Electric vehicle battery service station with retractable wall

Abstract

An electric vehicle (EV) battery service station includes a platform configured to receive an EV and a housing attached to the platform, the housing including a fixed housing wall and a roof attached to the fixed housing wall, the roof overhanging the platform. A plurality of retractable walls are attached to the roof, the retractable walls having an elevated state in which the retractable walls are elevated to allow the EV to enter and exit the platform, and a lowered state in which the retractable walls extend to the platform, whereby the fixed housing wall, the retractable walls, the roof, and the platform define an EV service compartment. One or more motors are mechanically coupled to the retractable walls to transition the retractable walls between the elevated state and the lowered state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Application No. 63 / 383,772, entitled "Electric Vehicle Battery Service Station With Retractable Walls," filed November 15, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to service stations, and more particularly to battery service stations for electric vehicles (EVs). [Background technology]

[0003] To replenish the energy of a depleted battery in an electric vehicle (EV), the depleted battery can be recharged or replaced or swapped with a charged battery. Replacing a depleted battery with a charged battery is similar to filling up the tank of a conventional vehicle. While conventional vehicles can utilize the infrastructure of conventional fuel (e.g., gasoline) stations, a similar infrastructure for battery-swappable electric vehicles (EVs) is not yet available. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Although the exemplary embodiments described herein have novel features, no single feature is essential or solely responsible for desirable properties. The following description and drawings detail certain specific implementations of the present disclosure and illustrate some exemplary means for implementing various principles of the present disclosure. However, such examples are not exhaustive of the many possible embodiments of the present disclosure. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some advantageous features are summarized below. Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present disclosure will be described in the following detailed description of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit it.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a portable electric vehicle (EV) battery service station comprising: a platform configured to receive an EV; a housing attached to the platform, the housing including a fixed housing wall and a roof supported by the fixed housing wall, the roof overhanging the platform; a plurality of retractable walls attached to the roof, the retractable walls having an elevated state in which the retractable walls are elevated to allow the EV to enter and exit the platform, and a lowered state in which the retractable walls extend to the platform, whereby the fixed housing wall, the retractable walls, the roof, and the platform define an EV service compartment; and one or more motors mechanically coupled to the retractable walls to move the retractable walls between the elevated state and the lowered state.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the stationary housing wall is a first stationary housing wall, the housing includes a second stationary housing wall attached to the roof, and the platform is located between the first and second stationary housing walls. In one or more embodiments, the portable EV battery service station further includes a first ramp attached to a first side of the platform and a second ramp attached to a second side of the platform, the first and second ramps being aligned along an axis. In one or more embodiments, the one or more motors are wall motors, the platform is configured to extend and retract between an extended state and a retracted state, and one or more platform motors are mechanically coupled to the platform to transition the platform between the extended state and the retracted state.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the stationary housing wall defines an EV service station equipment compartment. In one or more embodiments, the portable EV battery service station further includes a battery charging rack disposed in the EV service station equipment compartment.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the portable EV battery service station further includes a controller in electrical communication with the motor, the controller configured to generate a first motor control signal that causes the motor to transition the retractable wall between the raised state and the lowered state, and a processor in electrical communication with the controller, the processor configured to generate a processor control signal in response to one or more input signals, the controller generating the motor control signal in response to receiving the processor control signal. In one or more embodiments, the portable EV battery service station further includes one or more sensors configured to detect a position of the EV relative to the EV service station, the processor configured to receive output signals from the sensors, the processor configured to generate a first processor control signal when the processor determines using the output signals from the sensors that the EV is approaching the platform, and in response to receiving the first processor control signal, the controller causes the motor to transition the retractable wall from the lowered state to the raised state.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to generate a second processor control signal when the output signal indicates the EV is located on the platform and under the roof, and in response to receiving the second processor control signal, the controller causes the motor to transition the retractable wall from the raised state to the lowered state. In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to generate a third processor control signal after one or more depleted batteries of the EV are replaced with one or more charged batteries, and in response to receiving the third processor control signal, the controller causes the motor to transition the retractable wall from the lowered state to the raised state.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the sensor includes a camera and / or a weight sensor. In one or more embodiments, the processor and the controller are located in the EV service station equipment room.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the portable EV battery service station further includes a housing wall extension attached to the top of the fixed housing wall and to the roof, the housing wall extension having dimensions configured to increase the height of the roof compared to when the roof is attached to the top of the fixed housing wall. In one or more embodiments, the portable EV battery service station further includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the retractable wall to the platform when the retractable wall is in the lowered position.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is an EV battery service station array comprising: a plurality of platforms, each platform configured to receive a respective EV for a respective EV service station; a housing attached to the platforms, the housing including a plurality of fixed housing walls and a roof attached to the fixed housing walls, the roof overhanging the platforms, each platform positioned between a respective pair of the fixed housing walls; a plurality of pairs of retractable walls attached to the roof, each pair of retractable walls aligned with a respective platform, each pair of retractable walls the retractable walls having a respective raised state that allows the respective EVs to enter and exit the respective platforms, and a respective lowered state in which the respective pairs of retractable walls extend to the respective platforms, whereby the respective pairs of stationary housing walls, the respective pairs of retractable walls, the roof, and the respective platforms define respective EV service rooms; and one or more respective motors mechanically coupled to each pair of retractable walls that transition the respective pairs of stationary housing walls between the respective raised state and the respective lowered state.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the stationary housing walls include first and second outer housing walls and one or more inner housing walls, each inner housing wall positioned between adjacent EV service compartments. In one or more embodiments, each inner wall defines a respective EV service station equipment compartment, each EV service station equipment compartment containing shared equipment for the adjacent EV service compartment. In one or more embodiments, the shared equipment further includes a controller in electrical communication with each motor for the pair of retractable walls of the adjacent EV service compartments, and a processor in electrical communication with the controller, the processor configured to generate processor control signals in response to one or more input signals.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is an EV battery service station matrix comprising a plurality of EV service station arrays, each EV service station array comprising a plurality of platforms, each platform configured to receive a respective EV for a respective EV service station; a housing attached to the platforms, the housing including a plurality of fixed housing walls and a roof attached to the fixed housing walls, the roof overhanging the platforms, each platform positioned between a respective pair of the fixed housing walls; and a plurality of pairs of retractable walls attached to the roof, each pair of retractable walls extending from a respective platform. and one or more motors mechanically associated with each pair of retractable walls to transition each pair of stationary housing walls between the respective raised and lowered states. The EV service station arrays are aligned such that a first EV service station in each EV service station array is aligned with a first central axis and a second EV service station in each EV service station array is aligned with a second central axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein, reference is made to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle service station in a first state in one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric vehicle service station shown in FIG. 1 in a second state in one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the EV service station shown in FIG. 1 in a third state according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electric vehicle service station shown in FIG. 1 in a fourth state in one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the EV service station shown in FIG. 1 illustrating one of the retractable walls transitioning between a retracted state and a lowered state. [Figure 5A] 5A and 5B are front views of the EV service station shown in FIG. 1 with the retractable wall in a retracted position in one embodiment. [Figure 5B] 5A and 5B are front views of the EV service station shown in FIG. 1 with the retractable wall in a retracted position in one embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an EV service station in a first state according to another embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view of the EV service station shown in FIG. 6A in a second state in one embodiment. [Figure 7A] 7A-7C are front views of an EV service station with the retractable wall in a retracted position in one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 7A-7C are front views of an EV service station with the retractable wall in a retracted position in one embodiment. [Figure 7C] 7A-7C are front views of an EV service station with the retractable wall in a retracted position in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a service station in a first state according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an EV service station array in one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an EV service station matrix in one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of an area in FIG. 2 in one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A portable electric vehicle (EV) service station can be deployed anywhere as needed to allow for battery swapping of an EV. For example, the EV service station can be deployed in a parking lot, on the side of a road, or elsewhere. The portable EV service station can be moved between locations, including for installation as needed.

[0017] A portable EV service station includes a platform onto which an electric vehicle (EV) can enter and receive battery swap services. Such portable service stations can be transported on a wheeled platform, towed or crane-driven into position, or assembled on-site depending on the application.

[0018] The platform may include ramps on one or both ends to facilitate real-time entry and exit of electric vehicles to the service station, providing some vertical clearance for the vehicle, especially if other charging or service infrastructure is housed below the vehicle being serviced. A housing is attached to the platform and includes at least one housing wall and a roof attached to the housing wall. Two or more retractable walls are attached to the roof. The retractable walls may be raised to allow EVs to enter and exit the platform and may be lowered during EV servicing. In the lowered state, the retractable walls, housing walls, roof, and platform enclose the EV and define an EV service room. An EV service station equipment room may be defined in one of the housing walls and may store or hold equipment supporting battery swap service. Examples of equipment include a battery charging rack, a controller, a processor, a network interface, and / or one or more motors for the retractable walls. As an example, the matrix of battery module rack locations shown and described below allows for the placement and operation of one or more battery modules to be attached to or detached from an electric vehicle, charged on the rack, serviced on the rack, or prepared for transport outside the service station.

[0019] 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle service station 10 in a first state in one embodiment. Service station 10 includes a housing 100 and a platform 110 attached to housing 100. Service station 10 may be portable and formed of modular components / structures.

[0020] The housing 100 includes at least one fixed wall 120 (e.g., at least one housing wall) and a roof 130 attached to the wall 120. The wall 120 and the roof 130 may be integrally formed as a single structure. Alternatively, the wall 120 and the roof 130 may be separate components attached together by screws, bolts, rivets, interlocking structures, and / or adhesives, etc.

[0021] The roof 130 extends above and / or overhangs at least a portion of the platform 110. A plurality of retractable walls 140 are attached to the roof 130. The retractable walls 140 are configured to transition between a retracted state, as shown in FIG. 1 , and a lowered state, as shown in FIG. 2 . Three retractable walls 140 are attached to the roof 130 such that, when the retractable walls 140 are in the lowered state, the EV 150 is covered and / or surrounded by the retractable walls 140, the roof 130, and the housing wall 120. Only two retractable walls 140 are shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the retractable walls 140 may be referred to as retractable doors.

[0022] When retractable wall 140 is in the retracted state, electric vehicles (EVs) 150 can drive onto platform 110 to receive EV battery service. EV battery service may include replacing one or more depleted (or partially depleted) batteries in EV 150 with one or more charged batteries. EV battery service may include adding and / or removing one or more batteries from EV 150. Additionally, one or more batteries may be added to or removed from a charging station or rack at EV service station 10.

[0023] The platform 110 includes first and second ramps 161, 162, respectively, for allowing the EV 150 to board and disembark the platform 110. The ramps 161, 162 are on opposite sides (e.g., first and second sides) of the platform 110 and are aligned along a central axis 190 ( FIG. 1 ). The platform 110 can optionally transition between an extended state ( FIG. 1 ) and a retracted state ( FIG. 3A ). First and second platform motors 171, 172 are mechanically coupled to the platform 110 and can transition the platform 110 between the extended and retracted states. The platform 110 can include a telescoping mechanism for extending and retracting the platform 110.

[0024] Electric vehicle service station 10 is sized to accommodate an EV, such as EV 150. For example, platform 110, walls 120, and roof 130 have a length, measured along first axis 181 (or along an axis parallel to first axis 181), that is greater than the length of EV 150. Additionally, platform 110, walls 120, and roof 130 have a width, measured along second axis 182 (or along an axis parallel to second axis 182), that is greater than the width of EV 150. First and second axes 181, 182 are perpendicular to each other. Roof 130 is positioned such that a bottom of roof 130 is above a top of EV 150 when EV 150 is on platform 110.

[0025] 2 is a perspective view of the electric vehicle service station 10 in a second state in one embodiment. In the second state, the retractable wall 140 is in a lowered state and the platform 110 is in an extended state. The retractable wall 140 includes a plurality of longitudinal segments 200 that can slidably engage with one another to transition the retractable wall 140 between the retracted state and the lowered state, e.g., telescopically. Each longitudinal segment 200 extends the length of the respective retractable wall 140. For example, the longitudinal segment 200 of the retractable wall 141 extends along the length of the retractable wall 141 measured relative to the second axis 182 (or relative to an axis parallel to the second axis 182). Similarly, the longitudinal segment 200 of the retractable wall 142 extends along the length of the retractable wall 142 measured relative to the first axis 181 (or relative to an axis parallel to the first axis 181). The longitudinal segment 200 of the retractable wall 143 extends along the length of the retractable wall 143 measured relative to the second axis 182 (or relative to an axis parallel to the second axis 182).

[0026] In the lowered state, the retractable walls 140 (e.g., retractable walls 141-143) are covered and / or enclosed by the EV 150. Thus, the retractable walls 140 function as a retractable or retractable EV cover. The retractable walls 140, the roof 130, and the housing wall 120 define the EV service compartment 210. The EV (e.g., the EV 150) remains in the EV service compartment and is protected and / or covered by the retractable EV cover, which can enhance safety by forming a physical barrier to prevent pedestrians, children, or animals from entering while the EV is being serviced. Thus, the retractable wall design of the present application protects the environment from weather and from accidental or intentional tampering during service or battery charging.

[0027] EV service station 10 may include one or more sensors that detect whether an EV is on platform 110 and / or in position to receive service. For example, weight sensor 220 ( FIG. 1 ) may be located on or within platform 110. Weight sensor 220 may be positioned to detect when EV 150 is located under roof 130 and between retractable wall 140 and housing wall 120, such that EV 150 is located in EV service compartment 210 when retractable wall 140 is in a lowered position. Weight sensor 220 also detects when EV 150 drives away from weight sensor 220, such as when EV 150 drives toward second ramp 162 to leave EV service station 10 after servicing.

[0028] One or more additional weight sensors may be positioned on the first ramp 161, the second ramp 162, and / or other portions of the platform 110 (e.g., between the weight sensor 220 and the first ramp 161 and / or between the weight sensor 220 and the second ramp 162) to track the position of the EV 150 as it enters and / or exits the platform 110.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, EV service station 10 may include one or more optical sensors for detecting the presence, location, and / or movement of EV 150. For example, the optical sensors may include cameras 230 that can detect the presence, location, and / or movement of EV 150. Additionally or alternatively, the optical sensors may include a light detector, such as a lidar system, and a light source (e.g., a laser) to detect the presence, location, and / or movement of EV 150.

[0030] Additional sensors, such as radar, may be used to detect the presence, location, and / or movement of the EV 150.

[0031] The EV service station 10 may also be placed in a second state to restrict access to the EV service station 10 when the EV service station 10 is not in operation (eg, after hours).

[0032] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the EV service station 10 in a third state in one embodiment. In the third state, the retractable wall 140 is in a retracted state and the platform 110 is in a retracted state. In the retracted state, the length of the platform 110 measured relative to the first axis 181 is shorter than the length of the platform 110 in the extended state. As a result, the ramps 161, 162 are positioned closer together (e.g., as measured relative to the first axis 181) when the platform 110 is in the retracted state than when the platform 110 is in the extended state. The platform 110 can extend and retract between the extended and retracted states. In the retracted state, the EV service station 10 has a smaller footprint, which may be advantageous when transporting the EV service station 10 to a given location, such as a parking lot or roadside. A smaller footprint may also be advantageous when the EV service station 10 is deployed in a relatively small space and / or when increasing the number of EV service stations that can be deployed in a given area (e.g., reducing the density of EV service stations).

[0033] In further or alternative embodiments, the first and second ramps 161, 162 can pivot inward about their respective pivot axes 301, 302 to reduce the footprint of the EV service station 10. For example, the first and second ramps 161, 162 can pivot to extend upward in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by their respective first and second axes 181, 182. In other examples, the first and second ramps 161, 162 can pivot so that their respective upper surfaces 311, 312 are proximate to or in physical contact with the platform 110, where the upper surfaces 311, 312 are substantially parallel to the upper surface 320 of the platform 110.

[0034] 3B is a perspective view of electric vehicle service station 10 in a fourth state in one embodiment. In the fourth state, retractable wall 140 is in a lowered state and platform 110 is in a retracted state. EV service station 10 may be in the fourth state when transporting EV service station 10 to a given location, such as a parking lot or roadside. EV service station 10 may also be in the fourth state when EV service station 10 is located in a relatively tight space and to restrict access to EV service station 10 while EVs are being serviced or when EV service station 10 is not in operation (e.g., after hours).

[0035] 4 is a side view of EV service station 10 as one of the retractable walls (e.g., retractable wall 141) transitions between a retracted state and a lowered state, with housing wall 120 transparent in this view to illustrate additional features of EV service station 10.

[0036] The housing wall 120 is hollow and provides an EV service station equipment compartment 500. A controller 510, a processor 520, one or more motors 530 (e.g., wall motors), and a network interface 540 are disposed in the EV service station equipment compartment 500. The controller 510 is in electrical communication with the processor 520, the motors 530, and the network interface 540. The controller 510 is configured to send control signals to the motors 530 to cause the motors 530 to transition the retractable wall 140 from a lowered state to a stowed state, or from a stowed state to a lowered state. For example, the motor 530 can rotate in a first direction to transition the retractable wall 140 from the lowered state to the stowed state, and the motor 530 can rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction to transition the retractable wall 140 from the stowed state to the lowered state. Motor 530 is mechanically coupled to each retractable wall 140 (eg, retractable walls 141-143) via, for example, chain 532 and pulley 534.

[0037] The controller 510 may also be in electrical communication with the motors 171, 172 (FIGS. 1 and 3). For example, the controller 510 may send control signals to the motors 171, 172 to cause the motors 171, 172 to transition the platform 110 from an extended state to a retracted state or from a retracted state to an extended state.

[0038] Processor 520 is in electrical communication with sensor 550. Sensor 550 may include a weight sensor (e.g., weight sensor 220), an optical sensor (e.g., camera 230 and / or camera 552), and / or other sensors as described herein. Sensor 550 may generate output signals that can be used and / or interpreted by processor 520 to detect the presence, position, and / or movement of EV 150.

[0039] For example, processor 520 can determine from output signals of camera 552 and / or other sensors 550 that an EV (e.g., EV 150) is approaching EV service station 10. In response to determining that the EV is approaching EV service station 10, processor 520 can send a first control signal to controller 510. In response to the first output signal, controller 510 can send a second control signal to motor 530 to transition retractable wall 140 from the lowered state to the retracted state. Next, processor 520 can determine from output signals of camera 230, weight sensor 220, and / or other sensors 550 that an EV (e.g., EV 150) has traveled on platform 110 and is in a position below roof 130. In response to determining that the EV has traveled on platform 110 and is in a position below roof 130, processor 520 can send a third control signal to controller 510. In response to the third control signal, controller 510 can send a fourth control signal to motor 530 to transition retractable wall 140 from the stowed state to the lowered state. After retractable wall 140 is in the lowered state, processor 520 can send one or more control signals to replace one or more discharged batteries in the EV with one or more charged batteries 560 from a battery charging rack 562 in the EV service station equipment room 500. After the batteries are replaced, processor 520 can send a fifth control signal to controller 510. In response to the fifth control signal, controller 510 can send a sixth control signal to motor 530 to transition retractable wall 140 from the lowered state to the stowed state.

[0040] A battery exchange robot can be used to exchange discharged batteries for charged batteries. Additional details of exemplary battery exchange robots and / or other aspects of EV service stations are described in application Ser. No. 18 / 317,985, entitled "Configurable Vehicle Lift and Service Station," filed May 16, 2023, and / or application Ser. No. 18 / 318,001, entitled "Battery-Exchange System and Service Station," filed May 16, 2023, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] The processor 520 may also generate output control signals that cause the controller 510 to transition the platform 110 from the extended state to the retracted state or from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0042] Network interface 540 may include a wireless communication link, such as an antenna or modem, that enables controller 510 and / or processor 520 to communicate with external devices and / or servers. For example, network interface 540 may wirelessly couple EV service station 10 to a local or wide area network that is directly or indirectly coupled to the Internet, a virtual private network, or other network. Additionally or alternatively, network interface 540 may include a wired communication link, such as a wired communication port or modem, that enables controller 510 and / or processor 520 to communicate with external devices and / or servers.

[0043] In one embodiment, network interface 540 can receive one or more data signals from the server and / or EV regarding an EV service request. The data signals can include the number of batteries to be exchanged with the EV, credits and / or debits to the user's account, and / or details of the EV's location. Processor 520 can use the EV's location, such as its GPS coordinates (e.g., in addition to or instead of output signals from camera 552 and / or other sensors 550 described above), to determine when the EV is approaching EV service station 10.

[0044] 5A and 5B are front views of EV service station 10 with wall 140 in a retracted position in one embodiment. Roof 130 can be modularly attached to housing wall 120 to allow for variable roof height. As shown in FIG. 5B, a modular housing wall extension 570 can be attached to the top of housing wall 120. Attaching roof 130 to housing wall extension 570 (FIG. 5B) allows for a greater height of roof 130 than when roof 130 is attached to housing wall 120. Increasing the height of roof 130 increases the height of EV service compartment 210, allowing taller EVs, such as trucks, to utilize and access EV service station 10.

[0045] The height of the modular housing wall extensions 570 can be set to provide a target height for the roof 130 and a corresponding target height for the EV service room 210. In some embodiments, multiple housing wall extensions 570 having different heights can be provided to switch between different target heights for the roof 130 and respective target heights for the EV service room 210.

[0046] In other embodiments, the housing walls 120 can extend up and down to provide a variable roof height.

[0047] In some embodiments, the extended retractable wall 140 can be locked to the platform 110, for example, to improve security during use and / or to prevent theft or vandalism (e.g., when the EV service station is not in use).

[0048] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , which is a detailed view of region 1100 of FIG. 2 in one embodiment, the bottom of one or more retractable walls 140 can include a latching mechanism, such as a striker 1110. The striker 1100 is configured to mechanically engage a strike slot 1120 defined in the platform 1100. The strike slot 1120 can have a length that can accept the striker 1110 regardless of the extended or retracted state of the platform 1100. When the striker 1110 is within the striker slot 1120, one or more motors 1130 can mechanically engage a latch within the striker slot 1120 with the striker 1110, locking the retractable wall 140 in the extended state. The motor 1130 can also mechanically disengage the latch within the striker slot 1120 from the striker 1110, unlocking the retractable wall 140. An emergency release button or bar 1140 can unlock the retractable wall if, for example, the motor 1130 fails or is unresponsive.

[0049] In other embodiments, the striker slot 1120 may be located at the bottom of the retractable wall 140 and the striker 1110 may be located on the platform 1100.

[0050] An exemplary striker 1110 and latch 1200 is shown in Figure 12. When the motor 1130 moves the latch 1200 laterally into the frame of the striker 1110, the striker 1110 is locked. When the motor 1130 moves the latch 1200 laterally away from the frame 1112 of the striker 1110, as shown, the striker 1110 is unlocked.

[0051] 6A is a perspective view of EV service station 60 in a first state in another embodiment. EV service station 60 is similar to EV service station 10, except that housing 100 of EV service station 60 includes first and second housing walls 621, 622 instead of a single housing wall 120. First housing wall 621 is similar to housing wall 120. Thus, both housing walls 621, 120 comprise EV service station equipment compartment 500 (FIG. 4). EV service station 60 can be configured in the same state as EV service station 10. Service station 60 can be portable and formed of modular components / structures.

[0052] The first and second housing walls 621, 622 are spaced apart such that the platform 100 is located between and / or attached to the first and second housing walls 621, 622. The first and second housing walls 621, 622 are attached to and / or integrally formed with the roof 130. Furthermore, the first and second housing walls 621, 622 are fixed.

[0053] The second housing wall 622 has a width, as measured relative to the second axis 182, that is thinner than the first housing wall 621. The roof 130 is attached to and / or integrally formed with the first and second walls 621, 622.

[0054] EV service station 60 includes two retractable walls 140 (only one retractable wall 140 is visible in this perspective view). Retractable walls 140 extend parallel to each other and to second axis 182. One retractable wall 140 is located at the entrance of EV service station 60, and the other retractable wall 140 is located at the exit of EV service station 60. In this view, retractable walls 140 are in a retracted position and platform 110 is in a retracted position. Alternatively, retractable walls 140 may be referred to as retractable doors.

[0055] 6B is a side view of an embodiment of the EV service station 60 in a second state, in which the two retractable walls 140 (only one retractable wall 140 is visible in this side view) are in a lowered position.

[0056] 7A-7C show front views of EV service station 60 with wall 140 in a retracted position in one embodiment. Roof 130 can be modularly attached to housing walls 621, 622 to allow for variable roof height in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. First and second housing wall extensions 570, 770 are attached to first and second housing walls 621, 622, respectively, to set the height of roof 130. The length / height of first and second housing wall extensions 570, 770 can be varied to customize the height of 130 and the corresponding EV service room 210.

[0057] 7B and 7C are examples of housing wall extensions 570 having different heights.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of EV service station 80 in a first state in another embodiment. EV service station 80 is similar to EV service station 60, except that in EV service station 80, first and second housing walls 821, 822 have the same or approximately the same width as measured relative to second axis 182, whereas in EV service station 60, first housing wall 621 is wider than second housing wall 622 as measured relative to second axis 182. The wider second housing wall 822 may be used to house additional components. For example, both first and second housing walls 821, 822 may include respective EV service station equipment compartments 500. Additionally, having equal (or substantially equal) widths for first and second walls 821, 822 may improve the aesthetics of EV service station 80 compared to EV service station 60. EV service station 80 may be configured in the same state as EV service station 10.

[0059] 9 is a perspective view of EV service station array 90 in one embodiment. The array includes multiple EV service stations 900A-D (generally, EV service stations 900). Each EV service station 900 can be similar to EV service station 80 or EV service station 60. Array 90 can include additional or fewer EV service stations 900.

[0060] In array 90, each EV service station shares at least one housing wall with an adjacent EV service station. For example, EV service stations 900A and 900B share a common inner housing wall 911, EV service stations 900B and 900C share a common inner housing wall 912, and EV service stations 900C and 900D share a common inner housing wall 913. The first and last EV service stations 900A and 900D have respective outer housing walls 914 and 915 that are not shared with an adjacent EV service station.

[0061] In one embodiment, each common inner housing wall 911-913 includes a respective EV service station equipment compartment 921-923, which may be similar to EV service station equipment compartment 500. Each EV service station equipment compartment may be shared with adjacent EV service stations. For example, common / shared EV service station equipment compartment 921 may be shared by EV service stations 900A and 900B, common / shared EV service station equipment compartment 922 may be shared by EV service stations 900B and 900C, and common / shared EV service station equipment compartment 923 may be shared by EV service stations 900C and 900D. This configuration allows equipment within each common / shared EV service station equipment compartment, such as a controller (e.g., controller 510), processor (e.g., processor 520), network interface (e.g., network interface 540), charged batteries (e.g., charged batteries 560), and / or battery charging rack (e.g., battery charging rack 562), to be shared with adjacent / neighboring EV service stations. Each EV service station 900 preferably has its own motor for driving each pair of retractable walls 140 (only one retractable wall 140 is visible in FIG. 9 for each EV service station 900).

[0062] In an optional embodiment, one or both outer housing walls 914 , 915 can include a respective EV service station equipment compartment, which can be similar to EV service station equipment compartment 500 .

[0063] The array 90 includes a housing 930 including common inner housing walls 911-913, outer housing walls 914, 915, and a roof 940. The housing walls 911-913, the outer housing walls 914, 915, and / or the roof 940 may be attached together and / or integrally formed.

[0064] Each platform 110 extends along a respective central axis 950A-D (generally, central axis 950) that is parallel to one another. The first and second retractable walls 140 of each EV service station 900 are aligned and / or centered about their respective central axis 950. The central axis 950 may be an axis of symmetry for each EV service station 900. Each EV service station 900 is aligned and / or centered about their respective central axis 950.

[0065] 10 is a perspective view of an EV service station matrix 1000 including multiple arrays 90 of EV service stations 900. The arrays 90 are aligned such that a first EV service station 900A of each array 90 is aligned and / or centered about a first central axis 950A, a second EV service station 900B of each array 90 is aligned and / or centered about a second central axis 950B, a third EV service station 900C of each array 90 is aligned and / or centered about a third central axis 950C, and a fourth EV service station 900D of each array 90 is aligned and / or centered about a fourth central axis 950D.

[0066] Each array 90 may include additional or fewer EV service stations 900. Each array 90 preferably has the same number of EV service stations 900. The matrix 1000 may include additional or fewer arrays 90.

[0067] The arrays 90 in the matrix 1000 may be spaced apart so that an EV can enter an EV service station 900 in any of the arrays 90. Alternatively, the arrays 90 may be closely spaced so that (e.g., in a given "row" or matrix 90) an EV travels through "columns" of EV service stations 900 (e.g., the first EV service station 900A in each array 90) until it reaches the last available EV service station 900. A processor in one of the EV service station equipment rooms 921-923 in one of the arrays 90, or another processor, may execute program instructions that can direct the EV to the appropriate EV service station 900 in the matrix 1000 of columns and rows.

[0068] The present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments described above. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of this disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be implemented in a variety of ways. One or more aspects and embodiments involving the execution of a process or method can utilize program instructions executable by a device (e.g., a computer, processor, or other device) to perform or control the execution of the process or method.

[0069] In this regard, the various inventive concepts may be embodied as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or multiple non-transitory computer-readable storage media) (e.g., any suitable type of computer memory including a transient or non-transitory digital storage unit, circuitry in a field programmable gate array or other semiconductor device, or other tangible computer storage medium), which may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement one or more of the various embodiments described above. When implemented in software (e.g., as an app), the software code may be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided on a single computer or distributed across multiple computers.

[0070] Furthermore, it should be understood that a computer may be embodied in any of numerous forms, such as, but not limited to, a rack-mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. Additionally, a computer may be incorporated into devices not generally considered computers but having suitable processing capabilities, including a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, or other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.

[0071] The computer may also have one or more communication devices that may be used to interconnect the computer to one or more other devices and / or systems, for example, one or more networks of any suitable type, including local area networks or wide area networks, such as enterprise networks, intelligent networks (IN) or the Internet, etc. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol, and may include wireless networks or wired networks.

[0072] A computer may also have one or more input devices and / or one or more output devices. These devices may be used to present, among other things, a user interface. Examples of output devices that may be used to provide a user interface may include a printer or display screen to present output visually, and a speaker or other sound-generating device to present output audibly. Examples of input devices that may be used in a user interface include a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse, touchpad, and digital tablet. As another example, a computer may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible formats.

[0073] The non-transitory computer-readable medium or media may be portable so that the program or programs stored thereon may be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement one or more of the various aspects described above. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0074] The terms "program," "app," and "software" are used generically herein to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be used to program a computer or other processor to implement the various aspects described above. Furthermore, it should be understood that in one aspect, one or more computer programs that, when executed, perform the methods of the present application need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be modularly distributed among several different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present application.

[0075] Computer-executable instructions may be executed by one or more computers or other devices in many ways, such as, for example, as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0076] Additionally, data structures may be stored in any suitable format on a computer-readable medium. For ease of explanation, data structures may be depicted as having fields that are related through their location within the data structure. Such relationships may similarly be achieved by assigning storage locations for the fields to locations within a computer-readable medium that convey the relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish relationships between information in the fields of a data structure, which may include the use of pointers, tags, or other mechanisms for establishing relationships between data elements.

[0077] Thus, the present disclosure and claims encompass new and innovative improvements over existing methods and techniques, previously unknown and unimplemented, to achieve the beneficial results described above. Users of the present method and system will derive tangible benefits from the functionality made possible by the specific modifications described herein and that bring to their users the benefits of the system and its output. It is expected that significantly improved operation can be achieved when implementing the claimed invention using the technical components described herein.

[0078] Also, as noted above, some aspects may be implemented as one or more methods. The actions performed as part of a method may be ordered in any suitable way. Thus, while the described embodiments are shown as a series of actions, embodiments may be constructed to perform actions in an order different from that described, which may include performing some actions simultaneously.

[0079] Accordingly, this disclosure supports several exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A portable electric vehicle (EV) battery service station, comprising: a platform configured to receive an EV; a housing attached to the platform, the housing including a fixed housing wall and a roof supported by the fixed housing wall, the roof overhanging the platform; a plurality of retractable walls attached to the roof, the retractable walls having an elevated state in which the retractable walls are elevated to allow the EV to enter and exit the platform, and a lowered state in which the retractable walls extend to the platform, whereby the fixed housing wall, the retractable walls, the roof, and the platform define an EV service room; one or more motors mechanically associated with the retractable wall to transition the retractable wall between the raised and lowered positions; A portable EV battery service station.

2. The portable EV battery service station according to claim 1, the stationary housing wall is a first stationary housing wall; the housing includes a second fixed housing wall attached to the roof; the platform being located between the first and second stationary housing walls; Portable EV battery service station.

3. The portable EV battery service station according to claim 1, further comprising: a first ramp attached to a first side of the platform; a second ramp attached to a second side of the platform; and and the first and second ramps being aligned along an axis; Portable EV battery service station.

4. The portable EV battery service station according to claim 3, the one or more motors are wall motors; the platform is configured to extend and retract between an extended state and a retracted state; one or more platform motors in mechanical communication with the platform to transition the platform between the extended and retracted states; Portable EV battery service station.

5. 10. The portable EV battery service station of claim 1, wherein the stationary housing wall defines an EV service station equipment compartment.

6. 6. The portable EV battery service station of claim 5, further comprising a battery charging rack located in the EV service station equipment room.

7. The portable EV battery service station according to claim 5, further comprising: a controller in electrical communication with the motor, the controller configured to generate a first motor control signal that causes the motor to transition the retractable wall between the raised state and the lowered state; a processor in electrical communication with the controller, the processor configured to generate processor control signals in response to one or more input signals; and the controller generating the motor control signals in response to receiving the processor control signals; Portable EV battery service station.

8. 8. The portable EV battery service station of claim 7, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect a position of the EV relative to the EV service station; the processor is configured to receive an output signal from the sensor; the processor is configured to generate a first processor control signal when the processor determines, using the output signal from the sensor, that the electric vehicle is approaching the platform; In response to receiving the first processor control signal, the controller causes the motor to transition the retractable wall from the lowered state to the raised state. Portable EV battery service station.

9. 9. The portable EV battery service station according to claim 8, the processor is configured to generate a second processor control signal when the output signal indicates that the electric vehicle is located on the platform and under the roof; In response to receiving the second processor control signal, the controller causes the motor to transition the retractable wall from the raised state to the lowered state. Portable EV battery service station.

10. 10. The portable EV battery service station according to claim 9, the processor is configured to generate a third processor control signal after one or more depleted batteries of the electric vehicle are replaced with one or more charged batteries; In response to receiving the third processor control signal, the controller causes the motor to transition the retractable wall from the lowered state to the raised state. Portable EV battery service station.

11. 11. The portable EV battery service station of claim 10, wherein the sensors include a camera and / or a weight sensor.

12. 8. The portable EV battery service station of claim 7, wherein the processor and the controller are located in the EV service station equipment room.

13. 10. The portable EV battery service station of claim 1, further comprising a housing wall extension attached to the top of the fixed housing wall and to the roof, the housing wall extension having dimensions configured to increase the height of the roof compared to when the roof is attached to the top of the fixed housing wall.

14. 10. The portable EV battery service station of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the retractable wall to the platform when the retractable wall is in the lowered position.

15. 1. An electric vehicle (EV) battery service station array, comprising: a plurality of platforms, each configured to receive a respective EV for a respective EV service station; a housing attached to the platform, the housing including a plurality of stationary housing walls and a roof attached to the stationary housing walls, the roof overhanging the platform, each platform located between a respective pair of stationary housing walls; a plurality of pairs of retractable walls attached to the roof, each pair aligned with a respective platform, each pair having a respective raised state that allows the respective EV to enter and exit the respective platform, and a respective lowered state in which the respective pair of retractable walls extends to the respective platform, whereby the respective pair of fixed housing walls, the respective pair of retractable walls, the roof, and the respective platform define a respective EV service room; a respective one or more motors mechanically associated with each pair of retractable walls for transitioning said respective pair of stationary housing walls between said respective raised condition and said respective lowered condition; EV battery service station array having:

16. 16. The EV battery service station array of claim 15, wherein the stationary housing walls include first and second outer housing walls and one or more inner housing walls, each inner housing wall positioned between adjacent EV service compartments.

17. 17. The EV battery service station array of claim 16, wherein each interior wall defines a respective EV service station equipment compartment, each EV service station equipment compartment containing shared equipment for the adjacent EV service compartment.

18. 20. The EV battery service station array of claim 17, wherein the shared equipment includes a battery charging rack.

19. 20. The EV battery service station array of claim 17, wherein the shared equipment further comprises: a controller in electrical communication with each motor for the pair of retractable walls of the adjacent EV service rooms; a processor in electrical communication with the controller, the processor configured to generate processor control signals in response to one or more input signals; EV battery service station array having:

20. 1. An electric vehicle (EV) battery service station matrix comprising: a plurality of EV service station arrays, each EV service station array comprising: a plurality of platforms, each configured to receive a respective EV for a respective EV service station; a housing attached to the platform, the housing including a plurality of stationary housing walls and a roof attached to the stationary housing walls, the roof overhanging the platform, each platform located between a respective pair of stationary housing walls; a plurality of pairs of retractable walls attached to the roof, each pair aligned with a respective platform, each pair having a respective raised state that allows the respective EV to enter and exit the respective platform, and a respective lowered state in which the respective pair of retractable walls extends to the respective platform, whereby the respective pair of fixed housing walls, the respective pair of retractable walls, the roof, and the respective platform define a respective EV service room; a respective one or more motors mechanically associated with each pair of retractable walls to transition said respective pair of stationary housing walls between said respective raised condition and said respective lowered condition; and the EV service station arrays are aligned such that a first EV service station in each EV service station array is aligned with a first central axis and a second EV service station in each EV service station array is aligned with a second central axis; the plurality of EV service station arrays; EV Battery Service Station Matrix.

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