Charging station system

Abstract

A charging station system is disclosed. In some implementations, the charging station system includes a control circuit and a mechanical arm communicatively connected to the control circuit. The mechanical arm is configured to adjust the dispensing location of the charging cord. The dispensing location is adjustable to different locations based on at least a first location of a first charging receptacle of a first vehicle and a second location of a second charging receptacle of a second vehicle. The second location is further from the power source than the first location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Claim of Priority This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 488,319, filed on March 3, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] This specification relates to improvements to charging stations such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. An electric vehicle charging station is a device that provides electrical energy to recharge the battery of an electric vehicle. A charging port physically connects to the vehicle and enables electric power to flow from the EV charging station to the vehicle via a cord that connects the charging port to a charger at the EV charging station.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Generally, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied by a system that includes a control circuit and a mechanical arm communicatively connected to the control circuit and configured to adjust the dispensing location of a charging cord. The dispensing location can be adjusted to different locations based at least on a first location of a first charging receptacle of a first vehicle and a second location of a second charging receptacle of a second vehicle, and the second location is farther from a power source than the first location.

[0004] These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of the following features. The system can include a movable base configured to (i) move the mechanical arm toward a power source configured to provide power to the charging cord and (ii) move the mechanical arm away from a power source configured to provide power to the charging cord.

[0005] The mechanical arm can be mounted on a movable base and is configured to move the movable base up and down based on a first height of the first charging receptacle and a second height of the second charging receptacle.

[0006] The system may include a receptacle detection device comprising one or more sensors and one or more processors. The receptacle detection device may be configured to perform operations including detecting a first location of a first charging receptacle or a second location of a second charging receptacle based on data collected using one or more sensors, and aligning the physical locations of charging ports of a charging station based on detecting the first location of the first charging receptacle or the second location of the second charging receptacle.

[0007] The receptacle detection device can be configured to perform operations including connecting a charging port to a given charging receptacle and initiating charging by a charging station, at least in part, based on the fact that the charging port is electrically connected to the given charging receptacle.

[0008] The receptacle detection device can be configured to perform actions including detecting when charging is complete and, after charging is complete, retracting the charging port from a given charging receptacle. Detecting when charging is complete can include detecting one or more of the following: (i) when the charging cycle is complete while the charging port is still connected to a given charging receptacle, or (ii) when the charging port has been physically removed from a given charging receptacle. Retracting the charging port can include one or more of the following: (i) re-spooling a section of the charging cord, or (ii) retracting a portion of the telescopic or folding part of a mechanical arm. The base can be positioned on the opposite side of the parking block from the power source that provides power to the charging cord, and the charging cord can electrically connect the base to the power source. The charging cord can be routed through the parking block.

[0009] The mechanical arm may include a telescopic or folding section and a cord dispenser attached to the telescopic or folding section. The cord dispenser may be configured to dispense and retract a portion of the charging cord. The cord dispenser may include a spring-loaded retraction mechanism configured to retract the charging cord. The cord dispenser may include a motor-driven retraction mechanism.

[0010] The system may further include a control circuit configured to perform actions including identifying the characteristics of a vehicle located within a given physical area. The control circuit may be configured to perform actions including adjusting the charging parameters of a charging station based on the characteristics of a vehicle located within a given physical area, and moving a mechanical arm to a specific position based on the characteristics of a vehicle located within a given physical area.

[0011] The control circuit can be configured to perform actions that further include monitoring the vehicle's charging status and, based on the vehicle's charging status reaching a fully charged state, moving a mechanical arm to a designated location.

[0012] The system may include a solar power collection system configured to provide power to electric vehicle charging stations, including chargers.

[0013] The system may include a parking block. The parking block may be configured to have an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being configured to be closer to the ground than the upper surface when the parking block is installed. The parking block may have a cord channel defined in a location within the parking block between the upper surface and the lower surface, the cord channel may be a cavity configured to receive a cord that connects an electric vehicle (EV) charger to an EV charging port configured to physically connect to an EV. The cord channel may be accessible through the lower surface of the parking block. The cord channel may be accessible from the outer surface of the parking block. The cord channel may be accessible from two outer surfaces of the parking block.

[0014] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a manner that includes one or more of the following steps: detecting an EV by physically approaching a sensor; acquiring information about the EV; detecting the location of a given charging receptacle of the EV; adjusting the dispensing location of a charging cord base based on the location of the given charging receptacle; aligning the physical location of a charging port within the given charging receptacle; connecting the charging port to the given charging receptacle; charging the EV; retracting the charging port when a charging completion state is reached; and moving a mechanical arm to a designated location after a charging completion state is reached.

[0015] Certain embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. For example, the subject matter described herein can prevent the cords of an EV charging station (also referred to for simplicity as a charging station) from being scattered across the ground, thereby reducing the risk of tripping for users of the charging station and pedestrians walking near the charging station. For example, a new parking block (also known as a wheel stop) configured to route the cords through the parking block can be used to eliminate the risk of tripping that would be caused by leaving the cords exposed (e.g., lying on the ground). Since parking blocks are already used to mark the edges of parking spaces and to prevent cars from hitting charging stations (or other objects), routing the cords through specially configured parking blocks eliminates any additional risk of tripping that would otherwise be caused by exposed cords.

[0016] As discussed in more detail below, the solutions described herein can also be constructed using lower-profile (e.g., flattened) cords to connect the chargers of the charging station to the charging ports. These lower-profile cords reduce the height of any cord laid above the ground compared to conventionally used higher-profile (e.g., rounded) cords.

[0017] Furthermore, the solutions described herein may reduce the size of structures previously used to house the components of an EV charging station, or even eliminate the need for such structures altogether. For example, one or more components of an EV charging station may be incorporated into a parking block and / or mechanical arm (or another structure) located closer to the designated parking space for the EV being charged. In some scenarios, the components housed within the parking block may be directly plugged into a low-frequency (e.g., 50Hz-60Hz) AC power supply and capable of regulating the low-frequency AC power for use when charging the EV. In some implementations, the components housed within the parking block may receive high-frequency AC power (e.g., greater than 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, or 1000Hz) from a step-up transformer plugged into a low-frequency AC power supply (or connected to the components of the EV charging station) and direct the high-frequency AC power to other circuits located closer to the charging port than the parking block. In some situations, parking blocks may include step-down transformers and / or rectifiers, which reduce the frequency of received high-frequency AC power (potentially to DC) and provide output power to the charging port or to circuits closer to the charging port (e.g., electrically and / or physically) than the components contained within the parking block. By transferring power at higher frequencies, smaller conductors can be used, which reduces the tripping hazard associated with exposed cable laying in areas designated for EV charging.

[0018] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are given in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the drawings and the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram of a vehicle connected to an EV charging station. [Figure 2A] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2C] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2D] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2E] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2F] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2G] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2H] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2I] [[ID=3l]]It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2J] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 2K] It is a diagram showing different configurations of a cable channel formed in a parking block. [Figure 3A] It is a diagram depicting different configurations of a cable channel. [Figure 3B] It is a diagram depicting different configurations of a cable channel. [Figure 3C] [[ID=4l]]It is a diagram depicting different configurations of a cable channel. [Figure 3D] It is a diagram depicting different configurations of a cable channel. [Figure 4A]This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4B] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4C] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4D] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4E] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4F] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4G] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4H] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4I] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4J] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 4K] This diagram illustrates different configurations of the mechanical arms of a charging station. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram of a robot charging assistant. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram of a robot charging assistant. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram of an automated charging system in a parking structure. [Figure 6B] This is a diagram of an automated charging system in a parking structure. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a configuration in which high-frequency alternating current ("AC") power is used to accelerate EV charging. [Figure 8] This is an exemplary process flowchart for controlling a mechanical arm. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Similar reference figures and designations in various drawings indicate similar elements.

[0021] This specification describes methods, systems, and computer-readable media for implementing improvements to charging station systems. A charging station system may include a set of components that can be used, for example, to reduce or eliminate the risk of tripping associated with charging station cords being scattered (or piled up) across the ground near a charging station. In some implementations, the system may include a base configured to be fixed to a support surface (e.g., the ground, concrete, a wall, a ceiling, or a movable support surface (e.g., a wheel assembly, track system, or tread)) and a mechanical arm connected to the base. The mechanical arm is configured to adjust the power dispensing location of charging cords and / or charging ports of a charging system (e.g., an electric vehicle (EV) charging station). For example, the charging port and / or charging cord of a charging station can be housed in (or attached to) a mechanical arm, and depending on the location of the charging receptacle on the EV, the mechanical arm can be moved closer to the charging receptacle, so that fewer charging cords need to be dispensed, which can reduce or prevent the charging cord from being on the ground. In some situations, the mechanical arm can be automatically inserted into the charging receptacle of the EV, so that the charging process can be automated, which can prevent any charging cord from touching and / or being exposed to the ground. As discussed in more detail below, the mechanical arm can have a fixed base that does not move, and the mechanical arm can either extend and retract or unfold to adjust the location of the charging port and / or charging cord.Alternatively, the mechanical arm may have a movable base, which can move (for example, along a track, or using a tread or wheels not on a track) to position the charging port and / or charging cord closer to the EV's charging receptacle.

[0022] Furthermore, this specification describes systems and methods for implementing parking blocks that reduce the risk of tripping caused by cords at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. As described in more detail below, specially configured parking blocks can be used to conceal the charging cords that connect the chargers of a charging station to the charging ports (e.g., plugs that connect to EVs). For example, a parking block can be formed to have a cord channel (e.g., a cavity) through which the charging cords can be routed. By routing the charging cords through the cord channel of the parking block, the cords are no longer exposed and no longer pose a tripping hazard. In some implementations, the cord channel can be round, or otherwise, can have an arc shape, so that a round charging cable can be routed through the cord channel. In some implementations, the cord channel is rectangular to accommodate a flat (e.g., rectangular) cable (e.g., a ribbon cable). Using flat cables can reduce the profile of the charging cables, making any exposed cables (e.g., between a charging station and a parking block, or between a parking block and a charging port) less likely to cause tripping than the round charging cables currently in use. As discussed below, these parking blocks can be used in combination with mechanical arms to further reduce the amount of charging cord exposed and / or lying on the ground.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle (EV) 110 connected to an EV charging station 120. As shown, the charging station 120 has a charging cord 130 that connects the charger of the charging station 120 to the charging port 140 of the charging station 120, which physically connects the charging station 120 to the EV 110. Typically, the charging cord 130 is very long (for example, at least the length of the vehicle to be charged) so that the charging port 140 at the end of the charging cord 130 can reach the charging receptacle of the car that will receive the charging port 140 of the charging station 120. For example, the EV110 is shown with the charging port 140 connected at the end of the EV110 closest to the charging station 120, but the charging cord 130 is generally long enough to reach the opposite end of the EV110, so that the charging port 140 can still be connected to the EV110 even if its charging receptacle is positioned at the other end of the EV110, or even if the EV110 is pulled in the opposite direction into the parking space. Furthermore, it is common to use parking blocks 150 to maintain a safe distance between the EV110 and the charging station 120, which increases the length of the charging cord 130 required to ensure that the charging port 140 can reach the EV110. This often results in portions of the charging cord 130 being laid on the ground either scattered or piled up, which creates a significant tripping hazard for people walking (or otherwise moving around) near the exposed charging cord 130.

[0024] Parking blocks are commonly used devices to indicate proper parking spots for vehicles and to maintain a safe distance between vehicles and other objects (e.g., walls, buildings, sidewalks, and charging stations). Parking blocks 150 can be made from concrete, plastic, rubber, or another suitable rigid material and are installed along the edge of a parking space to physically prevent vehicles from driving onto the curb or rolling into another space. Parking blocks 150 can be fixed to the ground using anchor bolts. For example, parking blocks 150 can be drilled and then bolted to a pavement or concrete surface using concrete anchors. Anchors often consist of a threaded rod (typically made from steel) embedded in the concrete, with nuts and washers at the ends to hold the block in place. In some cases, adhesive may also be used in conjunction with anchor bolts to provide added stability and safety. Once installed, the parking block 150 is generally not movable, and the charging cord 130 is often laid on top of the parking block 150 when the charging port 140 is attached to the EV110, which increases the risk of tripping over the charging cord 130. This is because the charging cord 130 is now elevated off the ground rather than lying flat.

[0025] The risk of tripping caused by charging cords lying on the ground and / or elevated above the ground by parking blocks can be reduced or eliminated by specially configured parking blocks through which the charging cords can be routed. For example, as discussed further below, parking blocks can have a cord channel generated through the body of the parking block so that the charging cords can pass through the parking block and be concealed by it. The cord channel can take many different forms and, among other factors, can pass through different parts of the parking block depending on the location / arrangement of the charging station. Furthermore, as discussed in detail with reference to Figures 4A-4C, sets of multiple parking blocks can be manufactured as a series of electrically connected parking blocks interconnected by a set of conductors (e.g., wires or charging cords). These sets of conductors can be flexible so that the parking blocks can be arranged in a "stacked" configuration for transport and then unstacked / unfolded at the desired installation location in a ready-to-use manner.

[0026] Figure 2A is a diagram of the charging cord 205 routed through the parking block 210. As shown, the charging cord 205 connects the charging station 120 to a charging port, which is physically connected to the EV 110. The charging cord 205 enters the parking block 210 at an entry port 215, is routed through a cord channel 220 defined within the body of the parking block 210, and exits the parking block 210 at an exit port 225. The parking block 210 in Figure 2A is configured with an entry port 215 defined (e.g., generated) within a first side surface 230 of the parking block 210, and an exit port 225 defined on a second side surface (not visible) on the side of the parking block 210 opposite to the first side surface 230.

[0027] As used herein, the side surface of a parking block refers to a surface of the parking block that is (i) between the top surface and the bottom surface of the parking block and (ii) has a larger surface area than the end of the parking block between the side surface and the opposite side surface that is opposite to the top surface and the bottom surface. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the first side surface 230 is (i) located between the top surface 235 and the bottom surface (not visible) of the parking block 210 and (ii) has a larger surface area than the side 240 between the first side surface 230 and the second side surface (not visible) that is opposite to the top surface and the bottom surface relative to the first side surface. The external surface of the parking block includes the side surface (e.g., 230), the end surface (e.g., 240), the top surface (e.g., 235), and the bottom surface.

[0028] The upper surface 235 of the parking block is generally configured to be further away from the ground when the parking block 210 is installed (e.g., in an installed state), while the lower surface of the parking block 210 is configured to be closer to the ground (e.g., in contact with the ground or in contact with one or more materials between the parking block 210 and the ground) when the parking block 210 is installed (e.g., in an installed state). In some implementations, the parking block 210 is considered to be in an installed state when it is bolted to the ground (or the surface between the ground and the parking block 210) or otherwise fixed in place.

[0029] As described above, the code channel 220 is defined within the main body of the parking block 210. In other words, the code channel 220 is created in a location within the parking block (including both ends) between the upper surface 235 and the bottom surface. In some implementations, the code channel can be defined by creating a cavity within the material of the parking block. The cavity can be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive a charging cord 205 that connects the EV charging station 120 to the EV 110 (e.g., via a charging port).

[0030] As shown in Figures 3A to 3D (Figures 3A to 3D illustrate different configurations of the cord channel), the cavity defining the cord channel can be generated in different ways (e.g., different geometric shapes or locations) so that the cord channel can be accessed in different ways. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the cord channel 302 is generated as a circular cavity formed at a specific distance (D) from the bottom surface 304 of the parking block 306. When configured in this way, the cord channel is accessible from / through the side or end surfaces of the parking block, but not from / through the bottom surface 304 of the parking block 306. The circular shape of the cord channel 302 constitutes a parking block for use with circular cords (e.g., EV charging cords or other conductors). In other words, the cord channel 302 is configured to accept a circular charging cord based on the fact that the periphery of the cord channel is arc-shaped / circular.

[0031] Figure 3B shows another configuration of the cord channel 308. In this configuration, the cord channel is accessible through the bottom surface 310 of the parking block 312 and, again, is configured to accept a round cord (e.g., a round charging cord). The cord channel 308 is accessible through the bottom surface 310 because the cavity defining the cord channel 308 removes a portion of the bottom surface 310, allowing the cord to be inserted into the parking block 312 through an opening in the bottom surface 310. The round shape of the cavity constitutes the cord channel 308 for use with a round conductor.

[0032] Figure 3C shows another configuration of a cord channel 314 accessible through the bottom surface 316 of the parking block 318. This is because a cord (e.g., a charging cord) can be inserted into the cord channel 314 from the bottom of the parking block 318. This cord channel 314 is rectangular in shape, thereby configuring it to accept a flat (e.g., rectangular) cord (e.g., a ribbon cable). Using a flat cord reduces the cord profile (e.g., height), which reduces the risk of tripping over a round cord with similar electrical ratings. This is because the metal required to achieve a particular electrical rating is spread over a larger area, which reduces the height of the cord.

[0033] Figure 3D shows that the cord channel 320 is generated at a distance D from the bottom surface 322 of the parking block 324. As shown, the cord channel is accessible from / through the external surface of the parking block 324 (e.g., the side surface or end surface), but not from / through the bottom surface 322 of the parking block 324. The angled / rectangular shape around the cord channel 320 causes the parking block to be configured for use with flat / rectangular cords (e.g., EV charging cords or other conductors) (e.g., ribbon cables). In other words, the cord channel 320 is configured to accept flat / rectangular charging cords.

[0034] Returning to the discussion in Figure 2A, as previously explained, the code channel 220 is accessible from two external surfaces of the parking block 210 (the first side 230 and the second side). The entry port 215 is generated / formed within the first side 230 and is accessible from the first side 230, and in this particular configuration, the entry port 215 is formed in the side 1 / 3 of the parking block 210. For illustrative purposes, assume that the parking block 210 is bounded into equal 1 / 3 sections. With the boundaries defined, the location of the entry port 215 of the code channel 220 is situated outside the middle 1 / 3 section of the parking block 210, and the entry port 215 is necessarily located within one of the 1 / 3 side sections of the parking block 210. Thus, the code channel is formed through the side surface at the location outside the middle 1 / 3 section of the first side 230. Naturally, the code channel 220 and the remainder of the code channel discussed herein can be formed to be accessible from the bottom surface of the parking block 210, or it can be formed at a certain distance from the bottom surface and / or top surface 235 of the parking block 210.

[0035] The code channel 220 is configured to route the charging code 205 from the entry port 215 to the exit port 225, with the entry port 215 located near one end 245 of the parking block 210, and the exit port 225 defined on a second side, closer to the opposite end 240 of the parking block 210 than the entry port 215. Thus, the first distance from the end surface of the parking block (e.g., at the entry port 215) where the code channel 220 passes through a plane defined by the first side 230 is different from the distance from the end surface (e.g., at the exit port 225) where the code channel passes through another plane defined by the second side. In other words, the code 205 enters the entry port 215 at a location offset (with respect to the end) from the exit port 225 where the code 205 exits the parking block.

[0036] In the specific configuration shown, the exit port 225 of the code channel 220 is formed on the second side, located outside the middle third section of the parking block 210. Thus, the code channel is defined on each of the two external surfaces (e.g., the first side 230 and the second side), accessible from there, and is configured as a continuous cavity extending between the two external surfaces through each of the two external surfaces. This allows the charging cord 205 to be routed through the parking block 210, thereby reducing the tripping hazard posed by the charging cord 205 by housing the portion of the charging cord 205 that would normally be exposed and lying on the ground. By configuring the code channel in the manner shown in Figure 2A, the charging cord 205 can be safely routed through the parking block 210 to a location closer to the EV110's charging port. Other configurations may also be used depending on the placement of the item and / or the target application. Some of these configurations are illustrated with reference to Figures 2B–2K.

[0037] Figure 2B shows an alternative configuration of the code channel 220. In this configuration, the code channel 220 still passes through two external surfaces of the parking block 210 and is accessible from them, but instead of being defined on two opposite sides of the parking block 210, the code channel 220 is defined on the end 245 and a second side (not visible) and is accessible from them. For example, the entry port 215 is located on the end 245, and the exit port 225 is within the same section of the parking block 210 (for example, outside the middle third section) as discussed above with reference to Figure 2A. The entry port 215 and the exit port 225 are connected by a continuous cavity that defines the code channel 220. This configuration causes the portion of the code discharged from the exit port 225 to be offset from the center of the parking block 210.

[0038] In this configuration, the second side and end 245 meet to form a corner of the parking block 210, and the end 245 has a smaller surface area than the second side. Similar to the configuration in Figure 2A, this configuration allows the charging cord to be routed through the parking block from one end 245 of the parking block 210 to the other end 240 of the parking block 210, which shields the charging cord 205 and reduces the tripping hazard posed by exposed charging cords lying on the ground.

[0039] Figure 2C shows another configuration of the code channel 220. In this configuration, the code channel 220 still passes through two external surfaces of the parking block 210 and is accessible from them, and, similar to the configuration in Figure 2A, the code channel 220 is defined on two opposite sides of the parking block 210. Specifically, the code channel 220 is again defined on a first side 230 and a second side (not visible) and is accessible from there. For example, the entry port 215 is located on the first side 230 and formed through the first side 230, and the exit port 225 is located on the second side (for example, the side of the parking block facing the car when installed) which is opposite the top surface 235 to the first side 230 and is formed through the second side. The exit port 225 is located within the same section of the parking block 210 (for example, outside the middle third section), as discussed above with reference to Figure 2A, while the entry port 215 is located within the middle third section of the parking block 210. The entry port 215 and the exit port 225 are connected by a continuous cavity that defines the code channel 220. This configuration may be useful, for example, when the charging station 120 is located such that the middle third section of the parking block 210 is closer to the charging station 120 than the section of the parking block 210 outside the middle third section.

[0040] Figure 2D shows another configuration of the code channel 220. In this configuration, the code channel 220 still passes through two external surfaces of the parking block 210 and is accessible from them, and, similar to the configuration in Figure 2A, the code channel 220 is defined on two opposite sides of the parking block 210. Specifically, the code channel 220 is again defined on a first side 230 and a second side (not visible) and is accessible from there. For example, the entry port 215 is located on the first side 230 and formed through the first side 230, and the exit port 225 is located on the second side (for example, the side of the parking block facing the car when installed) which is opposite the top surface 235 to the first side 230 and is formed through the second side. In this configuration, both the entry port 215 and the exit port 225 are located within the middle third section of the parking block 210. The entry port 215 and the exit port 225 are connected by a continuous cavity that defines the code channel 220. This configuration may be useful, for example, when the charging station 120 is located such that the middle third section of the parking block 210 is closer to the charging station 120 than the section of the parking block 210 outside the middle third section, and the charging code 205 is routed under the EV 110 as illustrated by the dotted line.

[0041] Figure 2E shows another configuration of the code channel 220. In this configuration, the code channel 220 still passes through two external surfaces of the parking block 210 and is accessible from them, and, similar to the configuration in Figure 2A, the code channel 220 is defined on two opposite sides of the parking block 210. Specifically, the code channel 220 is again defined on a first side 230 and a second side (not visible) and is accessible from there. For example, the entry port 215 is located on the first side 230 and formed through the first side 230, and the exit port 225 is located on the second side (for example, the side of the parking block facing the car when installed) which is opposite the top surface 235 to the first side 230 and is formed through the second side. In this configuration, the exit port 225 is located within the middle third section of the parking block 210, while the entry port 215 is located outside the middle third section of the parking block 210. The entry port 215 and the exit port 225 are connected by a continuous cavity that defines the code channel 220. This configuration may be useful, for example, when the charging station 120 is located such that the third section of the parking block 210 outside the middle third section is closer to the charging station 120 than the section of the parking block 210 (the middle third section), and the charging code 205 is routed under the EV 110 as illustrated by the dotted line.

[0042] Figure 2F shows an alternative configuration of the code channel 220. In this configuration, the code channel 220 still passes through two external surfaces of the parking block 210 and is accessible from them, but instead of being defined on two opposite sides of the parking block 210, the code channel 220 is defined on the end 245 and a second side (not visible) and is accessible from them. For example, the entry port 215 is located on the end 245, and the exit port 225 is in the middle third section of the parking block 210. The end 245 has a smaller surface area than the second side, and the corner of the parking block 210 is defined by the end 245 and the second side. The entry port 215 and the exit port 225 are connected by a continuous cavity that defines the code channel 220. This configuration may be useful, for example, when the charging station 120 is positioned such that the end 245 of the parking block 210 is closest to the charging station 120, and the charging cord 205 will be routed under the EV 110 (for example, in the middle section of the parking space) as illustrated by the dotted line.

[0043] Figure 2G is a side view of a parking block 210 showing an exit port 225 located outside the middle third section of the parking block 210. In this configuration, the exit port 225 of the code channel 220 is formed on the second side 250 and is accessible from the second side 250. Figure 2G also shows how the code channel 220 extends from the exit port 225 to the entry port 215 (which is formed on the end 245 of the parking block 210). The textured fill used to depict the code channel 220 in these figures indicates that the code channel 220 is formed within the body of the parking block 210, rather than on a visible surface.

[0044] Figure 2H is a top view of the parking block 210, which shows how the code channel 220, as depicted in Figure 2G, is formed through the main body of the parking block 210. More specifically, Figure 2G shows the code channel 220 through the upper surface 235, showing how the code channel is formed from the entry port 215 to the exit port 225 at the end 245. In this configuration, the cavity defining the code channel is generated beneath the middle portion of the parking block 210 and then has a 90-degree turn toward the second side portion 250. Naturally, angles other than a single 90-degree angle can also be used (e.g., 45 degrees). Also, the code channel 220 can be curved rather than angled. Furthermore, the code channel can be configured to accommodate a flat code, as discussed with reference to Figures 3C and 3D.

[0045] Figures 2I to 2K are different diagrams of an exemplary code channel 220 as configured in Figure 2C. In these diagrams, the entry port 215 is located within the middle third section of the parking block 210, and the exit port 225 is located outside the middle third section of the parking block 210. Figure 2I is a side view of the parking block with the first side section 230 shown. The entry port 215 is shown as being formed through the side section 230, and the code channel 220 is formed by a cavity extending through the main body of the parking block 210 from the entry port 215 to the exit port 225 (which is formed on the second side section). Figure 2J is a side view of the parking block 210 from the opposite side with the second side section 250 shown. The exit port 225 is shown as being formed through the side portion 250, and Figure 2J shows the code channel 220 as a cavity extending through the main body of the parking block 210 from the entry port 215 to the exit port 225. Figure 2K is a top view of the parking block 210, showing the route of the code channel 225 within the main body of the parking block 210 and between the entry port 215 and the exit port 225.

[0046] Figures 4A to 4H illustrate different configurations of the mechanical arm of a charging station. Figure 4A shows a mechanical arm 402 mounted on the same side of the EV charging station 120 and the parking block 404. The mechanical arm 402 has a base 406 configured to be fixed to a surface, or the base 406 can be freestanding. The base 406 is depicted as being in direct contact with the ground (e.g., inside a post hole), but the base can be attached to a metal plate, concrete, a wall, or another structure (e.g., a wheel assembly, tread structure, or track structure). The mechanical arm 402 also has a number of extension members 408a and 408b, which may be referred to as “links” or “segments” of the mechanical arm 402.

[0047] The extension members 408a and 408b can be attached to each other through various types of joints (e.g., rotary joints or linear joints) to form a mechanical arm 402. The number and type of links used in the mechanical arm depend on the intended use and the range of motion required. Figure 4A shows a mechanical arm 402 with two extension members 408a and 408b mounted pivotably to each other and to the base 406. Additional components can be attached to the extension members 408a and 408b to provide the mechanical arm 402 with the capability to perform specific tasks. For example, as discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, an EV charging port (and / or other components) and / or sensors can be integrated into or attached to the end links of the mechanical arm (e.g., extension member 408b) so that the mechanical arm can insert the charging port into the EV charging receptacle.

[0048] In Figure 4A, the mechanical arm 402 is configured to route the charging cable 410 from the EV charging station 120 to the arm access port 412 of the mechanical arm 402. The arm access port 412 can be formed as a cavity in the surface of the extension member 408b through which the charging cord 410 passes, making the charging cord 410 accessible and maneuverable by a person connecting the charging port of the EV charging station 120 to the charging receptacle 414 of the EV 416. In some implementations, the arm access port 412 can be a connectorized port of the mechanical arm. That is, the arm access port 412 can have a connector, and the mating connector of the charging cord 410 can be connected to that connector. For example, depending on the region and charging level, the connector of the arm access port 412 can be selected from the following types of connectors. 1. J1772 Connector: This is a Level 2 charging connector used in North America, and it provides up to 240V of power. It features a standard 5-pin configuration and is compatible with most EVs on the market. 2. CCS Connector: This is a Combined Charging System connector that can support both Level 2 and DC fast charging. It features a 2-pin DC charging connector positioned below the Level 2 charging connector. CCS connectors are commonly used in North America, Europe, and Asia. 3. CHAdeMO Connector: This is a Level 3DC fast charging connector primarily used in Japan and Europe. It features a unique design that includes a large circular connector with two small pins at the bottom. 4. Tesla Connector: This is a dedicated charging connector used exclusively by Tesla vehicles. It supports Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging and features a unique 6-pin configuration. 5. Type 2 Connector: This is a European standard charging connector that supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. It features a 7-pin configuration and is commonly used in Europe. 6. GB / T Connector: This is a Chinese national standard charging connector that supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. It features a 9-pin configuration and is commonly used in China.

[0049] In these implementations, the segments of the charging cord 410 may have corresponding connectors that enable the segments of the charging cord 410 to connect to the connectors of the arm access port 412. To provide flexibility for charging EVs with different types of charging receptacles, the segments of the charging cord 410 may connect to the arm access port 412 using one type of connector, and the other end of the segments of the charging cord 410 may have a different type of connector that matches the connector of the EV charging receptacle 414.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4A, the power cable 418 is routed from the EV charging station 120 to the base access port 420. Similar to the arm access port 412, the base access port 420 can be formed as a cavity in the surface of the base 406 through which the power cable 418 passes. In these implementations, the power cable 418 can simply be a section of the charging cord 410 extending from the base access port 420 to the EV charging station 120. In other words, the charging cord 410 connects to the EV charging station 120, is routed into the base access port 420, is routed through a cord channel (e.g., a cavity) formed around the base 406 and extension members 408a and 408b, and is routed out from the mechanical arm 402 via the arm access port 412. In this configuration, the mechanical arm 402 acts as a housing for the charging cord 410, which prevents damage to the charging cord 410, and the extension member 408b at the arm access port 412 raises the charging cord 410 away from the ground, making the charging cord 410 easier to move and eliminating the risk of tripping.

[0051] In some implementations, the base access port 420 can be a connectorized port of a mechanical arm 402 located within the base 406. In these implementations, the base access port 420 can have a connector in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to the connectorized implementation of the arm access port 412, and the mating connector of the charging cord 410 can be connected to that connector. When implemented with a connector, the mechanical arm 402 can be configured (for example, fabricated) with a conductor extending through the mechanical arm 402 from the base access port 420 to the arm access port 412, thereby enabling the completion of the electrical connection between the EV charging station 120 and the EV 416 by (i) connecting the power cable 418 to the connectors of the EV charging station 120 and the base access port 420, respectively, and (ii) connecting the charging cord 410 to the connector of the arm access port 412 and the charging receptacle 414 of the EV 416, respectively.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4A, the base 406 of the mechanical arm 402 can be installed near the EV charging station (for example, within 2 to 3 feet or closer), thereby reducing the length of the power cable 418 that is exposed and / or lying on the ground. This implementation of the mechanical arm 402 can be used to modify the installation of an existing EV charging station 120 so that the power cable 418 and / or charging cord 410 pose less of a tripping hazard than when the entire existing charging cord 410 lies on the ground.

[0053] The extension members 408a and 408b are pivotably and / or rotatably connected to each other and to the base 406, and the mechanical arm 402 is configured to adjust the dispensing location of the charging cord 410 (e.g., the location of the arm at the access port 412). As discussed in more detail below, the mechanical arm 402 can be configured to transition between a retracted state and an active state, and vice versa. Furthermore, the mechanical arm can be configured to adjust the dispensing location between the locations of the charging receptacle on different EVs. For example, some EVs have a charging receptacle located at the front of the vehicle, and some EVs have a charging receptacle located at the rear of the vehicle. Also, some people pull their EVs forward to the charging station, while others back their EVs into the charging station, which can also change the location of the charging receptacle.

[0054] The mechanical arm 402 is configured to adjust the dispensing location between locations based on the location of the charging receptacle of the EV to be charged. For example, the extension members 408a and 408b can be configured to extend to different locations so that power can be dispensed to charging receptacles at different locations. More specifically, the pivotal and / or rotary connections of the extension members 408a and 408b allow the dispensing location (e.g., where the charging port connects to the EV's charging receptacle) to be adjusted to several different locations for several different vehicles, some of which will be closer to the EV charging station 120 and / or base 406, and some of which will be further away from the EV charging station 120 and / or base 406. Figure 4A shows the mechanical arm 402 in the active state, in which the extension members 408a and 408b are extended / unfolded in such a manner that the dispense location is adjusted to the location of the charging receptacle 414. For example, a person can hold the charging port positioned at the end of the charging cord 410, and as the user moves the location of the charging port, the positions of the extension members 408a and 408b can be adjusted by pivot and / or rotary connections, allowing the person to maneuver the charging port to the location of the charging receptacle 414 on the EV 416.

[0055] Figure 4B shows the mechanical arm 402 in its retracted state. In the retracted state, the extension members 408a and 408b are in a retracted position, and the charging cord 410 is closer to the base 406 than when it was in the active state shown in Figure 4A. More specifically, in this implementation, the mechanical arm 402 is configured such that the extension members 408a and 408b can be folded in an accordion manner. For example, the extension member 408a is pivotably / rotatably connected to the base 406, so that the extension member 408a can be folded down (or up), which causes the entire length of the extension member 408a (and / or the distal end of the extension member 408a connected to the extension member 408b) to be closer to the base 406 than when it was in the active state shown in Figure 4A. Similarly, the extension member 408b is pivotably / rotatably connected to the extension member 408a, so that the extension member 410b can be folded closer to the extension member 408a and the base 406, respectively.

[0056] In some implementations, the retraction of the extension members 408a and 408b (e.g., folding or otherwise retracting) can be performed manually. In some implementations, retraction can be performed by hydraulics, a motor, or a suitable electronic mechanism. For example, the transition from one state (e.g., active state) to another state (e.g., retracted state) can be initiated in response to the mechanical arm 402, or another component including a control circuit (e.g., one or more processors), detecting user interaction via a state change button. More specifically, interaction via a "close" or "open" button can be detected, and in response, movement of the mechanical arm 402 (e.g., folding or unfolding) can be initiated. The movement of the mechanical arm 402 can be stopped when the mechanical arm 402 has completed the state change (e.g., when the mechanical arm 402 has reached the active or retracted state).

[0057] Furthermore, the mechanical arm 402 may be configured to include a circuit that detects when the charging port is removed from the charging receptacle 414 of the EV 416 and initiates a transition to the stowed state in response to detecting that the charging port has been physically removed from the charging receptacle 414. For example, the mechanical arm may include an open-circuit sensor that triggers a state change signal when an open circuit is present at the charging port. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical arm 402 may include a mechanical storage interface (not shown) configured to receive the charging port 422 and to detect when the charging port 422 is inserted into the mechanical storage interface. A state change signal may be generated when the charging port 422 is detected (e.g., by a control circuit) into the mechanical storage interface. A state change signal can cause the motor to retract and / or begin folding the mechanical arm 402 until the mechanical arm 402 reaches the stowed position (for example, as shown in Figure 4B).

[0058] When the mechanical arm 402 reaches its retracted position, the arm access port 412 can be raised relative to the opposite end of the extension member 408b, which reduces the amount of the charging cord 410 that may come into contact with the ground, and, depending on the length of the charging cord 410 and the length of the extension member 408b, can prevent the charging cord 410 and the charging port 422 from coming into full contact with the ground. For example, the length of the extension member 408b can be selected such that the length of the charging cord 410 is equal to or shorter than the length of the extension member 408b. Similarly, the length of the extension member 408b can be selected such that the height of the arm access port 412 from the ground in the retracted position is greater than (or equal to) the length of the charging cord 410.

[0059] Figure 4C shows another configuration of the mechanical arm 402 connected to the EV charging station 120. In this configuration, the base 406 of the mechanical arm 402 is positioned on the opposite side of the parking block 424 from the EV charging station 120. In this configuration, the base 406 of the mechanical arm 402 is closer to the charging receptacle 414 of the EV 416 than to the EV charging station 120, which allows the charging cord 410 to reach the charging receptacle 414 without fully extending the extension members 408a and 408b. In this configuration, the mechanical arm 402 is positioned closer to the designated charging location for the EV (for example, a parking space indicating where the EV will be parked for EV charging) than to the EV charging station 120.

[0060] To reduce the amount of power cables 418 exposed above ground, the power cables 418 can be routed through the parking blocks 424. For example, the power cables 418 can be routed through a cord channel in a manner similar to that discussed with reference to any of Figures 2A to 2K. For example, the power cables 418 can enter the parking block through an entry port located on the side of the parking block 424 facing the EV charging station 120 or at the end of the parking block 424. The power cables 418 can then be routed through a cord channel defined within the parking block 424 and exit the parking block 424 through an exit port located on the side of the parking block 424 facing the parking space for the EV 416 (for example, the side of the parking block 424 opposite the EV charging station 120) or at the end of the parking block 424. As shown, the power cable 418 exits the parking block 424 at the end of the parking block 424, but it is also possible for the power cable 418 to exit the parking block 424 at the side facing the EV416 (for example, in the central one-third portion of the parking space for the EV416), so that the power cable 418 can be routed under the EV416 and routed from under the EV416 into the base 406 of the mechanical arm 402.

[0061] Figure 4D shows the configuration of the mechanical arm 402 from Figure 4C in the extended or active state. For example, the extension members 408a and 408b are moved away from their resting position in the retracted state (it does not need to be in the fully retracted position) so that the charging cord 410 is closer to the charging receptacle 414 (which is located at the rear of the EV 426). In this example, the extension members 408a and 408b remain lower to the ground than in the configurations shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0062] Figure 4E shows the configuration of a mechanical arm 402 to which the base 406 is attached to the EV charging station 120 (or a part thereof). In some implementations, the base 406 can be mounted adjacent to the EV charging station 120 (for example, touching or within a few inches of the EV charging station 120), thereby essentially eliminating any exposed portion of the power cable 418 as shown in Figure 4D. In some implementations, the frame or another part of the EV charging station 120 may even act as the base 406, making it indistinguishable from the frame of the EV charging station 120. For example, at one end, the extension member 408a can be connected to a pivot / rotation connection point of the EV charging station, and the other end of the extension member 408a can be connected to an extension member 408b. This configuration eliminates exposed power cords.

[0063] Figure 4F shows the mechanical arm 402 with the cord dispenser 428 attached to the extension member 408b, which in this configuration is the folded portion of the mechanical arm 402. The cord dispenser 428 is configured to dispense and retract a portion of the charging cord 410. In some implementations, the cord dispenser 428 may include a spring retraction mechanism, which is configured to retract the charging cord 410 when the spring is released (for example, by a short pull on the charging cord 410). In some implementations, the cord dispenser 428 may include a motor-driven retraction mechanism that turns the charging cord 410 to retract / spool it again.

[0064] A spring retraction mechanism is a device that uses a spring to retract or pull back a component to its original position after it has been moved or displaced. This mechanism is commonly used in a variety of applications, such as mechanical devices, automobiles, and electronic equipment. The basic concept of a spring retraction mechanism is that a spring is attached to a component that can move or rotate (for example, a lever or pulley). When the component is moved or rotated, the spring is compressed and stores potential energy. When the force that moved the component is removed or reduced, the spring expands and releases the stored energy, which causes the component to move back to its original position. In this case, the spring is compressed when the charging cord 410 is pulled out of the cord dispenser 428, and the spring is released (for example by a short pull that releases the latch), causing the charging cord 410 to retract.

[0065] Although the base 406 is shown as being adjacent to the charging station 120, the base 406 may also be installed in other locations as discussed above. The configuration in Figure 4F eliminates any exposed power cords lying on the ground and also prevents the charging cord 410, which extends from the cord dispenser 428 to the charging receptacle 414, from being in contact with the ground. The cord dispenser 428 may be mounted on / used with any of the mechanical arm configurations discussed herein.

[0066] In some implementations, it is possible to prevent the cord dispenser 428 from retracting the charging cord 410 until the EV426 is fully charged. For example, the mechanical arm 402 (or a control circuit communicating with the mechanical arm) can be configured to detect when the EV426 is charging and to allow the cord dispenser 428 to retract the charging cord 410 only in response to determining that charging is complete. More specifically, as discussed above, an open-circuit sensor (or another sensor) can be configured to detect when the charging port is removed from the charging receptacle 414 and to allow the cord dispenser 428 to retract the charging cord 410 only when the charging port is removed from the charging receptacle 414. This can prevent damage to the charging port and / or charging cord 410 that might otherwise occur if the retraction of the charging cord 410 is initiated before the charging port is removed from the charging receptacle 414.

[0067] Figure 4G shows the mechanical arm 402 in its retracted state when the cord dispenser 428 is attached to the mechanical arm 402. In this figure, the extension members 408a and 408b are folded in a manner that positions the cord dispenser 428 at a height reachable by a person who wants to charge the EV426. For example, as shown, the extension member 408a is retracted to a position perpendicular to its position in the active or extended state shown in Figure 4F, and the connection point 430 between the extension members 408a and 408b is higher than when the extension members 408a and 408b were extended as shown in Figure 4F. The cord dispenser 428, on the other hand, is lower than the connection point 430, and the charging port 432 is exposed and available for handling by a person who wants to charge the EV426.

[0068] Naturally, depending on the dimensions and / or application selected for the extension members 408a and 408b, the extension members 408a and 408b can be folded in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 4B, and it is also possible to position the cord dispenser 428 at a height where the charging port 432 is exposed and available for handling by anyone who wants to charge the EV 426. In that scenario, the connection point 430 would be lower than when the extension member was extended as shown in Figure 4F, and the cord dispenser 430 and charging port 432 would be higher than the connection point 430.

[0069] Charging port 432 may include metal-clad "MC" high-current connectors designed to handle high-current loads in power distribution applications. MC high-current connectors are typically used to connect metal-clad cables, which consist of multiple conductors, each individually insulated and encased in a metal sheath. These connectors provide a reliable and secure connection between the cable and other electrical equipment (e.g., EVs). MC high-current connectors are typically designed to handle current loads ranging from several hundred to several thousand amperes and are built to withstand harsh environments and frequent use.

[0070] Figure 4H is another view of the mechanical arm 402 in its retracted state when the cord dispenser 428 is attached to the mechanical arm 402. This figure shows that the mechanical arm 402 can remain in its retracted state and can still be configured to allow the charging port to be connected to the charging receptacle 414 of the EV426 using the cord dispenser 428. In this scenario, the cord dispenser 428 would dispense a sufficient amount of charging cord 410 so that the charging port can be inserted into the charging receptacle 414 of the EV426.

[0071] Figures 4I and 4J illustrate a mechanical arm 402 having an attached telescopic member 430 (also referred to as the telescopic portion). In Figure 4I, the telescopic member 430 is shown in an extended (e.g., active) state, positioning the charging cord 410 closer to (e.g., adjacent to) the charging receptacle 414. In some implementations, the telescopic member 430 can be extended / deployed when requested by the user (e.g., by pressing a “start” button or by being authorized to begin charging the EV426). For example, in response to the user being authorized to begin charging (e.g., by submitting charging account credentials), a control circuit that is part of (or communicates with) the mechanical arm 402 can extend the telescopic member 430, causing the cord dispenser 428 to be positioned above (e.g., within its specific distance) the location of the charging receptacle 414, which is located within the rear section of the EV426. As part of adjusting the location of the cord dispenser 428 to a location above the charging receptacle 414, one or both of the extension members 408a and 408b can also be extended. For example, the extension members 408a and 408b can be moved from their retracted state (discussed with reference to Figure 4B) to an active state (in which the extension members 408a and 408b are moved to a more extended orientation rather than a folded orientation) (for example, unfolded).

[0072] In some implementations, the mechanical arm 402 is configured to adjust the position of the code dispenser 428 based on the characteristics of the EV426 and to move the mechanical arm to a specific position based on the characteristics of the EV426. For example, a control circuit contained within (or communicating with) the mechanical arm 402 can identify / acquire the characteristics of the EV426 (e.g., information indicating the vehicle type of the EV426) and / or other characteristics of the EV426. This information can be acquired, for example, through user input to the user interface of the EV charging station 120 (or the mechanical arm 402). For example, when a user arrives at the EV charging station 120, the user can input the manufacturer / model / model year of the EV426. Similarly, when a user arrives, a camera can be used in conjunction with an image recognition model to determine the manufacturer / model / year of the EV426.

[0073] Additionally, or alternatively, information can be obtained through communication with EV426, through a mobile application on a user's mobile device, or through another mode of communication. For example, EV426 may be equipped with a wireless communication device that can interface with EV charging station 120 (or other electronic device) when EV426 arrives at EV charging station 120 (for example, when entering the communication range of charging station 120). In a specific example, EV charging station 120 may be equipped with a wireless communication device 432 that can broadcast its identity to nearby devices. In this example, a nearby device (for example, EV426, or a mobile device running a particular app) can detect the broadcast message when the device enters a given physical area, identify the capacity of the EV charging station, and send information about EV426 to EV charging station 120.

[0074] In some implementations, the control circuit can use the received information to perform a database search and identify the location of the charging receptacle 414 on the EV426, the electrical charging parameters of the EV426, or other information that can be used to customize the user's charging experience. Naturally, in some situations, the information can be provided directly by the EV426.

[0075] In response to obtaining information about EV426, the EV charging station 120 is capable of adjusting charging parameters to match the charging needs of EV426 and / or moving the mechanical arm 402 to a specific position so that the dispensing location of the charging cord (e.g., where the charging cord exits from the mechanical arm 402 and / or the location of the charging port) is closer to (e.g., within a certain distance of) the charging receptacle of EV426. For example, suppose the control circuit determines that the charging receptacle 414 of EV426 is located in the rear, driver-side portion of EV426. In this example, the control circuit is capable of causing the mechanical arm 402 to position the cord dispenser 428 above (or otherwise within a certain distance of) the location of the charging receptacle 414 of EV426. Additionally, the control circuit can cause the cord dispenser 428 to dispense a specific amount of charging cord 410, allowing the user to grasp the charging cord 410 and insert it into the charging receptacle 414 of the EV 426.

[0076] In another example, as shown in Figure 4J, we assume that the control circuit determines, based on the acquired information, that the charging receptacle 414 of the EV416 is located in the driver's side portion of the front of the EV416. In this example, the control circuit can cause the mechanical arm 402 to position the cord dispenser 428 over (or otherwise within a certain distance of) the location of the charging receptacle 414 of the EV416. Additionally, the control circuit can cause the cord dispenser 428 to dispense a certain amount of charging cord 410, allowing the user to grasp the charging cord 410 and insert it into the charging receptacle 414 of the EV416.

[0077] In this example, adjusting the dispensing location of the charging cord 410 can be achieved by moving the cord dispenser 420 to a target location that is above (or within a certain horizontal distance of) the location of the charging receptacle 414 of the EV 416. For example, the control circuit can extend (or retract) the telescopic member 430 until the cord dispenser 428 is at the target location. If necessary, the control circuit can also adjust the location of one or more of the extension members 408a and / or extension members 408b to position the cord dispenser 428 (or the arm access port 412 in Figure 4A) at the target location. In some implementations, the target location can be a set of coordinates (e.g., x, y, z) that are identified (at least partially) based on the characteristics of the vehicle to be charged. These characteristics can include one or more of the following: the location of the charging receptacle 414 on the vehicle, the orientation of the vehicle within the parking spot, and the physical dimensions of the vehicle (for example, so that the mechanical arm avoids the vehicle). Using these characteristics, the control circuit can select the coordinates of the target location and also select a travel path that will allow the target location to be reached without collision with the vehicle or any other object.

[0078] Furthermore, the characteristics can include the user preferences of the vehicle's driver. For example, the characteristics can include a desired height for the charging port when the cord dispenser 428 (or arm access port 412) reaches the target location. In a specific example, suppose the driver is 5 feet 1 inch tall and prefers the charging port to be available 5 feet 3 inches above the ground when the target location near the charging receptacle 414 is reached. In this example, the control circuit can adjust one or more of the extension members 408a, 408b, and / or telescopic members 430 to position the cord dispenser 428 at the target location. In some situations, adjusting the various members can result in the charging port being at a desired height (e.g., 5 feet 3 inches in this case), while in other situations, positioning the charging port at a desired height may require dispensing or retracting a portion of the charging cord 410 until the charging port reaches the desired height.

[0079] Figure 4K shows a mechanical arm 402 having a retractable member 430 in a retracted state. As shown, the mechanical arm 402 is retracted in a vertical orientation. This orientation can be achieved, for example, by a control circuit causing the extension member 408a to fold / pivot / retract to a vertical position, the extension member 408b (not visible) to fold / pivot / retract to a similar vertical position, and the retractable member 430 to fold / pivot / retract to a similar vertical position. Additionally, the control circuit causes the retractable member 430 to retract its retractable portion into the outer shell of the portion of the retractable member 430 that can be seen in Figure 4K. In this orientation, the cord dispenser 428 is raised to a position out of reach, which makes unauthorized use by the charging port 432 more difficult, thereby preventing potential damage to the charging port 432. Naturally, any of the housing configurations can be used to house the mechanical arm 402 as depicted in Figure 4K.

[0080] Figure 5A shows a mechanical arm 502 connected to a movable base 504. As shown, the movable base 504 is mounted on a track 506. In some implementations, the movable base 504 can be configured to move along the track 506. For example, the movable base 504 can be mounted on a pulley / conveyor system within the track 506. Alternatively, or additionally, the movable base 504 can have wheels that allow the movable base 504 to move back and forth toward and / or along the length of a parking spot for an EV 510, while the track 506 maintains the movable base 504 on a designated travel path. In other words, the movable base can move toward and away from the charging station 120 that provides power to the charging cord. In some implementations, a portion of the charging cord (e.g., a power cable) can be housed within the track, or otherwise located close to the track, concealing that portion of the charging cord extending between it and the EV charging station 120.

[0081] In this example, the mechanical arm 502 is a telescopic arm similar to the telescopic member 430 discussed above. During operation, the telescopic arm can extend and retract in a manner similar to that discussed above, allowing for adjustment of the dispensing location. The charging port 508 is mounted on the end of the mechanical arm 502. As discussed above and in more detail below, the charging port 508 can be inserted into the charging receptacle 512 of the EV510 to charge the EV510.

[0082] The mechanical arm 502 is configured to move the movable base 504 up and down (for example, vertically) to adjust the height of the charging port 508 based on the height of the charging receptacle 512 of the EV 510 to be charged. For example, when the EV 510 arrives at the parking area (for example, a parking space) for the EV charging station 120, the mechanical arm 502 can be adjusted vertically on the movable base 504. Similarly, when different EVs arrive at the parking area for the EV charging station 120, the mechanical arm can be adjusted to different vertical heights based on the height of the charging receptacle of the different EVs.

[0083] The vertical movement of the mechanical arm 502 can be performed manually or automated using a motor. For example, the movable base 504 may have an arm adjustment channel 514 defined therein, which can allow the mechanical arm 502 to move up and down the vertical height of the movable base 504. In some implementations, the mechanical arm 502 may be mounted on a pulley / conveyor system that moves the mechanical arm 502 up and down on the arm adjustment channel 514. Naturally, other suitable mechanisms may also be used to move the mechanical arm 502 along the arm adjustment channel 514. Similarly, the up and down movement of the mechanical arm 502 on the movable base 504 may also be facilitated using other guide mechanisms other than the arm adjustment channel 514. For example, the mechanical arm 502 may be configured to surround the movable base 504 and may have wheels or other mechanisms that are in contact with the movable base 504 and facilitate vertical movement on the movable base 504. Additionally, or alternatively, the movable base 504 may have a telescopic capability used to adjust the vertical height of the mechanical arm 502. For example, the mechanical arm 502 may remain fixed in a particular position on the movable base 504, and the movable base 504 may extend and retract vertically to adjust the height of the mechanical arm 502.

[0084] In some implementations, height adjustment can be performed based on the characteristics of the EV510 acquired by the control circuit and discussed above. For example, when the EV510 enters the parking area of ​​the EV charging station 120, communication between the EV charging station 120 (or other electronic device) and the EV510 (or a mobile application running on a mobile device) can provide the EV charging station 120 with manufacturer / model / year information about the EV510. Using this information, the control circuit can determine the coordinates (e.g., x, y, z) to which the mechanical arm 502 needs to be moved, based on the known location of the EV510's charging receptacle 512. Using these coordinates, the control circuit can adjust the height of the mechanical arm 502 to an appropriate height, based on the characteristics of the EV510. Additionally, the control circuit can use the coordinates to move the movable base 504 to a target location, based on the location of the EV510's charging receptacle 512.

[0085] For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the movable base 504 moves down the track 506 toward the rear of the EV510, and the height of the mechanical arm 502 is adjusted to a lower height so that the charging port 508 is at the same height as the charging receptacle 512 of the EV510. Additionally, the charging port 508 is inserted into the charging receptacle 512 of the EV510.

[0086] In some implementations, the insertion of the charging port 508 into the charging receptacle 512 can be performed manually. For example, the positions of the movable base 504 and the mechanical arm 502 can be adjusted to a target location (for example, based on the characteristics of the EV510 and / or determined coordinates), and then the user can manually insert the charging port 508 into the charging receptacle 512 of the EV510.

[0087] In some implementations, the insertion of the charging port 508 into the charging receptacle 512 can be automated, and a control circuit can trigger the insertion. In these implementations, various data can be collected to facilitate the movement of the charging port 508 to the appropriate location and to ensure that the charging port 508 is properly aligned with the charging receptacle 512 before moving the charging port 508 to connect to the charging receptacle 512.

[0088] A receptacle detection device may be used to detect the location of the charging receptacle 512 before inserting the charging port 508 into the charging receptacle 512. The receptacle detection device may include one or more processors and one or more sensors, which are mounted on or otherwise positioned on the mechanical arm 502 so that they can detect the charging receptacle 512. For example, the sensors may be light-detecting ranging (LIDAR) sensors, cameras, or other sensors that can capture visual and / or positional data of an object.

[0089] Data captured using the sensor can be processed by one or more processors (which may be part of the control circuits discussed throughout this specification) to identify the location of the charging receptacle 512. For example, computer vision techniques and / or machine learning models can be used to determine the likelihood that a set of data collected by the sensor is a charging port. When the likelihood is higher than a certain threshold, the object represented by the set of data can be classified as a charging port, and the location of the charging port (e.g., x, y, z coordinates) can be determined.

[0090] Once the coordinates are determined, the control circuit can initiate movement of the movable base 504 and mechanical arm 502 to a predetermined position to align the physical location of the charging port 508 with the determined physical location of the charging receptacle 512. For example, the ability to align the physical location of the charging port 508 with the detected location of the charging receptacle 512 allows for alignment with charging receptacles that are in different locations on different vehicles or in different locations due to the orientation of the EV 510 relative to the mechanical arm 502.

[0091] The insertion of the charging port 508 can proceed, for example, with the mechanical arm 502 extending (e.g., retracting) toward the EV 510. As the mechanical arm 502 extends toward the EV 510, the sensors of the receptacle detection device can continue to collect data to monitor the location of the charging port 508 relative to the charging receptacle 512. If the data collected by the sensors indicates that the charging port 508 is no longer properly aligned, the control circuit can determine the adjustments that need to be made, and the insertion of the charging port 508 into the charging receptacle 512 can continue until an electrical connection is made between the charging port 508 and the charging receptacle 512, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0092] Once the charging port 508 is electrically connected to the charging receptacle 512, the charging station 120 can begin charging the EV510. For example, the charging station 120 can deliver AC or DC energy to the EV510 through the charging port 508 and the charging receptacle. The control circuit can then monitor the charging state of the EV510 and, based on the charging state of the EV510 reaching a fully charged state, can move a mechanical arm to a designated location. In some implementations, the control circuit can detect when charging is complete and retract the charging port from the charging receptacle after charging is complete. For example, while the charging port is still connected to the charging receptacle 512, the control circuit can use voltage and / or current sensors to determine when the voltage and / or current flowing to the EV510 has dropped to a certain level indicating that the EV510 is sufficiently (e.g., fully) charged and the charging cycle is complete.

[0093] Additionally, or alternatively, the control circuit may detect when the charging port 508 is physically removed from the charging receptacle 512, and may begin to retract the charging port 508 when it is physically removed from the charging receptacle 512. When the mechanical arm 502 has a telescopic portion, the telescopic portion may be retracted to shorten the length of the mechanical arm 502, thereby allowing the charging port 508 to be retracted. When the mechanical arm has a folding portion (for example, as shown in Figure 4H), the charging port and / or charging cord may be retracted by retracting (e.g., folding) the folding portion of the mechanical arm.

[0094] Figures 6A and 6B show a mechanical arm 602 connected to a raised base 604. The raised base 604 is shown as being fixed to the ceiling 606 of the structure. The raised base 604 can be fixed to the ceiling 606 using bolts, adhesives, or other materials that can properly secure the raised base 604 to the ceiling 606. In some implementations, the raised base can be an I-beam, or it can be another structure having channels, grooves, tracks, or other features that allow the mechanical arm 602 to traverse the length of the raised base 604 and align the charging port 610 with the charging receptacle 612 of the EV 614.

[0095] The mechanical arm 602 is mounted on the raised base 604, but the mechanical arm 602 can be configured to automatically align the charging port 610 with the charging receptacle 612 and to perform the functions discussed above with reference to other mechanical arm configurations. For example, Figure 6B shows the mechanical arm 602 in the extended (or active) state, in which the mechanical arm 602 is moved away from the wall 616 (e.g., by a control circuit) to align the charging port 610 with the charging receptacle 612 of the EV614 and insert the charging port 610 into the charging receptacle 612. In some implementations, the operation of the mechanical arm 602 and the charging functionality can be fully automated so that the driver of the EV614 does not need to exit the EV614 to complete charging.

[0096] In some implementations, some or all of the components of the EV charging station 120 and / or other components (e.g., circuits and / or logic) can be incorporated into other structures. For example, component 618 (of the EV charging station 120) can be incorporated into a parking block 620, a mechanical arm 602, or a combination of both, as shown in Figure 6A. For example, component 618 may include one or more high-frequency transformers, which are configured to convert AC power from the grid into AC or DC power suitable for charging the EV battery.

[0097] For example, instead of receiving power from an EV charging station 120 that outputs power adjusted to the extent required to charge the EV614, as discussed below with reference to Figure 7, component 618 can be configured to receive low-frequency AC power (for example, from a standard 50Hz-60Hz plug providing power from a utility), or component 618 can be configured to receive high-frequency AC power. This high-frequency AC power can be stepped down (for example, using a step-down transformer) and / or fed into an AC / DC converter, which can also be contained within component 618 incorporated into the parking block 620 and / or mechanical arm 602. The AC / DC converter is configured to convert the AC power to DC power in order to charge the battery of the EV614.

[0098] Integrating the component 618 into the parking block 620 or the mechanical arm 602 can reduce the size of the EV charging station 120 or eliminate the need for the EV charging station 120 altogether. For example, a portion of the component 618 integrated into the parking block 620 can be configured to receive high-frequency AC power (e.g., from a step-up transformer in the EV charging station 120). In this example, the component 618 integrated into the parking block 620 can include one or more step-down transformers configured to convert high-frequency AC power to low-frequency AC power, and / or AC-DC converters (e.g., rectifiers) configured to convert AC power to DC power that will be made available at the charging port 610.

[0099] In several implementations, component 618 of the parking block 620 can be configured to plug into a standard low-frequency AC power supply (e.g., a receptacle providing 50Hz–60Hz power from a utility). In this example, the portion of component 618 incorporated into the parking block 620 may include a step-up transformer configured to convert low-frequency AC power to high-frequency AC power, which is then passed to a second portion of component 618 housed in the mechanical arm 602. The second portion of component 618 may include one or more step-down transformers configured to convert high-frequency AC power to low-frequency AC power, and / or AC-DC converters (e.g., rectifiers) configured to convert AC power to DC power to be made available in the charging port 610.

[0100] In some implementations, all components 618 of the EV charging station 120 can be incorporated into the housing of the parking block 620 and / or the mechanical arm 602, eliminating the need for a separate housing for the EV charging station 120. Rather, the parking block 620 and / or the mechanical arm 602 are configured to connect directly to the AC power of the grid and convert / adjust that AC power as needed to charge the EV 614. For example, the parking block 620 and / or the mechanical arm 602 include a control circuit comprising one or more transformers, one or more inverters, and one or more processors, which can appropriately adjust the input power to manage the power delivered to the EV 614 for charging and / or during the charging process. Furthermore, these components 618 can be incorporated into either the parking block or the mechanical arm discussed throughout this specification.

[0101] In some implementations, input power can be obtained from one or more solar panels 622, which are electrically connected to the EV charging station 120, parking block 620, and / or mechanical arm 602 by conductors 624. For example, the solar panels 622 can collect solar energy and convert it into DC power, which in a DC charging implementation can be either regulated and transferred to the battery of the EV 614, or the DC power can be converted into AC power, which is then regulated in a manner similar to AC power obtained from the grid (for example, using component 618 discussed above).

[0102] When some (or all) of the components 618 of the EV charging station 120 are incorporated into the parking block 620 and / or mechanical arm 602, the parking block 620 or mechanical arm 602 can be connectorized to provide input power to the components 618. For example, a power cord connector can be mounted externally (e.g., on the frame) to the parking block 620 or mechanical arm 602, allowing the parking block or mechanical arm 602 to be plugged into a power outlet from the electric grid. Additionally or alternatively, the parking block 620 and / or mechanical arm 602 can have other connectors (e.g., the MC high-current connector discussed above) mounted externally to the parking block 620 or mechanical arm 602. Configuring these objects with standard electrical connectors allows for plug-and-play capability for these objects. Other parking blocks and mechanical arms discussed throughout this specification can also be configured to include some (or all) of the components 618 of the EV charging station 120.

[0103] Furthermore, the parking block 620 and / or mechanical arm 602 may be configured with automation components to facilitate an automated charging experience. For example, the parking block 620 and / or mechanical arm 602 may include a wireless communication component, as discussed with reference to Figures 4I and 4J, which may communicate with one or more of the EV614, the user's mobile device, or another device when the EV614 arrives at the location of the parking block 620 and / or mechanical arm 602. This communication may include automatically transferring information about the EV614 to a control circuit that enables the operations discussed throughout this specification. Thus, when the driver of the EV614 arrives at the parking block 620 or the mechanical arm 602, the control circuit determines the appropriate charging settings, detects the location of the charging receptacle 612, aligns the charging port 610 with the charging receptacle 612, inserts the charging port 610 into the charging receptacle 612, starts charging the EV614, monitors the charging status of the EV614, determines when charging is complete, removes the charging port 610 from the charging receptacle, and returns the charging arm 602 to its retracted position, all without human intervention.

[0104] Figure 7 shows a configuration in which high-frequency alternating current ("AC") power is used to facilitate EV charging. In this configuration, low-frequency AC power is supplied by a power source 702. Power source 702 can be, for example, a power outlet, which is located in wall 704 and electrically connected to the grid (e.g., a public utility) or another distribution system. The low-frequency AC power supplied by the power source can be, for example, 50Hz to 60Hz AC power.

[0105] In this document, low-frequency AC power includes AC power at (or below) 100 Hz. In some implementations, all AC power greater than 100 Hz is considered high-frequency. In some implementations, AC power greater than one of 200 Hz, 300 Hz, or 400 Hz is considered high-frequency AC power. In some implementations, AC power greater than 1000 Hz is considered high-frequency. In any of these implementations, AC power between 100 Hz and the smallest frequency considered high-frequency may be referred to as medium-frequency AC power. For example, suppose the smallest frequency used to define the boundary between non-high-frequency AC power and high-frequency AC power is set at 1000 Hz. In this example, AC power with frequencies between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz may be referred to as medium-frequency AC power.

[0106] As illustrated, the step-up transformer 706 is electrically connected to the power supply 702 by a power conductor 708. The step-up transformer 706 is a transformer that increases the frequency of the input AC signal (for example, the low-frequency AC power supplied by the power supply 702). The power conductor 708 can be a standard power cord, because it delivers the low-frequency AC power to the step-up transformer 706.

[0107] Step-up transformers are used in applications where an input AC voltage is increased to a higher voltage level, with a corresponding decrease in current. This is achieved by winding the secondary coil with more turns than the primary coil, which results in a higher voltage output. In the context of AC signals, step-up transformers can be used to increase the frequency of an input signal by passing the input signal through a circuit (known as an LC circuit) that includes a series of capacitors and inductors. The LC circuit resonates at a specific frequency, effectively boosting the amplitude of the input signal and increasing its frequency.

[0108] In this configuration, the low-voltage AC input to the step-up transformer 706 is converted to high-frequency AC power (e.g., greater than 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz, or 1000Hz), which is then output over the high-frequency conductor 710. The high-frequency conductor 710 can have smaller dimensions than the power conductor 708. This is because the current level of the high-frequency AC power output from the step-up transformer 706 will be lower than the current level of the low-frequency power input to the step-up transformer 706. Thus, the high-frequency conductor 710 will pose less of a tripping hazard than the power conductor 708 when lying on the ground (or fixed to the ground). For example, the high-frequency conductor 710 can be implemented as a ribbon cable (or another flat cable) similar to those discussed previously.

[0109] As shown, the high-frequency conductor 710 is routed through the parking block 712. The high-frequency conductor 710 can be routed through the parking block 712 in any manner previously discussed with reference to Figures 2A–2K and / or Figures 3A–3D. For the purposes of this discussion, we assume that the high-frequency conductor 710 is routed through the parking block 712 in the manner discussed with reference to Figure 2E, and exits from the parking block 712 in the middle third section of the parking block 712.

[0110] The high-frequency conductor 710 is then routed to a step-down transformer 714, which is mounted on a mechanical (e.g., articulated) arm 716. The routing of the high-frequency conductor 710 can be carried out in many ways. For example, any of the charging code routing techniques discussed throughout this document can be used. In a specific example, the high-frequency conductor 710 can be routed in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 2E, where the high-frequency conductor 710 is routed down to the middle section (e.g., the middle third) of a parking space designated for EV charging, and then routed to the side of the parking space on the mechanical arm 716 (which may be located next to the designated parking area for the EV).

[0111] The step-down transformer 714 reduces the voltage of the high-frequency AC power input to the step-down transformer 714 via the high-frequency conductor 710. This is achieved by winding the secondary coil with fewer turns than the primary coil, which results in a lower voltage output. Step-down transformers are commonly used in applications where the input voltage is reduced to a lower level, often accompanied by a corresponding increase in current.

[0112] In this configuration, the step-down transformer 714 is capable of converting high-frequency AC power to low-frequency AC power and / or, when paired with a rectifier (or other circuit), can ultimately convert the high-frequency AC power to DC. When the step-down transformer is not paired with additional circuitry for converting high-frequency AC power to DC, the output of the step-down transformer 714 can be low-frequency AC power (e.g., 100 Hz or less) which can be used to charge an EV that accepts low-frequency power as input (e.g., to an on-board charger that converts low-frequency AC power to DC).

[0113] When a step-down transformer 714 is paired with a rectifier (or other circuit), the rectifier converts AC power to DC power by allowing only the positive or negative portion of the AC waveform to pass through. A rectifier circuit typically consists of a series of diodes, which are connected in a specific configuration to allow current to flow in only one direction, thereby providing a DC power output.

[0114] In some implementations, the step-down transformer may be potentially omitted by directly converting high-frequency AC power to DC power using a high-frequency rectifier (or other circuit) configured to perform the desired conversion. In these implementations, the diodes used to implement the rectifier are selected to have a high switching speed to handle rapid changes in the input AC signal. In the following discussion, the term “regulating circuit” refers to the circuit used to convert high-frequency AC power to achieve a target output power (e.g., low-frequency AC or DC power).

[0115] The output of the adjustment circuit (e.g., step-down transformer 714 and / or rectifier) ​​is delivered to the charging cord 718, which is then made available for input to the EV via the charging port 720.

[0116] The configuration discussed with reference to Figure 7 has the ability to eliminate the large charging stations used in conventional charging stations. For example, by converting standard grid power from low-frequency AC to high-frequency AC at a location close to the power source, and then converting the high-frequency AC power to low-frequency AC power (or DC power) at a location closer to the EV (e.g., in the mechanical arm 716), the size of the components can be reduced compared to the size of the components required to deliver power to the same location using only low-frequency AC power. For example, the components required to adjust 60Hz AC power for EV charging are orders of magnitude larger than the components used to convert / adjust high-frequency AC power (e.g., a 1kHz transformer). This reduces the risk of tripping and increases the number of locations where charging stations can be installed. It should be noted that instead of mounting step-down transformers 714 and / or other circuits in the mechanical arm 716, those components can be housed in a parking block 712, as discussed above with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0117] As discussed with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, one or more of the components / circuits discussed with reference to Figure 7 can be incorporated into the housing in the parking block 712 and / or the mechanical arm 716. For example, the parking block 712 can be a housing for a step-up transformer 706 or a step-down transformer 714. Additionally or alternatively, the parking block can be configured to include other circuits (e.g., inverters, rectifiers, transformers, or other circuits) configured to adjust the power input to the parking block for delivery to other circuits housed in the mechanical arm 716 or for delivery to the EV via the charging port 720.

[0118] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 800 for controlling a mechanical arm. The operation of process 800 can be carried out, for example, by a control circuit discussed herein. In some implementations, the control circuit includes a memory device and one or more processors configured (e.g., specially programmed) to carry out the operation of process 800. In some implementations, the operation of process 800 can be implemented as instructions stored on at least one non-temporary computer-readable medium, and the execution of the instructions causes one or more processors to carry out the operation of process 800.

[0119] The EV is detected when it is in physical proximity to the sensor (802). The EV may be detected, for example, by a communication sensor at an EV charging station. For example, the EV may be equipped with a wireless communication device that can be detected by the communication sensor at the EV charging station. The EV charging station may detect the presence of the EV when the EV is within range of the communication sensor. The wireless communication device and communication sensor may be configured to communicate using different wireless standards. For example, communication may be carried out using Bluetooth, cellular communication (e.g., 3G, 4G, or 5G), infrared communication, or near-field communication. Alternatively or additionally, the physical proximity of the EV may be detected using a camera, radar, LIDAR, pressure sensors installed in the pavement, or other suitable sensors.

[0120] Information about the EV is obtained (804). The information about the EV may include one or more of the following: the EV's manufacturer / model / model year, charging parameters for the EV, charging modes that the EV can use, the location of the charging receptacle on the EV, the EV's orientation, account information, or other appropriate information that may be used to facilitate the charging of the EV. In some implementations, information about the EV may be obtained from communication between the EV and a communication sensor (e.g., a wireless receiver). For example, a communication sensor in an EV charging station may establish communication with the EV and obtain information from the EV. In some implementations, information about the EV may be obtained by a user's mobile device running an application that interfaces with the EV charging station. The information about the EV may be used, for example, to adjust the charging parameters of the charging station based on the characteristics of the EV.

[0121] The location of a given charging receptacle is detected (806). In some implementations, the location of a given charging receptacle is detected (or determined) using at least some of the information obtained about the EV. For example, the EV's manufacturer / model / model year can be used to determine the physical location of the charging receptacle on the EV. Similarly, physical orientation information about the EV (e.g., forward or backward orientation in a parking space) can be used to determine the location of the charging receptacle, given the EV's current parking orientation.

[0122] Alternatively, the location of a charging receptacle can also be detected using information collected with a receptacle detection device having one or more processors and one or more sensors (e.g., a camera, radar, LiDAR, or other suitable sensor). For example, when the location of a charging receptacle is known based on acquired information about the EV, a camera or LiDAR can be used to scan the area where the charging receptacle should be located, one or more sensors can be used to collect data, one or more processors can be used to analyze the data (e.g., using computer vision / object recognition techniques), and the actual location of the charging receptacle can be detected based on the analysis.

[0123] Even when information about an EV is unavailable, the location of the charging receptacle can be detected using processors and sensors. For example, when a first EV arrives at a charging station, the location of the charging receptacle for that EV can be detected by scanning the entire EV (if necessary) and by using object detection to identify the location of the charging receptacle. Similarly, when a different EV arrives at a charging station, the location of the charging receptacle may differ from the location detected for the first EV. However, parts of the different EVs can continue to be scanned and analyzed until a different location of the charging receptacle is detected.

[0124] The dispensing location of the charging cord is adjusted based on the location of a given charging receptacle (808). The dispensing location of the charging cord is the location where the charging cord is made available for charging the EV. For example, the dispensing location could be the location where the charging cord exits from the mechanical arm and / or where the charging port is connected to the charging cord.

[0125] The dispensing location of the charging cord can be adjusted in numerous ways, as discussed throughout this specification. For example, the dispensing location can be adjusted by moving the mechanical arm toward a power source configured to supply power to the charging cord, or by moving the mechanical arm away from a power source configured to supply power to the charging cord. As discussed throughout this document, the movement of the mechanical arm can include movement by a movable base, folding / unfolding sections of the mechanical arm, or extending / retracting telescopic sections of the mechanical arm. For example, a control circuit can generate an electrical signal that causes movement of motor-driven components of the movable base and / or the mechanical arm.

[0126] The charging cord dispensing location is generally adjustable to various different locations, allowing a mechanical arm to make the charging cord available for charging different EVs. Adjusting the charging cord dispensing location can involve moving the mechanical arm to a specific position based on the characteristics of the EVs. For example, when a first EV arrives at an EV charging station, the location of its charging receptacle may be detected at a given location, and the charging cord dispensing location can be adjusted using the mechanical arm to a location closer to the given location of the charging receptacle to facilitate charging of the first EV. When different EVs arrive at the charging station, the location of the charging receptacle of a different EV may be detected at a different location, further away from the power source of the EV charging station than the first EV. In this situation, the charging cord dispensing location can be moved further away from the power source, so that the charging cord is closer to the different charging receptacle of the different EV. Therefore, the charging cord dispensing locations can be moved to face and away from the power source, and the dispensing locations can be moved to different locations based on the location of the EV's charging receptacle.

[0127] As discussed with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the charging cord dispensing location can also be adjusted vertically. For example, a mechanical arm can be mounted on a movable base and configured to move the movable base up and down. The height of the dispensing location can be adjusted, for example, based on the height of the charging receptacle of the EV to be charged. Continuing the above example, suppose a given location of the charging receptacle of a first EV is higher than a different location of the charging receptacle of a different EV. Thus, the charging cord dispensing location can be adjusted to a higher location for the first EV based on the given location, and to a lower location for the different EV based on the different location being lower than the given location. In other words, the mechanical arm can move the base upward when the first EV is to be charged, and move the base downward when the different EV is to be charged.

[0128] The physical location of the charging port of the charging station is aligned with a given charging receptacle (810). In some implementations, the alignment is performed based on a detected location of the charging receptacle. For example, the alignment may be based on the location of a first charging receptacle, or on different locations of different charging receptacles of different EVs. As discussed above, the alignment of the charging port and charging receptacle may be performed by identifying the location of the charging receptacle, determining the coordinates at which the charging port will be aligned with the charging receptacle, and then moving one or more components of a mechanical arm and / or a movable base to position the charging port at the determined coordinates.

[0129] A charging port is connected to a given charging receptacle (812). Insertion of the charging port can be performed, for example, by extending a mechanical arm toward the charging receptacle of the EV. As the mechanical arm extends toward the EV, sensors in the receptacle detection device can continue to collect data to monitor the location of the charging port relative to the charging receptacle. If the data collected by the sensors indicates that the charging port is no longer properly aligned, the control circuit can determine the adjustments that need to be made, and insertion of the charging port into the charging receptacle can continue until an electrical connection is made between the charging port and the charging receptacle.

[0130] The EV is charged (814). Charging of the EV begins when the charging port is electrically connected to the charging receptacle. For example, a charging station can deliver AC or DC energy to the EV through the charging port and charging receptacle. A control circuit can monitor the charging status of the EV and determine / detect when it reaches a fully charged state, indicating that charging is complete.

[0131] In some implementations, the control circuit can detect when charging is complete. For example, while the charging port is still connected to the charging receptacle 512, the control circuit can use voltage and / or current sensors to determine when the voltage and / or current flowing to the EV has dropped to a certain level indicating that the EV is sufficiently (e.g., fully) charged and the charging cycle is complete. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit can detect when the charging port has been physically removed from the charging receptacle and indicate that charging is complete. For example, the control circuit can include an open-circuit sensor that is triggered when the charging port is physically removed from the charging receptacle.

[0132] The charging port is retracted when the charging is complete (816). In some implementations, the control circuit can detect when charging is complete and retract the charging port from the charging receptacle after charging is complete. In some implementations, the control circuit can begin retracting the charging port when the charging port is physically removed from the charging receptacle.

[0133] Retracting the charging port by a retraction mechanism can include one or more of the following: (i) spooling a section of the charging cord again, or (ii) retracting a portion of the telescopic or folding section of a mechanical arm. In some implementations, the retraction mechanism can be part of a cord dispenser attached to the telescopic or folding section of the mechanical arm. The cord dispenser is generally configured to dispense and retract portions of the charging cord.

[0134] When the mechanical arm has a telescopic portion, the telescopic portion can be retracted to shorten the length of the mechanical arm, thereby allowing the charging port to be retracted. When the mechanical arm has a folding portion (for example, as shown in Figure 4H), the charging port and / or charging cord can be retracted by retracting (e.g., folding) the folding portion of the mechanical arm. As discussed above, spooling the charging cord again can be done using a spring retraction mechanism or a motor-driven retraction mechanism.

[0135] The mechanical arm is moved to a designated location (818). In some implementations, moving the mechanical arm to a designated location includes setting the mechanical arm to a retracted position when charging is complete. For example, a control circuit may monitor the charging state of the EV, and when the charging state reaches a fully charged state, the mechanical arm may be moved to a designated location, which may be a “home” location where the mechanical arm remains when not in use.

[0136] The subject matter and embodiments of operation described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents), or in one or more combinations thereof. Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer programs (i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions) encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing device (or for controlling the operation of a data processing device). Alternatively, or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagating signal (e.g., a mechanically generated electrical signal, optical signal, or electromagnetic signal) that is generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device for execution by a data processing device. The computer storage medium can be (or be included in) a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage board, a random or serial access memory array or device, or one or more combinations thereof. Furthermore, while computer storage media are not propagating signals themselves, they can be the source or destination of computer program instructions encoded within artificially generated propagating signals. Also, computer storage media can be (or contained within) one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

[0137] The operations described herein can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing device on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or on data received from other sources.

[0138] The terms “data processing device” and “control circuit” encompass all types of devices, equipment, and machines for processing data (including, for example, programmable processors, computers, systems on a chip, or a combination of the aforementioned). A device may include dedicated logic circuits (e.g., FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits)). In addition to hardware, a device may include code that generates an execution environment for the computer program in question (e.g., code comprising processor firmware, protocol stacks, database management systems, operating systems, cross-platform runtime environments, virtual machines, or a combination of one or more of these). Devices and execution environments can realize a variety of different computing model infrastructures (e.g., web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures).

[0139] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language (including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages) and can be deployed in any form (as a standalone program, or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit appropriate for use in a computing environment). A computer program can, but is not required to, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple interconnected files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subprograms, or parts of code). A computer program can be deployed to run on a single computer, or it can be located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network to run on multiple computers.

[0140] The processes and logic flows described herein can be implemented by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating based on input data and generating outputs. Alternatively, the processes and logic flows can be implemented by dedicated logic circuits (e.g., FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits)), and the devices can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuits.

[0141] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and dedicated microprocessors, and any one or more processors in any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory, random-access memory, or both. Essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing actions according to instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or will be operablely coupled to them for receiving data from them, or for transferring data to them, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device (for example, to name just a few, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive)). Suitable devices for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, which include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory can be complemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuits.

[0142] To provide user interaction, embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) (the user can thereby provide input to the computer). Other types of devices can also be used to provide user interaction, for example, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback), and the input from the user can be received in any form (including acoustic input, voice input, or tactile input). In addition, the computer can interact with the user by sending and receiving documents to and from devices used by the user (e.g., by sending a web page to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser).

[0143] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system including backend components (e.g., as data servers), or in a computing system including middleware components (e.g., application servers), or in a computing system including frontend components (e.g., client computers having a graphical user interface or web browser through which an implementation of the subject matter described herein and a user can interact), or in any combination of one or more such backend components, middleware components, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., communication networks). Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), internetworks (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad-hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0144] A computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The client-server relationship arises from computer programs, which run on separate computers and have a client-server relationship with each other. In some embodiments, the server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to the client device (for example, to display data to a user interacting with the client device, and to receive user input from the user). Data generated on the client device (e.g., the results of user interactions) can be received from the client device by the server.

[0145] While this specification contains details of many specific implementations, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of any invention or claimable scope, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Furthermore, certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable subcombination in multiple embodiments. Moreover, features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, and may even be initially claimed as such, but in some cases, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed towards a subcombination or a variation of a subcombination.

[0146] Similarly, while the operations are depicted in a specific order in the diagrams, this should not be interpreted as requiring that such operations be performed in a specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result, or as requiring that all illustrated operations be performed. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be interpreted as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0147] Accordingly, specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are also included in the following claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims may be performed in a different order and still be able to achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the specific order (or sequential order) shown to achieve the desired results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0148] Figure 100 110 Electric Vehicles (EVs) 120 EV charging stations 130 Charging Cord 140 charging ports 150 parking blocks Figure 200 205 Charging cord 210 Parking Blocks 215 Ingress Port 220 Code Channels 225 Exit Port 230 First side surface 235 Upper surface 240 End 245 End 250 Second side 302 Code Channel 304 Bottom surface 306 Parking Block 308 Code Channel 310 Bottom surface 312 Parking Blocks 314 Code Channels 316 Bottom surface 318 Parking Blocks 320 Code Channel 322 Bottom surface 324 Parking Blocks 402 Mechanical Arm 404 Parking Block 406 Base 408a Extension member 408b Extension member 410 Charging Cord 412 ARM access ports 414 Charging Receptacle 416 EV 418 Power Cable 420 Base Access Ports 422 charging ports 424 Parking Blocks 426 EV 428 Code Dispenser 430 connection points 432 charging ports, wireless communication devices 502 Mechanical Arm 504 Movable Base 506 Trucks 508 charging ports 510 EV 512 Charging Receptacle 514 Arm adjustment channel 602 Mechanical Arm 604 Elevated Base 606 Ceiling 610 charging port 612 Charging Receptacle 614 EV 616 Wall 618 components 620 Parking Blocks 622 Solar Panels 624 Conductor 702 Power supply 704 Wall 706 Step-up transformer 708 Power Conductor 710 High-Frequency Conductor 712 Parking Blocks 714 Step-down transformer 716 Mechanical Arm 718 Charging cord 720 charging ports D Distance

Claims

1. Control circuit and A mechanical arm, which is communicatively connected to the control circuit and configured to adjust the dispensing location of a charging cord, wherein the dispensing location is adjustable to different locations based at least on a first location of a first charging receptacle of a first vehicle and a second location of a second charging receptacle of a second vehicle, the second location being further from the power source than the first location, and the mechanical arm, A system that includes these features.

2. The aforementioned system, (i) A movable base configured to move the mechanical arm toward a power source configured to supply power to the charging cord, and (ii) a movable base configured to move the mechanical arm toward the power source configured to supply power to the charging cord. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical arm is attached to the movable base and is configured to move the movable base up and down based on a first height of the first charging receptacle and a second height of the second charging receptacle.

4. The system further comprises a receptacle detection device including one or more sensors and one or more processors, the receptacle detection device is Based on data collected using one or more of the sensors, the first location of the first charging receptacle or the second location of the second charging receptacle is detected. Aligning the physical location of the charging port of the charging station based on detecting the first location of the first charging receptacle or the second location of the second charging receptacle, The system according to claim 2, configured to perform an operation including

5. The receptacle detection device is Connecting the aforementioned charging port to a given charging receptacle, The charging station initiates charging, at least partially based on the fact that the charging port is electrically connected to the given charging receptacle. The system according to claim 4, configured to perform an operation including the following.

6. The receptacle detection device is To detect when charging is complete, After the charging is complete, the charging port is retracted from the given charging receptacle. The system according to claim 5, configured to perform an operation including the following.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein detecting when the charging is complete includes detecting (i) when the charging cycle is completed while the charging port is still connected to the given charging receptacle, or (ii) when the charging port is physically removed from the given charging receptacle.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein retracting the charging port includes one or more of (i) spooling the section of the charging cord again, or (ii) retracting a portion of the retractable or folding portion of the mechanical arm.

9. The movable base is located on the opposite side of the parking block from the power source that supplies power to the charging cord. The system according to claim 1, wherein the charging cord electrically connects the movable base to the power source and is routed through the parking block.

10. The mechanical arm is The extendable or foldable part, A cord dispenser attached to the aforementioned retractable portion or folding portion, wherein the cord dispenser is configured to dispense and retract a portion of the charging cord, The system according to claim 1, including the following:

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the cord dispenser includes a spring retraction mechanism configured to retract the charging cord.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the code dispenser includes a motor-driven retraction mechanism.

13. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit configured to perform an operation that includes identifying the characteristics of a vehicle located within a given physical area.

14. The aforementioned control circuit is Adjusting the charging parameters of the charging station based on the characteristics of the vehicle located within the given physical area, Moving the mechanical arm to a specific position based on the characteristics of the vehicle located within the given physical area, The system according to claim 13, configured to perform an operation that further includes the following.

15. The aforementioned control circuit is To monitor the charging status of the aforementioned vehicle, Based on the fact that the vehicle's charging state has reached the charging completion state, the mechanical arm is moved to a designated location. The system according to claim 14, configured to perform an operation that further includes the following.

16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a solar power collection system configured to provide power to an electric vehicle charging station including a charger.

17. The system further includes parking blocks, The aforementioned parking block is The upper surface and The bottom surface, which is configured to be closer to the ground than the upper surface when the parking block is installed, Includes, The parking block has a code channel defined in a location within the parking block between the upper surface and the bottom surface. The system according to claim 15, wherein the code channel is a cavity configured to receive a code that connects to an electric vehicle (EV) charger, which is configured to physically connect to an EV charging port.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the code channel is accessible through the bottom surface of the parking block.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the code channel is accessible from the external surface of the parking block.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the code channel is accessible from two external surfaces of the parking block.

Images