charging station is not subsequently installed immediately, then the plug can be engaged with the top plate to close or seal the plate aperture. This mitigates ingress of rainwater, for example, and the risk of potential injury should a person step in the aperture. The plug member may also be used to seal the top plate aperture if a charging station is decommissioned and not replaced with another charging station immediately (or at all). The plug may be shaped to complement the aperture. VVhen used to close the plate aperture, the top surface of the plug may be substantially coplanar with the top of the plate. Locking means may be provided to allow the plug to be locked in place The enclosure may be waterproof, or sealed so as to be waterproof. For example, joints between the base and sidewall (and the sidewall and top plate, where provided) may be sealed. A seal may be provided around the mains cable where it enters the enclosure. The enclosure may be made of a rot-proof material.

The sidewall may be substantially rigid or inflexible. The sidewall may be at least 1cm thick. Preferably, the sidewall is at least 1.5cm thick for providing suitable rigidity to protect the charging station. The sidewall and/or base may be made of plastic. The dividing member may be made of plastic. Plastic is relatively lightweight and resists degradation. The enclosure alone can weigh 20 to 25 kg, for example, where the sidewall is around 1.5cm thick, but this is much less than if metal were used. Recycled plastic sheets or boards, such as Stokbord, may be used for example. This provides a robust material for the enclosure which is suitable for protecting the charging station for an extended period of time on the order of months or years.

Drainage means may be provided at the bottom of one or both of the charging station chamber and the cable chamber. If an amount of water enters the enclosure, for example due to a faulty seal, the drainage means allows the water to exit the enclosure instead of accumulating.

The sidewall may be less than one metre in height. In some instances, the sidewall may be less than about 0.8 metres or less than about 0.6 metres in height. The hole excavated for the enclosure may have a corresponding height to the enclosure, or be slightly deeper than the height of the enclosure. Having an enclosure under one metre in height means that the enclosure can be installed under the ground but above the level of existing utility conduits such as water pipes and electrical cables. This minimises installation complexity.

The enclosure may include an electric vehicle charging station in the charging station chamber. The enclosure may include a length of mains cable in the cable chamber. The mains cable may be connected to the electric vehicle charging station via the aperture in the dividing member when both the charging station and mains cable are present in the enclosure.

The mains cable can pass through the cable chamber outer wall or base and into the cable chamber, where the slack length of mains cable is held or stored. The slack length of cable may be at least about 1 metre or 1.5 metres.

The enclosure and/or charging station may be earthed for safety.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for assembly into an electric vehicle charging station enclosure according to the first aspect of the invention. The kit comprises a base, a sidewall connectable on the base to define a cavity, a dividing member positionable across the cavity, to provide a charging station chamber on one side for receiving the charging station and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the assembled enclosure, an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member once the dividing member is positioned across the cavity, for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the charging station chamber for connection to the electric vehicle charging station, and fixing means for securing the base, sidewall and dividing member.

Providing a kit of parts allows the enclosure to be occupy a lower volume during transport to the installation site. It can then be assembled into an enclosure on site.

The advantages of the assembled kit are similar to those discussed for the first aspect of the invention. Any feature or combination of features of any of the other aspects of the invention may be included in the second aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing an electric vehicle charging station enclosure in the ground, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an electric vehicle charging station enclosure according to the first aspect of the invention, or providing a kit according to the second aspect of the invention and assembling the kit into an electric vehicle charging station enclosure; b) excavating a hole in the ground sized to receive the enclosure; c) positioning the enclosure in a hole in the ground, and backfilling the hole around the enclosure.

The method may include the steps of: d) providing an electric vehicle charging station, and a length of mains cable for connection to the electric vehicle charging station; e) connecting the mains cable to the charging station; and f) lowering the charging station into the charging station chamber, and storing a slack length of the mains cable in the cable chamber.

The method may include the step of providing a hole (e.g. by drilling) through the cable chamber sidewall or base, and passing mains cable through the drilled hole. It can be advantageous to do this during installation so that the position of the mains cable in the ground is known relative to the position of the enclosure. The hole can thus be made in the optimum position to avoid damaging the mains cable.

The advantages are similar to those discussed for the first aspect of the invention. Any feature or combination of features of any of the other aspects of the invention may be included in the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of servicing, replacing or decommissioning an electric vehicle charging station, which is installed in the ground in an electric vehicle charging station enclosure according to the first aspect of the invention or an enclosure assembled from a kit according to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) raising the charging station from the enclosure in the ground to a position outside the enclosure, thereby withdrawing a length of slack mains cable from the cable chamber; and b) servicing (which may include repairing or upgrading) or replacing the charging station, and then lowering the serviced or replacement charging station into the charging station chamber such that the mains cable is provided through the aperture in the dividing member, and storing the length of slack mains cable in the cable chamber; or c) decommissioning the charging station.

The advantages are similar to those discussed for the first aspect of the invention. Any feature or combination of features of any of the other aspects of the invention may be included in the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an infrastructure enclosure for installation in the ground for receiving an infrastructure, the enclosure comprising a base, a sidewall on the base defining a cavity, a dividing member across the cavity, providing an infrastructure chamber on one side for receiving the infrastructure and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the enclosure, and an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the infrastructure chamber for connection to the infrastructure. The power cable may be the mains cable or may be a cable which can receive and/or transfer power from the mains cable.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for assembly into an infrastructure enclosure according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the kit comprising a base, a sidewall connectable on the base to define a cavity, a dividing member positionable across the cavity, to provide an infrastructure chamber on one side for receiving the infrastructure and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the assembled infrastructure enclosure, an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member in the assembled enclosure, for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the infrastructure chamber for connection to the infrastructure, and fixing means for securing the base, sidewall and dividing member in position.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing an infrastructure enclosure in the ground, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an infrastructure enclosure according to the fifth aspect of the invention, or providing a kit according to the sixth aspect of the invention and assembling the kit into an infrastructure enclosure; b) excavating a hole in the ground sized to receive the infrastructure enclosure; c) positioning the infrastructure enclosure in a hole in the ground, and backfilling the hole around the infrastructure enclosure.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of servicing, upgrading, replacing or decommissioning an infrastructure, which is installed in the ground in an infrastructure enclosure according to the fifth aspect of the invention or in an infrastructure enclosure assembled from a kit according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) raising the infrastructure from the enclosure in the ground to a position outside the enclosure, thereby withdrawing a length of slack mains cable from the cable chamber; and b) servicing or replacing the infrastructure, and then lowering the serviced or replacement infrastructure into the infrastructure chamber, and storing the length of slack mains cable in the cable chamber; or c) decommissioning the infrastructure.

The term infrastructure may be considered to include a system or unit which is installed in the ground, or has a foundation in the ground. The term infrastructure is used to mean a part of a wider infrastructure system. For example, the infrastructure may be a charging station, in which case the wider infrastructure system would include a power station or the national grid. Other wider infrastructure systems are contemplated in analogous examples.

The infrastructure may include a utility. The infrastructure may include an electrical infrastructure or unit. The infrastructure may include an electrical supply device or system, a water supply device or system, a gas supply device or system, a sewerage device or system, a telephone device or system (such as an exchange), or an internet supply device or system, or a portion of any one of them. The infrastructure may include an electric vehicle charging station. The infrastructure may include: a parking meter, a water fountain, a road sign, or an advertisement. At least some of the infrastructure is installable in the enclosure, and removable from the enclosure after installation.

The advantages of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention are similar to those discussed for the preceding aspects of the invention. Any feature or combination of features of any of the other aspects of the invention may be included in any one or more of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth aspects of the invention. In particular, the enclosure may include an infrastructure (not limited to an electric vehicle charging station) removably positioned within the infrastructure chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging station enclosure according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the enclosure of Figure 1, and an electric vehicle charging station with a bollard in a retracted position for fitting into the 15 enclosure; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the enclosure and charging station of Figure 2, fitted with a top plate; and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the enclosure and charging station of Figure 3, positioned in a hole below pavement level, with the charging station bollard deployed above the level of the pavement.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an enclosure is indicated generally at 10. The enclosure 10 is for an infrastructure, such as a charging station for an electric vehicle. It will be appreciated that particular features in Figure 1 (and also in Figure 2-3) are shown as transparent or translucent solely to aid understanding of the invention as now shown and described.

The enclosure 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 is substantially flat. The base 12 is rectangular in this embodiment. A sidewall 14 is provided around a perimeter of the base 12. The sidewall 14 and base 12 are made of recycled plastic (Stokbord) in this embodiment. Stokbord is used because it is strong plastic sheeting and inflexible. The sidewall 14 and base 12 are each approximately 18mm thick in this embodiment. Drainage holes (not shown) can be provided through the base 12 or a lower portion of the sidewall 14. A seal (not shown) is provided where the sidewall 14 meets the base 12 for preventing ingress of water or moisture.

The sidewall 14 includes four walls in this embodiment. Each wall is substantially planar. Opposing pairs of the walls are substantially parallel. Each wall extends to substantially the same height above the base 12. The enclosure is taller than it is wide in this embodiment. The enclosure 10 has dimensions of about 58cm x 36cm x 76cm in this embodiment.

External brackets 28a are provided for support at upper and lower corners where adjacent pairs of walls meet. The brackets are made of metal in this embodiment (steel is preferred). Suitable fixing means such as screws are used to secure each bracket 28a.

The base 12 and sidewall 14 define a cuboidal cavity (indicated generally at 16) within the enclosure 12. A divider 18 is provided across the cavity 16, between the two walls along the longer sides of the base 12. The divider 18 is made of recycled plastic (Stokbord) in this embodiment. The divider 18 is about 18mm thick in this embodiment.

The divider 18 is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the walls it extends between. The top of the divider 18 is at substantially the same height as the top of the sidewall 14. The divider 18 bisects the cavity 16 into first and second chambers (indicated generally at 20 and 22 respectively). Each chamber 20, 22 is substantially cuboidal in this embodiment. The first chamber 20 is for housing an electric vehicle charging station (see Figure 3). The second chamber 22 is for holding or storing a slack length of mains cable (not shown). The first chamber 20 is larger than the second chamber 22. In this embodiment, the first chamber 20 is about six times longer (or six times larger in volume) than the second chamber 22.

The divider 18 includes a slot-shaped aperture, indicated generally at 18a, which provides a space for power cable to pass from the second chamber 22 into the first chamber 20. In this embodiment, the slot 18a occupies about one third of the width of the divider 18. The slot 18a is about 11cm wide. It will be appreciated that the slot may be wider or narrower in other embodiments, if it remains suitable for a power cable to pass through.

The slot 18a extends towards the base 12 from the top of the divider 18. The slot 18a is open at its top end. The slot 18a is located substantially centrally in the divider 18 in this embodiment, that is equidistant from either side of the enclosure 10. The slot 18a terminates in the middle of the divider 18, about halfway between the base 12 and the top of the divider 18.

The slot 18a includes two substantially parallel sides and a rounded inner end 18b. The inner end is closed. The slot 18a can be considered to be substantially U-shaped. The inner end may provide support to the cable.

The end wall adjacent to the second chamber 22 may include an aperture therethrough (for example as indicated by dashed line 26). In other embodiments, the aperture may be drilled or otherwise created through one of the outer walls that faces into the second chamber 22, which may include widening of the original wall aperture (if provided). This is so that mains cable can be fed into the chamber 22 from outside the enclosure 10.

Inner brackets 28b are provided at the upper end of the divider 18 for connecting the divider 18 to the sidewall 14. The brackets are made of metal in this embodiment (steel is preferred). Suitable fixing means such as screws are used to secure each bracket 20 28b.

Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, an infrastructure is indicated generally at 100, for fitting into the enclosure 10. In this embodiment, the infrastructure is an electric vehicle charging station. However, it will be appreciated that other infrastructures may be The first chamber 20 is sized to fit the station 100. The station 10 includes inter alia a frame 102, and a retractable bollard 104. The bollard 104 is shown in a collapsed or retracted state. It will be appreciated that further components of the charging station will be present, for example as detailed in another of the Applicant's patent applications such as GB1716891.5 or GB1807487.2 (incorporated herein by reference). Some of these components such as the extendible arm in the bollard 104 can be seen in Figure 4.

When the station 100 is located within the enclosure 10, a plate (or fascia panel) 24 can be provided over the sidewall 14. The top plate 24 includes a bollard-shaped aperture 24a for the bollard to move through in either direction. Seals (not shown) can be provided between the plate 24 and sidewall 14, and/or between the bollard 104 and bollard aperture 24a.

It will be appreciated that the enclosure 10 described above may be provided as a pre-assembled unit, or may be provided as a kit of parts (flat packed for assembly on site, for example) which can be assembled into an enclosure for receiving the charging station 100 and mains cable.

Referring also to Figure 4, the enclosure 10 and charging station 100 are shown being installed in a pavement or paved area 200. A hole, indicated generally at 202, is first excavated in the ground or soil 206 for receiving the enclosure 10. The hole 202 is about 20cm longer and 20cm wider than footprint of the enclosure 10 with the top plate 24 fitted, although it will be appreciated that there is tolerance for larger or smaller size differences in in other embodiments.

Mains cable (not shown) connected to an electrical power source is provided in the ground and extends into the hole 202. The hole is preferably dug such that the mains cable extends into the hole 202 from a longitudinal end of the hole 202.

An aggregate layer 204 is provided in the bottom of the hole 202. The aggregate layer is about 10cm deep. With the aggregate layer in place, the hole 202 is substantially the same depth as the enclosure 10. The aggregate provides a firm support for the enclosure 10 and aids drainage.

During installation, the enclosure 10 (without the charging station 100) is first lowered into the hole 202 and onto the aggregate layer 204. In this embodiment, the top plate is also detached during this process. The enclosure 10 is positioned substantially centrally in the hole 202.

The aggregate layer 204 is preferably levelled beforehand for receiving the enclosure 10. This ensures that the retractable bollard is substantially vertical when deployed for use. The top plate 24 will then, once provided on the enclosure 10, be substantially level with the surface of the pavement 200. It will be appreciated that many pavements are in varying states of disrepair, and the top plate is intended to be level with the pavement immediately surrounding hole.

With the enclosure 10 in the hole 202, the second [cable] chamber 22 faces the mains cable at one end of the hole 202. In this embodiment, an aperture is not provided in the chamber wall and is instead created with the enclosure on site. The aperture 26 can thus be drilled or cut through the chamber wall at a position which corresponds to the mains cable, which is clearest when the enclosure is in the hole 202. Once the aperture 26 is provided, mains cable can then be fed through the aperture 26 into the second chamber 22.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the aperture can be created whilst the enclosure is outside the hole 202. For example, it may be easier to identify or mark the cable entry point whilst it is in the hole 202, lift it out to drill the aperture, and then put the enclosure 10 in the hole 202 and feed in the mains cable.

After putting the cable into the chamber 22, the gap between the enclosure 10 and the walls of the hole 202 is backfilled up to about the top of the enclosure 10. This secures the enclosure 10 in place.

After the mains cable is connected to the electric vehicle charging station 100 outside the enclosure on the pavement 200, and with the enclosure 10 fixed in position, the charging station 100 is lowered into the enclosure 10. A slack length of the mains cable is stored in the cable chamber 22 as the station 100 is lowered into position. At the same time, a length of cable connected to the station 100 may be aligned with and lowered along the slot 18a in the divider 18. In this embodiment, the mains cable is connected to a junction box (not shown), and another power cable (not shown) connects the junction box to the charging station 100 via the slot 18a. If feet are provided on the station 100, they can be adjusted to level the charging station 100.

The top plate 24 can then be secured over the top of the enclosure 10. For example, fixing means such as screws may fix the plate 24 to the sidewall 14 and/or to a top side 106 of the frame 102. There may optionally be one or more connections between the plate 24 and top side(s) 18c of the divider, the inner brackets 28b, and/or an internal wall or walls Of provided). The retractable bollard of the charging station may be deployed (as shown in Figure 4) to test it functions as intended, although it should be retracted whilst the station is being fitted in the enclosure 10.

Finishing steps such as providing paving up to the edge of the top plate can be done afterwards. In some embodiments, the top plate may be sized to cover some or all of the backfilled area, for example where there are imperfections in the surface layer surrounding the enclosure 10.

At some point after installation, the charging station 100 may need to be accessed.

The top plate 24 may be removed from the enclosure 10 without digging up the paved area. The charging station 100 can then be lifted out of the charging station chamber 20.

As the station 100 is lifted, the power cable is raised through the slot 18a, and the slack length of mains cable in the cable chamber 22 becomes extended and less slack. The slack length of mains cable is long enough for the charging station 100 to be set down on the paved area 200 outside the hole 202. Work may then be carried out on the station 100, whether for servicing or upgrading the station 100, replacing it with a new charging station (not shown), or decommissioning it altogether. Once the work is complete, the charging station 100 is, where applicable, then re-lowered into the enclosure 10 in a substantially similar manner to the original installation process, and the top plate 24 is secured in place over the enclosure 10.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments can include a different infrastructure to the electric vehicle charging station described above. Installation or servicing, upgrading, replacing or decommissioning of a different infrastructure may involve analogous steps to those described above. The steps may need to be adapted or adjusted according to the particular infrastructure involved, but it will be in a manner which is apparent to the skilled person. Examples of different infrastructure are discussed in relation to the fifth to eighth aspects of the invention above.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electric vehicle charging station enclosure for installation in the ground for receiving an electric vehicle charging station, the enclosure comprising a base, a sidewall on the base defining a cavity, a dividing member across the cavity, providing a charging station chamber on one side for receiving the charging station and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the enclosure, and an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the charging station chamber for connection to the electric vehicle charging station.
2. An enclosure as claimed in claim 1, in which the aperture is open at its top end.
3. An enclosure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the aperture is a slot.
4. An enclosure as claimed in claim 3, in which the slot extends from the top of the dividing member towards the base of the enclosure.
5. An enclosure as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, in which the slot is approximately half the length of the dividing member, or in which the slot terminates approximately halfway between the base and the top of the sidewall.
6. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an aperture is provided through the base or sidewall of the cable chamber for accepting mains cable from outside the enclosure.
7. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the dividing member is substantially vertical or upright.
8. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sidewall includes four walls defining a substantially cuboidal cavity, and the dividing member is positioned across the cavity between two of the walls.
9. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a top plate is provided over the cavity, the top plate being apertured for a telescopic or retractable bollard of the charging station, the plate aperture being disposed over the charging station chamber and not the cable chamber.
10. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cable chamber is smaller than the charging station chamber.
11. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cable chamber is between about 5% and 30% of the volume of the cavity.
12. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sidewall and/or base are made of plastic.
13. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which drainage means is provided at the bottom of the charging station chamber and/or the cable chamber.
14. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the enclosure is waterproof.
15. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sidewall is less than one metre in height.
16. An enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, including an electric vehicle charging station in the charging station chamber, and/or a length of slack mains cable in the cable chamber, where the mains cable is connected to the electric vehicle charging station if both charging station and mains cable are present.
17. A kit for assembly into an electric vehicle charging station enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, the kit comprising a base, a sidewall connectable on the base to define a cavity, a dividing member posifionable across the cavity, to provide a charging station chamber on one side for receiving the charging station and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the assembled enclosure, an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member in the assembled enclosure, for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the charging station chamber for connection to the electric vehicle charging station, and fixing means for securing the base, sidewall and dividing member in position.
18. A method of installing an electric vehicle charging station enclosure in the ground, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an electric vehicle charging station enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, or providing a kit as claimed in claim 17 and assembling the kit into an electric vehicle charging station enclosure; b) excavating a hole in the ground sized to receive the enclosure; c) positioning the enclosure in a hole in the ground, and backfilling the hole around the enclosure.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, including the steps of d) providing an electric vehicle charging station, and a length of mains cable for connection to the electric vehicle charging station; e) connecting the mains cable to the charging station; and f) lowering the charging station into the charging station chamber, and storing a slack length of the mains cable in the cable chamber.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, including the step of providing a hole through the cable chamber sidewall or base, and providing the mains cable through that hole.
21 A method of servicing, upgrading, replacing or decommissioning an electric vehicle charging station, which is installed in the ground in an electric vehicle charging station enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16 or in an enclosure assembled from a kit as claimed in claim 17, the method comprising the steps of: a) raising the charging station from the enclosure in the ground to a position outside the enclosure, thereby withdrawing a length of slack mains cable from the cable chamber; and b) servicing or replacing the charging station, and then lowering the serviced or replacement charging station into the charging station chamber, and storing the length of slack mains cable in the cable chamber; or c) decommissioning the charging station.
22. An infrastructure enclosure for installation in the ground for receiving an infrastructure, the enclosure comprising a base, a sidewall on the base defining a cavity, a dividing member across the cavity, providing an infrastructure chamber on one side for receiving the infrastructure and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the enclosure, and an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the infrastructure chamber for connection to the infrastructure.
23. A kit for assembly into an infrastructure enclosure as claimed in claim 22, the kit comprising a base, a sidewall connectable on the base to define a cavity, a dividing member positionable across the cavity, to provide an infrastructure chamber on one side for receiving the infrastructure and a cable chamber on the other side for storing a slack length of mains cable within the assembled infrastructure enclosure, an aperture through the dividing member or between the sidewall and dividing member in the assembled enclosure, for allowing a power cable to extend from the cable chamber into the infrastructure chamber for connection to the infrastructure, and fixing means for securing the base, sidewall and dividing member in position.
24. A method of installing an infrastructure enclosure in the ground, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an infrastructure enclosure as claimed in claim 22, or providing a kit as claimed in claim 23 and assembling the kit into an infrastructure enclosure; b) excavating a hole in the ground sized to receive the infrastructure enclosure; c) positioning the infrastructure enclosure in a hole in the ground, and backfilling the hole around the infrastructure enclosure. 30
25. A method of servicing, upgrading, replacing or decommissioning an infrastructure, which is installed in the ground in an infrastructure enclosure as claimed in claim 22 or in an infrastructure enclosure assembled from a kit as claimed in claim 23, the method comprising the steps of: a) raising the infrastructure from the enclosure in the ground to a position outside the enclosure, thereby withdrawing a length of slack mains cable from the cable chamber; and b) servicing or replacing the infrastructure, and then lowering the serviced or replacement infrastructure into the infrastructure chamber, and storing the length of slack mains cable in the cable chamber; or c) decommissioning the infrastructure.