A charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle

Abstract

A charging socket assembly 100 for charging a battery 200 (Figure 6) of an electric vehicle 1000 (Figure 7), the charging socket assembly comprising: a charging socket 102 for receiving a charging plu

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 charging socket for receiving a charging plug to charge a traction battery of the vehicle and to provide a flap for covering the charging socket when it is not in use. The charging socket and flap are part of a charging socket assembly. To charge the traction battery, a charging plug may be inserted into the charging socket. The charging plug is locked in the charging socket to prevent accidental removal of the charging plug. The charging plug may remain locked in the socket after charging of the traction battery has been completed. Therefore, when a user then wishes to drive the vehicle, the user must remove the charging plug from the charging socket and then close the flap to cover the charging socket prior to driving the vehicle. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art and to improve the ease of removing the charging plug from the charging socket and closing the flap. 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 for charging a traction battery of a vehicle 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 charging socket for receiving a charging plug; a user interface; and a flap for covering the socket, the flap being moveable from a closed position in which the socket is covered by the flap to an open position in which the socket is uncovered by the flap; wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to move the flap from the open position to the closed position thereby closing the flap. In an embodiment, in the closed position both the socket and the user interface are covered by the flap and in the open position the socket and the user interface are uncovered by the flap. 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 charging socket for receiving a charging plug, the socket comprising a lock mechanism configured to lock the charging plug within the socket; a user interface; and a flap for covering the socket and user interface, the flap being moveable from a closed position in which the socket is covered by the flap to an open position in which the socket is uncovered by the flap; wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to unlock the lock mechanism. In an embodiment, in the closed position both the socket and the user interface are covered by the flap and in the open position the socket and the user interface are uncovered by the flap. 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 charging socket for receiving a charging plug, the socket comprising a lock mechanism configured to lock the charging plug within the socket; a user interface; and a flap for covering the socket and user interface, the flap being moveable from a closed position in which the socket and user interface are covered by the flap to an open position in which the socket and user interface are uncovered by the flap; wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to unlock the lock mechanism and to move the flap from the open position to the closed position thereby closing the flap. Placing a user interface for both unlocking the lock mechanism and closing flap next to charging socket is advantageous because user can initiate these actions as they are stood next to the charging socket which improve the ease of use. The user does not need to use, for example, a mobile phone or controls within the vehicle to unlock the charging plug. Providing a user interface which has two functions reduces the space required for the user interface within the assembly. In embodiments of any of the above-described aspects of the invention, one or more of the following may apply. The user interface may be configured to send a user input signal to a controller in response to the user input. In an embodiment, the user input may comprise: a first user input to unlock the lock mechanism, thereby unlocking the charging plug from the charging socket; and a second user input to move the flap from the open position to the closed position, thereby closing the flap. Providing separate user inputs to unlock the lock mechanism and to move the flap may improve the ease of use as the user inputs are distinct from each other. Additionally, separating the user inputs allows the user to provide the second user input to close the flap when they are ready for the flap to be closed. The user interface may be configured to: send a first user input signal to a controller in response to the first user input; and to send a second user input signal to the controller in response to the second user input. In an embodiment, the user interface may be configured to sequentially receive the first user input then the second user input. As such, a user may be preventing from providing the second user input to close the flap prior to providing the first user input. In an embodiment, the user interface may be substantially flush with a surface adjacent to the user interface. Therefore, the risk of damage occurring to the user interface when the user inserts the charging plug into the charging socket may be reduced. In an embodiment, the user interface comprises a button. A button may provide an improved user interface which is easy 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. The button may be configured to be pressed into the panel. In an embodiment, the user interface may be configured to provide visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. The user interface may therefore provide confirmation to a user that it has been activated and charging of the battery has begun. 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 assembly may comprise circuitry connected to the charging socket by a plurality of connections. The user interface may be configured to send a user input signal to a controller in response to receipt of the user input. The circuitry may be configured to receive an unlock signal transmitted from the controller in response to receipt of the user input signal and transmit the unlock signal to the charging socket to cause the lock mechanism to unlock. The charging socket has a plurality of output and inputs, the circuity may reduce the number of connections required between the charging socket and a controller. Only the circuity needs to be connected to the controller rather than each of the plurality of outputs from the socket. 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 reduces the amount and length of cables needed to send signals between the charging socket and the controller. This advantageous reduces the weight of the vehicle and simplifies the connection with the controller. In an embodiment, the circuitry may be configured to receive the user input signal from the user interface and transmit the user input signal to the controller. As such, the circuitry may further reduce the number of connections and the length of cables needed between the charging socket assembly and the controller. In an embodiment, the circuitry may be configured to receive a close signal transmitted from the controller in response to receipt of the user input signal and transmit the close signal to an actuator to cause the flap to move from the open position to the closed position to thereby closing the flap. As such, the circuitry may further reduce the number of connections and the length of cables needed between the charging socket assembly and the controller. In an embodiment, the charging socket assembly may comprise a panel, wherein the panel comprises the charging socket and the user interface. 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. In an embodiment, the user input comprises a user input to move the flap from the closed position to the open position, thereby opening the flap. The flap may comprise an engagement member configured to engage the user interface when the flap, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface and provide the user input to move the flap from the closed position to the open position. The user interface may therefore be used to improve the ease of opening the flap. The user interface provides multiple functions. That is, the user interface may be used for two or more of: unlocking the lock mechanism; moving the flap from the open position to the closed position; and moving the flap from the closed position to the open position. Providing a user interface which has multiple functions reduces the space required for the user interface within the assembly. The user input to move the flap from the closed position to the open position may be a third user input. In an embodiment, the engagement member may comprise a protrusion for engaging the user interface. Providing the engagement member as a protrusion may help ensure that the user interface is engaged when the flap is pushed in a direction towards the user interface but may reduce the risk of other parts of the flap contacting the socket or the user interface. In an embodiment, the charging socket assembly may comprise a linkage mechanism coupled to the flap and the actuator configured to cause the linkage mechanism to move the flap between the closed position and the open position. The actuator may be an electric motor. In certain embodiments, the flap may be coupled to the panel by a linkage mechanism. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for a charging a traction battery of a vehicle. The system comprising: a charging socket assembly as described above; and a controller configured to receive a user input signal from the user interface in response to the user input; wherein, in response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller is configured to: output an unlock signal to cause the lock mechanism to unlock; and output a close signal to cause the flap to move from the open position to the closed position to thereby close the flap. The system therefore provides at least the same advantages as the above-described charging socket assembly. As described above, the charging socket assembly may comprise a linkage mechanism coupled to the flap and an actuator configured to cause the linkage mechanism to move the flap between the closed position and the open position. In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to output the close signal to cause the actuator to move from the open position to the closed position to thereby close the flap. The close signal may be sent to the actuator. 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: output an unlock signal to cause the lock mechanism to unlock; and output a close signal to cause the flap to move from the open position to the closed position to thereby close the flap. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a charging socket assembly as described above or the system as described above. 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 shows a cross-section of a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 schematically shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 shows a vehicle in accordance with to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 5 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 7 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1000 comprising the charging socket assembly 100. In Figure 7, 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 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. The charging socket 102 comprising a lock mechanism 104 configured to lock the charging plug 502 within the charging socket 102. The lock mechanism 104 may be used to lock the charging plug 502 to the charging socket 102 to prevent the charging plug 502 being removed whilst the traction battery 200 is being charged. The lock mechanism 104 may be positioned within the inlet 107 of the charging socket 102. The lock mechanism 104 may be unlocked to release the charging plug 502 from the charging socket 102. The lock mechanism 104 may comprise a pin (not shown). The pin may be movable relative to the charging socket 102 (i.e. movable within the inlet 107 of the charging socket 102) to engage the charging plug 502 when it is received in the charging socket 102 thereby locking the charging plug 502 in the charging socket 102. The pin may be configured to extend through at least a part of the charging plug 502 to lock the charging plug 502 in the charging socket 102. The pin may then be retracted to unlock the lock mechanism 104 so that the charging plug 502 can be removed from the charging socket 102. The lock mechanism 104 may comprise an electric motor (not shown) configured to extend and retract the pin. The lock mechanism 104 may comprise a pin position sensor (shown in Figure 6). The pin position sensor may be configured to sense the position of the pin such that whether the lock mechanism is locked or unlocked can be determined. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a panel 106. The panel 106 may comprise 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. The user interface 110 may be substantially flush with an adjacent surface. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the panel 106 may therefore comprise the user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the panel. 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 one or more backlit symbols 112, 114. In the embodiment in the Figures, the user interface 110 comprises two back lit symbols 112, 114. Each of the symbols 112, 114 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. The user interface 110 may comprise an opaque material surrounding each of the symbols 112, 114. The user interface 110 may comprise a back light. The back light provides illumination means (not shown) configured to provide a back light for the symbols 112, 114. The illumination means may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned behind the user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be configured to provide visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user interface 110 may be configured to illuminate one or both of the symbols 112, 114 with different colours to provide the visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. For example, one or both of the symbols 112, 114 may be backlit with a first colour prior to receiving the user input and backlit with a second colour after to receiving the user input. The user interface 110 may therefore comprise at least two illumination means for one or both of the symbols 112,114, the two illumination means being configured to provide the two different colours. Alternatively, one or both of the symbols 112, 114 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, 114 is not backlit. 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 assembly comprises 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 is movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 are covered by the flap 130. In the open position, the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 are 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 is also 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 is 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 remaining 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 charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a four-bar linkage mechanism by which the flap 130 is attached to the panel 106. The four-bar linkage mechanism 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 assembly may comprise an actuator 160 (illustrated in Figure 6) to cause the linkage to move the flap 130 from the closed position into 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 actuator 160 is concealed in Figures 3 and 4 by a cover. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of a part of the charging socket assembly 100 with the flap 130 in the closed position. In Figure 5, the charging socket 102 has been omitted. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the flap 130 may comprise an engagement member 140. The engagement member 140 is configured to engage the user interface 110 when the flap 130, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface 110. That is, when the flap 130 is in the closed position, the user can press the flap 130 towards the panel 106 causing the flap 130 to move towards the user interface 110 and the engagement member 140 to engage the user interface 110. The engagement member 140 engages the user interface 110 by contacting the user interface 110. Pressing the flap 130 when it is in the closed position allows the user to interact indirectly with the user interface 110. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the engagement member 140 may comprise a protrusion. The protrusion may extend from a body portion 131 of the flap in a direction towards the panel. The protrusion may comprise a core or support 141 at least partially covered by a covering 142. As described above, in the embodiment in the Figures the user interface 110 comprises a button. As such, when the user presses on the flap 130, the protrusion 130 pushes on the button 110 so that the button moves into the panel 106. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a seal 170. The seal may be arranged to seal the flap 130 to the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position such that the charging 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 170 may be flexible to movement of the flap 130 relative to the panel 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 shown in the embodiment in Figure 4, the seal 170 may extend radially outwards from an inner edge 171 to an outer edge 172, where the radial direction is relative to a centre of the flap 139. The inner edge 171 of the seal 172 may be attached to the flap 130. The outer edge 172 of the seal 170 may be arranged to engage the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As shown in Figure 4, the outer edge 172 of the seal 170 may be arranged to engage the rim 108 of the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As shown in Figure 4, when the flap 130 is in the closed position, the inner edge 171 of the seal 170 engages the flap 130 and there is a first space 173 between the seal 170 and the panel 106 at the first edge. Additionally, when the flap 130 is in the closed position, the outer edge 172 of the seal 170 engages the panel 106 and there is a second space 174 between the seal 170 and the flap 130 at the second edge. The seal 170 may comprise a curve 175 between the first and second portions. As such, the seal 170 may be arranged so that, when the flap 130 is in the closed position, only the inner edge 171 of the seal 170 may contact the flap 130 and only the outer edge 172 of the seal 170 may contact the panel 106. The shape of the seal 170, combined with the flexibility of the seal 170, may help ensure that when the user presses the flap 130, in the closed position, towards the panel 106 the first and second spaces 173, 174 change in shape allowing the position of the inner edge 171 of the seal 170 to change relative to the position of the outer edge 172 of the seal 170 and the flap 130 moves towards the panel 106. Whilst Figure 4 shows an example of the seal 170, the invention is not limited to the seal 170 shown in the Figures. Rather, any suitable seal may be used. As described above, the user interface 110 is configured to receive a user input. The user input is to unlock the lock mechanism 104, thereby unlocking the charging plug 502 from the charging socket 102, and to move the flap 130 from the open position to the closed position thereby closing the flap 130. Therefore, the user interface 110 provides multiple functions. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user input may comprise a first user input to unlock the lock mechanism 104, and to receive a second user input to move the flap 130 from the open position to the closed position. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user may press the button 110 a first time to provide the first user input. The user may then press the button 110 a second time to provide the second user input. As described above, the user interface 110 may be configured to provide visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input. The user interface 110 may be configured to provide a visual indication indicative of receipt of each of the first user input and the second user input. As shown in Figure 2, the one or more backlit symbols 112, 114 may comprise a unlock symbol 112 and an open symbol 114. The unlock symbol 112 and the open symbol 114 may have different shapes. The unlock symbol 112 may be, for example, in the shape of a padlock. The unlock symbol 112 may be configured to be backlit by before the first user input is received and the back light may be turned off in response to receipt of the first user input. The open symbol 114 may be configured to be backlit by before the second user input is received and the back light may be turned off in response to receipt of the second user input. Alternatively, the unlock symbol 112 may be configured to be backlit by a first colour before the first user input is received and then backlit by a second colour in response to receipt of the first user input. Similarly, the open symbol 114 may be configured to be backlit by a first colour before the second user input is received and then backlit by a second colour in response to receipt of the second user input. The user interface 110 may be configured to sequentially receive the first user input then the second user input so that the lock mechanism 104 is unlocked prior to the flap 130 being closed. This is achieved in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 by the user interface 110 being a single button 110. Therefore, the same button 110 is pressed to provide the first and second user inputs. The user input may also comprise a third user input to move the flap 130 from the open position to the closed position, thereby closing the flap 130. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the third user input may be providing by a user pushing the flap 130, in the closed position, in a direction towards the user interface 110 thereby causing the engagement member 140 to engage the user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be configured to send at least one user input signal to a controller 400 (illustrated in Figure 6) in response to receipt of the user input. 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 7 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 6). 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. 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. The circuitry 150 will be described further with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 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 7 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 6 is the same as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. 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 6. 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 6, the circuitry 150 may be connected to each of the user interface 110, the actuator 160 and the charging socket 102. The user interface 110, the actuator 160 and the charging socket 102 may be connected to one or both of the input means and output means of the circuitry 150. As such, the input means 151 of the circuitry is arranged to receive one or more signals from the user interface 110, the actuator 160 and the charging socket 102. The output means 152 of the circuitry is arranged to output receive one or more signals from the user interface 110, the actuator 160 and the charging socket 102. As shown in Figure 6, the charging socket 102 may be connected to the traction battery 200 to allow the charging of the battery when the charging plug 502 is received in the charging socket 102. The system 300 may comprise the traction battery 200. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 6, As shown in Figure 6, the charging socket 102 may be connected to the circuity 150 by a plurality of connections 130. Each connection may comprise a wire or cable. As least some of the plurality of connections 130 may be associated with the lock mechanism 104. The connections 130 may allow the transfer of power to the lock mechanism 104. The connections 130 may allow the transfer of one or more signals to and from the lock mechanism 104. At least one connection may be connected to the electric motor of the lock mechanism 104 and at least one connection may be connected to the pin of the lock mechanism 104. Connecting the charging socket 102 to the circuitry 150 may reduce the length and weight of cables in the vehicle 1000 compared to connecting the charging socket 102 directly to the controller 400. The user interface 110 may be configured to send a first user input signal to the controller 400 in response to receipt of the first user input to unlock the lock mechanism 104. The circuitry 150 may configured to receive the first user input signal from the user interface 110 and transmit the first 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 first user input signal from the user interface 110 and the output means 152 of the circuitry 150 being arranged to transmit the first user input signal to the input means 330 of the controller 400. In response to receipt of the first user input signal, the one or more processors 310 of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to determine whether a set of unlocking requirements have been met. This may ensure that the lock mechanism 104 is unlocked when it is safe to do so. The set of unlocking requirements may comprise, for example, determining whether the traction battery 200 is currently being charged. If the traction battery is being charged, the controller 400 may be configured to output a signal to stop charging of the traction battery 200 in response to receipt of the first user input signal. In response to receipt of the first user input signal, the controller 400 is configured to output an unlock signal to cause the lock mechanism 104 to unlock. The circuitry 150 may configured to receive the unlock signal and to transmit the unlock signal to the charging socket 102 to cause the lock mechanism 104 to unlock. The unlock signal may cause the electric motor of the lock mechanism to retract the pin thereby unlocking the charging plug 502 from the charging socket 102. The circuitry 150 may also be configured to transmit the unlock signal to user interface 110 to provide a visual indication that the first user input has been received. The visual indication may also be indicative that the lock mechanism 104 has been unlocked. The user interface 110 may be configured to change the colour of the unlock symbol 112 in response to receipt of the unlock signal or to turn the back light of the unlock symbol 112 off in response to receipt of the unlock signal. Additionally, the user interface 110 may be configured to illumination (i.e. by turning the back light on) or change the colour of the open symbol 114 in response to receipt of the unlock signal to provide a visual indication that the user may then input the second user input to move flap 130 from the open position to the closed position. Alternatively, the controller 400 may output a signal that is separate to the unlock signal provide the visual indication that the first user input has been received. The user interface 110 may be configured to, in response to receipt of the second user input to move the flap 130 from the open to the closed position, send a second user input signal to the circuitry 150. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the second user input signal from the user interface 110 and transmit the second user input signal to the controller 400. In response to receipt of the second user input signal, the one or more processors 310 of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to determine whether a set of closing requirements has been met. This may ensure that the flap 130 is closed when it is safe to do so. The set of closing requirements may include determining whether the charging plug 502 has been removed from the charging socket 102. The charging socket 102 may comprise a charging socket sensor 105 configured to sense whether the charging plug 502 is received within the charging socket 102. The charging socket sensor 105 may be connected to one of the outputs of the charging socket 102. The input means of the controller 400 may be configured to receive, via the circuitry 150, a charging plug signal from the charging socket sensor 105. The charging plug signal is an electrical signal which is indicative of a whether the charging plug 502 is received within the charging socket 102. The input means 151 of the circuitry 150 may be arranged to receive the charging plug signal and the output means 152 of the circuitry 150 may be arranged to transmit the charging plug 502 signal to the input means 330 of the controller 400. In response to receipt of the second user input signal, the controller 400 is configured to output a close signal to cause the flap 130 to move from the open position to the closed position to close the flap 130. The circuitry 150 may configured to receive the close signal and to transmit the close signal to the actuator 160 to cause the actuator 160 to move the flap 130 from the open position to the closed position. The circuitry 150 may also be configured to transmit the close signal to user interface 110 to provide a visual indication that the second user input has been received. The user interface 110 may be configured to change the colour of the open symbol 114 in response to receipt of the close signal. Alternatively, the controller 400 may output a signal that is separate to the close signal provide the visual indication that the second user input has been received. The user interface 110 may be configured, in response to receipt of the third user input to move the flap 130 from the closed to the open position, to send a third user input signal to the circuitry 150. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the third user input signal from the user interface 110 and transmit the third user input signal to the controller 400. The input means 151 of the circuitry 150 may be arranged to receive the second user input signal from the user interface 110. The output means 152 of the circuitry 150 may be arranged to transmit the second user input signal to the controller 400. In response to receipt of the third user input signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output an open signal to cause the flap 130 to move from the closed position to the open position to open the flap 130. The circuitry 150 may configured to receive the open signal and to transmit the open signal to the actuator 160 to cause the actuator 160 to move the flap 130 from the closed position to the open position. The circuitry 150 may also be configured to transmit the open signal to user interface 110 to provide a visual indication that the third user input has been received. When the flap 130 is in the closed position, the user interface 110 may not be backlit. The user interface 110 may be configured to illuminate the open symbol 112 (i.e. turn on one or the LEDs) in response to receipt of the open signal. Alternatively, the controller 400 may output a signal that is separate to the open signal provide the visual indication that the third user input has been received. As mentioned above, the user interface 110 may be configured to sequentially receive the first, second and third user inputs. Therefore, the one or more processing means of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to identify which of the first user input signal for unlocking the lock mechanism 104, the second user input signal for closing the flap 130 or the third user input signal to open the flap has been received. 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. In the above-described embodiment, the user provides a first user input by pressing the button to unlock the lock mechanism and a second user input by pressing the button a second time to move the flap 130 from the open to the closed position. However, in alternative embodiments, the user interface may be configured to receive one user input to both unlock the lock mechanism and to move the flap from the open position to the closed position. Upon receipt of the user input to both unlock the lock mechanism and to move the flap from the open position to the closed position, the controller 400 may be configured to output the unlock signal and then output the close signal a predetermined time after the unlock signal. The predetermined time may be selected to provide the user with sufficient time to remove the charging plug 502 from the charging socket. In an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may be connected directly to the controller 400. That is, the user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may not be connected to the circuity. As such, each of the user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may be configured to send and receive signals directly from the controller 400.

Claims

1. A charging socket assembly for charging a traction battery of a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a charging socket for receiving a charging plug, the charging socket comprising a lock mechanism configured to lock the charging plug within the charging socket;a user interface; anda flap for covering the charging socket and user interface, the flap being moveable from a closed position in which the charging socket and user interface are covered by the flap to an open position in which the charging socket and user interface are uncovered by the flap;wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to unlock the lock mechanism and to move the flap from the open position to the closed position thereby closing the flap.

2. A charging socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the user input comprises:a first user input to unlock the lock mechanism, thereby unlocking the charging plug from the charging socket; anda second user input to move the flap from the open position to the closed position, thereby closing the flap.

3. A charging socket assembly according to claim 2, wherein the user interface is configured to sequentially receive the first user input then the second user input.

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

5. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface comprises a button.

6. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured to provide visual indication indicative of receipt of the user input.

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

8. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising circuitry connected to the charging socket by a plurality of connections,Wherein the user interface is configured to send a user input signal to a controller in response to receipt of the user input; andwherein the circuitry is configured to receive an unlock signal transmitted from the controller in response to receipt of the user input signal and transmit the unlock signal to the charging socket to cause the lock mechanism to unlock.

9. A charging socket assembly according to claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured to receive the user input signal from the user interface and transmit the user input signal to the controller.

10. A charging socket assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the circuitry is configured to receive a close signal transmitted from the controller in response to receipt of the user input signal and transmit the close signal to an actuator to cause the flap to move from the open position to the closed position to thereby closing the flap.

11. A charging socket assembly according to any one of claims 8 or 10, comprising a panel, wherein the panel comprises the charging socket and the user interface, and wherein the circuitry is attached to the panel.

12. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user input comprises a third user input to move the flap from the closed position to the open position, thereby opening the flap; andwherein the flap comprises an engagement member configured to engage the user interface when the flap, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface and provide the third user input.

13. A charging socket assembly according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the engagement member comprises a protrusion for engaging the user interface.

14. 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 a controller configured to receive a user input signal from the user interface in response to the user input;wherein, in response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller is configured to: output an unlock signal to cause the lock mechanism to unlock; and output a close signal to cause the flap to move from the open position to the closed position to thereby close the flap.

15. A vehicle comprising a charging socket assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 13 or the system according to claim 14.

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