System for charging an electric vehicle

Abstract

A system (100) for charging an electric vehicle (102), the system (100) comprising: a charging device (104) for use in charging a power storage device (106) of the electric vehicle (102), the charging device (104) being connected to an electrical power source (114) and comprising: a storage device (204) configured to store a plurality of computer-readable instructions; and a processor (202) connected to the memory device (204); and a power line (112) for detachably connecting the power storage device (106) of the electric vehicle (102) to the charging device (104) for charging the power storage device (106) of the electric vehicle (102), the power line (112) comprising: an output port (302); a locking mechanism (306) that can be functionally arranged in either an activated position or a deactivated position, wherein the locking mechanism (306) is configured to lock the output port (302) to the electric vehicle (102) when the locking mechanism (306) is arranged in the activated position and is configured to unlock the output port (302) from the electric vehicle (102) when the locking mechanism (306) is in the deactivated position; and a controller (308) operatively connected to the locking mechanism (306), the controller (308) comprising: a storage device (326) configured to store a plurality of computer-executable instructions; and a processor (324) connected to the memory device (326); wherein the charging device (104) and the power line (112) have communication devices (212, 328) configured to communicate with each other; wherein the processor (202) of the charging device (104) is configured to: to receive an identifier associated with either the electric vehicle (102) or a user of the electric vehicle (102), and after determining that the identifier has been received, to send a locking signal (331) or an unlocking signal (330) via the communication device (212) of the charging device (104) and through the communication device (328) of the power line (112) to the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112), and wherein the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) is configured to: to receive the locking signal (331) or the unlocking signal (330) from the processor (202) of the charging device (104) via the communication device (328) of the power line (112); and in response to the received locking signal (331) or unlocking signal (330), to cause the locking mechanism (306) to lock the output port (302) to the electric vehicle (102) or to unlock it from the electric vehicle (102).

Description

BACKGROUNDThe present application relates generally to charging devices, and more particularly to a system for charging an electric vehicle power storage device.As electric vehicles and / or hybrid electric vehicles have gained popularity, a corresponding need has increased for handling the delivery of electrical energy to such vehicles. Further, a need has been created for providing secure and efficient charging devices or stations through the increased use of such vehicles.At least some known electric vehicles include an internal battery that is charged using a charging station. Such charging stations typically include a power line or other conductor that can be removably connected to the electric vehicle. The charging stations draw electricity from a distribution network of an electric utility or other electricity source and provide the electricity to the electric vehicle battery via a power line.Some known charging stations are positioned at public or publicly accessible locations, such as parking garages or parking spaces, to provide paid charging services to customers parking electric vehicles at the locations. Depending on the state of charge of an electric vehicle battery and a capacity of an associated charging station, it may take several hours or longer to charge the battery. The users of charging stations may not wish to wait at the vehicle location while the vehicle battery is being charged. However, if the users leave the location of the vehicle while the battery is being charged, one or more by-passers and / or passers may disconnect the power line from the electric vehicle and thus prevent the battery from being charged at a desired level.US 2012 / 0 217 928 A1 discloses a power line for charging a power storage device of an electric vehicle, which includes an output port and a locking mechanism configured to lock or unlock the output port to or from the electric vehicle. The power line further includes a controller operatively connected to the locking mechanism. The controller is configured to receive an identifier associated with a user of the electric vehicle and then cause the locking mechanism to lock or unlock the output port to or from the electric vehicle.US 2012 / 0 043 935 A1 discloses a system for charging a battery of an electric vehicle having a charging device and a power line for detachably connecting the battery to the charging device. An output port of the power line includes a locking mechanism that serves to selectively lock or unlock the output port to or from the electric vehicle. A controller of the charging device is configured to receive an identifier from a user of the electric vehicle and then to instruct actuators of the locking mechanism to activate or deactivate the locking mechanism.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONAccording to the invention there is provided a system for charging an electric vehicle comprising the features of independent claim 1. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system for charging an electric vehicle. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary charging device that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary power line that may be used with the charging device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another exemplary power line that may be used with the charging device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method for charging a power storage device that may be used with the charging device shown in FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAs described herein, a robust and effective charging device and power line are provided for a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging device includes a controller, a communication device, and a user interface. The power line includes a controller and a locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the power line also includes a communication device and a user interface.In an exemplary embodiment, a user inserts the power line into the electric vehicle and inputs an identifier to the controller of the charging device using the communication device or the user interface of the charging device. The charging device controller sends a locking signal to the power line controller to cause the power line controller to activate the locking mechanism and thus lock the power line to the electric vehicle. A charging operation is then started to supply power to the electric vehicle. The power line remains locked to the electric vehicle until the user inputs the identifier to the charger controller a second time. When the charging device controller determines that the identifier has been received a second time, the charging device controller transmits an unlocking signal to the power line controller to cause the power line controller to deactivate the locking mechanism, thereby unlocking the power line from the electric vehicle.In another embodiment, a user inserts the power line into the electric vehicle and inputs the identifier to the power line controller using the communication device or the user interface of the charging device. The power line controller activates the locking mechanism to lock the power line to the electric vehicle. A charging operation is then started to supply power to the electric vehicle. The power line remains locked to the electric vehicle until the user inputs the identifier to the power line controller a second time. When the power line controller determines that the identifier has been received a second time, the power line controller disables the locking mechanism to unlock the power line from the electric vehicle.In some embodiments, the term "electric vehicle" refers generally to a vehicle that includes one or more electric motors. Energy utilized by the electric vehicles may come from various sources, such as, but not limited to, an on-board recharged battery and / or an on-board fuel cell. In one embodiment, the electric vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle that detects and stores energy generated by, for example, braking. Further, a hybrid electric vehicle in an electrical source, such as a battery, uses stored energy to continue idle operation to conserve fuel. Some hybrid electric vehicles are capable of charging the battery by plugging it onto a power outlet, such as a socket. Accordingly, the term "electric vehicle" as used herein may refer to a hybrid electric vehicle or any other vehicle to which electrical energy may be provided, for example, via a power grid.FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 for use in charging or supplying electricity to an electric vehicle 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 includes a charging device 104 connected to the electric vehicle 102. The electric vehicle 102 includes at least one power storage device 106, such as a battery and / or any other storage device connected to a motor 108. The electric vehicle 102 further includes a vehicle controller 110 connected to the power storage device 106.In an exemplary embodiment, the charging device 104 is detachably connected to the power storage device 106 and the vehicle controller 110 via at least one power line 112. Alternatively, the charging device 104 may be connected to the power storage device 106 and / or the vehicle controller 110 via another line or lines, and / or the charging device 104 may be connected to the vehicle controller 110 via a wireless data connection (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, power line 112 includes at least one conductor (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for supplying electricity to power storage device 106 and / or for sending data to and receiving data from vehicle controller 110. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, charging device 104 is connected to an electrical power source 114, such as a power grid of a utility, a generator, a battery, and / or any other device or system that supplies / supplies electricity to charging device 104.The charging device 104 is connected to at least one server 116 via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or any other network or data connection that enables the charging device 104 to function as described herein. The server 116, in the exemplary embodiment, communicates with the charging device 104, for example, by sending a signal to the charging device 104 to cause payment and / or delivery of electricity to the power storage device 106 to access customer information and / or perform any other function that enables a function of the system 100 as described herein.In some embodiments, the charging device 104 may be disposed immediately adjacent to the electric vehicle 102, for example, at a location between the electric vehicle 102 and an adjacent electric vehicle 2 in a standard parking space. For example, the charging device may be located at a position along a longitudinal line separating the electric vehicle 102 and an adjacent electric vehicle in a parking lot. In some embodiments, the charging device 104 may be recessed into the ground such that only an upper portion of the charging device 104 is visible, enabling a user interface 210 discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the charging device 104 may extend out of the ground upon a first event, such as payment information or other identifier provided thereon by transmission via a radio frequency (RF) signal, infrared signal, or otherwise as discussed herein. In such embodiments, the charging device 104 may thereafter sink into the ground after a second event, such as the re-delivery of the identifier or when the charging of the electric vehicle 102 is completed or otherwise terminated. In such embodiments, the loader 104 may be cylindrical and occupy a cylindrical bore in the ground. In other embodiments, the charging device 104 may have a different shape. In embodiments in which the charging device 104 is disposed immediately adjacent to the electric vehicle 102, the power line 112 may have a shorter length than in embodiments in which the charging device 104 is further away from the electric vehicle 102. A shorter power line 112 may be less expensive to manufacture, less valuable for potential thieves, and easier for the user to manipulate.The server 116 and the vehicle controller 110 include at least one processor and at least one storage device. The processors include any suitable programmable circuit that may include one or more systems and microcontrollers, microprocessors, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits PLC, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and any other circuit capable of performing the functions described herein. The examples mentioned above are merely exemplary and are therefore in no way intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor". The storage devices each include a computer readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk storage, solid state drive, floppy disk, flash drive, compact disk, digital video disk, and / or any suitable storage device that allows the processors to store, read, and / or execute instructions and / or data.During operation, the user connects the power storage device 106 to the charging device 104 via the power line 112. The user may access a user interface (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the charging device 104 to input information such as payment information and / or initiate power delivery to the power storage device 106. The charging device 104 is configured to communicate with the server 116, for example to cause the user to process the payment information and / or to authorize or authorize the power delivery. When the charging device 104 receives a signal from the server 116 indicative of approval or authorization to provide power to the power storage device 106, the charging device 104 receives power from the electrical power source 114 and provides the power to the power storage device 106 via the power line 112.The charging device 104 communicates with the vehicle controller 110 in wired fashion via the power line 112 and / or via another line to control and / or monitor the delivery of power to the power storage device 106. For example, the vehicle controller 110 may send signals to the charging device 104 indicative of the state of charge of the electric storage device 106 and / or a desired amount and / or rate of electric power to be delivered by the charging device 104. Further, the charging device 104 may send signals to the vehicle controller 110 indicative of an amount and / or electricity transfer speed provided to the electricity storage device 106. Additionally or alternatively, the charging device 104 and / or the vehicle controller 110 may transmit and / or receive any other signals or messages that enable the system 100 to function as described herein. When the power storage device 106 has been charged to a desired state, the charging device 104 stops supplying power to the power storage device 106, and the user disconnects the power line 112 from the power storage device 106 and / or the charging device 104.FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example charging device 104 that may be used with the system 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the charging device 104 includes a controller 200 including a processor 202 and a storage device 204. As described more fully herein, the controller 200 is connected to a network interface 206, a display 208, a user interface 210, a communication device 212, and a power control module 214. Some embodiments may not include a display device 208, but instead may send information for presentation to a mobile computing device, such as a mobile phone or person using the charging device 104.Processor 202 includes any suitable programmable circuit that may include one or more systems and microcontrollers, microprocessors, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits PLC, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and any other circuit capable of performing the functions described herein. The examples mentioned above are merely exemplary and are therefore in no way intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor".The storage device 204 each includes a computer readable storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk storage, solid state drive, floppy disk, flash drive, compact disk, digital video disk, and / or any suitable storage device, for storing, reading, and / or executing instructions and / or data. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the storage device 204 is not located in the charging device 104, but is located in a remote device or system (e.g., server 116) that the charging device 104 can access via the network interface 206 described below.Network interface 206, in an exemplary embodiment, sends and receives data between the controller and a remote device or system, such as server 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ). The network interface 206 communicates with the server 116 and the controller 200 using any suitable communication protocol, such as a wired and / or wireless Ethernet protocol.The display device 208 may include a vacuum fluorescent display device (VFD) and / or one or more light emitting diodes (LED). Additionally or alternatively, the display device 208 may include, without limitation, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display device, and / or any suitable visual output device capable of presenting graphical data and / or text to a user. In the exemplary embodiment, a state of charge of the power storage device 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ), payment information, user authentication information, power consumption information of the charging device 104 and / or the electric vehicle 102, fault information of the charging device 104 and / or the vehicle 102, and / or any other information may be presented to a user on the display 208. As discussed above, in some embodiments, information that would otherwise be presented by the display device 206 is sent to a mobile computing device, such as a mobile phone or person using the charging device 104.The user interface 210 includes a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, a push button, a scroll wheel, a pointing device, a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader, an audio input device using voice recognition software, a near field communication device reader, and / or any suitable device that allows a user to input data to the charging device 104 and / or read data from the charging device 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may input an identifier to the charging device 104 using the user interface 210. Further, the user may operate the user interface 210 to start and / or end the delivery of power to the power storage device 106. The identifier is used to authenticate the user or the electric vehicle 102, identify a payment account associated with the user or the electric vehicle 102, identify the user or the electric vehicle 102, and / or perform any other action associated with the charging operation. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the identifier includes a user identifier, an electric vehicle identifier, a credit card number, a payment account identifier, an authorization code, and / or any other suitable identifier that enables the charging device 104 to operate as described herein. The user interface 210 sends the identifier to the processor 202 using one or more signals. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the user interface 210 is connected to or disposed within a remote device or system, such as a server 116, that can be accessed by the charging device 104 via the network interface 206.The communication device 212 includes, without limitation, a wireless receiver or transmitter / receiver, an RFID device, a near field communication device reader, an infrared detector, and / or any other suitable device that allows the charging device 104 to receive a signal from the user device. In one embodiment, communication device 212 is integrated with user interface 210 or network interface 206. In an exemplary embodiment, communication device 212 receives a signal from a device (hereinafter referred to as a "user device") used by a user, such as a wireless or remote key fob, a cellular phone, or a payment card. The signal represents or includes an identifier associated with the user and / or the electric vehicle 102, as described above with reference to the user interface 210. The communication device 212 sends the identifier to the processor 202 using one or more signals.A power control module 214 is connected to the electric power source 114 at an input end 216 of the charging device 104 and to the power line 112 at an output end 218 of the charging device 104. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment, the input end 216 is connected to a single phase or three phase AC power source, such as the electrical power source 114. Alternatively, the input end 216 may be connected to a DC power source or to two or three phases of an AC power source.The current control module 214 includes at least one current protection device 220, at least one current control device 222, and at least one current sensor 224. In one embodiment, if power line 112 includes multiple conductors for receiving multiple phases of alternating current from electric power source 114, each conductor of power line 112 may be connected to a separate power protection device 220, power control device 222, and / or current sensor 224.The power protection device 220 is activated in an exemplary embodiment to electrically isolate the input end 216 from the output end 218 when the current flowing through the charging device 104 to the power line 112 exceeds a predetermined threshold or current limit. In particular, the current protection device 220 is activated or "triggered" if the current flowing through the charging device 104 exceeds a nominal current value of the current protection device 220. When the power protection device 220 is activated or triggers, the flow of current through the charging device 104 to the power line 112 is interrupted such that the input end 216 is electrically isolated from the output end 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the current protection device 220 is a circuit breaker. Alternatively, the power protection device 220 may be a fuse, a relay, and / or any other device that enables the power protection device 220 to function as described herein.The current control device 222 is, in an exemplary embodiment, a contactor 222 connected to the current protection device 220. Further, the contactor 222 is connected to and controlled by the controller 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 operates the contactor 222 (e.g., opens the contactor 222) to interrupt current flowing through the charging device 104 to the power line 112 when a fault is detected and / or when no charging operation is occurring. Thus, by actuating or activating the contactor 222, the controller 200 prevents current from flowing to the power storage device 106. Additionally, the controller 200 operates the contactor 222 (e.g., closes the contactor 222 to enable current flow to the power storage device 106 when, for example, the charging operation is performed).At least one current sensor 224 measures and / or detects the current flowing through the charging device 104 during operation of the charging device 104. In an exemplary embodiment, current sensor 224 is a current transformer that measures an amount of current flowing through charging device 104 to electric vehicle 102. Current sensor 224 sends one or more signals representing the measured and / or detected current to controller 200.During operation, the power line 112 is connected to the electric vehicle 102. A user inputs an identifier, such as a user identifier and / or a payment identifier, to a user interface 210, and the user interface 210 sends the identifier (or a signal representing the identifier) to the processor 202. Alternatively, the user operates the user device such that the communication device 212 receives the identifier (or a signal representing the identifier) from the user device. The processor 202 receives the identifier from the user interface 210 and / or from the communication device 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 202 associates the identifier of the charging operation for use in locking and / or unlocking the power line 112 to the electric vehicle 102, as described more fully herein.FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example power line 300 that may be used with the charging device 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and the electric vehicle 102. For example, a power line 300 may be used in place of the power line 112 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, power line 300 includes an output port 302 configured to be at least partially inserted into and / or connected to a charging opening 304 of electric vehicle 102. When the output terminal 302 is connected to the charging port 304, the power line 300 is electrically connected to the power storage device 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ).The power line output port 302 includes a locking mechanism 306 and a controller 308 operatively connected to a locking mechanism 306 and positioned directly at the output port 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 306 includes one or more flanges 310 connected to or directly positioned on an inner ring 312 of the power line 300. In one embodiment, the flanges 310 are configured and shaped for receipt in corresponding flange receptacles 314 of the charging opening 304 when the inner ring 312 is inserted into a ring receptacle 316 of the charging opening 304. As described more fully herein, flanges 310 are rotated to lock power line output port 302 in charging opening 304. In other embodiments, flanges 310 are extendable and retractable relative to inner ring 312. In such an embodiment, the flanges 310 are retracted to allow insertion of the inner ring 312 into a ring receiver 316, and the flanges 310 are extended to lock the inner ring 312 to the ring receiver 316. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 306 may include any other suitable mechanism to lock the output port 302 to the charging port, and / or the flanges 310 may be connected to any other component of the power line 300.As used herein, the term "lock" refers to a mechanical interaction between two components such that a first component is retained in position relative to the second component. It should be appreciated that when the first component is locked to the second component, the first component is prevented from separating from the second component until the components are unlocked. As used herein, the term "unlock" refers to releasing the components from the mechanical interaction such that the first component can be released from the second component.In an exemplary embodiment, the output port 302 also includes an actuator, such as a latch button 318, that operates to activate the latch mechanism 306 and thus cause the latch mechanism 306 to latch the power line output port 302 to the charging opening 304. Alternatively, the actuator may include a switch, button, or any other suitable actuator that enables operation of the power line 300 as described herein. In one embodiment, the lock button 318 is locked in an activated position by a retaining member 320 connected to a support frame 322. In such an embodiment, the lock button 318 is unlocked when an unlock signal 330 is sent to the power line controller 308 or when the unlock mechanism 306 is otherwise unlocked (i.e., deactivated).The controller 308 includes a processor 324 and a storage device 326, in an exemplary embodiment. Processor 324 includes any suitable programmable circuit that may include one or more systems and microcontrollers, microprocessors, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits PLC, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and any other circuit capable of performing the functions described herein. The examples mentioned above are merely exemplary and are therefore in no way intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor".The storage device 326 includes a computer readable storage medium such as flash memory. Alternatively, the storage device 326 may include RAM and / or any other suitable device that enables the processor 324 to store, read, and / or execute instructions and / or data.In an exemplary embodiment, a communication device 328 is connected to the controller 308. The communication device 328 communicates with the communication device 212 of the charging device 104. The communication device 328 includes, without limitation, a wireless receiver or transmitter / receiver, an RFID device, a near field communication device reader, an infrared detector, and / or any other suitable device that enables communication of the power line 300 with the charging device 104. In one embodiment, the communication device 328 receives a signal from a user device used by a user, such as a wireless or remote key fob, a cellular phone, or a payment card. The signal represents or includes an identifier as described above with reference to FIG. 2 associated with the user and / or electric vehicle 102. The communication device 328 sends the identifier to the processor 324 and / or the processor 202 using one or more signals.During operation, a user connects the power line 300 to the electric vehicle 102 by inserting the output port 302 into a charging port 304. In one embodiment, the user presses the lock button 318 to activate the lock mechanism 306 and thus lock the power line output port 302 to the charging port 304. According to the invention, the user inputs an identifier to the charging device 104, for example, to pay for a charging operation in advance, and the controller 200 of the charging device 104 sends a signal that causes the locking mechanism 306 to lock the power line output terminal 302 to the charging port 304. Specifically, the controller 200 of the charging device 104 uses the communication device 212 to transmit a locking signal 331 to the communication device 328 of the power line 300, and the communication device 328 transmits the locking signal 331 to the processor 324 of the power line controller 308. In one embodiment, the communication device 328 receives the identifier from the processor 200 (and the communication device 212) of the charging device 104, and the communication device 328 sends the identifier to the processor 324. The processor 324 receives the lock signal 331 (or the identifier) and causes the lock mechanism 306 to lock the output port to the charging port 304. For example, the processor 324 may generate a latch signal 334 using the communication device 328 or another suitable component of the power line 300 to emit an electromagnetic field that causes the latch mechanism 306 (e.g., flanges 310) to engage the charging port 304 to latch the output port 302 to the charging port 304. Alternatively, the processor 324 may send a lock signal 334 to an actuator (not shown) that rotates, advances, or otherwise causes the flanges 310 to engage the cargo opening 304.In an exemplary embodiment, once a power line output port 302 is locked in the charging port 304, the power line output port 302 remains locked until the same identifier used to start the charging operation is received to end the charging operation or until the charging operation has been completed. In an embodiment in which the user locked the power line 300 (i.e., the output port 302) using the lock button 318, the power line output port 302 remains locked until the above-described identifier is received after the charging operation is started or ended. In other embodiments, the power line output port 302 unlocks when the power storage device 106 reaches a predetermined state of charge, such as a full state of charge. For example, the vehicle controller 110 may send a signal to the charging device 104 and / or the power line 300 that the power storage device 106 is fully charged, whereupon the power line output port 302 unlocks. In other embodiments, the power line output port 302 unlocks when the power storage device 106 reaches a predetermined state of charge other than a full state of charge.When the charging operation ends or when the user wants to complete the charging operation, the user inputs the identifier to the charging device 104 (or to the communication device 328 of the power line 300 as described below). When the identifier is input after the power line 300 is locked in the charging port 304, the charging device controller 200 transmits an unlocking signal 330 (or the identifier) to the power line controller 308 via the communication device 212 of the charging device 104 and through the communication device 328 of the power line 300. In response to receiving the unlock signal 330 or the identifier, the power line controller 308 causes the locking mechanism 306 to be deactivated, thus unlocking the power line 300 (i.e., the output port 302) from the charging port 304. For example, the processor 324 may generate an unlock signal 332 using a communication device 328 or other suitable component of the power line 300 to emit an electromagnetic field that causes the locking mechanism 306 (e.g., the flanges 310) to disengage from the charging port 304 to unlock the power line output port 302 from the charging port 304. Alternatively, the processor 324 may send an unlock signal 332 to an actuator (not shown) that rotates, retracts, or otherwise disengages the flanges 310 from the cargo opening 304.When the power line output port 302 is unlocked from the charging port 304, the user releases the power line 300 from the charging port 304. The power line 300 may be stored in the charging device 104, in the electric vehicle 102 (after solution from the charging device 104), or in any suitable location.FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example power line 400 that may be used with the charging device 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and the electric vehicle 102. For example, power line 400 may be used in place of power line 112 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Unless otherwise specified, power line 400 is similar to power line 300 (shown in FIG. 3 ), and similar components are labeled in FIG. 4 with the same reference numerals as used in FIG. 3.In an exemplary embodiment, power line controller 308 includes a processor 324 and a storage device 326, and a communication device 328 is connected to controller 308. Power line 400 also includes a user interface 402 connected to controller 308. Alternatively, the user interface 402 may be included in the communication device 328 or in any other component of the power line 400.The user interface 402 includes, without limitation, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, a pushbutton, a scroll wheel, a pointing device, a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader, an audio input device using voice recognition software, a near field communication device reader, and / or any suitable device that allows a user to input data and / or payment information to the power line controller 308. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may input an identifier to power line controller 308 using user interface 402 in a similar manner as described above with reference to FIG. 2. Further, the user may operate the user interface 402 to start and / or end the delivery of power to the power storage device 106. The identifier is used to authenticate the user or the electric vehicle 102, identify a payment account associated with the user or electric vehicle 102, identify the user or the electric vehicle 102, and / or perform any other action associated with the charging operation. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the identifier includes a user identifier, an electric vehicle identifier, a credit card number, a payment account identifier, an authorization code, and / or may include any other suitable identifier that enables operation of the power line 400 as described herein. The user interface 402 sends the identifier to the processor 324 and / or to the processor 202 using one or more signals.The identifier is transmitted to the charging device 104 using the communication device 328 of the power line 400, and the charging operation is permitted as described above. Otherwise, power line 400 operates in a similar manner to power line 300 (described with reference to FIG. 3 ). Accordingly, as described herein, the user inputs the identifier for locking and unlocking the power line 400 (i.e., the output port 302) with respect to the charging port 304 and / or for starting and / or ending the charging operation. Thus, the user needs to spend less time at the charging device 104 (i.e., remote from the electric vehicle 102), thereby potentially increasing the simplicity and / or security of the charging operation.FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method 500 for charging a power storage device, such as power storage device 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the method 500 is performed by the controller (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the charging device 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and / or by the controller 308 of the power line 300 (shown in FIG. 3 ) and / or by the controller 308 of the power line 400 (shown in FIG. 4 ).In an exemplary embodiment, the method 500 includes the step of engaging 502 the locking mechanism 306 of the power line 400 to lock the output port 302 of the power line 400 to the charging port 304 of the electric vehicle 102. For example, a locking signal 331 is sent from the processor 202 of the charging device 104 to the processor 324 of the power line 400. The lock signal 331 causes the processor 324 of the power line 400 to activate the lock mechanism 306 to lock the power line 400 to the charging port 304. Alternatively, the user may depress or otherwise actuate a lock button 318 to activate 502 the lock mechanism 306, and thus lock the power line 400 to the charging port 304.After the power line 400 is locked to the charging port 304, the charging operation is started 504 to charge (i.e., supply electric power) the power storage device 106 of the electric vehicle 102 using the charging device 104. When the current charging device 106 reaches a desired charge level, or when any other suitable completion condition is satisfied, the charging operation of the current charging device 106 is ended by the processor 202, for example. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the power line 400 remains locked to the charging port 304 until the user enters the identifier (for the second time) into the charging device 104 or the power line 400. The identifier is received 506 (e.g., for the second time) by the processor 202 of the charging device 104 and / or the processor 324 of the power line 400. Upon completion of the charging operation and upon determining (by the processor 202 or by the processor 324) that the identifier has been received, the processor 324 deactivates the locking mechanism 306, 508 to unlock the power line 400 from the charging opening 304 and from the electric vehicle 102.In some embodiments, the method includes the preliminary step of connecting the power line, such as power line 400, to a charging port 304 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the electric vehicle 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ), such as by inserting the output port 302 (shown in FIG. 3 ) into the charging port 304. As another preliminary step, an identifier such as a payment identifier or a user identifier for a charging operation of the electric vehicle 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ) is received. For example, a user may input credit card information or other payment identifier into charging device 104 through user interface 210 or through communication device 212 or into power line 400, through user interface 402, or through communication device 328, and the payment identifier is sent to processor 202 of charging device 104 and / or to processor 324 of power line 400. In alternative embodiments, an identifier, such as a payment identifier or a user identifier, as discussed above, is received before a power line, such as a power line 400, is connected to a charging port 304. That is, in such embodiments, an identifier must be received from a user in order for the user to gain access to the power line. This alternative sequence of steps is useful for embodiments where the power line is extended and retracted from the loader and / or where the loader 104 extends and retracts from the ground.In one embodiment, the user locks the power line 400 to the charging port 304 by operating the lock button 318, and the user unlocks the power line 400 from the charging port 300 by inputting the identifier to the charging device 104 or the power line 400 after completion of the charging operation. In another embodiment, the power line 400 is locked in the charging port 304 after the user inputs the identifier to the charging device 104 or the power line 400 a first time, and the power line 400 is unlocked after the user inputs the identifier to the charging device 104 or the power line 400 a second time, e.g., after the charging operation is started or completed. As a result, the user may disregard the electric vehicle 102 during at least a portion of the charging operation without making sure whether the power line 400 is undesirably drawn out of the charging opening 304.A technical effect of the power line, charging device, and method described herein includes at least one of (a) activating a locking mechanism of a power line to lock an output port of the power line to a vehicle; (b) initiating a charging operation to store a power charging device using a charging device; (c) receiving, by a processor, an identifier associated with a vehicle and a user of the vehicle; and (d) generating, by the processor, an unlocking signal to deactivate the locking mechanism to unlock the output port of the power line from the vehicle upon a determination that an identifier has been received and upon a determination that a predetermined state of charge of the power charging device has been reached.Exemplary embodiments of a system having a power line and a charging device for charging a power storage device have been described in detail above. The power line and charging device are not limited to the embodiments described herein, but components of the power line and / or charging device may be used independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, the charging device and / or the power line may be used in combination with other power systems and are not limited to the practical embodiment only with the electric vehicle described herein. Rather, an exemplary embodiment may be implemented and utilized in connection with many other power system applications.Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referred to and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.This specification uses examples to disclose the invention, including its best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using all elements and systems and performing all incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such further examples are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, provided they have structural elements that do not differ from the wording of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial changes from the wording of the claims.A power line 112 for charging a power storage device 106 of a vehicle includes an output port and a latch mechanism that can be operatively disposed in one of an activated position and a deactivated position. The locking mechanism locks the output port to the vehicle 102 when the locking mechanism is in the activated position and unlocks the output port in the deactivated position. Power line 112 includes a controller having a storage device configured to store a plurality of computer-executable instructions and a processor connected to the storage device. The instructions direct the processor to receive an identifier associated with one of the vehicle 102 and a user of the vehicle 102, and generate and transmit an unlock signal that the lock mechanism is in the deactivated position after one of a determination that the identifier has been received and a determination that a predetermined state of charge of the power storage device 106 has been reached.LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS:100 System 102 Electric vehicle 104 Charging device 106 Power storage device 108 Motor 110 Vehicle controller 112 Power line 114 Electric power source 116 Server 200 Controller 202 Processor 204 Storage device 206 Network interface 208 Display device 210 User interface 212 Communication device 214 Power control module 216 Input end 218 Output end 220 Power protection device 222 Power control device 224 Current sensor 300 Power line 302 Output port 304 Charging port 306 Locking mechanism 308 Controller 310 Flanges 312 Inner ring 314 Flange receivers 316 Ring receiver 318 Actuator 320 Holding member 322 Support frame 324 Processor 326 Storage device 328 Communication device 330 Unlock signal 331 Lock signal 332 Unlock signal 334 Lock signal 400 Power line 402 User interface 500 Method 502 Intervention 504 Starting 506 Receiving 506 Activating 508 Deactivating

Claims

A system (100) for charging an electric vehicle (102), the system (100) comprising: a charging device (104) for use in charging a power storage device (106) of the electric vehicle (102), the charging device (104) being connected to an electrical power source (114), and comprising: a storage device (204) configured to store a plurality of computer readable instructions; and a processor (202) connected to the storage device (204); and a power line (112) for releasably connecting the power storage device (106) of the electric vehicle (102) to the charging device (104) for charging the power storage device (106) of the electric vehicle (102), the power line (112) comprising: an output port (302); a locking mechanism (306) operatively positionable in either an activated position or a deactivated position, the locking mechanism (306) configured to lock the output port (302) to the electric vehicle (102) when the locking mechanism (306) is disposed in the activated position and configured to unlock the output port (302) from the electric vehicle (102) when the locking mechanism (306) is in the deactivated position; and a controller (308) operatively connected to the locking mechanism (306), the controller (308) comprising: a storage device (326) configured to store a plurality of computer-executable instructions; and a processor (324) connected to the storage device (326); wherein the charging device (104) and the power line (112) comprise communication devices (212, 328) configured to communicate with each other; wherein the processor (202) of the charging device (104) is configured to: receive an identifier associated with either the electric vehicle (102) or a user of the electric vehicle (102), and upon a determination that the identifier has been received, transmit a locking signal (331) or an unlocking signal (330) to the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) via the communication device (212) of the charging device (104) and through the communication device (328) of the power line (112), and wherein the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) is configured to: receive the locking signal (331) or the unlocking signal (330) from the processor (202) of the charging device (104) via the communication device (328) of the power line (112); and in response to the received lock signal (331) or unlock signal (330), causing the lock mechanism (306) to lock or unlock the output port (302) to the electric vehicle (102).The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the power line (112) further comprises an actuator (318) configured to cause the locking mechanism (306) to be in the activated position.The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the processor (202) of the charging device (104) is configured to: receive the identifier a first time; then generate and transmit a locking signal (331) to cause the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) to cause the locking mechanism (306) to be in the activated position; receive the identifier a second time; and then generate and transmit the unlocking signal (332) to cause the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) to cause the locking mechanism (306) to be in the deactivated position.The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the output port (302) of the power line (112) is configured to be electrically connected to the power storage device (106) and that the controller (308) is positioned proximate the output port (302).The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the processor (202) of the charging device (104) is further configured to: upon a determination that a predetermined state of charge of the power storage device (106) has been reached, send an unlock signal (330) to the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) to cause the processor (324) of the controller (308) of the power line (112) to cause the locking mechanism (306) to be in the deactivated position.The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the charging device (104) further comprises a user interface (210) configured to receive the identifier and send the identifier to the processor (202) of the charging device (104).

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