Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a kerbside charging device and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in a kerbside charging device for electric vehicles.

Background to the Invention

Electric vehicles include vehicles that use an electric motor alone as a drive source and hybrid vehicles that use an electric motor and an engine as drive sources. Both types of electric vehicle include a battery serving as a storage device for supplying electric power to the electric motor, and when the remaining capacity of the battery decreases, the battery must be charged externally. Further, in a hybrid vehicle that uses both an electric motor and an engine as drive sources, the battery is usually charged by driving the engine, but occasionally the battery is charged by supplying electric power from an external power source, without driving the engine.

Charging an electric vehicle can be carried out at a variety of charging stations. With increasing numbers of electric vehicles on the road and pressure on authorities such as government and councils to lower emissions and provide more services for electric vehicles, the pressure on charging stations is increasing.

A user of an electric vehicle may have a charging station installed at their house and charging is typically done overnight. The user therefore requires a safe storage space to charge their car, for example a garage. However, in some areas, e.g., city centres, off-road parking is not available which makes it difficult for the user to charge their electric vehicle overnight. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device that may allow users to charge their electric vehicle in areas that do not have off road parking.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical vehicle kerbside charging device, the charging device comprising an electrical connector configured to receive an external electrical connector; a flap configured to cover the electrical connector; an exit passage opening a second face of the charging device, configured to facilitate access for an electric cable; and an interior channel extending from the exit passage to the electrical connector, configured to accommodate the electric cable; wherein the flap is further configured to alternate between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and wherein the charging device is contiguous with a kerb.

A key advantage of the present invention is that the charging device, which may be seamlessly integrated with existing kerbs, may provide a charging outlet for electrical vehicles in areas that do not have off road parking. Additionally, the device of the present invention may be enabled to provide a replacement kerb that provides a link between a home or property charging facility and an electric vehicle where the users only have parking availability on a road.

The device of the present invention is envisaged to be capable of replacing one or more existing standard kerbs at the roadside, for example at the edge of the pavement. In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the device is sized appropriately to standard kerb stone dimensions, and/or can be easily cut down to fit a gap left by the traditional kerbs that it is replacing.

Preferably, the electrical connector of the device is positioned on a first face of the charging device. Being positioned on a face of the charging device advantageously allows for quick and easy access to the electrical connector.

Preferably, the first face is a top face of the charging device and the second face is a rear face of the charging device. The skilled addressee will understand that the rear face opposes a front face, wherein the front face preferably faces the road such that the rear face preferably faces the home or property. In this way, the electric cable may be routed underground and may be seamlessly connected to the charging device via the exit passage that is present on the rear face. Doing so advantageously prevents the electric cable taking up unnecessary space which otherwise may occur if the exit passage was on the front face. Further advantageously, there is no need for users to lay loose cables across paths or pavements. Preferably, the device further comprises: a recess surrounding a perimeter of the electrical connector; and an indent adjacent to the recess configured to provide fluid communication between the recess and a front face of the charging device. The recess preferably comprises a recess depth. Similarly, the indent preferably comprises an indent depth that may be substantially similar to the recess depth. The recess advantageously collects water and/or other liquids that may potentially damage the electrical connector. Also, the indent advantageously prevents liquid build-up within the recess by allowing the collected liquid to flow down the front face. Preferably, the device further comprises a first seal portion proximate the electrical connector; and a second seal portion comprised in the flap; wherein the first seal portion and the second seal portion are configured to engage to form a seal. In this way, when the seal is formed, environmental influences such as rain or debris may be prevented from contacting the electrical connector. Advantageously, the electrical connector may be protected from environmental influences.

Preferably, the front face comprises a chamfer portion and the indent provides fluid communication between the recess and the chamfer portion. The skilled addressee will understand that the term “chamfer” refers to a transitional edge between two faces of an object, in this case the top face and the front face. The chamfer portion may extend from the front face at a 45° angle relative to a plane of the front face. Additional embodiments exist wherein the chamfer portion extends at a shallower angle, such as 20°, or a greater angle, such as 70°. Advantageously, the chamfer portion may provide an edge shared by the top face and the front face that is more resistant to damage, thereby improving the devices robustness. The chamfer portion may extend at any angle suitable for reducing a sharpness of the shared edge.

In an additional embodiment, the flap is a lid arranged to occlude an opening of the device, configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In this embodiment, the device may also comprise a first seal portion and a second seal portion, configured to engage to form a seal. The second seal portion may be comprised in, or protrude from the lid. The first seal portion is preferably adjacent to the second seal portion when the lid is in the closed configuration. Preferably, when the lid is in the closed configuration, a front face of the lid is flush with a front face of the device and a top face of the lid is flush with a top face of the device. Advantageously, the device may be seamlessly integrated with an existing kerbside.

The device front face preferably comprises a chamfer portion and the lid front face is preferably a chamfer. The skilled addressee will understand that the term “chamfer” refers to a transitional edge between two faces of an object, in this case the chamfer portion is a transitional edge between the top face and the front face. The chamfer of the lid is a transitional edge between the lid top face and the front face of the device. The chamfer and/or chamfer portion may extend from the front face at a 45° angle relative to a plane of the front face. Additional embodiments exist wherein the chamfer and/or chamfer portion extends at a shallower angle, such as 20°, or a greater angle, such as 70°. Advantageously, the chamfer and/or chamfer portion provides an edge shared by the top face and the front face that is more resistant to damage, thereby improving the devices robustness. The chamfer and/or chamfer portion may extend at any angle suitable for reducing a sharpness of the shared edge. Further advantageously there may be minimal visual impact on a visual environment when compared with existing above ground charge points. In addition, the device may advantageously take up less space than existing charge point solutions.

Preferably, the device comprises a channel configured to accommodate a cable. In this way, the cable may be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the channel. Advantageously, aligning the cable in this manner may prevent the cable from tangling, thereby reducing a risk of damage to the cable.

Preferably, the channel is adjacent to the cavity. That is, the channel is preferably located below the cavity when the device is in use in the kerbside. Accordingly, the lid may cover the channel when in the closed configuration and may provide access to the channel when in the open configuration. Alternatively, the cavity may comprise the channel.

Preferably, the channel is defined by a channel rear wall; a channel front wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall; wherein the channel rear wall comprises a channel rear face and a rear face portion; wherein the channel front wall comprises a channel front face and a front face portion; wherein the channel rear face and the rear face portion are opposing faces of the channel rear wall; and wherein the channel front face and the front face portion are opposing faces of the channel front wall. The skilled addressee will understand that the front face portion is a portion of the front face of the device corresponding to, and parallel to, the channel front face. Similarly, the rear face portion is a portion of the rear face of the device corresponding to, and parallel to, the channel rear face. In this way, the channel front wall may comprise a depth equal to a distance between the channel front face and the front face portion. Similarly, the channel rear wall may comprise a depth equal to a distance between the channel rear face and the rear face portion. Advantageously, the channel may be well protected from an external environment.

Preferably, the channel front face comprises an indent configured to facilitate communication between the channel and an external environment. Preferably, the indent comprises dimensions suitable for facilitating the cable. The indent may advantageously provide an interface between the channel and the external environment when the lid is in the closed configuration such that the cable may access the electrical connector when the lid is in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the electrical connector is positioned proximate the first side wall and the indent is proximate the second side wall. In this way, the cable may extend along the longitudinal axis of the channel. Advantageously, aligning the cable in this manner may prevent the cable from tangling, thereby reducing a risk of damage to the cable.

The skilled addressee will understand that the electrical connector may be positioned at any suitable location within the channel. In some embodiments the device may comprise more than one lid, electrical connector and channel. Each lid may define a separate cavity. Each channel may comprise a plurality of electrical connectors, preferably located at opposing ends of the channel.

Preferably, the lid comprises a first portion of an engagement formation and the device comprises a second portion of the engagement formation. Preferably, the second portion of the engagement formation is positioned on the channel front face. Preferably, the first portion is configured to engage with the second portion when the lid is in the closed configuration. When engaged, the engagement formation may prevent the lid from opening. Advantageously, a user may prevent unwanted access to the channel and electrical connector of the device. Further advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention as pictured may have a compact design, waterproof cavity, and lockable lid.

Preferably, the engagement formation is a pin tumbler lock. Alternatively, the engagement formation may be configured to provide an opening to accept a shackle of a padlock. In this way it may be envisaged that closure of the device may facilitate security and control of usage, and may be operated remotely, for example at a charging facility or property to which the device appertains.

Preferably, the device comprises a device material. The components of the device may substantially comprise the same material. Preferably, the device material is GRP. Advantageously the device may be made from recycled materials so is environmentally friendly, easy to install, lightweight for installation and delivery.

Alternatively, the device may comprise a structural skeleton.

Some embodiments may furthermore comprise wireless connectivity so as to enable wireless control of the device or electrical connector. In other embodiments the locking mechanism may comprise a key lock to prevent unauthorised access to the cavity and electrical connector.

It may be envisaged that the apparatus or connector may comprise an automatic shut off once the electric vehicle is fully charged.

Advantageously as well as this having a simple design for installation and users, the present invention uses existing technology to bring charging facilities to more users, having a reduced visual impact when compared to existing technology and removes a need for cables to be laid above ground, thereby improving overall safety of the device.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector is configured to occupy a cavity of the charging device, wherein the cavity is enclosed by a lid. Preferably, the lid occupies a sunken portion of the top face such that there is no protrusion from the top face of the charging device. In some embodiments, the lid is detachable. In some embodiments, the charging device comprises a coupling means configured to tether the detachable lid to the charging device. In this way, the lid may be prevented from becoming lost. The coupling means may be a flexible steel braid having a first end affixed to a wall of the cavity, and a second end affixed to the detachable lid. The lid may comprise a foldable handle in order to facilitate removal of the lid by a user. In some embodiments, the cavity comprises an affixable portion configured to hold the electrical connector. Preferably, the electrical connector comprises a corresponding affixing means configured to facilitate affixing of the electrical connector to the affixable portion. Preferably, affixing means also facilitates detaching of the electrical connector from the affixable portion. In this way, the electrical connector may be more easily removed from the charging device for maintenance. Preferably, the electrical connector comprises a waterproof seal configured to prevent fluids entering an electrical compartment of the charging device. In some embodiments, the charging device further comprises a drainage channel connecting the cavity to the front face of the charging device. The drainage channel is configured to facilitate drainage of fluid from the cavity to the front face in order to prevent fluids such as rainwater from contacting and damaging the electrical components of the charging device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1a is a top-down view of a charging device in an open configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1b is a top-down view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a in an alternative, a closed configuration;

Figure 2a is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 2b is a front perspective view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a; Figure 3a is a rear sectional view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a in use;

Figure 3b is a side sectional view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a in use;

Figure 3c is a front sectional view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a in use;

Figure 4 is a side view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1a in use with an electric vehicle;

Figure 5a is an isometric view of a charging device according to a second embodiment;

Figure 5b is an isometric view of the second embodiment shown in Figure 5a with a lid closed;

Figure 6a is a side sectional side view of the second embodiment as shown in Figure 5a;

Figure 6b is a sectional side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5b;

Figure 7 is a side view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5a in use with an electric vehicle;

Figure 8 shows a front sectional view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5b;

Figure 9a shows a front view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5b;

Figure 9b shows a front sectional view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5b, in use; Figure 9c shows a sectional side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5b, in use; and

Figure 10 shows a front sectional view of a charging device according to a third aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements

Figure 1a is a top-down view of a charging device 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 as depicted comprises a housing having a top face 102 having a longitudinal axis, and a chamfer face 104A extending from a first edge 105 of the top face 102. Positioned centrally on the longitudinal axis of the top face 102 is a depressed portion 106. Connecting the depressed portion 106 to the chamfer face 104A is a channel 108. An electrical connector 110 is positioned centrally within the depressed portion 106. In order to accommodate the electrical connector 110, the top face 102 comprises a bell shaped portion along a second edge 112 opposing the first edge 105 of the top face. The device 100 further comprises a flap 114, depicted in Figure 1a in an open configuration. The flap 114 comprises a connecting portion 116 which connects the flap 114 to a perimeter of the electrical connector.

The device 100 is be substantially formed in GRP (glass reinforced plastic).

The device 100 also comprises an interior channel (not shown) extending from the electrical connector 110 to an exit passage (not shown). The interior channel is configured to accommodate an electric cable extending through the exit passage to the electrical connector.

The depressed portion 106 depicted is substantially annular in shape and comprises a depth of 3 mm. The electrical connector 110 is a female component of a standard or known electric vehicle charging socket, configured to accept a corresponding male component (not shown). The electrical connector 110 comprises a plurality of indents 111 which are configured to accept a plurality of pins of the corresponding male component. The electrical connector 110 depicted is substantially circular in shape such that the electrical connector 110 and the annular depressed portion 106 are concentric.

Similarly, the flap 114 is substantially circular in shape and is configured to match the shape of the electrical connector 110. The flap comprises a waterproof plastic material. The connecting portion 116 is a hinge 116.

The chamfer portion 104A is a transitional face connecting a front face (not shown) to the top face 102 and is orientated at a 45 angle with respect to a plane of the top face 102.

Referring now to Figure 1b, the device 100 is illustrated in a closed configuration. The flap 114 in the illustrated embodiment covers the electrical connector 110 such that the electrical connector 110 is protected from external influences such as rain.

Turning now to Figure 2a, a rear perspective view of the device 100 is shown with the flap 114 in the closed configuration. The illustrated view depicts a rear face 118. The rear face 118, sharing the second edge 112 of the top face 102, also comprises a bell-shaped portion 120. The device 100 further comprises an exit passage 122 proximate a first edge 124, opposing the second edge 112, of the rear face 118. The bell-shaped portion 120 also houses an interior channel (not shown) extending from the electrical connector 110 to the exit passage 122.

Figure 2b shows a front perspective view of the device 100 with the flap 114 in the closed configuration. As noted previously, the depressed portion 106 comprises a depth of 3 mm. Similarly, the channel 108 comprises a matching depth of 3 mm. The channel 108 connects the depressed portion 106 to the chamfer portion 104A. The chamfer portion 104A is a transitional face connecting a front face 104 to the top face 102 and is orientated at a 45 angle with respect to a plane of the front face 104. Advantageously, liquid and debris incident upon the electrical connector 110 may flow down into the depressed portion 106, through the indent 108 and down the chamfer portion 104A, thereby avoiding liquid build-up around the electrical connector.

With reference to Figure 3a, a rear sectional view of the device is shown. In the depicted view, an interior channel 122 can be seen accommodating an electric cable 124. The electrical connector 110 further comprises a housing 126 configured to accommodate suitable components such as a live wire, a neutral wire and an earth wire. The exit passage 120 and the interior channel 122 are configured to allow the electric cable 124 to extend from a power source (not shown) to the housing 126 of the electrical connector 110.

In use, and with the flap 114 being in the open configuration, a user may connect a male electrical connector 130 to the electrical connector 110.

Further in-use illustrations can be seen in Figure 3b, which shows a side sectional view of the device 100, and Figure 3c, which shows a front sectional view of the device 100.

Turning now to Figure 4, a side view of the device 100 is shown in use with an electric vehicle 200 is shown. The device 100 is connected to a power source 202 via an electrical cable 124. The electrical cable 124 extends through the exit passage 120 and the interior channel up to the electrical connector housing (not shown). In use, the user connects the electrical vehicle 200 to the electrical connector (not shown) with a male electrical connector 130.

With reference to Figure 5a, an isometric view of a charging device 500 is shown according to a second embodiment. The device 500 comprises a housing 501, lid 502, an electrical connector 504, a top face 506 and a front face 508, and a connection to embedded electrical cabling (not shown).

The device 500 also comprises an interior channel (not shown) extending from the electrical connector 504 to an exit passage (not shown). The interior channel is configured to accommodate an electric cable extending through the exit passage to the electrical connector. The device 500 and/or lid 502 is substantially comprised of GRP (glass reinforced plastic). This in turn may provide a substantially equivalent strength to existing cast concrete or stone kerbs.

The connector comprises a standard or known electric vehicle charging socket, which is connected via an underground cable to a charging facility of the property. The user can then unlock the device and plug the vehicle into it for maximum charge.

The device 500 in the pictured embodiment comprises a chamfer portion 510. The chamfer portion 510 is a transitional face connecting the front face 508 to the top face 506 and is orientated at a 45 angle with respect to a plane of the front face 506.

The device 500 further comprises a substantially planar rear face (not shown) and substantially planar end faces 512. The device 500 is substantially taller than deeper and elongated so as to replace a typical kerbstone.

The housing 501 is be provided with the lid 502, which may be wholly or partially displaced. In the pictured embodiment the lid is rigid and partially displaceable and is hinged to the top face 506 near a rear edge of the top face 506. The lid 502 comprises a width that is approximately a third of a length of the device 500, and is located centrally on a longitudinal axis of the device 500.

In the pictured embodiment the lid 502 defines and closes a cavity. The lid 502 further comprises a locking mechanism 518 and handle 520, so as to allow secure closure, and locking as required. The locking mechanism 518 comprises a pivot handle 520.

The device 500 further comprises a tray-like channel 514 occupying a space between the front face 508 and the rear face. The channel 514 comprises a substantially planar bottom surface. Occupying a first end of the channel is the electrical connector 504. The front face 508 provides an elevated lip 516 which in turn provides a front wall of the channel 514. The front face 508 comprises an exit indent 522, configured to accommodate cabling for a vehicle to be charged. The exit indent 522 is a semi-circular notch in a top edge of the elevated lip 516 of the front face 508. Referring now to Figure 5b, an isometric view of the device 500 is depicted with the lid closed. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the exit indent 522 provides access to the channel 514 even with the lid 502 being closed.

Figure 6a shows a side view of the device 500 with the lid 502 in an open configuration. Figure 6b shows a side view of the device 500 with the lid in a closed configuration.

Turning now to Figure 7, the device 500 is shown in use with an electric vehicle 550. The electrical connector 504 of the device 500 is connected to a charging facility 552 via an underground cable 554. The charging facility 552 is located in a property 554 of a user.

Figure 8 shows a front sectional view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 5b. The device 500 comprises an interior channel 530 extending from the electrical connector 504 to an exit passage 532. The interior channel 530 is configured to accommodate the electric cable 554 extending through the exit passage 532 to the electrical connector 504.

In use, a user may unlock the lid 502 of the device 500 and orient the lid 502 in the open configuration as depicted in Figure 5a. The user may then plug their electrical vehicle 550 into the electrical connector 504 via an opposing electrical connector 556. The electrical connector 556 comprises a cable 558 having a circumference of sufficient magnitude to allow for placement within the exit indent 522. The cable 558 is laid across the channel 514 and exits the channel via the exit indent 522. The lid 502 is then closed and locked. As can be seen in Figures 9a, 9b and 9c, the cable 558 extends through the exit indent 522.

Accordingly, the user can pull up outside their property 554 next to their device 500, plug their vehicle 550 into the device 500 and turn their charging facility 552 on at their property 554 to charge whenever they want.

Figure 10 shows a rear sectional view of a charging device 1000 according to a third aspect of the present invention. The device 1000 as depicted comprises a housing substantially similar to the housing of the charging device 100, comprising a top face 1002 having a longitudinal axis, and a chamfer face extending from a first edge 1005 of the top face 1002 to an edge of a front face (not shown). The charging device 1000 of the present embodiment comprises a shape other than substantially bell shaped. Positioned centrally on the longitudinal axis of the top face 1002 is a depressed portion 1006 having a cuboid shape. Below the depressed portion 1006 is an upper cavity 1008, also having a cuboid shape.

The upper cavity 1008 comprises a shorter length and width than a length and width of the depressed portion 1006 such that a lip 1010 is present. A lid 1012, having dimensions matching the dimensions of the depressed portion 1006, is able to rest on the lip 1010 such that the lid 1012 occludes the upper cavity 1008. A first end of a flexible steel braid 1014 is affixed to a wall of the upper cavity 1008, and a second end of the flexible steel braid 1014 is affixed to the lid 1012, thereby tethering the braid 1014 to the wall of the upper cavity 1008. The lid 1012 comprises a foldable handle 1016.

Below the upper cavity 1008 is a lower cavity 1018 configured to accommodate an electrical connector 1026. Separating the upper cavity 1008 from the lower cavity 1018 is an intermediate portion 1020, also having a cuboid shape. The intermediate portion 1020 accommodates a mounting plate 1022, and comprises a fastening portion 1024 for receiving a screw. In the present embodiment, the intermediate portion comprises a fastening portion at each corner.

An interior channel connects the lower cavity 1018 to a rear face 1030 of the charging device. The interior channel is configured to accommodate an electrical cable 1032 of the electrical connector 1026 such that the electrical cable 1032 can be coupled to an electrical supply (not shown), perhaps at the user’s house. A drainage channel (not shown) connects the lower cavity 1018 to the front face (not shown) of the charging device, wherein the cavity end of the channel is higher than the front face end of the channel.

The electrical connector 1026 comprises a waterproof seal 1034 configured to prevent fluids, such as rainwater, from entering the electrical components of the electrical connector 1026. In use, an electrical connector 1026 is affixed to the mounting plate 1022, which in turn is affixed to the intermediate portion. The main body of the electrical connector 1026 is accommodated by the lower cavity 1018. The user may remove the electrical connector from the cavity by removing the screws from the fastening portions 1024, such that maintenance of the electrical connector 1026 is facilitated. Any fluid such as rainwater in the lower cavity 1018 is transported to the front face such that a build-up of fluid is prevented.

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.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that the depressed portion may be any suitable shape and may comprise a depth of any suitable magnitude. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the electrical connector may be any suitable shape for accepting an external electrical connector. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the flap may be any shape suitable for covering the electrical connector and may comprise any suitable waterproof material. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the chamfered portion may be orientated at any suitable angle with respect to the plane of the front face. The connecting portion may also be any suitable material having enough flexibility to allow for the flap to alternate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The device may be envisaged to be sized and dimensioned according to known kerbstones, for replacement thereof. The skilled addressee will understand that the lid may be any suitable length. In other embodiments the lid may be collapsible, foldable, concertina or roller, or may be composed of more than one part, for example having two doors. Whilst the exit indent as shown is proximate a second end of the channel opposing the first end, the exit indent may be at any suitable location along the elevated lip.