Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improvements in ⁽ amp columns, in particular street lamp columns. More particularly the invention relates to a retro-fit interface device for use with street lamp columns.

Background

In recent years there has been a drive towards cleaner vehicles; in particular governments have encouraged the use of electric cars. This is increasingly being achieved through legislation, especially in many inner city areas. The tendency is to penalise owners and drivers of larger petrol and diesel vehicles and encourage the use of clean vehicles - such as electric or hybrid vehicles. One way this is being achieved is through punitive taxation schemes in respect of petrol and diesel vehicles and favourable tax breaks for owners and users of hybrid vehicles and especially electric vehicles.

Considerable investment has been directed to such clean vehicles, including: improved battery life, and improved motors for use with such clean vehicles. However, as the range of these clean vehicles increases there is an increased need for greater availability of charging stations and a need to invest into the infrastructure for systems.

Prior Art

An example of a vehicle charging system is disclosed in Patent Application Number JP-A-7 046 711 (Sumitomo Wiring Systems) which describes a charger for electric cars and which ensures correct starting of the car. JP-A-11 122 714 (Matsushita Electric Works limited) discloses a charging station for electric cars and includes a circuit breaker and a charging connector housed in a pole which has a circuit breaker, a power supply line and a cable. The cable is drawn from the pole and a charging connector, to be coupled to a connector provided in an electric car, is connected to one end of the cable.

Although providing suitable charging systems, there is the inherent need to excavate roadways and paths, especially in the system described in JP-A-11 122 714, in order to provide bespoke cabling and install suitable charging posts at desired locations. Another example of a charging system is the closed circuit battery charging system disclosed in US-A-2009/0189564 (Vasilantone) which provides inductive coupling to an underground source of electrical energy to a receiver on a hybrid vehicle in order to provide charging power to the battery. Again, this bespoke charging system needs to be installed in the desired locations.

The system described in FR-A-2 890 476 (Woodsys SA) provides a device to deliver a controlled power such as electricity in which the device is adapted to control the use of multiple power sources at differing locations. Generally the capital cost of the charging posts and the electricity is far less than the cost of excavating roadways and paths. In addition excavation of roadways and walkways is very disruptive to inner city traffic, especially at peak traffic flow times.

A number of prior art systems exist which provide charging devices for transferring charge between a street light and a parking meter and an electrical vehicle. For example, US-A-20 0/00 3436 (Lowenthal et al) provides a network controlled charge transfer device for transferring charge between a local power grid and an electric vehicle. The device can be mounted on a street light. The device comprises a mounting means, an electrical receptacle, an electric power line, a control device, a current measuring device and a controller. US-A-2010/0283426 (Redmann) discloses an electric vehicle charging system allowing the power supply which was previously dedicated to be used for electric vehicle recharging whenever the street light is not lit.

The system described in US-A-2011/0140656 (Starr et al) discloses an electric vehicle charging station including a parking meter, a main display, a fast charge port and a regular charge port coupled to the parking meter to dispense electricity upon authorisation.

Another example of a GB-A-24605045 (Wilson) discloses an electric charging station with power supplied from an item of electrically powered street furniture, such as a lamppost. The street lights are manufactured to include mounted devices and are installed in the desired locations.

Some of the aforementioned systems were relatively cumbersome and some required significant intervention in order to install them. The present invention arose in an attempt to overcome the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention an interface device is adapted to be retro-fitted to an existing street lamp column for use with said lamp column so as to supply an electric current for an electrical payload external from the lamp column, and including a 'make and break' junction adapted to be removably connectable to an existing electricity supply of the lamp column.

According to a second aspect of the invention an interface device is adapted to be retro-fitted to an existing street lamp column for use with said lamp column so as to supply an electric current for an electrical payload external from the lamp column, W 201

including a removable access panel for permitting access to existing components of the lamp column.

The interface device can include a means for modifying an existing electricity supply. For example, the interface device can include a means which enables modification of an existing street lamp column into a charging station, permitting temporary connection of electrical payloads, such as a vehicle whose batteries need to be recharged. Recharging is able to be made securely and safely to the modified street lamp column so as to create a charging station. Modification is made without requiring extensive excavation of surrounding walkways, kerbsides or roads.

In addition to the aforementioned advantages there is minimal mechanical alteration of an existing lamp column; and as will be understood, the retrofit device may be removed and the original cover replaced whenever desired, so returning the lamp column to its original state.

The invention therefore provides a device that meets the needs of locating bespoke electrical/electronic equipment, in a variety of sites suitable for vehicle access, in such a way that the function, structural integrity and corrosion resistance of existing lamp columns is not compromised.

Ideally electrical/electronic equipment necessary for the operation of the charging station is located on an interface plate, supported by the interface device, in such a manner as to permit access to pre-existing electronic components, such as: ballast, switches, fuses and timers that may be present in the lamp column and necessary for its normal operation as a street lamp. This is ideally achieved by locating an access panel on the interface device for permitting access, for example by maintenance personnel. The 'make and break' junction permits straightforward removal of the retrofit device and the electrical/electronic equipment necessary for the operation of the charging station when not required.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an interface device for retro-fitting into a lamp column, the interface device includes: an engagement means for locating said retro-fit device in an aperture defined in an existing lamp column.

The engagement means may comprise a mechanical bracket or clamp. The device may further comprise one or more of the following: a cover plate with the engagement means; a locking means; and a means for modifying an existing electric supply so as to provide an electric current for an electrical payload external from the lamp column. For example, the device may include a locking means. The locking means may include at least one positive location device located on the interface device and a mechanical lock.

The interface plate preferably is formed from a steel or similar strong and resistant material, which is ideally compatible with the lamp column. Optionally a seal is disposed around the periphery of the plate to prevent water and dirt ingress.

Locators, such as spurs are provided on the plate for engaging with suitable recesses within the lamp column so as to enable secure fixing of the device to the lamp column.

Ideally the interface device has a cover or access panel, formed from a similar or compatible material as the body of the lamp column. The cover is dimensioned and arranged to fit onto, and be received by, an existing street lamp, in place of and so as to match an existing access aperture. The interface device is dimensioned and W

arranged to fit onto, and to be received by, an existing street lamp, in place of where an existing access cover is located.

Existing covers are normally (but not exclusively) fabricated or cast and include positive location devices on one side or edge, and a mechanical locking device on an opposite side or edge. The interface device is constructed so as to replicate the location and locking function of an original access cover or door, and includes any necessary supplementary location device or locking features in order enhance or otherwise secure the interface adapter to the lamp column.

The interface device may be adapted for use with street furniture, such as: sign posts, displays, shelters, lighting and hoarding, so as to supply an electric current for an electrical payload external from the street furniture.

The interface device includes current conditioning components, for example a current conditioning system, that are suitable for supplying a wide range of devices, such as illuminated signs, such as road signs, advertising hoardings, power tools and for charging batteries, for example of the type found in electric vehicles. The device may include a current conditioning system for supplying an electric current to an electrical plug for insertion into a socket located on a vehicle.

Other types of payload include: electric vehicle charging points, parking tariff collection facilities, advertising devices, or other devices which obtain their electrical power from facilities within the lamp column, but is not limited to these devices alone which are mentioned for illustrative purposes. Another example of a device, requiring a supply of electric current, is a conventional parking ticket dispensing machine, which includes a display, a means for accepting payment and a printer for printing a ticket. Other devices may be located in a suitable cabinet or housing supported by the retro-fit device. For example, information display or broadcast points, remote emergency calling stations, cigarette, beverage and snack machines, charging stations for mobile communication devices, Wi-Fi beacons for Internet or systems that are Bluetooth (Trade Mark) enabled.

Preferably each interface device comprises a communication system for sending information to and/or receiving information from a remote recipient. For example the communication system may include remote control, monitoring or remote fault reporting. Such remote control and monitoring is ideally achieved by way of a telemetric link that may be via a wire or wireless based system. For example, the communication system may be a wireless system. The device may include a detector which senses a fault or severing of a cable. The device may further include means to isolate an electric supply to an output socket if a fault or severing of a cable is detected.

An example of a telemetric link or wireless system is a satellite global positioning system (GPS) together with satellite and/or mobile and/or power line communications infrastructure for reporting such data as the location and status of the lamp column, availability of the lamp column (in use or free), any faults and other location specific information, such as weather conditions, noise levels, ambient temperature, ambient light conditions and crowd density.

When transmitting the aforesaid data a signal includes the identity and the location of the street lamp. Alternatively an identity signal may be sent and the location can be derived by way of reference to a look-up table which may be maintained at a remote storage site simply with reference to an identity number which is correlated with a database showing the location. According to a further aspect of the invention the device is adapted to communicate with a remote booking facility adapted to allow a user to reserve a specific lamp column for a specified time period via a central booking and reservation facility.

Ideally a credit checking facility is provided for securing payment and optionally a credit card reader or similar electronic payment device is located in the interface device at the lamp column.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention, the interface device comprises a user identification facility so that an authorised user is able to access the power supply, for example for charging a battery.

The user identification facility ideally includes a verification device and is preferably adapted for retro-fitting to a street lamp column, post, bus shelter, advertising hoarding or other permanent structure. What is important is that the item of street furniture has an independent power supply which can be modified and used as a source for charging or operating an external device.

Likewise a remote booking facility is available, whereby a user is able to advance book or reserve, for example by way of specific tailored software which permit a user to locate an available charging station, pre-book with a credit or debit card and thereby ensure that upon arrival at the destination, the charging facility is available for their sole benefit for a predetermined time. The fact that a charging station has been pre-booked and so is not available is made known to other users by way of a visible indicator on the interface device. This indicator may be a flashing light, preferably a light emitting diode (LED) or a different colour LED or a display indicating the status of a charging station.

It is desirable to be able attach to a lamp column, an item of electrical or electronic equipment which may not be primarily related to the function of the lamp column (which supports a lighting facility) but which may need to obtain a source of electricity from an electrical connection to the power supply contained within the column.

The electrical or electronic equipment can have significant economic value which may give reason for vandals or thieves to tamper with or attempt to remove the equipment. As a result there could be an immediate public safety concern, by opening access covers to otherwise unprotected power at potentially dangerous voltages or currents. There is therefore a need to ensure that there is no damage to, or risk of removal of, existing electrical equipment that is used by street lamps, such as fuses and timers.

Optionally the interface device includes an anti-tamper device which is arranged to trigger when, for example, an unauthorised person attempts to gain access, so as to guard against a malicious attack such as vandalism. One form of anti-tamper device includes an alarm or siren or other high pitched sounding alert. Another form of anti-tamper device is a dye release mechanism that is optionally pressurised so as to permanently stain a vandal's hands and clothes with a suitable dye.

In a further embodiment, when a malicious attack is detected, remote reporting may be performed, for example by way of a communication link with a base station so as to provide authorities with a silent alert or other reports which may include location tracking means which is fitted to the retro fit device in case of theft or unauthorised removal.

The interface device may include a smart meter. The smart meter may be adapted to monitor the total amount of energy that has been supplied from, for example, the lamp column. Alternatively the smart meter may be adapted to display the total cost of the amount of energy supplied. Examples of a street lamp, according to the invention, will now be described, with reference to the Figures, in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an overall, diagrammatic view of a typical lamp column with an interface device and access panel;

Figures 2a and 2b show in greater detail views of a lamp column, of the type shown in Figure 1 , with the access cover (door) in place; and with the access cover (door) replaced by an interface device according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows general features of the lamp column, the interface plate, the interface device and an overall, diagrammatic view of components and devices supported by the interface device;

Figures 4a to 4d show diagrammatic views of other examples of a lamp column with other examples of the interface device fitted;

Figure 4e is another overall view of a lamp column showing the interface device and access cover (door) removed; and shows the interface plate fitted;

Figure 5 is an example of a block diagram that shows key features of control and functionality of the devices supported by the interface;

Figure 6 illustrates an overall diagram of a system that utilises a remote reservation and booking facility and how the interface device supplies data and transmits status of the device including power used. Figures 7a to 7e illustrate different views of one example of a cable housing for use with the invention so as to reduce the risk of a trip hazard;

Figure 7f is a view of another example of a cable housing, with a kerbside charging post;

Figure 8 illustrates a view from above of mechanical brackets securing the interface device to the lamp column; and

Figure 9 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a mechanical bracket securing the interface plate to a lamp column of Figure 8;

Figure 10A - 10F illustrate diagrammatic views of the mechanical brackets for securing interface plate to a lamp column of Figure 8.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

Figure 1 is an overall, diagrammatic view of a typical lamp column 10 with an interface device 100. The interface device has an access panel 20 which is typically a door or cover with or without a hinge 12 and locking facility (not shown). Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the lamp column 0 of Figures 2a and 2b, with the access panel (door) 14 removed and replaced by an interface plate 99 attached to the interface device.

Examples of other street lamp posts and lamp columns 10 are shown in Figures 4a to 4d which show a variety of various interface devices 100 fitted. Figure 4e shows an overall view of a lamp column 10 with the conventional access cover removed and an interface plate 99 which normally receives the access cover 14. The adoption of street lighting columns which adhere to common standards means that there are a limited range of sizes and dimensions which are in use for the primary purpose of lighting for residential streets, public or private car parks, shopping malls, industrial parks, leisure centres and similar locations. However, the main limitation to the size, shape and function of the interface device 100 is that imposed by the size and shape of the interface plate 99 as defined on existing street lamp columns 0.

The interface device 100 in its most general form is designed as a retro-fitting device which allows the attachment of an electrical or electronic components (as shown for example in Figure 5) to a lamp column 10 by replacing an existing access cover 14 which is conventionally a feature of a lamp column 10. No mechanical modification is required to the lamp column 10 which affects its structural purpose, strength or function. There is likewise only a minimal modification of existing electronic components (not shown) so as to accommodate the current conditioning and control components of the invention, as shown in Figure 5.

As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the interface device 100 may be secured to the lamp column 10 via the interface plate 99 which is secured by mechanical brackets 800, 820. The first mechanical bracket 800 has a main body 801 , a first clamp portion 802 at a first end of the bracket 800 and a second clamp portion 804 at a second end of the bracket 800. Each of the first and second clamp portions 802, 804 are rotatable about a hinge 803, 805 relative to the main body 801 of the bracket 800.

Each clamp portion 802 and 804 comprises a first engagement feature 806 and 808, a second engagement feature 810 and 812, and a screw fixing 814, 816. The first bracket 800 is shaped and dimensioned so that in use the first engagement features 806, 808 of the first and second clamp portions 802 and 804 are received within the opening provided by the removal of the access cover 14 and located adjacent to the inner surface of the lamp column 10. The second engagement 97

features 810 and 812 of the first and second clamp portions 802 and 804 are adapted to engage the inner surface of the interface plate 99. The screw fixings 814, 816 are tightened to secure the interface plate 99 to the lamp column 10.

As shown in Figure 8 and Figures 10D-F a further mechanical bracket 820 may be used to secure the interface plate 99 to the lamp column 10. The second mechanical bracket 820 is U-shaped in cross-section and is dimensioned to receive a surface of the interface plate 99 and a surface of the lamp column 10; this is secured by a bolt with a pointed end which clamps the two surfaces together.

The interface device 100 is secured to the interface plate 99 with secure fixing bolts.

The bracket 820 provides an aperture 822 on one of the parallel arms 824, 826. This aperture 822 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a screw fixing 828. In use, the bracket 820 is arranged to receive and engage a portion of the interface plate 99 and the lamp column 0 as shown in Figure 8. The screw fixing 828 is tightened such that the inner surface 830 of the first arm 824 of the bracket 820 engages the inner surface of the lamp column 0 and the inner surface 832 of the second arm 826 of the bracket 820 engages the inner surface of the interface plate 99.

A typical light/medium duty lamp column 10 comprises a lower section tube of diameter typically 168 mm up to a height of typically 1.5m above ground level. This section tapers to a narrower section, of diameter typically around 76 mm. The lower section normally includes an access cover 14 for electrical connection and/or maintenance purposes. The interface device 100 is designed and fitted to replace the access cover 14 in such a way to permit access to power connections internal to the lamp column via its access panel 20. This is because access to the control and components, required to operate the street lamp lights, may still be required for purposes of maintenance and repair. The interface device 100 is designed to accommodate its electrical/electronic payload (for example an electric vehicle charging point). Components, as shown in Figure 5, are mounted on a plate 75 and housed in a resistant housing (does not exist), in such a way that unauthorised access either to the power connections or to the internal workings of the interface device 100 is prevented (typically by means of a lockable access panel or other security device. The interface device 100 can be removed (for maintenance or other purposes) from the street lamp column 10 when desired and locking device(s) 40 have been unlocked.

Where it is desired to add signs or other fixings 104 to the columns 10, a range of standard clips or brackets is generally available. These other fixings may include speakers and/or microphones for enabling communication with a remote service desk or operator in the event of a fault or problem.

An example of dedicated hardware, provided for performing the method of conditioning an electricity supply from a street lamp, dispensing an amount of electricity to a payload - such as an item to be charged - and measuring the total amount of charge that has been dispensed, is shown, and described in detail with reference to Figure 5 below.

Variation may be made to the invention for example by changing the voltage and/or ampage so as to suit local supply conditions.

It is further understood that installation or use of the interface device 100 (and its payload) does not prevent its removal by a competent authority and the reinstatement of the lamp column 10 and its original access door to its original condition.

Referring now to Figure 5, which shows a block diagram of key features of the control electronics and functionality of a street lamp and charging station. Existing components of the lamp column are shown on a spur within the dotted line. These are a mains supply voltage and output as supply lines which are received by a 64 Amp residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) 101 and is divided into line and neutral connections then into a low voltage supply 102. Low voltage supply 102 powers a charging post control unit 104.

There are two further 16 Amp circuit breakers 106 and 108 located between the main circuit breaker 101and current conditioning components, as described below. Circuit breakers 106 and 108 serve to replicate one another and provide redundancy, for the purpose of safety, by providing isolation from a mains supply in the event of a fault. All units are fitted with an interface device. A spur fuse is fitted in the lamp column

Miniature circuit breaker 106 supplies a switch unit 126 and miniature circuit breaker 108 supplies a switch unit 126. Both switch units are controlled by the charging post control unit 104. Low voltage supply 102 supplies power to devices such as a card reader 1 12 and a communication device 1 14, including a 'GPS' location system. These devices enable, for example, remote booking or reservation of a charging station, whereby a user is able to advance book or reserve a specific lamp column in advance of their arrival, as described below with reference to Figure 6 and has the ability to transfer data on power used at the end of a charging cycle

Referring briefly to Figure 6, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 there is provided an advance booking system 200 adapted for use with a charging station located in a street lamp columns A, B and C. The system 200 includes: a communication device 1 14 capable of communicating with a remote party via antenna 114a; a memory means 116, which stores an identity of the remote party; and a card reader 112. The devices in system 200 work under control of software so as to permit a person (not shown) using a mobile communication device such a cell phone 500, to check whether a charging station is currently available for use. A check is made via a conventional land based communication mast 600 to verify whether charging station A, B or C (at a known location) has not been previously booked by another party.

Provided a station is available an advanced reservation of the charging station remotely can be made via a control and booking centre 700 which has access to a database 750. This booking system can be used with a pre-payment of a credit card or via an existing account by using identification numbers and/or passwords.

Once a car 720 is connected to street lamp C charge is coupled by way of a variety of charge delivery means. One such delivery means is a conventional cable, with plugs or adaptors connected at either end. Typically a user carries a suitable adaptor or cable in their vehicle. Alternatively a vehicle is fitted with a cable which retracts into a storage space when not in use.

Current is ideally supplied to first 410 and second 420 output sockets thereby permitting one or two vehicles to be charged at the same time. Information as to the correct current conditions needed, vehicle identity and amount of energy supplied, are monitored and controlled by way of a smart metering system 400.

The smart metering system 400 optionally retrieves data from the advanced booking system 200, thereby ensuring that respective credit cards are debited with the correct amount of charge used and any advanced booking fees. Other management data, such as amount of down time, amount of energy supplied over any time interval or faults, can be monitored and stored by the smart metering system. In all the aforementioned charging systems a discontinuity detector is ideally provided which, in the event of an inadvertent or malicious unplugging of a changing system, fault or severing of a charging cable, automatically trips and isolates an electric supply to the output sockets.

So as to prevent the cable from being a trip hazard, a channel or groove may be formed in pavements or walkways adjacent to the lamp column, through which cable may pass to a location close to the road, where a vehicle to be charged is parked. A suitable cover or plate may optionally be provided so as to cover the channel, so permitting wheelchairs and the like to pass over the cable. In an alternative arrangement a weighted wedge-shaped device can be used to weight the cable and hold it in position so as to prevent the cable, permitting passage thereover and preventing the cable from becoming a trip hazard.

Examples of equipment which might be thus connected to the lamp column 10 include: electric vehicle charging points, or advertising display signs, or facilities for collection or metering of parking charges, or environmental monitoring sensors, or similar functions. Equipment of this nature is traditionally installed on a dedicated pole or structure, with suitable electrical power provision. This invention enables substantial economic benefits by using existing lamp columns which as a result may serve a dual purpose.

Figure 7a is an overall diagrammatic view of a lockable trench 700 located between a lamp column 702 and edge of a path, pavement or sidewalk 704. The purpose of the lockable trench is to receive a cable (not shown) and ensure it is held in a position that prevents it from becoming a trip hazard to pedestrians or others using the path, pavement or sidewalk 704 as a walkway, whilst a vehicle is being charged.

This may also be a small post. The lockable trench has a hinged cover 720 and opens to receive a connecting cable. Additionally, because locks 706a and 706b are provided, ideally at either end of the trench, once the cable is positioned in the trench 700 and the locks are 706a and 706b are secured, a further layer of security is provided for the vehicle owner, in that the cable between the vehicle and the lamp column 702 cannot be stolen or removed. Likewise because it is located below the level of the pavement or sidewalk, there is nothing that presents a trip hazard.

In an alternative embodiment, (not shown), the trench has a permanent conductor (not shown) located therein so that a user need only connect a plug to a socket that is presented on a kerbside to a charging port of the vehicle.

Figure 7b is an overall view of the trench cover and Figure 7c is a section along line A-A'. Figure 7e is a front elevation showing the position of permanent sockets. In an alternative embodiment cable may simply pass from the column to an exit of the lockable trench. Figure 7d is a plan view of the lockable trench.

In a further alternative arrangement a connection cable (not shown) may be provided in a weighted wedge shaped housing which serves to maintain the cable in a location that does not present a trip hazard. Figure 7f is a view of another example of a cable housing, with a kerbside charging post in which like parts bear the same reference numerals as Figure 7a.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and with reference to the Figures. It is appreciated that variation may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention and that other specific techniques may be employed, and dedicated apparatus may be configured, for performing the invention. For example the retrofit device may be adapted to operate other devices, such as temporary lighting or to charge a mobile telephone or laptop or other portable electronic equipment. In addition to the foregoing, the retro fit device may be adapted to be fitted to existing street furniture, such as sign posts, displays, shelters, lighting and hoardings, where a power supply is present and is suitable for use with the retro fit device to be modified to charge a battery, for example that is housed in a vehicle.