Valet EVSE system

• US 9,132,743 B2
• Filed: 06/26/2012
• Issued: 09/15/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Control Module, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Control Module, Inc.
• Inventors: Bianco, James S.
• Primary Examiner(s): WILLIAMS, ARUN C
• Application Number:
  US13/533,170
• Publication Number:
  US 20130015816A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,176 Days
• Field of Search: 320/109
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/16 Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/18 Cables specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/305 Communication interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/31 Charging columns specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A valet EVSE system employs a plurality of outlet stations which are configured with an electrical outlet and brackets for receiving a portable EVSE unit. The portable EVSE unit is configured to removably mount to the brackets and draw power from the electrical outlet. In one embodiment a given station is adapted to receive and supply power to two portable EVSE units. A housing is provided with a pivoted cover for securing the plug of the EVSE unit with the outlet disposed in the housing.

Claims

1. A valet EVSE system comprising:

a plurality of outlet stations, each station comprising a housing and a pair of vertically spaced brackets, said housing having an electrical outlet and a pivoted cover for said outlet; and

a portable EVSE unit, said portable unit comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a power cable with a connector, and an electrical plug insertable in said outlet, said rear panel defining a slot and having an upper handle wherein said EVSE unit is suspendable by said brackets so that said slot receives one bracket and said other bracket engages and supports a lower portion of said rear panel, and said plug is electrically connectable with said outlet;

wherein when said EVSE unit is suspended by said brackets, said plug connected to said outlet and secured by said pivoted cover.

2. The valet EVSE system of claim 1 wherein said plug has a neutral pin and two power pins, said neutral pin being shorter than said power pins.

3. The valet EVSE system of claim 1 further comprising a post and a pair of housings projecting from opposed sides of said post having two electrical outlets and two pairs of vertically spaced brackets.

4. The valet EVSE system of claim 1 wherein said portable EVSE has a barcode scanner.

5. The valet EVSE system of claim 1 further comprising a switch or button on said front panel for operating the portable EVSE.

6. A valet EVSE system comprising:

a station comprising a housing and a pair of vertically spaced brackets, said housing having an electrical outlet and a pivoted cover for said outlet; and

a portable EVSE unit, said portable unit comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a power cable with a connector, and an electrical plug insertable in said outlet, said rear panel defining a slot and having an upper handle wherein said EVSE unit is suspendable by said brackets so that said slot receives one bracket and said other bracket engages and supports a lower portion of said rear panel, and said plug is electrically connectable with said outlet;

wherein when said EVSE unit is suspended by said brackets, said plug connected to said outlet and secured by said pivoted cover.

7. The valet EVSE system of claim 6 wherein said plug has a neutral pin and two power pins, said neutral pin being shorter than said power pins.

8. The valet EVSE system of claim 6 further comprising a post and a pair of housings projecting from opposed sides of said post having two electrical outlets and two opposed pairs of vertically spaced brackets.

9. The valet EVSE system of claim 8 further comprising a solar powered LED mounted at a top portion of the post.

10. The valet EVSE system of claim 6 wherein said portable EVSE has a barcode scanner.

11. The valet EVSE system of claim 6 further comprising a switch or button on said front panel for operating the portable EVSE.

12. A valet EVSE system comprising:

a station comprising a housing for an electrical outlet having a pivoted cover and an upright structure mounting a first attachment assembly; and

a portable EVSE unit, said portable unit comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a power cable with a connector and an electrical plug insertable in said outlet, said rear panel having an upper handle and a second attachment assembly wherein said EVSE unit is suspendable in a stable upright relationship with said structure by engagement of said first attachment assembly and said second attachment assembly, and said plug is electrically connectable with said outlet;

wherein when said EVSE unit is suspended by said brackets, said plug connected to said outlet and secured by said pivoted cover.

13. The valet EVSE system of claim 12 wherein said plug has a neutral pin and two power pins, said neutral pin being shorter than said power pins.

14. The valet EVSE system of claim 12 further comprising a post and a pair of housings projecting from opposed sides of said post having two electrical outlets and two opposed pairs of first and second attachment assemblies.

15. The valet EVSE system of claim 12 wherein said portable EVSE has a barcode scanner.

16. The valet EVSE system of claim 12 further comprising a solar powered LED mounted at a top portion of the upright structure.

17. The valet EVSE system of claim 12 further comprising a switch or button on said front panel for operating the portable EVSE.