WO2021105928A1

WO2021105928A1 - A vehicle charging device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2021105928A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jordan Jon Walter EDGE
Original assignee: Edgeineering Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-26
Filing date: 2020-11-26
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: GB201917165D0; GB2589326A

Abstract

A vehicle charging device comprising an electrical supply for connection to vehicle batteries in order to charge the batteries. The housing is embedded below ground and ideally includes insulating material and a heater in order to ensure it remains functional in cold climates. The charging device has an opening with a cover that is opened on presenting an authorised device/user so as to allow a user to charge their vehicle.

Description

A VEHICLE CHARGING DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle charging device and system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an electric vehicle charging device and charging system, specifically, but not exclusively, for embedding in the walkway (pavement or sidewalk) of a street, for example outside a dwelling, shop, office or building.

Background

Increasingly electric vehicles are becoming more common and accepted as an alternative to petrol and diesel (derv) vehicles. The environmental and economic benefits are also becoming a factor why more consumers are choosing to purchase electric vehicles.

However, despite their popularity charging an electric vehicle can sometimes be problematic, as with increasing numbers of users, there is inevitably a greater demand placed on existing charging points as not all electric vehicle owners are able to park on private drives or in garages near their dwellings. As many electric vehicles have to be parked on streets, there is an increasing requirement for kerbside vehicle charging points.

Such kerbside vehicle charging points need to be sturdy and safe and in particular they also have to be water resistant and weatherproof.

Prior Art

United States patent application US 2013 0 113 425 (KAUFFMANN) discloses an electric supply pop-up apparatus with a safety system for use on a generally horizontal surface. Australian patent application AU 2011 101 147 (DAVIES) discloses a device manufactured from recycled rubber reconstituted into dense rubber compound and formed into a roadway or pathway kerb. The device is designed to receive cable networks through designated ducting provided within a kerbside structure.

German patent application DE 10 113 512 (BINDL et al) discloses kerbstones that are bevelled and radiused at their edges and have built-in pipework for vertical or flat installation.

German patent DE 102016112613 (EnBW AG) discloses a charging connection for a charging station for electric vehicles.

International patent application WO 2017/061863 (BRAINWAVE B.V.) discloses an underground power supply system.

European patent application EP 0694433 (ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE) discloses an electrical outlet set in a hole in the ground.

UK patent application GB 2 572 752 (TEOBI ENGINEERING ASSOC. LTD) discloses an on-street charging connection from power in a building to a parked vehicle.

United States patent application US2011/0240363 (DINH) discloses a weatherproof electrical box.

The present invention arose to overcome problems suffered by existing devices and systems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a charging device including: an electrical socket which is received in a recess contained in a housing which when installed is embedded below a ground level of a walkway or surface, the socket is connected to underground cabling and provides an electricity supply to charge a vehicle battery, the housing has a base wall and one or more side walls which extend to a top edge which opens onto the ground level of the walkway or surface; a cover is displaceable from a first (closed) position to a second (open) position; a wireless receiver is operable, upon receipt of a signal from a user device that identifies a user account, to open the cover to allow access to the socket; when the plug and socket are connected a transmitter transmits a request for a status of the user account; and upon receipt of an authorisation signal which verifies the user account status; a processing means causes the electricity supply to be switched on to charge the vehicle battery and causes a locking means to lock together the plug and socket in the first position and causes a meter to record an amount of charge supplied to the vehicle battery.

In some embodiments the cover may comprise a substantially planar plate. This plate may comprise a substantially planar top face, which is ideally parallel to and substantially flush with the surface in use.

The surface may be concrete, such as a kerbstone, cement or tarmac or paving. The housing may therefore be envisaged to be located within a hole formed in this surface and/or embedded in ground below the surface when it is laid.

It is appreciated that cabling supplying electricity to the charging device is underground cabling that is embedded below the surface. The cabling may comprise an armoured and/or insulated cabling or cable contained in a conduit or duct.

In some embodiments the cover includes a hinged cover. For example, the cover may comprise a hinge related to one of the side walls, advantageously such that the cover is not lost after displacement into the second position.

Ideally a lock means includes an electromagnet, such as a locking mechanism with a solenoid, which is operative to release a catch upon receipt of a command signal from the wireless receiver. Optionally the wireless receiver includes a near-field communication (NFC) device.

In some embodiments a support is provided with an actuator that raises the housing to lift the electrical socket and/or a plug for connection to a vehicle at least 0.3 metre, and preferably at least 0.5 metre (in order to confirm with relevant local disability regulations) above the ground level of a walkway or surface and lowers the housing after charging is complete. The support is optionally in the form of a hyperboloid which lifts to enable socket to be raised and lowered by provide a twisting force to it.

An alternative embodiment may include a telescopic extension device.

A counterweight, spring device or lift mechanism may allow the socket to be lifted easily and without effort to assist disabled or infirm users.

In an alternative embodiment a motorised device is employed in which a motor assists the electrical socket to be raised from below ground in the housing which is lifted and lowered as required.

The housing is waterproof and ideally the base wall includes drainage channels or perforations.

In some embodiments the vehicle charging device includes a cover which has a light source. The light source includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) which is operative to display a status of the charging device.

In some embodiments the cover includes a tether. For example, the cover may comprise a displaceable cover, which remains attached to the housing. Advantageously this ensures that the cover is not lost after displacement into the second position. In some embodiments when the cover is in the second or open position, it is configured to support a socket on or in a block of material which is supported by the housing to present a socket at an upwards angle for easier access.

In some embodiments the device or housing comprises a light source. Such light source is ideally adapted to illuminate the socket and/or cover. Such light source may also or alternatively be arranged to illuminate an area around the socket, for example an area of the surface surrounding the socket.

The light source may be arranged to communicate the presence of a socket, and/or the status of the socket. For example, the light source may comprise a plurality of lights, and/or may be enabled to display a plurality of light colours or patterns. Lights may be displayed on the lid or cover as well as within the housing.

In some embodiments the charging device includes a control means and/or display means. The control means and/or the display means are ideally operable by way of a wireless communication device. The control means ideally comprises a means for determining the cost of electricity supplied and a payment system which debits a user’s account or credit card with a total fee. A timer and meter are provided form which suitable data may be output or transmitted to a user’s smartphone for display or storage.

For example, in some embodiments the charging device may comprise a radio transceiver or connection to an Internet or 4G or 5G or 6G. Ideally the radio transceiver is a wireless device which operates in accordance with a Bluetooth (RTM) wireless protocol. In this manner a user is able to connect to the charging device, by way of a mobile communication device, such as using their smartphone, which is operating in accordance with suitable application specific software (APP), and access, configure and operate the charging device. It is appreciated that a control means and/or a payment means is also available to send payment information to a user account ledger and to provide an itemised receipt to their smartphone upon request. In some embodiments the device may comprise a local means of payment and control. For example, one or more buttons or controllers may be incorporated on a panel within the housing so as to allow a user to make a payment directly for example by way of a credit or debit card. Separate charging devices may be interconnected to a control unit for management of load for charging of two or more vehicles and/or for overseeing billing.

Preferably the cover has a closure which includes a locking means. Such lock means may comprise inter-engaging male and female portions. The locking means may have a sprung means which is operated by an electromagnet which when activated retracts to separate the male and female portions thereby allowing access to a user. The electromagnet is ideally operable by way of a near-field communication (NFC) device using for example a credit or debit card or device, such as a key fob or card that is registered to a user account or particular APP.

A reader is also installed which registers details of the credit or debit card and thereby the identity of the person whose card is used to access the charging device.

The socket may be arranged to provide charging at household (120V AC), upgraded household (240 VAC) or super charging (480V DC or higher). Sockets or plugs may be used to charge up to 7.4 kW in use a charging cable may be used to connect to a mains electrical network to supply 220V to 240V AC current as well as for more rapid charging at power ratings of 22 kW, 43 kW or higher power ratings. The charging device may be adapted to charge from 3 kW to 43 kW at 230V single-phase or 400V three-phase or use an external charger, which converts AC current into DC current and charges batteries at 50 kW. The device may include a safety shut-off facility, residual current device (RCD) or a dedicated trip switch or fuse.

In some embodiments the charging device may include a charging cable optionally arranged to extend from the socket. In some embodiments this cable and/or plug may comprise a telescopic connector or a reel wound cable. In some embodiments the device may comprise manually or electrically extendable parts, for example a unit arranged to extend telescopically from a base and/or a cable support arranged to extend telescopically from a unit.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle charging system including at least one charging device as hereindefined, a control system and a communications equipment for communicating with at least one remote server in order to verify a user’s account status and when authorised is operative to issue a command signal which causes electric current to be switched on.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a paving slab, paver or kerbstone which includes a charging device embedded therein. Paving stones surrounding the charging device may be contoured so as to enable them to be identified by partially sighted pedestrians.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 A shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the charging device in a housing and connected to an electricity supply;

Figure 1 B shows two views of an alternative embodiment of the charging device in a closed configuration (left hand side) showing a red side light and in an open configuration (right hand side) showing a green panel light;

Figure 1 C shows the alternative embodiment of the charging device depicted in Figure 1 B in an open configuration and shows the diffuser, LED array and magnetic locks;

Figure 1 D shows the alternative embodiment of the charging device depicted in Figure 1 B in a closed configuration and shows how the housing is recessed into its below ground position with respect to a sleeve in which the cable is contained;

Figure 1 E shows a view from above of the alternative embodiment of the charging device depicted in Figure 1 B, in an open configuration and shows how the cable with a socket is presented for connection to a plug (not shown) of a charging connecting lead (not shown) for connecting to a vehicle;

Figure 1 F is an overall view of the alternative embodiment of the charging device depicted in Figure 1 B, in sectional view for diagrammatical purposes, and shows how the cable is coiled in its sleeve with a wall socket/plug connected thereto;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 A;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 A;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A;

Figure 5A shows a view of a car being charged using the charging device shown in Figure 1A;

Figure 5B shows a schematic illustrating location of a charging device on a footway outside a residence;

Figures 5C and 5D show schematics illustrating location of a network of charging devices on a footway/walkway/sidewalk and how these are connected with cabling and are controlled with one or more control units on a typical street/walkway; Figures 6A to 6D show operation of a locking sleeve and illustrates how users lift out the housing unit from the charging device;

Figure 7A shows isometric view of the housing disconnected from the locking sleeve

Figure 7B depicts the raising and lowering of the cover/lid opening;

Figures 8A to 8D show overall, plan and sectional views of one example of an hexagonal cover plate;

Figures 9A shows a plan views of the hexagonal cover plate;

Figure 9B shows an overall view of the locking sleeve that locks and connects to the housing in which the charging device is located;

Figure 10A shows overall views of a cover plate and show how the cover plate engages with the housing;

Figure 10B shows the housing without the cover plate;

Figures 11 A and 11 B shows views of an alternative mechanism of the housing, in unlocked and locked states, for lifting and lowering the electrical socket which is contained in the housing for deployment and for storage, when charging is complete;

Figures 12A to 12D shows examples of hyperboloid housings which raise and lower by application of a twist force;

Figure 13 shows, in diagrammatical form, electronic control and communications equipment required to open the cover and for overseeing charging and billing; and Figure 14 is an overall view of a functional diagram showing operation of the processor, memory and logic in a charging unit.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures there is shown a vehicle charging device 99 comprising an electrical socket 45 arranged for connection to a source of electricity, such as a buried cable 4, and provision of electrical charging for a vehicle 100; cabling 4 adapted to be embedded underground. The socket comprises a housing 3 adapted to be embedded into a surface 300 and including a base wall 34 and side walls 31 extending vertically from the base wall 34 to a top edge to form an opening at or proximate the surface; a cover 1 displaceable from a first position substantially parallel the top edge, to a second position allowing access through the opening, for an electrical connection to the socket 45.

In this way in the second position vertical orientation allows for a more comfortable user experience and also allows for the vehicle 100 to park without requiring precise alignment with the socket 45.

Although reference has been made throughout to a socket it is understood that some embodiments of the charging device may be configured with a plug, for example as shown in Figures 1 B to 1 F, to receive a socket at the end of a connecting cable which is ideally arranged to retract into the housing as shown.

Referring now to Figures 1 B to 1 F, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals views of an alternative embodiment of the charging device are shown. In Figure 1 B the charging device is shown in a closed configuration (on the left- hand side image which typically displays a red side light when the cover 1 is closed; and in an open configuration when a green panel light is displayed. In Figure 1 C the charging device is depicted in an open configuration and the diffuser, LED array and magnetic locks are shown. Figure 1 D shows the charging device in a closed configuration and illustrates how the housing is recessed into its below ground position and shows how the sleeve receives the cable. Figure 1 E shows a view from above with the charging device in an open configuration and shows how the cable, with a socket attached thereto, is presented for connection to a plug (not shown) of a charging connecting lead (not shown) for connecting to a vehicle. Figure 1 F is in sectional view for diagrammatical purposes and shows how the cable is stowed by coiling the cable tightly in its sleeve and this serves to retract the cable after use. A separate means (not shown) may be deployed in order to retract the cable into the housing when charging is completed. A socket/plug is connected to an end of the cable.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 there is shown embodiments of a vehicle charging device 99 with a substantially flat base wall 34 and side walls 31 extending substantially vertically therefrom. The housing 3 has a front side wall 35 that is flat and faces in use towards the vehicle 100 to be charged. At a kerbstone 400 there is a narrower back side wall 32 that is also flat and includes a hinge 2 and electronic control and communications equipment 5 (shown in diagrammatical form in Figure 12) for the locking means 80. Other side walls are vertical and stepped back from a front side wall to the back-side wall. Although the embodiment depicted has a circular cross-section it is appreciated that other cross sections include square, hexagonal and triangular forms.

The base wall 34 has a centrally extending circular cylindrical socket 45, surrounded by circular perforations 33, which act as drainage holes. The perforations 33 allow for any water to drain away and into the soil. This prevents flooding and water damage to the socket 45.

The housing 3 is formed from an injection moulded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic as well as recycled plastic materials. A top edge of the side walls provides the opening for access to the socket 45. The opening has an iron plate 26 around its top edge. The cover 1 is secured to the iron plate and comprises a planar cover that is the same shape as the plate. When closed the cover 1 is flat and flush with a walkway or kerb and substantially parallel to the base wall 34 of the housing 3. The housing 3 and iron plate 26 provide a lip 30 that extends laterally from and around the side walls 31 . The perimeter of the opening includes a rubber gasket 25 which seals the housing 3 and prevent ingress of dirt and water.

The cover 1 is connected to the back-side wall 32 by a tether 2 which has a hinge 2. Optionally this is a flat, flexible rubber connector which extends from the back-side wall 32 and is secured to an underside of the cover 1 at a distance from its rear edge, so as to allow flexible hinging.

The cover 1 comprises an ABS top face 24, an electromagnetic annular layer 22, and a central electroluminescent panel 23 which may include an LED light source. Panel 23 provides a light source and is located above the tether 2. In some embodiments the tether 2 also carries electric cabling to power the electroluminescent panel 23. The cable may also supply electric current to an electromagnet (now shown) which acts as a solenoid to a locking means. The underside of the cover 1 is ideally a frosted diffuser panel 21 with a slot 27 for passage of the tether 2.

Within the housing 3 are electronic control and communication equipment 5. These comprise a controller 75 which controls a (near-field communication) NFC lock for releasing and locking the cover 1. The controller 75 is ideally enclosed in waterproof container and is in thermal contact with an aluminium heat sink (not shown). This ensures the controller 75 is waterproof and is able to dissipate heat efficiently.

The cover 1 and housing 3 are ideally formed from a single shot injection moulded ABS synthetic plastics piece which provides good impact and corrosion resistance. The acrylic diffuser panel 21 , rubber gasket 25 and iron plate 26 are ideally laser and water-jet cut. The iron plate 26 may be used with the electromagnet. The rubber gasket 25 ensures a watertight seal when closed.

The charging device 99 is shown in use in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C where it is installed into the cement of a pavement 300. Cabling 4 runs underground through a duct 42 which is embedded in the soil and connects the socket 45 to a power supply. A control unit 101 is shown in Figure 5C which oversees and manages three charging devices 99A, 99B and 99C.

The cabling 4 is envisaged to lie freely and slack within the duct 42 and ridges 41 on the duct prevent lateral movement of the duct 42 and therefore maintain its location within the soil. The locking means 80 connects to a near-field communications device (NFC) which activates an electromagnet and releases a catch or bolt which enables the cover 1 to open.

Charging devices may be fitted with bespoke equipment which enables a homeowner to access the socket 45 or a suitable credit card or debit card reader or registered NFC user card (not shown) which may be accessed by any authorised account holder. Optionally a homeowner may control the charging device from within a dwelling using an on/off switch.

The light source, which may be a light emitting diode (LED) or the electroluminescent panel 23 is arranged such that when the cover 1 is closed, a red light shines through the diffuser panel 21 and when opened and charging, a green light is displayed to signify successful charging. These lights also serve to alert nearby pedestrians to the presence of the charging device 99.

The embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 is for use with honeycomb paving slabs that tesselate. These help to maintain structural integrity of the ground surrounding the charging device 99. To install the embodiment, a tile or paving slab is removed from such a pavement and a suitable hole is dug. Other shaped covers may be provided for pavements with different interlocking shaped slabs. Figures 6A to 6D show operation of a locking sleeve and illustrates how users raise and lower the housing 3 of this embodiment of the charging device 99. The locking sleeve shown in Figure 9B enables the charging housing, shown in Figure 7B, to be locked into the ground. The cover 1 can be opened independently of the locking sleeve. The locking sleeve (shown in Figure 6) allows for easy access to sub-terranean conduit should there be any need to remove debris or waste water. This sleeve also enables installation of a new housing, should an existing one become damaged or become obsolete. The housing is locked into the sleeve by twisting (Figure 6). Optionally an additional electro-magnetic device may be employed which has an authorised user code in order to improve security. The housing being removed from the sleeve, is shown in Figure 7A.

Optionally the charging unit includes a telemetric device which transmits data to a central controller which is indicative of the status of the charging device. The data may include locality based information, for example how many consumers have used the charging device, the amount of electricity that has been transmitted by the device, the value of units sold by the device, the local temperature of the charging device and the ground surrounding it, whether components require changing, whether light sources are operable. This is able to transmit data about the previous user and report any damage or improper use. Likewise, anti-tamper devices may be fitted, and signals from them may be relayed to a central control.

Also, to reduce wasted material and improve water drainage a series of cuts may be made surrounding the hole in which the housing is buried to allow water to drain away. The main benefit of this is with the hole being smaller than the head of the charger the cable is less likely to fall to the bottom of the housing, regardless of how the user returns it to the device. A drainage grid may also be provided in the base of the housing. In areas of newer construction with preformed drainage kerbs, the drainage of this device may connect to the gutter or a sluice or conduit within a kerbstone. This feature also helps to reduce build-up of debris (such as leaves, litter and small rocks) accumulating within a cable duct, whilst still allowing water to drain away. Any debris is contained within a lower base section of the housing making it easier to clean out during maintenance and thereby reduce the likelihood of requiring expensive maintenance to the cable duct. Another feature within the lower base section of the cable housing are locking sleeve bolts which are equally spaced around an external periphery of the lower cylinder housing. These small bolts 81 and 81a assist in fitting the device to a locking sleeve and deter theft.

Referring to Figure 5A a car 100 is shown being charged using the charging device 99 whilst parked at a kerbside or on a driveway. Embodiments of the charging device 99 are therefore located and configured to be simple to use and easy to install, so that once installed a user parks their vehicle 100, unlocks the locking means and connects a charging cable 105 from the charger device 99 to their vehicle 100.

A local control unit 101 oversees several charging devices and is shown in Figures 5C and 5C. This provides additional safety and control where more than one charging device is fed from the same power supply.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 9A and Figures 11 , an electromagnet is used as the locking means which is ideally implemented using a pair of latching locks controlled by separate solenoids. An advantage with this configuration is that in the event of a power outage, the cover remains locked and is not released due to loss of current.

A Flail effect sensor may be used in combination with the solenoid in order to improve its reliability and sensitivity. Flail effect sensors do not require any moving parts and thereby reduce the risk of failure of a latch mechanism.

A further advantage is that when deployed as a pair of solenoids, once latched, no longer require a constant electric current and so are cheaper to operate as when no current is supplied to the first solenoid a bolt or pin remains extended. When a current is supplied the solenoid causes the bolt or pin to slide and retract. When the lid or cover is in a locked state the solenoid is unpowered and the pin is extended into the locking tab fitted in the upper lid or cover. In some embodiments a monitoring means has a sensor which detects when a lid or cover has not been closed and the monitoring means issues an alert which is transmitted as a warning signal to a central control centre to indicate a lid or cover has not been closed and properly locked. In some embodiments an audible alarm may sound in order to prompt a user to close the lid or cover.

Optionally a warning, such as an audible warning, may be played to a user which prompts them to close the lid or cover as failing to do so could result in a penalty being charged to their account. Likewise, it is appreciated that where users fail to close the lid or cover after a charging session, a surcharge or fine may be levied on their account until a subsequent user deploys the charging device. Such features are considered to mitigate against users leaving charging devices in a condition where they may be vandalised or suffer damage, for example by unnecessary ingress of rain or snow or detritus.

Similarly monitoring devices may be incorporated in the charging device which trigger an alert to indicate if a charging unit is damaged or not operating so that a maintenance team can be dispatch to repair or replace damaged or faulty equipment.

Figure 11 shows an example of a locking mechanism. In order for the charging device to become disengaged solenoids pins 82 are energised which causes the locking pins 82 to retract from retention hooks 83 also should be an 83 arrow in Figure 7B which are fitted to an inner side of the lid (cover). This releases the lid (cover) 1 which may be sprung in order to ‘pop up’. This locking mechanism 80 helps improve the energy efficiency of the charging device as the solenoids only need to be energised when they need to be retracted or extended: that is only during the opening and closing of the lid or cover and then only for brief periods. Furthermore, from a security perspective, due to the solenoids requiring current in order to unlock the device, in the event of a power failure, the cover of the charging device remains locked leaving it in a safe state. Referring to Figure 6 a locking sleeve, its function is to be a coupling device between the cable duct 42 and the housing 3. There is a locking mechanism on the exterior of the housing which connects to the inside of the locking sleeve 120, used to connect the cable housing to the footway/parking bay/surface in which it is fitted, the locking sleeve (shown in Figure 9B) is permanently fixed at the top of the cable duct 42 which in turn is then fixed into the ground. The reason for adding this component into the design is it allows for easier accessibility during initial installation and maintenance of the cable housing.

For instance, Figure 6 shows an example of a locking mechanism 120 that can easily be twisted out and exchanged without the need to unearth an entire charging device 99. To connect the charging device 99 to the locking mechanism 120 a mechanical fitting similar in function to a bayonet connector is used: the cable housing 3 being the male component and the locking sleeve (in Figure 6) being the female component as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 9B.

Locking tabs 120 on the cable housing 3 are guided through channels cut within the locking sleeve which when in the correct orientation can be rotated through 45° thereby placing the housing in the locked configuration where it then slots down into the final locked position (illustrated in Figure 6D). The extension to a final part of the guiding channel is made longer to allow clearance between the top of the pavement so that the cable housing 3 lays flush with ground level.

To ensure the charging device is secure, a series of bolts fed through the lower base section fasten the parts together preventing the housing from loosening as a result of operator interaction with the device 81 and 81 A.

Figures 6A to 6D show operation of a locking sleeve and illustrates how the housing is removed from the locking sleeve, for maintenance and clearing and removal of debris.

A display, shown in Figure 9A an OLED display, may be used as an interface for the user to see when they are connected to the charging device 99; when the cover 1 is unlocked and is able to be released; when charging commences and has ended; and for displaying information such as ‘hello user, device unlocked’ and relating to the amount of charge used. A display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), or it may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display which is typically thinner and lighter than LCDs. This allows for a smaller sized charging point. Additionally, due to the thinner organic layers of the OLED, multiple layers of conductive and emissive layers can be produced which generates a brighter image. This is especially helpful during night-time or low light levels when it is sometimes difficult to see the screen of the device. Furthermore, in comparison to LCDs, OLEDs do not require any backlighting. This is due to the fact that the OLED screens generate the light whereas LCD screens require a back light. Optionally a light meter may be housed within the charging device which is operative to switch on a light at low ambient light levels. Alternatively, lights may be switched on automatically for example at specific times.

Figures12A and 12B show how a hyperboloid performs when twisted. What occurs is that it lengthens and shortens and so may be used in order to support and surround the socket. When a hyperboloid is formed from a rubber material it forms a watertight seal around a cable or gland. Optionally the rubber material is coloured so as to improve its visibility and may include reflective paint or markings in order to be seen in low light. In this form when the hyperboloid housing stands proud of the pavement or walkway it presents less of a trip hazard.

One embodiment of the hyperboloid requires a short cylinder formed from a rubber or synthetic rubber material, mounted to two hoops or rings 121 at either end, thereby defining an appropriate diameter for the cable to pass through. One of these circles must be fixed and the other must be able to rotate. When one of the hoops or rings is rotated the rubber or synthetic rubber material moves to form a shape called a hyperboloid, as represented in Figures 12A and 12B. So, when a cable is inserted through an aperture, and the rubberised material surrounding it is then rotated, a watertight seal is formed around the cable. The hyperboloid may also be closed when a cable is retracted and maintains the charging device in a waterproof configuration. By using the hyperboloid surround a watertight seal is temporarily formed which prevents water and dirt ingress for the duration of charging.

The hyperboloid is ideally fitted as an extendable piece which is attached to an underside of the cover. Its shape and characteristics allow for easy and simple extension of the housing in order to present the socket to a user further from the ground to a required height. This may be important for example in charging device that are located in disability parking bays. The hyperboloid cover also help to create a waterproof seal around the cable which helps prevent ingress of dirt and moisture into the charging unit. The hyperboloid cover may be controlled manually or mechanically (by way of a sprung member) or electro- mechanically, by way of for example, a servo motor or actuator.

Optionally a wireless charging device is connected to the cable to connect to the charging device so that this may be placed, for example under a vehicle, as to allow inductive charging to commence.

A modular locking sleeve enables quick and simple replacement of charging units within the housing as part of a maintenance and repair programme as well as enabling charging units to be upgraded. The charging unit includes communication and control equipment (not shown), such as a processor, memory, surge protection and voltage control equipment.

Optionally a battery may be also be provided in the charging unit in order to maintain the unit operable in the event of a power cut and enable the processor to power up after such an event. The communication equipment includes telemetric devices for communicating with a remote-control centre as well as near field communication devices for transferring user identity information, account details and billing information. Ideally the charging unit is hermetically sealed against ingress of moisture. It is appreciated that where charging units include a processor and memory software upgrades for the purposes of managing charging regimes and for billing, may be made remotely via a wireless for hardwire connection to the charging unit. Figure 14 shows one example of a circuit/wiring schematic used in one embodiment of the charging device.

Cables may be supported on a reel which has a sprung or motor drive which acts to retract the cable and wind it onto the reel after use. A cable may also be provided which extends from the housing so that it can be inserted/plugged directly into an electric vehicle.

It is also appreciated that the charging device may be deployed for transmitting charge from the batteries in a car into a dwelling or office in the event of an emergency supply being required and if needed by a state power supplier or national grid.

Insulating material may be provide on an inner surface of the housing and/or the sleeve in order to maintain components within the charging device in an optimum temperature range. Advantageously a heater element is provided within the housing which in response to a thermostat controller maintains the housing above a minimum temperature and so helps to prevent the cover from freezing and seizing closed. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the heater element helps melt snow around the vicinity of a charging device and therefore makes it easier to locate when surrounding ground is covered with snow.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims. For example, the charging device may be modified for dispensing hydrogen or other forms of fuel and a hose may be stored securely beneath the cover.

Claims

1. A vehicle charging device includes: an electrical socket which is received in a recess contained in a housing which when installed is embedded below a ground level of a walkway or surface, the socket is connected to underground cabling and provides an electricity supply to charge a vehicle battery, the housing has a base wall and one or more side walls which extend to a top edge which opens onto the ground level of the walkway or surface; a cover is displaceable from a first (closed) position to a second (open) position; a wireless receiver is operable, upon receipt of a signal from a user device that identifies a user account, to open the cover to allow access to the socket; when the plug and socket are connected a transmitter transmits a request for a status of the user account; and upon receipt of an authorisation signal which verifies the user account status; a processing means causes the electricity supply to be switched on to charge the vehicle battery and causes a locking means to lock together the plug and socket in the first position and causes a meter to record an amount of charge supplied to the vehicle battery.

2. A vehicle charging device according to claim 1 wherein the locking means includes an electromagnet which is operative to release a catch upon receipt of a command signal from the wireless receiver.

3. A vehicle charging device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the wireless receiver includes a near-field communication (NFC) device operating in response to a signal from a mobile communication device, such as smartphone, which is operative to release the locking means.

4. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim includes a support that raises at least a part of the housing to lift the electrical socket at least 0.3 metre above the ground level of a walkway or surface and lowers the housing after charging is complete.

5. A vehicle charging device according to claim 4 wherein the support is in the form of a hyperboloid which lifts to enable the socket to be raised and lowered which is achieved by imparting a twisting force to the hyperboloid support.

6. A vehicle charging device according to claim 5 wherein a resilient means, such as a sprung support, is provided to assist the raising and lowering of the support.

7. A vehicle charging device according to any of claims 4 to 6 wherein an actuator is provided to raise and lower the support.

8. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing is waterproof.

9. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim wherein the base wall includes at least one drainage channel or perforation.

10. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim includes a cover which has at least one of: an exterior and an interior light source.

11. A vehicle charging device according to claim 10 wherein the light source includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) which is operative to display a status of the charging device.

12. A vehicle charging device according to claim 10 wherein the light source includes at least one organic light emitting diode (OLED) which is operative to display a status of the charging device.

13. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim includes a wireless connection which is operable to receive a command signal from a mobile communication device which enables the charging device upon verification of a status of a user account.

14. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing is removable from a sleeve which remains in situ in the ground.

15. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim which is formed integrally with a paving slab or stone which surrounds the charging device and is contoured to be identified by partially sighted pedestrians.

16. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim includes a length of electric cable that is stowed in a space in the charging device.

17. A vehicle charging device according to claim 16 wherein a plug is provided at the end of the length of electric cable.

18. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim includes a layer of insulating material which surrounds the housing and/or the sleeve.

19. A vehicle charging device according to any preceding claim includes a heater which is controlled by a thermostat.

20. A vehicle charging system includes at least one charging device according to any preceding claim, a control system and communications equipment for communicating with at least one remote server in order to verify a user’s account status and when authorised, a processor in the charging device is operative to issue a command signal which causes electric current to be switched on.

21. A vehicle charging system according to claim 20, wherein a telemetric device transmits data to a central controller which data is indicative of the status of the charging device and/or a tampering event.

22. A vehicle charging system according to claim 20 or 21 includes a sensor which transmits an audible warning to a user to indicate when a lid or cover has not been closed.

23. A vehicle charging system according to any of claims 20 to 22 includes a monitoring device which triggers an alert to indicate if a charging unit is damaged or not operating.

24. A vehicle charging system according to any of claims 20 to 23 includes a monitoring means which has a sensor which detects when the lid or cover has not been closed and transmits an alert signal to the server.

25. A vehicle charging system according to claim 24 wherein when the alert is transmitted to the server, indicating that the lid or cover has not been closed properly, the server imposes a surcharge or fine to a user’s account.