PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT HAVING A PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR CIRCUIT TESTING
First Claim
1. An apparatus for connecting an electric vehicle to an electrical socket, comprising:
- a socket connector configured to couple with the electrical socket;
a power conduit connected to the socket connector and configured to convey a voltage from the electrical socket;
a power control device connected to the power conduit and configured to control the delivery of power through the power conduit;
a vehicle connector connected to the power conduit configured to connect to the electric vehicle;
a sensor configured to sense voltage, current, or configuration of the power control device; and
a processor configured to test at least the power control device and determine functioning of the power control device based on an output of the sensor.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for connecting an electric vehicle to a high voltage power source is disclosed. The system including an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having an electrical plug compatible with a high voltage power outlet, the plug connected to a power cord. The power cord is connected to a housing containing a number of electrical components configured to control the power flow to an electric vehicle to recharge the vehicle'"'"'s batteries. The power cord extends from the housing and is connected to a standard electric vehicle connector compatible with battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The EVSE further includes safety measures, such as a relay that controls the flow of power to the vehicle connector, a ground fault interrupter, and a circuit tester to protect users from high voltage electric shocks.
26 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for connecting an electric vehicle to an electrical socket, comprising:
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a socket connector configured to couple with the electrical socket; a power conduit connected to the socket connector and configured to convey a voltage from the electrical socket; a power control device connected to the power conduit and configured to control the delivery of power through the power conduit; a vehicle connector connected to the power conduit configured to connect to the electric vehicle; a sensor configured to sense voltage, current, or configuration of the power control device; and a processor configured to test at least the power control device and determine functioning of the power control device based on an output of the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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8. An apparatus for connecting an electric vehicle to a high voltage electrical socket, comprising:
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means for coupling with the high voltage electrical socket; means for conveying a current from the high voltage electrical socket that is connected to the means for coupling; means for controlling current flow or magnitude along the means for conveying the current; means for interrupting the flow of current to prevent electric shock; means for connecting to the electric vehicle that is connected to the means for conveying the current; means for sensing at least one of voltage, current, or configuration of the means for controlling; and means for testing at least the means for controlling and determining functioning of the means for controlling based on the means for sensing.
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15. A method of charging an electrical vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a high electrical voltage from a power source; conducting the voltage from the power source to the electrical vehicle via a power conduit; controlling the voltage flowing on the power conduit with a switching relay; cutting power to the electrical vehicle with a breaker circuit; sensing at least one of voltage, current, or configuration associated with the switching relay; testing the switching relay and determining functioning of the switching relay based on the sensing. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification