A charging socket assembly for a traction battery of a vehicle

Abstract

A charging socket assembly 100 for charging a traction battery 200 of a vehicle 1000, a system socket assembly 300 for charging a traction battery 200 of a vehicle 1000 and a vehicle 1000. The chargin

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle, a system for charging a traction battery of a vehicle and a vehicle. BACKGROUND In an electric vehicle, it is known to provide a user with different options for selecting the time to begin charging of a traction battery of the vehicle. For example, it is known to provide a user with an option for charging the traction battery immediately when a charging plug is inserted into a charging socket of the vehicle. It is also known to provide a user with an option for charging the traction battery at a specified time rather that immediately after the charging plug is inserted into a charging socket of the vehicle. For example, the specified time may be during the night when the cost of electricity may be lower. One of these options may be set as the default charging scheme for the vehicle. The user can change between the two options for charging by using an application on their phone or through a user interface within a cabin of the vehicle. Changing between the options for charging in this way may be time consuming for the user. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle, a system and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle. The assembly comprising: a user interface and a charging socket for a charging plug; wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to begin charging the traction battery. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle. The assembly comprising: a panel comprising a user interface and a charging socket for a charging plug; wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to begin charging the traction battery and, in response to receipt, transmit a user input signal to a controller to initiate charging of the battery. In vehicles, the default charging of a traction battery when a charging plug is inserted in the charging socket may be on a timer so that charging begins at a particular time of day rather than beginning automatically, immediately after the charging plug is inserted into the charging socket. In the assembly described above, there is a user interface near the charging socket (i.e. on the same panel as the socket) by which the user can provide an input to begin charging of the battery. This may be used to override the default charging of the traction battery. This improves the ease of charging a battery of an electric vehicle because the user does not need to, for example, access their phone or enter the vehicle use a different user interface within the vehicle to cause charging of the battery to begin. The user can easily provide the user input as they are stood next to the vehicle after inserting the charging plug into the charging socket. In embodiments of either the above-described aspects of the invention, one or more of the following may apply. In an embodiment, the panel may comprise one or more output elements configured to provide a visual indication indicative of receipt the user input. The assembly may therefore provide confirmation to a user that it has been activated and charging of the battery has been requested. In an embodiment, the user interface may comprise the one or more output elements configured to provide the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. As such, the user interface may provide confirmation the user input has been received. Therefore, reducing the chance the user will miss visual indication and attempt to provide the further unneeded user input through the user interface. In an embodiment, the user interface may be backlit. The user interface may be easily seen by a user in the dark (i.e. at night). In an embodiment, the user interface may be substantially flush with a surface of the panel adjacent to the user interface. As such, the risk of damage occurring to the user interface when the user inserts the charging plug into the socket may be reduced. In an embodiment, the user interface may comprise a button. A button may provide an improved user interface which is ease for a user to operate in all conditions. A button may be easily activated by a user when, for example, the user interface is wet due to rain or if a user if wearing gloves. In an embodiment, the panel may comprise one or more output elements configured to display a state of charge of the traction battery. The state of charge of the traction battery indicates the charge level or percentage charge of the traction battery. That is, whether the battery, for example, is 20% charged or 80% charged. This may be shown by the charging socket assembly. Therefore, the user may easily see the state of the charge of the traction battery when they are next to the charging socket. In an embodiment, the panel may comprise one or more output elements configured to display a charge status of the traction battery. The charge status of the traction battery indicates whether the battery is charging. This may be shown by the charging socket assembly. Therefore, the user may easily see whether or not the battery is currently being charged when they are next to the charging socket. In certain embodiments, a single output element may provide the visual indication indicative of receipt the user input, display the state of charge of the traction battery and display the charge status of the traction battery. However, in an alternative embodiment, each of the visual indication indicative of receipt the user input, the state of charge of the traction battery and the charge status of the traction battery may be provided by separate output elements. In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise circuitry connected to the user interface and the one or more output elements; wherein the circuitry is configured to receive the user input signal from the user interface and transmit the user input signal to the controller; and wherein the circuity is configured to receive at least one output signal from the controller in response to receipt of the user input signal and transmit the at least one output signal to the one or more output elements to cause the one or more output elements to display at least one of: the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input; the state of charge of the traction battery and the charge status of the traction battery. The at least one output signal may comprise an acknowledgment output signal, a charge status output signal and a state of charge output signal which described in detail below. The circuity may reduce the number of connections required between the charging socket assembly and the controller. Only the circuity needs to be connected to the controller rather than the user interface and each of the one or more output elements. In a vehicle, the controller may be positioned in a different part of the vehicle to the charging socket assembly. Reducing the number of connections required may reduce the amount and length of cables needed to send signals between the charging socket and the controller. This advantageous to reduce the weight of the vehicle and simplifies the connection of the assembly with the controller. In an embodiment, the circuitry may be attached to the panel. Connecting the circuity to the panel may further reduce the amount and length of cabling required in the vehicle. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a charging, a system for charging a traction battery of a vehicle. The system comprising: the above-described charging socket assembly; and the controller; wherein the user interface of the charge socket assembly is configured to transmit a user input signal to the controller in response to receipt of the user input; and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the user input signal; override a preset instruction to begin charging the battery at a specified time in response to receipt of the user input signal; and output a charge initiation signal to initiate charging of the traction battery. The preset instruction to begin charging the battery at a specified time provides the default charging of the traction battery. The system allows this preset instruction to be overridden by a user to initiate charging of the traction battery. The user does this by providing the user input via the user interface. Having the user interface near the charging socket improves the ease of charging a battery of an electric vehicle because the user does not need to, for example, access their phone or use a different user interface within the vehicle to cause charging of the battery to begin. The controller comprises one or more controllers collectively comprising at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to: receive the user input signal; override a preset instruction to begin charging the battery at a specified time in response to receipt of the user input signal; and output a charge initiation signal to initiate charging of the traction battery. In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to output an acknowledgement output signal in response to receipt of the user input signal. The charging socket assembly may be configured to, in response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, provide a visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. The system may therefore provide confirmation to a user that it has been activated and charging of the battery has been requested. In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to output a charge status output signal. The charging socket assembly may be configured to, in response to receive of the charge status output signal, display a charge status of the traction battery. Therefore, the system may allow the user to easily see whether or not the battery is currently being charged when they are next to the charging socket. In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to output a state of charge output signal. The charging socket assembly may be configured to, in response to receive of the state of charge output signal, display a state of charge of the traction battery. Therefore, the user may easily see the state of the charge of the traction battery when they are next to the charging socket. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the above-described charging socket assembly or the above-described system. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a charging socket assembly in accordance with an embodiment to the invention; Figure 2 shows a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 in a first configuration; Figure 4 shows a side view of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 5 schematically shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 shows a vehicle in accordance with to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 4 show a charging socket assembly 100 for charging a traction battery 200 of a vehicle 100. The charging socket assembly 100 comprises a charging socket 102 for receiving a charging plug 502. The charging socket assembly 100 is for mounting to the vehicle 1000. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1000 comprising the charging socket assembly 100. In Figure 6, the charging plug 502 is shown as received in the charging socket 102. The charging plug 502 is attached by a cable 504 to a charging station 506. As shown in Figure 1, the charging socket 102 may comprise one or more inlets 107 for receiving the charging plug 502. Each inlet 107 may comprise a plurality of channels, each channel being for receiving a part of the charging plug 502. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the charging socket assembly 100 comprises a panel 106. The panel 106 comprises the charging socket 102. The panel 106 may comprise a recess 108 surrounded by a rim 109. The charging socket 102 may be disposed within the recess 108. The panel 106 may be configured to be attached to the vehicle 1000. The panel 106 may comprise one or more clips 111 for engaging a part of the vehicle 1000. Additionally or alternately, the panel 106 may be attached to the vehicle 1000 by one or more fasteners. The charging socket assembly 100 comprises a user interface 110. In the charging socket assembly 100, the user interface 110 is arranged near to the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 enables a user to interact with the charging socket assembly 100 by providing an input to the charging socket assembly 100. The user interface 110 is configured to receive a user input. The charging socket assembly 100 may also be configured to provide feedback to the user via the user interface 110. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the panel 106 comprises the user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the panel 106. The user interface 110 may be disposed within the recess 108 of the panel 106. The user interface 110 may comprise any suitable input element. Non-limiting examples of input elements include a button, a touch screen and a switch. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user interface 110 comprises a button. The user may press the button 110 to provide the user input. The button 110 may be configured to move relative to the panel 106 when pressed. As such, the button may be pressed into the panel 106. The user interface 110 may be backlit. As such, a user may be able to see the user interface 110 in the dark. As shown in the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2, the user interface 110 may comprise a backlit symbol 112. The symbol 112 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. The user interface 110 may comprise an opaque material surrounding the symbol 112. The user interface 110 may comprise a back light. The back light provides illumination means (not shown) configured provide a light for the symbol 112. The illumination means may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned behind the user interface 110. The illumination means may be positioned behind the symbol 112. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the panel 106 may comprise a body portion 116 and an insert 118. The body portion 116 of the panel 106 may be configured to be attached to the vehicle 1000. The body portion 116 of the panel 106 may define the recess 108 and the rim 109 of the panel 106. The insert 118 may be attached to the body portion 116 of the panel 106. The insert 118 may be disposed within an aperture in the body portion 116 of the panel 106. The insert 118 may be surrounded by the body portion 116 of the panel 106. The insert 118 is shown in isolation from the other features of the charging socket assembly 100 in Figure 2. The insert 118 may comprise an aperture 117 extending therethrough. The charging socket 102 may be disposed in the aperture 117 of the insert 118. The insert 118 may comprise the user interface 110. Therefore the user interface 110 may be adjacent to the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 may be substantially flush with a surface of the insert 118 adjacent to the user interface 110. The insert 118 may be attached to the body portion 116 of the panel 106 by any suitable means. The insert 118 may comprise one or more projections 120 having apertures 122 for connecting the insert 118 to the body portion 116 of the panel 106 using one or more fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the insert 118 may comprise one or more clips 124 configured to engage the body portion 116 of the panel 106 to connect the insert 118 to the body portion 116. The panel 106 may comprise one or more output elements 181, 182, 183. The output elements) 181, 182, 183 may be configured to convey information and / or feedback to the user. The panel 106 may comprise one or more output elements 181 (hereafter referred to as the output element 181 for ease of reference) configured to provide a visual indication indicative of receipt the user input. As such, the user may be provided with an acknowledgment that the user input has been received by the charging socket assembly. The user interface 110 may comprise the output element 181 for providing the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. Therefore, the user can see before interacting with the user interface 110 whether or not the user input has already been provided. As described above, the user interface 110 may be backlit. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the output element 181 for providing the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input is the backlight of the user interface 110. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user interface 110 may be configured to illuminate the symbol 112 with different colours to provide the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. For example, the symbol 112 may be backlit with a first colour prior to receiving the user input and backlit with a second colour after receiving the user input. The user interface 110 may therefore comprise at least two illumination means configured to illuminate the symbol 112, the two illumination means being configured to provide the two different colours. Each illumination means being positioned behind the symbol 112. Alternatively, the symbol 112 may be backlit prior to receiving the user input and the back light may be turned off after receiving the user input so that the symbol 112 is not backlit. The panel 106 may comprise one or more output elements 182 (hereafter referred to as the output element 182 for ease of reference) configured to display a state of charge of the traction battery 200. The state of charge of the traction battery 200 indicates the charge level or percentage charge of the traction battery 200. That is, from the display of the state of charge the user will know whether the traction battery 200 is partially or fully charged. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the output element 182 for displaying the state of charge of the traction battery 200 is positioned between the user interface 110 and the charging socket 102. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the output element 182 for displaying the state of charge of the traction battery 200 may comprise a plurality of lights. The number of lights that are turned on at one time may indicate the state of the charge of the traction battery 200. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lights may be arranged in a line. The lights may be separated from one another to improve the ease of the user reading the display correctly. The lights may be positioned within the panel 106 and may each be arranged to illuminate a window in an outer surface of the panel 106. The lights may comprise LEDs. In the embodiment in the Figures, the panel 106 comprises five lights. Therefore, each light represents approximately 20% charge of the traction battery 200. When all five lights are turned on, this indicate that the state of charge of the traction battery 200 is at approximately 100%. However, the invention is not limited to the displaying the state of charge in this manner or the number of lights shown in Figure 5. In alternative embodiments, for example, the panel 106 may be configured to directly show a percentage charge of the traction battery 200. The panel 106 may comprise one or more output elements 183 (hereafter referred to as the output element 183 for ease of reference) configured to display a charge status of the traction battery 200. The charge status of the traction battery 200 indicates whether or not the traction battery 200 is charging. The output element 183 may be configured to display different colours to indicate the state of charge of the traction battery 200 to provide a display which is easy for a user to interpret. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the output element 183 may be a ring extending around a portion of the aperture 117 of the insert 118. The ring may at least partially surround the charging socket 102. The panel 106 may comprise illumination means (not shown) configured to illuminate the ring to provide a display indicating the charge status of the traction battery 200. The ring may be formed from a transparent or opaque material. The illumination means may comprise one or more LEDs. The colour of the light produced by the illumination means may be selected to indicate the charge status of the traction battery 200. For example, the illumination means may be configured to produce light of a first colour to indicate that the traction battery 200 is being charged. Optionally, the illumination means may also be configured to produce light of a second colour to indicate that the traction battery 200 not being charged. The first and second colours may be the same as or differ to those described about for the output element 181 for providing the visual indication indicative of receipt the user input. The first and second colours may be turned on or off to indicate the charge status of the traction battery 200. The assembly may comprise a flap 130 for covering the charging socket 102 and user interface 110. In the charging socket assembly 100, the user interface 110 is positioned sufficiently close to the charging socket 102 so that the flap 130 covers the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 at the same time. The flap 130 may protect the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 from water and debris when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The flap 130 may be movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 may be covered by the flap 130. In the open position, the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 may be uncovered by the flap 130. Therefore, when the flap 130 is in the open position, the charging plug 502 may be inserted into the charging socket 102 and the user may interact directly with the user interface 110. The flap 130 may also be movable from the open position to the closed position. Figure 3 shows the flap 130 in the closed position. In the closed position, the flap 130 may provide an external panel of the vehicle 1000. Figure 4 shows the flap 130 in the open position. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to covering the charging socket 102 and the user interface 110, the flap 130 may cover the entirety of the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As shown in the embodiments in the Figures, the flap 130 may be attached or coupled to the panel 106. The flap 130 may be attached or coupled to the panel 106 by a linkage mechanism 132. The linkage mechanism 132 may comprise a plurality of connected legs. A first leg 134 of the linkage mechanism 132 is shown in Figure 4. The first leg 134 may be attached to the flap 130. A second leg (not shown), at the opposite end of the linkage mechanism 132 to the first leg 134, may be attached to the panel 106. The second leg, and any further legs, of the linkage mechanism 132 are concealed in Figures 3 and 4 by a cover 136 for protecting the linkage mechanism. In certain embodiments, the linkage mechanism 132 may comprise a four-bar linkage by which the flap 130 is attached to the panel 106. The four-bar linkage may comprise four connected legs. However, in alternative embodiments the flap 130 may be attached to the panel 106 by any suitable means to allow the flap 130 to move between the open and closed positions. The flap 130 may be moved between the open and closed positions manually by the user or the charging socket assembly 100 many comprise an actuator (not shown) configured to move the flap 130 between the open and closed positions. The actuator 160 may be configured to cause the linkage mechanism 132 to move the flap 130 between the closed position and the open position. The actuator 160 may comprise any device suitable for enabling the flap 130 to move from the closed to the open position. In certain embodiments, the actuator 160 may comprise an electric motor. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a seal 170. The seal may be to seal the flap 130 to the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position such that the charge socket and user interface are enclosed. The seal may be arranged to encircle the recess when the flap is in the closed position. The seal may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the seal may comprise rubber. As described above, the user interface 110 is configured to receive a user input. The user input is to begin charging the traction battery 200. In response to receipt of the user input, the user interface 110 is configured to transmit a user input signal to a controller 400 (illustrated in Figure 5) to initiate charging of the battery. The charging socket assembly 100 may be configured to receive signals from the controller 400 in response to receipt of the user input signal. The vehicle 1000 shown in Figure 6 may comprise the controller 400. The controller 400 may be located anywhere in the vehicle 1000. The controller 400 may, for example, be positioned in a different part of the vehicle 1000 to the charging socket assembly 100. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise circuitry 150 (illustrated in Figure 5). The circuitry 150 may be attached to the panel 106. The circuitry 150 may be configured to relay one or more signals between the charging socket assembly 100 and the controller 400. The user interface 110 and the output elements 181, 182, 183 may be connected to the controller 400 via the circuitry 150. The circuitry 150 may therefore be configured to relay one or more signals between the user interface 110 and the output elements 181, 182, 183, and the controller 400. As such, the circuitry 150 may reduce the number of connections required between the components of the charging socket assembly 100 and the controller 400 as only the circuity 150 needs to be connected to the controller 400. The circuitry 150 will be described further with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a system 300 according to an embodiment of the invention, although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The vehicle 1000 shown in Figure 6 may comprise the system 300. The system 300 comprises the controller 400. The controller 400 comprises one or more processors or processing means 310, and memory means 320. The processing means 310 may be one or more electronic processing devices which operably execute computer-readable instructions. The memory means 320 may be one or more memory device. The memory means 320 is electrically coupled to the processing means 310. The memory means 320 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 320 is configured to access the memory means 320 and execute the instructions stored thereon. The controller 400 comprises an input means 330 and an output means 340. The input means 330 may comprise an electrical input of the controller 400. The output means 340 may comprise an electrical output of the controller 400. The system 300 comprises the charging socket assembly 100. The charging socket assembly 100 shown in Figure 5 is the same as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for features of the charging socket assembly 100. The circuitry 150 of the charging socket assembly 100 is shown in Figure 5. In the same manner as the controller 400, the circuitry 150 may comprises an input means 151, an output means 152, one or more processors or processing means 153 and memory means 154. The circuitry 150 may be connected to the controller 400. The output means of the circuitry 150 may be connected to the input means of the controller 400 and input means of the circuitry 150 may be connected to the output means of the controller 400. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the circuitry 150 may be connected to the user interface 110 and each of the output elements 181, 182, 183. The user interface 110 may be connected to the input means and output means of the circuitry 150. As such, the input means 151 of the circuitry may be arranged to receive a signal from the user interface 110. The output elements 181,182, 183 may be connected to the output means of the circuitry 150. The output means 152 of the circuitry may be arranged to output one or more signals from the user interface 110 and the output elements 181, 182, 183. As shown in the non-limiting Figure 5, the charging socket 102 may be connected to the controller 400 via circuity 150. However, the charging socket 102 may be connected to the controller 400 by alternative means. For example, the charging socket 102 may be connected directly to the controller 400. The controller 400 may control charging of the traction battery 200. The controller 400 may control charging of the traction battery 200 by any suitable means. The user interface 110 May be configured to send a user input signal to the controller 400 in response to receipt of the user input to begin charging the traction battery 200. The circuitry 150 may configured to receive the user input signal from the user interface 110 and transmit the user input signal to the controller 400. This may be achieved by the input means 151 of the circuitry 150 being arranged to receive the user input signal from the user interface 110 and the output means 152 of the circuitry 150 being arranged to transmit first user input signal to the input means 330 of the controller 400. In response to receipt of the user input signal, the one or more processors 310 of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to override a preset instruction to begin charging the traction battery 200 at a specified time. The preset instruction may define a default of the controller 400 for charging the traction battery 200. The preset instruction may be such that charging of the traction battery 200 is not immediately initiated when the charging plug 502 is inserted into the charging socket 102. Rather, the preset instruction may be to begin charging the battery traction 200 at a specified time. The preset instruction may be, for example, to begin charging the traction battery 200 during the night when the cost of electricity may be lower. The time specified in the preset instruction may be selected by the user. However, upon receipt of the user input signal, the controller 200 may be configured to override the preset instruction to cause the charging of the traction battery 200 to commence. The controller 400 may be configured to commence charging of the traction battery 200 immediately upon receipt of the user input signal. As such, the user may provide the user input to the user interface if they wish charging of the traction battery 200 to begin immediately rather than in accordance with the preset instruction. In response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output a charge initiation signal to initiate charging of the traction battery 200. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the charge initiation signal and to transmit the charge initiation signal to the charging socket 102 to initiate charging of the traction battery 200. In additional to the charge initiation signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output one or more additional output signals to the charge socket assembly 100 in response to receipt of the user input signal. The circuity 150 may be configured to receive the one or more output signals from the controller 400 and transmit the one or more output signals to different features of the charging socket assembly 100. The circuitry 150 may transmit the one or more output signals to the output elements 181,182, 183. In response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output an acknowledgement output signal. The charging socket assembly 100 may be configured to, in response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, provide a visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. As such, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the circuity 150 may be configured to receive the acknowledgement output signal from the controller 400 and transmit the acknowledgement output signal to the user interface 110 to cause the output element 181 to provide the visual indication. The user interface 110 or output element 181 may be configured to change the colour of the symbol 112 in response to receipt of the acknowledgement output signal. Alternatively, user interface 110 or output element 181 may be configured to turn the back light of the symbol 112 off in response to receipt of the unlock signal. In certain embodiments, the acknowledgement output signal may be the same signal as the charge initiation signal. The user interface 110 may be configured to provide a visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input in response to receipt of the charge initiation signal. In response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output a state of charge output signal. The charging socket assembly 100 may be configured to, in response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, display a state of charge of the traction battery 200. The controller 400 may be configured to receive the current state of charge from the traction battery 200 via conventional means. The current state of charge may be sent to the controller 400 as an electrical signal which is indicative of a whether the current state of charge of the traction battery 200. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the state of charge output signal from the controller 400 and transmit the state of charge output signal to the output element 182 for displaying the state of charge of the traction battery 200. Receipt of the state of charge output signal by the output element 183 may cause the state of charge to be displayed. As described above, this may be achieved by turning on the correct number of lights to the state of the charge of the traction battery 200. Whilst the traction battery 200 is being charged, the controller 400 may be configured to send further state of charge output signals to the charging socket assembly 100 to update the state of charge that is displayed so that the display accurately reflects the current state of charge of the traction battery 200. In response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output a charge status output signal. The charging socket assembly 100 may be configured to, in response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, display a charge status of the traction battery 200. The controller 400 may be configured to receive information about the charge status of the traction battery 200. The information may be sent to the controller 400 as an electrical signal which is indicative of a whether the traction battery 200 is being charged. The one or more processors 310 of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to determine from this information whether the traction battery 200 is being charged or not. The controller 400 may be configured to receive the information about the charge status of the traction battery 200 by any conventional means. For example, the controller may be configured to receive information about the charge status of the traction battery 200 from the charging socket 102. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the circuity 150 may be configured to receive the charge status output signal from the controller 400 and transmit the charge status output signal to the output element 183 for displaying the charge status of the traction battery 200. In response to receipt of the charge status output signal, the output element 183 may be configured to display the charge status thereby indicating to the user that charging of the battery has begun. In response to receipt of the charge status output signal, the output element 183 may be configured to produce light of the first colour to indicate that the traction battery 200 is being charged. If charging of the traction battery 200 has not started in response to the user input, the charge status output signal may cause the output element 183 to produce light of the second colour to indicate to the user that the traction battery 200 is not being charged. This may cause the user, for example, to check whether the charging plug 502 is correctly inserted into the charging socket 102. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, in an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the user interface 110 and the output elements 181, 182, 183 may be connected directly to the controller 400 rather than via the circuitry 150.

Claims

1. A charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle, the assembly comprising:a panel comprising a user interface and a charging socket for a charging plug;wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to begin charging the traction battery and, in response to receipt, transmit a user input signal to a controller to initiate charging of the battery.

2. A charging socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises one or more output elements configured to provide a visual indication indicative of receipt the user input.

3. A charge socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is backlit.

4. A charge socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is substantially flush with a surface of the panel adjacent to the user interface.

5. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises one or more output elements configured to display a state of charge of the traction battery.

6. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises one or more output elements configured to display a charge status of the traction battery.

7. A charging socket according to claims 2, 5 or 6, wherein the assembly comprises circuitry connected to the user interface and the one or more output elements;wherein the circuitry is configured to receive the user input signal from the user interface and transmit the user input signal to the controller; andwherein the circuity is configured to receive at least one output signal from the controller in response to receipt of the user input signal and transmit the at least one output signal to the one or more output elements to cause the one or more output elements to display at least one of: the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input; the state of charge of the traction battery and the charge status of the traction battery.

8. A charging socket assembly according to any one of claims 7, wherein the circuitry is attached to the panel.

9. A system for a charging a traction battery of a vehicle, the system comprising a charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; and the controller;wherein the user interface of the charge socket assembly is configured to transmit a user input signal to the controller in response to receipt of the user input; andwherein the controller is configured to:receive the user input signal;override a preset instruction to begin charging the traction battery at a specified time in response to receipt of the user input signal; andoutput a charge initiation signal to initiate charging of the traction battery.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to output an acknowledgement output signal in response to receipt of the user input signal; andwherein the charging socket assembly is configured to, in response to receipt of the acknowledgement signal, provide a visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input.

11. A system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the controller is configured to output a charge status output signal;wherein the charging socket assembly is configured to, in response to receive of the charge status output signal, display a charge status of the traction battery.

12. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the controller is configured to output a state of charge output signal;wherein the charging socket assembly is configured to, in response to receive of the state of charge output signal, display a state of charge of the traction battery.

13. A vehicle comprising the charging socket assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the system according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

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