Electric vehicle charging station
The present application relates to a charging station operable in a charging cycle for charging an electric vehicle. The charging station has a key-activated controller for controlling the charging cycle. The application also relates to a key for operating the charging station. Furthermore, the application relates to a charging station having an interface for connecting the charging station to a data network. The application also relates to a charging station having a socket for receiving a plug and a key-operated locking mechanism for locking a plug in said socket. A frangible panel movable between an open position and a closed position may be provided. A processor may be provided for generating data to impose a financial charge on an individual for using the charging station. The application also relates to methods of operating a charging station including the steps of obtaining user identification data; supplying electricity to a charging socket; and generating data for levying a financial charge on the user.
1. A charging station operable in a charging cycle for charging an electric vehicle, the charging station comprising a controller for controlling the
charging cycle activated by an electronic user key, a panel movable between an open position and a closed position, a locking mechanism controlled by the controller for locking the panel in the closed position, and a socket for receiving a plug, wherein the charging cycle is initiated when the panel is moved to the closed position, wherein, once a charging cycle has been initiated, the electronic user key used to initiate a charging cycle can be used to open the locking mechanism, but another electronic user key cannot, and wherein, in use, a plug located in the socket is locked in position by the panel when the panel is locked in the closed position.
2. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electronic user key is wireless.
3. A charging station as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the electronic user key contains data.
4. A charging mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electronic user key comprises a transponder or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
5. A charging station as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a transponder or a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
6. A charging station as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from a transponder or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
7. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the charging cycle is stopped when the panel is moved to the open position.
8. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electronic user key contains data and the charging station further comprising a processor for processing data received from the key.
9. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an electronic display.
10. A charging station as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the electronic user key contains data and, in use, the electronic display displays data received from the key.
11. A charging station as claimed in claim 9 , wherein, in use, the electronic display displays information relating to the charging cycle.
12. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an interface for connecting the charging station to a data network.
13. A charging station as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the interface is wireless.
14. A charging station as claimed in claim 12 , wherein, in use, the charging station communicates with a remote processor over said data network.
15. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the charging cycle is initiated when the locking mechanism is locked.
16. A charging station as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an indicator for emitting visible light in two or more different colours to indicate the status of the charging station.
17. A charging station as claimed in claim 16 , wherein said indicator is capable of emitting light in three different colours.
18. A charging station as claimed in claim 16 , wherein, in use, the indicator emits light of a first colour to indicate that the charging station is out of order.
19. A charging station as claimed in claim 18 , wherein, in use, the indicator emits light of a second colour to indicate that the charging station is operational.
20. A charging station as claimed in claim 19 , wherein, in use, the indicator emits light of a third colour to indicate that the charging station is charging.
21. A charging station as claimed in claim 20 , wherein the first colour is red, the second colour is blue, and the third colour is green.
22. A charging station as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the indicator is ring-shaped.
23. A charging station as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the indicator comprises at least one light source.
24. A charging station as claimed in claim 23 , wherein said at least one light source is a light emitting diode or a lamp.
25. A charging station as claimed in claim 23 , comprising a plurality of light sources.
26. A charging station as claimed in claim 25 , wherein, in use, the number of light sources illuminated is varied in response to changes in the status of the charging station.
27. A charging station as claimed in claim 16 , wherein, in use, the intensity of the light emitted from the indicator is varied in response to changes in the status of the charging station.