US20130175083A1

US20130175083A1 - Double walled electric vehicle charging station enclosure

Info

Publication number: US20130175083A1
Application number: US13/607,664
Authority: US
Inventors: Holden Alexander Bonwit; Greg A. Petrie
Original assignee: Aerovironment Inc
Current assignee: Aerovironment Inc
Priority date: 2010-03-08
Filing date: 2012-09-08
Publication date: 2013-07-11
Also published as: US20170302092A1; US10211658B2; US9705346B2; US20130181670A1

Abstract

In various embodiments, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising a side wall surrounding the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises a double wall with a space therebetween.

Description

CROSS REFERENCED RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of PCT m Application Serial Number PCT/US2011/027622, by Bonwit et al., entitled DOUBLE WALLED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION ENCLOSURE, filed Mar. 8, 2011, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

- PCT/US2011/027622 claims priority of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications all herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:
  - Ser. No. 61/325,787, filed on Apr. 19, 2010, entitled An ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.;
  - Ser. No. 61/350,466, filed on Jun. 1, 2010, entitled AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.; and
  - Ser. No. 61/339,749, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie et al.
- PCT/US2011/027622 is continuation-in-part of the following U.S. Design patent applications, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:
  - Ser. No. 29/360,201, filed Apr. 21, 2010, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER, by Petrie et al.; and
  - Ser. No. 29/360,300, filed Apr. 22, 2010, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER, by Petrie et al.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/US2011/027620, filed on Mar. 8, 2011, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION WITH CABLE RETAINING ENCLOSURE, by Bonwit et al., and PCT/US2011/027621, filed on Mar. 8, 2011, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION ENCLOSURE AND MOUNTING APPARATUS, by Bonwit et al., both herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, which both claim priority of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications:

- Ser. No. 61/325,787, filed on Apr. 19, 2010, entitled AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.;
- Ser. No. 61/350,466, filed on Jun. 1, 2010, entitled AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.; and
- Ser. No. 61/339,749, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie, et al.

PCT/US2011/027620 and PCT/US2011/027621 are both continuation-in-parts of U.S. Design patent application Nos. 29/360,201 and 29/360,300.
The present application is a continuation-in-part PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/000433, filed Mar. 8, 2011, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie, et al, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims the priority of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications:

- Ser. No. 61/339,749, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie, et al.;
- Ser. No. 61/397,984, filed on Jun. 18, 2010; and
- Ser. No. 61/460,413, filed on Jun. 18, 2010.

BACKGROUND

In electric vehicle charging systems, a charging station enclosure has a requirement for supporting a charging station cable and protecting internal electrical and electronic components of the electric vehicle charging station.
As effective electric vehicle are becoming more feasible and more desirable, there will be an increased interest in home-based and commercial charging stations. To M minimize charging times, it is desirable to use a high voltage (e.g., 240 volt) charging system. When using such systems there are both safety considerations and safety laws that need to be addressed to minimize the risk to homeowners and their property. Technologies addressing these considerations may also be useful to improve vehicle charging stations in industrial and commercial settings.
The charging station in a home, commercial, or industrial environment will be exposed to extreme environmental factors of temperature, moisture, and sun light. To protect the electrical and electronic circuitry of the charging station must be able to withstand the extreme environmental factors.
Further, the charging station cable will be attached directly to the charging station enclosure. The charging station cable may be yanked to cause extreme stress on the charging station enclosure if, for instance, the driver leaves the charging station cable attached and drives away. Such a scenario will cause excess torquing of the charging station at its connection points to a solid structure and potentially could cause damage to the charging station enclosure.
Additionally, the charging station cable requires a provision for storing the charging station cable. When not in use the charging station cable must be placed attached to or near the charging station enclosure. Such a storage facility must be convenient for the user to take from the storage and to replace in its storage position.
Therefore what is needed is a charging station configured to cope with structurally damaging forces and extreme environments, while minimizing the likelihood of exposing live electrical parts to people or flammable property. Further, what is needed is a charging station with a provision for storage of a charging station cable.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising a side wall surrounding the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises a double wall with a space therebetween.
In some embodiments, the casing has wall supports in the space between the double wall. The wall supports may have drainage features, for example drainage openings, drainage ports, or the like. In one embodiment, the drainage features may include a space between the wall supports and the front plate which is fastened to the casing. The casing may further include drainage openings, which in some embodiments may be in an outer wall of the double wall.
In various embodiments some of the wall supports have fastener receivers. In some embodiments, the wall supports with fastener receivers have the drainage ports.
In some embodiments, the enclosure comprises a front plate fastened to the casing with a gasket creating a seal between the front plate and an inner wall of the double wall.
In some embodiments, thermal insulation in the space between the double walls.
In various embodiments, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing for enclosing circuitry therein. In this embodiment, the casing includes a side wall surrounding the circuitry, with at least a portion of the side wall having an inner wall and an adjacent outer wall. A front plate is fastened to the casing.
In some embodiments, a gasket creates a seal between the front plate and the inner wall.
In some embodiments, the front plate may be fastened M to the casing with a water tight seal between the front plate and the inner wall such that water penetrating past an interface between the outer wall and the face plate is directed away from passing beyond the inner wall. Some embodiments may have at least one drainage opening to allow accumulated water between the inner wall and the outer wall to drain therefrom. Further, the casing may have wall supports with drainage features located in a space between the inner wall and the outer wall.
Fastener receivers may be located between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the front plate may be fastened to the casing via fasteners, such that the fasteners are received by the fasteners receivers.
In another embodiment, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing having a side wall, a rear mounting surface, and a front facing user interface panel having an angle with respect to the rear mounting surface so as to facilitate viewing by a user when viewing from a positioned adjacent to and above the charging station enclosure. In some such embodiments, the front facing panel has an angle of approximately ten degrees toward the rear mounting surface.
In some embodiments, the side wall may have a generally truncated conical configuration.
Various embodiments may have a connector receptacle for receiving and retaining an energy transfer connector. In some embodiments, the connector receptacle is recessed from the front facing user interface panel.
In yet another embodiment, a charging station enclosure is provided having a surrounding side wall, a front plate secured to the side wall, and a rear portion. The rear portion has an opening for receiving a electric utility wiring; and a plurality of exclusion spacers positioned m adjacent to the opening.
In various further embodiments, the plurality of exclusion spacers may extend from the rear portion into and interior of the enclosure. In some embodiments, a power transfer cable opening is located in a downward facing portion of the side wall. Some embodiments may further include a connector receptacle recessed from the front plate for receiving and retaining an energy transfer connector of a power transfer cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective drawing of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 2 is rear perspective drawing of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 3A is a drawing of a side view of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 5A is a drawing showing a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 5B is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of FIG. 5A illustrating placement of the wiring, electrical connectors, and electrical and electronic circuitry.

FIG. 5C is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of FIG. 5B illustrating the interior of the electric charging station enclosure.

FIG. 5D is a drawing showing a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 5E is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of FIG. 5C illustrating the double wall structure of the charging station enclosure.

FIG. 5F is a drawing showing a bottom view of the embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a top view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings of a bottom view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a right side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a left side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a rear view of an embodiment M of an electric vehicle charging station.

FIGS. 11A-11D are drawings of a back wall mounting plate of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective drawing of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station enclosure 10 is generally a truncated conical section that contains the power distribution circuitry for charging an electric vehicle. A front plate 15 is secured to an edge of a front opening of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 where the inner surface of the front edge of the peripheral casing 11 has a generally circular surface. The front edge of the peripheral casing 11 has a number of holes to receive fasteners such as screws that secure the front plate 15 to the charging station enclosure 10. A pliable O-ring is situated between the front plate 15 and the front edge of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 to seal the interior of the charging station enclosure 10 from the exterior environment.
The front plate has openings through which controls such as a start switch 35, stop switch 35 and condition indicators 37 are placed, thus providing a user interface. A cable connector 30 is attached to the charging station enclosure 10 to allow connection to energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIG. 5 that is used for the transferring electrical energy to the electric vehicle being charged. The cable connector 30 is connected to an energy transfer conduit such as a flexible, elongated power cable 20 having a length sufficient for connecting to the electric vehicle. The diameter of the power cable 20 being dependent upon the amount of current carried by the power cable 20 and the environmental and usage requirements for the distribution of electrical energy from the electric vehicle charging station. Secured to the distal end of the power cable 20 is an electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 that is attached to a charging port of the electric vehicle for the transfer of the electrical energy to the electric vehicle for charging.
FIG. 2 is rear perspective drawing of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The truncated conical section of the charging station enclosure 10 is placed such that the larger diameter side is the front opening of the peripheral casing 11 to which the front plate 15 is attached. The smaller diameter is placed at the rear surface 40 of the charging station enclosure 10. The rear of the charging station enclosure 10 is attached to a vertical mounting surface such as a wall or pole. The charging station enclosure 10 is attached to the vertical mounting surface through a back plate 100. The back plate 100 is connected to the vertical mounting surface and the charging station enclosure 10 is mounted to the back plate 100.
FIG. 3A is a drawing of a side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A. The truncated conical section of the charging station enclosure 10 is formed such that the top edge 12 of the peripheral casing 11 has an angle of approximately 25° (with a range of from 10° to 45° from a horizontal plane) or 65° from a vertical plane. This angle permits the power cable 20 of FIG. 1 to be draped over the top edge 12 of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 to allow ease of removal of the power cable 20 for connection to the electric vehicle. An advantage of providing a means for supporting cable 20 by using the charging station enclosure 10 is that it eliminates the need for a separate cable hanger, and thus reduces space and lowers the overall system cost. The peripheral casing 11 has steps 14 of ridges and grooves formed in the surface of the peripheral casing 11 to facilitate retention and release of the power cable 20 of FIG. 1 when it is stored on the top edge 12 of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The front plate 15 is placed at an angle of approximately 80° to a horizontal axis or equivalently 10° to a vertical axis. These angles may vary or be adjusted in other embodiments. The angled front plate 15 facilities viewing of the charging station front plate from slightly above the front plate 15, to allow the charging station enclosure 10 to be conveniently mounted at a lower level than a user's head while still having the front plate 15 generally facing the user's m head. Further, it allows the electric vehicle charging station to comply with federal or local laws requiring a maximum height, i.e. 48 inches, to facilitate access by disabled users, while still being very usable by standing users.
FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective drawing of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station enclosure 10 has a rear surface or wall 40 that is recessed into the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The rear surface 40 has stiffening plates 45 formed in the rear surface 40 and the bottom surface of the charging station enclosure 10 to provide necessary stiffening of the charging station enclosure 10 to inhibit damage from the insertion of the electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 and from the weight of the power cable 20 when it is placed at the top edge 12 of the charging station enclosure 10.
The rear surface 40 has standoffs 50 a and 50 b that inhibit the back plate 100 from being improperly placed when the electric vehicle charging station is mounted to the back plate 100. The rear surface 40 further has fastener openings 55 a and 55 b for securing fasteners to join the back plate 100 to the rear surface 40 of the charging station enclosure 10. The embodiment as shown has two fastener openings 55 a and 55 b. In other embodiments, there may be any number of openings for securing the back plate 100 to the rear surface 40.
The rear surface 40 has an opening 365 that is aligned with the opening 120 of the back plate 100. The cable openings 365 and 120 are aligned to allow an energy delivery cable (not shown) into the charging station enclosure 10 from wall directly behind the charging station enclosure 10 to connect to the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIG. 5 within the charging station enclosure 10. Optionally, the energy delivery cable (not shown) may be routed via an electrical conduit (not shown) external to the wall (not shown) and enter the enclosure 10 through an alternate cable opening 330 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) in the bottom of the charging station enclosure 10. In such a case, an optional tab 335 may cover the cable opening 365. Or if the energy delivery cable enters through the back cable opening 365, an optional tab (not shown) may cover the alternate cable opening 330. Or, one or both of the cable openings 365 and/or 330 may be solid initially and thereafter drilled to make the required cable opening 365 or 330. The back plate 100 has fasteners 105 a and 105 b that receive the mating fasteners that are attached to the openings 55 a and 55 b. The back plate 100 has openings 115 a and 115 b that receive the fasteners 110 a and 110 b that are to attach the back plate 100 to the vertical surface (wall or pole). The back plate 100 having a separate connection to the vertical surface from the charging station enclosure 10 permits a variety of connections between the charging station enclosure 10 and the vertical surface and meets necessary regulatory requirements that the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIG. 5A not have a direct connection to the vertical surface to which it is mounted.
In various embodiments, the charging station cable 20 has a cable connector 30 that is structured to breakaway from the charging station enclosure 10 whenever the charging station cable 20 is placed under extreme tension. As noted in Petrie et al., it is anticipated that the electrical vehicle charging station may be used in residential garages to charge personal vehicles. A 240 volt residential power system could provide for overnight vehicle charging. In such a setting, it is anticipated that less-than ideal conditions might exist. For example, a garage can be expected to be filled with objects that could interfere with easy access to the charging station. Moreover, the vehicle may end up parked in a position that places its charging port far from the charging station console. Additionally, while charging is taking place, pets, children and adults may want to pass between the charging station console and the charging port.
As was previously noted, in such a setting there are many possible situations in which a charging station cable 20 may be physically abused. For example, while extending the cable to the vehicle, a user may yank or whip the cable to get it passed an obstacle. Also, while the cable is attached to a vehicle, a person or object could inadvertently strike the cable, placing it in high tension. It is also possible that a vehicle could be driven away while the vehicle connector is still attached to the vehicle.
Petrie et al. provides a mechanical weak link in the cable. The weak link is configured to fail in a way that limits risks to a user. More particularly, this weak link limits the risk that such events cause damage to the charging station enclosure 10 and potentially expose users or flammable materials to a high-power power source.
Prior to the breaking away of the charging station cable 20, the charging station enclosure 10 is under increased torquing moments at the cable receiving connector opening 340 of FIGS. 5F and 7. This torque is transferred to the openings 55 a and 55 b for securing fasteners to join the back plate 100 through the fasteners 105 a and 105 b to the rear surface 40 of the charging station enclosure 10. The locations of the openings 55 a and 55 b for securing fasteners to join the back plate 100 are located to minimize the effects of this torque to inhibit damage to the charging station enclosure 10. Similarly, the locations of the fasteners 105 a and 105 b on the back plate are located such that the effects of the torque inhibit any damage to the structure to which the electric m vehicle charging station is mounted.
The openings 55 a and 55 b, as located on the rear surface 40 of the charging station enclosure 10, are approximately aligned vertically with the axis of the cable connector 30. The alignment of the openings 55 a and 55 b with the cable connector 30 minimizes the effects of the torquing due to the charging station cable 20 being under tension in a breakaway situation. The fasteners 105 a and 105 b on the back plate 100 are aligned with the openings 55 a and 55 b to receive the fasteners that attach the charging station enclosure 10 to the back plate 100 at the fasteners 105 a and 105 b. The openings 115 a and 115 b that receive the fasteners 110 a and 110 b to attach the back plate 100 to the vertical surface (wall or pole) are also essentially aligned with the axis of the cable connector 30 to inhibit the effects of the torquing when the charging station cable 20 is under tension in a breakaway situation.
FIG. 5A is a drawing showing a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. FIG. 5B is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of FIG. 5A illustrating placement of the wiring, electrical connectors, and electrical and electronic circuitry. FIG. 5C is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of FIG. 5B illustrating the interior of the electric charging station enclosure. FIG. 5D is a drawing showing a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of FIG. 5C. FIG. 5E is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of FIG. 5C illustrating the double wall structure of the charging station enclosure. FIG. 5F is a drawing showing a bottom view of the embodiment of the m electric charging station enclosure of FIG. 5C. The peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 includes an inner wall 60 and an outer wall 90. The inner wall 60 provides an extra level of isolation and protection for the energy distribution circuitry 200 from the external environment. Between the inner wall 60 and the outer wall 90 are wall support features 65 and 205 to provide support to strengthen the charging station enclosure 10.
The wall support features 65 include fastener receiving locations 65 (screw holes as shown) to receive the fasteners 75 (screws) that secure the front plate 15 to the charging station enclosure 10. The front plate 15 further has holes 80 through which the fasteners 75 pass to be attached to the front edge of the opening in the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 at the fastener receivers 65. An O-ring 70 that conforms to the shape of the front edge of the peripheral casing 11 is placed on the inner wall 60 and is compressed to provide an environmental seal between the energy distribution circuitry 200 and the external environment. Generally the environmental seal is a waterproof seal, but may include other types of sealing material for isolating the energy distribution circuitry 200 from other environmental contaminants.
The space between the inner and outer walls provide an air gap that provides, or may contain, thermal insulation between the inner and outer walls. This inhibits the outer wall from being heated by the electronics within the housing and inhibits heat flow from outside the housing to the electronics within the housing.
The space between the inner and outer walls provides a chamber or channel that traps any water that intrudes past the edge of the front cover. Also, the inner wall may still m provide an environmental seal even if the outer wall is struck, punctured, or scraped so that it becomes inadvertently cracked or otherwise damaged.
Refer now to FIG. 5E. Should moisture be able to enter into the space between the inner wall 60 and the outer wall 90, such as by the outer wall 90 of the charging station enclosure 10 becoming damaged or by any gap or opening between the front plate 15 and the outer wall 90, the wall support features 65 have drainage ports 215 formed in them to allow water to flow past them. The wall support features 205 charging station enclosure 10 are placed such they are recessed to allow a space between the wall support features and the front plate 15 to further permit the passage of water that may enter the space between the inner wall 60 and the outer wall 90. The water is able to flow to the bottom of the charging station enclosure 10 and exits through the drainage openings 220 as shown in FIG. 5F.
A cover plate 85 is provided to be placed over the fasteners 75 in a groove 95 of the front plate 15 to provide a decorative appearance for the front plate 15 and to protect the screws from direct contact with the elements.
The peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 and the front plate 15 have openings 300 and 305 that receive an interface connector receptacle 315 of FIG. 1. The interface connector receptacle 315 provides a latching arrangement to hold the electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 when not in use.
In various embodiments, the interface connector receptacle 315 is constructed as a feature of the charging station enclosure 10 rather than being separately installed in the openings 300. In various embodiments, the charging station enclosure 10 is molded of an organic plastic compound with the interface connector receptacle 315 being formed during the molding process.
The interior view of the rear surface 40, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, have the mounting positions 255 for the energy distribution circuitry 200. As shown in FIG. 5C the cable opening 365 with its installed tab 335 is positioned centrally between wiring exclusion spacers 250. The wiring exclusion spacers 250 are features positioned on the rear surface 40 to indicate that the wiring or components of the energy distribution circuitry 200 should not be placed in the area defined by the wiring exclusion spacers 250. The wiring exclusion spacers 250 are to inhibit placement of obstacles in the region of the cable opening 365. During installation of the energy delivery conduit (not shown) through the rear surface 40, the optional tab 335 must be removed. In some embodiments the installation has the cable opening 365 being drilled out of the rear surface 40. The wiring exclusion spacers 250 help insure that there are no obstacles to the drilling of the cable opening 365. In addition, by the wiring exclusion spacers 250 acting to inhibit the movement or relocation of wires or other components into the area defined by the wiring exclusion spacers 250, such wires or other components will not be damaged by drilling into this area.
FIG. 6 is a drawing of a top view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The grooves 14 are illustrated as retaining the power cable 20 as it is draped over the top edge 12 and rests on the outer wall 90 of FIGS. 5A-5F of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 that is connected to the power cable 20 is inserted to the interface connector receptacle 315 that is recessed into the front plate 15 of the charging station enclosure 10.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings of a bottom view of an m embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. A second opening 330 in the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 has an electrical conduit connector 320 that provides an alternative connection point for the energy delivery conduit (not shown). The cable connector 30 is connected to the cable receiving connector 325 that is attached to the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The cable connector 30 is connected to the cable receiving connector 325 to allow connection of the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B to the power cable 20. The electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 is placed in the interface connector receptacle 315 that is constructed to receive and retain the electric vehicle charging interface connector 25. The interface connector receptacle 315 is constructed to provide isolation from the external environment and protection of the electrical contacts of the electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 when an electric vehicle is not being charged.
The electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 has a plastic ring around the outside that locates it within the interface connector receptacle 315. Inside this ring are metal pins. On the interface connector 25, there is a circular channel that the plastic ring locates in the interface connector receptacle 315. In the interface connector receptacle 315 are plastic locating features for the pins to locate on for storing the connector until the next usage. When the interface connector 25 is seated in any receptacle, a rubber seal on the inside of the plastic ring makes contact with the exterior wall of the inner circular channel of the interface connector receptacle 315 to seal the interface connector 25 from exposure to the external environment.
The stiffening plates 45 formed in the rear surface m and the bottom surface of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 provide necessary reinforcement of the charging station enclosure 10 to inhibit damage from the insertion of the electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 and from the weight of the power cable 20 when it is placed at the top edge 12 of the charging station enclosure 10.
FIG. 8 is a drawing of a right side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The power cable 20 is draped over the top edge 12 of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 and frictionally retained by the steps 14 to inhibit the cable from sliding to the vertical surface 400 of FIG. 9 and potentially causing crimping of the power cable 20. The cable connector 30 is connected to the cable receiving connector 325 that is attached to the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The cable connector 30 is connected to the cable receiving connector 325 to allow connection of the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIG. 5 to the power cable 20. The electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 is placed in the interface connector receptacle 315 that is recessed in the front plate 15.
FIG. 9 is a drawing of a left side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The electric vehicle charging station 5 is secured to the vertical surface 400 with the fasteners 110 a and 110 b. The interface connector receptacle 315 is connected to or integrated with the bottom of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The power cable 20 is draped over the top edge 12 and frictionally retained by the steps 14. The electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 is placed and secured in the interface connector receptacle 315 recessed within the front plate 15. The electrical conduit connector 320 is placed at the bottom of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 to allow the energy delivery conduit (electrical cable) to pass through the charging station enclosure 10 to the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, with the energy delivery conduit (electrical conduit) being placed at the bottom surface of the charging station enclosure 10, the opening 365 in the rear surface 40 of FIG. 4 has the optional tab 335 in place to seal the rear surface from the external environment. Or, in this and other embodiments, the opening 365 may be drilled from a solid portion of the rear surface 40.
FIG. 10 is a drawing of rear panel of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The rear surface 40 is recessed into the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. The rear surface 40 has stiffening plates 45 formed in the rear surface 40 and into the bottom of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10 to provide necessary reinforcing of the charging station enclosure 10 to inhibit damage from the insertion of the electric vehicle charging interface connector 25 of FIG. 1 and from the weight of the power cable 20 when it is placed at the top edge 12 of the charging station enclosure 10 of FIG. 3.
The rear surface 40 has standoffs 50 a and 50 b that inhibit the back plate 100 from being improperly placed when the electric vehicle charging station is mounted to the back plate 100. The rear surface 40 further has openings 55 a and 55 b (FIG. 4) for securing fasteners to join the back plate 100 to the rear surface 40 of the charging station enclosure 10.
The rear surface 40 has an opening 365 that is aligned with the opening 120 of the back plate 100. The cable openings 365 and 120 allow an energy delivery conduit (not shown) into the charging station enclosure 10 from a vertical surface (wall) directly behind the charging station enclosure 10 to connect to the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B within the charging station enclosure 10. Optionally, the energy delivery conduit (not shown) may enter via an electrical conduit connector 320 external to the wall (not shown) and through an alternate cable opening 330 in the bottom of the peripheral casing 11 of the charging station enclosure 10. In such a case, an optional tab 335 may cover the cable opening 365. Or, in this and other embodiments, the opening 330 may be drilled from a solid portion bottom surface of the enclosure 10. Conversely an optional tab (not shown) may cover the alternate cable opening 330. The back plate 100 has fasteners 105 a and 105 b that receive the mating fasteners that are attached to the openings 55 a and 55 b. The back plate 100 has openings 115 a and 115 b that receive the fasteners 110 a and 110 b that are to attach the back plate 100 to the vertical surface (wall or pole). The back plate having a separate connection to the vertical surface from the charging station enclosure 10 permits a variety of connections between the charging station enclosure 10 and the vertical surface and meets necessary regulatory requirements that the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B not have a direct connection to the vertical surface to which it is mounted.
FIGS. 11A-11D are drawings of a back wall mounting plate of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The back plate 100 has fasteners 105 a and 105 b that receive the mating fasteners that are attached to the openings 55 a and 55 b of the charging station enclosure 10 of FIGS. 4 and 10. The back plate 100 has openings 115 a and 115 b that receive the fasteners 110 a and 110 b that are to attach the back plate 100 to the vertical surface (wall or pole). The back plate 100 having a separate connection to the vertical surface from the charging station enclosure 10 permits a variety of connections between the charging station enclosure and the vertical surface and meets necessary regulatory requirements that the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B not have a direct connection to the vertical surface to which it is mounted.
The back plate 100 has an opening 120 that is aligned with the opening 365 of FIGS. 4 and 10. The cable openings 365 and 120 allow an energy delivery conduit (not shown) into the charging station enclosure 10 from a wall directly behind the charging station enclosure 10 to connect to the energy distribution circuitry 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B within the charging station enclosure 10.
The back plate 100 is constructed from a metal plate or sheet such as an aluminum, steel, or other known material plate. The back plate 100 is constructed such that it satisfies regulatory requirements. Further, the back plate 100 has no visible fasteners and is not visible when used. The vertical and horizontal edges 500 and 505 provide an alignment mechanism for insuring that the back plate 100 is mounted correctly to the vertical surface. The back plate 100 is optional. The electric vehicle charging station can be mounted with or without it.
One of the many advantages of the back plate is that the shape of the back plate 100 allows a bubble level to be used along the vertical and horizontal edges when mounting the back plate 100, and thus the charging station enclosure mounted to the back plate will be level. The edges allow the back plate 100 to be mounted true before mounting of the charging station enclosure 10. Further, the squared size of the back plate 100 also reduces the size of the stock used to manufacture, and allow multiple back plates 100 from the same piece of smaller stock, keeping costs of materials down. Moreover, after the back plate 100 is mounted, a flange portion 16 of the charging station enclosure 10 may be rested on the top curved edge 510 (FIGS. 11A and 11D) of the back plate 100. The curved edge 510 (FIGS. 11A and 11D) allows the charging station enclosure 10 to be turned or rotated to align the openings 55 a and 55 b with fasteners 105 a and 105 b, respectively. The curved top edge of the back plate 100 generally restrains the up/down and left/right movement of the charger station housing 10, but allows it to rotate to line up the screw holes in the housing with threads in the back plate 100, or with threads in nuts restrained by the back plate 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the charging station enclosure can be seated and hung from the back plate while the installer does an installation.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, one advantage of storing the flexible, elongated power cable 20 over the top of the charging station enclosure 10 is that the radius of curvature of the power cable 20 is better for cable health, as compared to a hook or other means. The round surface of the charging station enclosure 10 keeps the power cable 20 from experiencing greater pressure against the cable, and/or low radius bending (especially localized sharp bending at corners, edges, or the like) than might occur with a hook or a retention means with edges or sharp surfaces. Most of the time the power cable 20 will be stored draped over the top of the charging station enclosure 10. The larger radius of curvature of the charging station enclosure 10 keeps the power cable 20 from over bending, and/or kinking to extend the life of the power cable 20. In addition, due to the configuration, as the power cable 20 is pulled, it can easily roll off the top of the charging station enclosure 10 to dispense easily with little effort by the user. Also, the configuration allows the power cable 20 to be more easily returned over the charging station enclosure 10 when finished.
In some embodiments, the charging station enclosure 10 is constructed of a plastic that may be rotomolded or a fiber reinforced plastic panel. In other embodiments, the charging station enclosure 10 may be constructed metal such as steel or aluminum. While the embodiments of this invention illustrate an electric vehicle charging station, the structure of the charging station enclosure 10 and the back plate 100 are adaptable to other applications and these other application are in keeping with the principles of this invention.
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A charging station enclosure comprising a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising a side wall surrounding the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises a double wall with a space therebetween.

2. The charging station enclosure of claim 1, wherein the casing further comprises wall supports in the space between the double wall.

3. The charging station enclosure of claim 2, wherein the wall supports comprise drainage features.

4. The charging station enclosure of claim 3, wherein the casing further comprises drainage openings.

5. The charging station enclosure of claim 3, wherein the drainage features comprise a drainage port.

6. The charging station enclosure of claim 3, wherein the enclosure comprises a front plate fastened to the casing, and wherein the drainage features comprise a space between the wall supports and the front plate.

7. The charging station enclosure of claim 6, wherein the casing further comprises drainage openings.

8. The charging station enclosure of claim 7, wherein the drainage features comprise a drainage port.

9. The charging station enclosure of claim 8, wherein an outer wall of the double wall comprises the drainage openings.

10. The charging station enclosure of claim 2, wherein at least some of the wall supports comprise fastener receivers.

11. The charging station enclosure of claim 10, wherein the double wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the enclosure comprises a front plate fastened to the casing, and further comprises a gasket creating a seal between the front plate and the inner wall.

12. The charging station enclosure of claim 10, wherein M the wall supports with fastener receivers comprise drainage ports.

13. The charging station enclosure of claim 1, further comprising thermal insulation in the space between the double walls.

14. A charging station enclosure comprising a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising:

a) a side wall surrounding the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises an inner wall and an adjacent outer wall; and

b) a front plate fastened to the casing.

15. The charging station enclosure of claim 15, further comprises a gasket creating a seal between the front plate and the inner wall.

16. The charging station enclosure of claim 15, wherein the front plate is fastened to the casing with a water tight seal between the front plate and the inner wall such that water penetrating past an interface between the outer wall and the face plate is directed away from passing beyond the inner wall.

17. The charging station enclosure of claim 16, further comprising at least one drainage opening so as to allow accumulated water between the inner wall and the outer wall to drain therefrom.

18. The charging station enclosure of claim 17, wherein the casing further comprises wall supports in a space between the inner wall and the outer wall, and wherein the wall supports comprise drainage features.

19. The charging station enclosure of claim 15 further comprising fastener receivers located between the inner wall and the outer wall.

20. The charging station enclosure of claim 19, wherein the front plate is fastened to the casing via fasteners such that the fasteners are received by the fasteners receivers.

21. The charging station enclosure of claim 15, further comprising thermal insulation between the inner wall and the outer wall.

22. A charging station enclosure comprising a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising:

a) a side wall surrounding the circuitry;

b) a rear mounting surface; and

c) a front facing user interface panel having an angle with respect to the rear mounting surface so as to facilitate viewing by a user when viewing from a positioned adjacent to and above the charging station enclosure.

23. The charging station enclosure of claim 22, wherein the front facing panel has an angle of approximately ten degrees toward the rear mounting surface.

24. The charging station enclosure of claim 23, wherein the side wall comprises a generally truncated conical configuration.

25. The charging station enclosure of claim 22, wherein the side wall comprises a generally truncated conical configuration.

26. The charging station enclosure of claim 22 further comprising a connector receptacle for receiving and retaining an energy transfer connector.

27. The charging station enclosure of claim 26, wherein the connector receptacle is recessed from the front facing user interface panel.

28. The charging station enclosure of claim 27 further comprising a plurality of stiffening plates extending from a rear surface of the casing.

29. A charging station enclosure comprising:

a) a surrounding side wall;

b) a front plate secured to the side wall; and

c) a rear portion comprising:

(1) an opening for receiving a electric utility wiring; and

(2) a plurality of exclusion spacers positioned adjacent to the opening.

30. The charging station enclosure of claim 29, wherein the plurality of exclusion spacers extend from the rear portion into and interior of the enclosure.

31. The charging station enclosure of claim 29 further comprising a power transfer cable opening in a downward facing portion of the side wall.

32. The charging station enclosure of claim 31 further comprising a connector receptacle recessed from the front plate for receiving and retaining an energy transfer connector of a power transfer cable.

33. The charging station enclosure of claim 29 further comprising a plurality of stiffening plates extending from the rear portion.

34. The charging station enclosure of claim 33, wherein the plurality of stiffening plates further extend from a bottom portion of the enclosure.