Abstract:
In various embodiments, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising a side wall surrounding the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises a double wall with a space therebetween.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCED RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of PCT m Application Serial Number PCT/US2011/027622, by Bonwit et al., entitled DOUBLE WALLED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION ENCLOSURE, filed Mar. 8, 2011, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
       PCT/US2011/027622 claims priority of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications all herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:
           Ser. No. 61/325,787, filed on Apr. 19, 2010, entitled An ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.;   Ser. No. 61/350,466, filed on Jun. 1, 2010, entitled AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.; and   Ser. No. 61/339,749, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie et al.   
           PCT/US2011/027622 is continuation-in-part of the following U.S. Design patent applications, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:
           Ser. No. 29/360,201, filed Apr. 21, 2010, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER, by Petrie et al.; and   Ser. No. 29/360,300, filed Apr. 22, 2010, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER, by Petrie et al.   
               
 
         [0009]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/US2011/027620, filed on Mar. 8, 2011, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION WITH CABLE RETAINING ENCLOSURE, by Bonwit et al., and PCT/US2011/027621, filed on Mar. 8, 2011, entitled ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION ENCLOSURE AND MOUNTING APPARATUS, by Bonwit et al., both herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, which both claim priority of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications:
       Ser. No. 61/325,787, filed on Apr. 19, 2010, entitled AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.;   Ser. No. 61/350,466, filed on Jun. 1, 2010, entitled AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, by Bonwit et al.; and   Ser. No. 61/339,749, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie, et al.       
 
         [0013]    PCT/US2011/027620 and PCT/US2011/027621 are both continuation-in-parts of U.S. Design patent application Nos. 29/360,201 and 29/360,300. 
         [0014]    The present application is a continuation-in-part PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/000433, filed Mar. 8, 2011, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie, et al, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims the priority of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications:
       Ser. No. 61/339,749, filed on Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BREAK-AWAY CABLE CONNECTOR, by Petrie, et al.;   Ser. No. 61/397,984, filed on Jun. 18, 2010; and   Ser. No. 61/460,413, filed on Jun. 18, 2010.       
 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0018]    In electric vehicle charging systems, a charging station enclosure has a requirement for supporting a charging station cable and protecting internal electrical and electronic components of the electric vehicle charging station. 
         [0019]    As effective electric vehicle are becoming more feasible and more desirable, there will be an increased interest in home-based and commercial charging stations. To M minimize charging times, it is desirable to use a high voltage (e.g., 240 volt) charging system. When using such systems there are both safety considerations and safety laws that need to be addressed to minimize the risk to homeowners and their property. Technologies addressing these considerations may also be useful to improve vehicle charging stations in industrial and commercial settings. 
         [0020]    The charging station in a home, commercial, or industrial environment will be exposed to extreme environmental factors of temperature, moisture, and sun light. To protect the electrical and electronic circuitry of the charging station must be able to withstand the extreme environmental factors. 
         [0021]    Further, the charging station cable will be attached directly to the charging station enclosure. The charging station cable may be yanked to cause extreme stress on the charging station enclosure if, for instance, the driver leaves the charging station cable attached and drives away. Such a scenario will cause excess torquing of the charging station at its connection points to a solid structure and potentially could cause damage to the charging station enclosure. 
         [0022]    Additionally, the charging station cable requires a provision for storing the charging station cable. When not in use the charging station cable must be placed attached to or near the charging station enclosure. Such a storage facility must be convenient for the user to take from the storage and to replace in its storage position. 
         [0023]    Therefore what is needed is a charging station configured to cope with structurally damaging forces and extreme environments, while minimizing the likelihood of exposing live electrical parts to people or flammable property. Further, what is needed is a charging station with a provision for storage of a charging station cable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0024]    In various embodiments, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing for enclosing circuitry therein, the casing comprising a side wall surrounding the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the side wall comprises a double wall with a space therebetween. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the casing has wall supports in the space between the double wall. The wall supports may have drainage features, for example drainage openings, drainage ports, or the like. In one embodiment, the drainage features may include a space between the wall supports and the front plate which is fastened to the casing. The casing may further include drainage openings, which in some embodiments may be in an outer wall of the double wall. 
         [0026]    In various embodiments some of the wall supports have fastener receivers. In some embodiments, the wall supports with fastener receivers have the drainage ports. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the enclosure comprises a front plate fastened to the casing with a gasket creating a seal between the front plate and an inner wall of the double wall. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, thermal insulation in the space between the double walls. 
         [0029]    In various embodiments, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing for enclosing circuitry therein. In this embodiment, the casing includes a side wall surrounding the circuitry, with at least a portion of the side wall having an inner wall and an adjacent outer wall. A front plate is fastened to the casing. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, a gasket creates a seal between the front plate and the inner wall. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the front plate may be fastened M to the casing with a water tight seal between the front plate and the inner wall such that water penetrating past an interface between the outer wall and the face plate is directed away from passing beyond the inner wall. Some embodiments may have at least one drainage opening to allow accumulated water between the inner wall and the outer wall to drain therefrom. Further, the casing may have wall supports with drainage features located in a space between the inner wall and the outer wall. 
         [0032]    Fastener receivers may be located between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the front plate may be fastened to the casing via fasteners, such that the fasteners are received by the fasteners receivers. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, a charging station enclosure is provided having a casing having a side wall, a rear mounting surface, and a front facing user interface panel having an angle with respect to the rear mounting surface so as to facilitate viewing by a user when viewing from a positioned adjacent to and above the charging station enclosure. In some such embodiments, the front facing panel has an angle of approximately ten degrees toward the rear mounting surface. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the side wall may have a generally truncated conical configuration. 
         [0035]    Various embodiments may have a connector receptacle for receiving and retaining an energy transfer connector. In some embodiments, the connector receptacle is recessed from the front facing user interface panel. 
         [0036]    In yet another embodiment, a charging station enclosure is provided having a surrounding side wall, a front plate secured to the side wall, and a rear portion. The rear portion has an opening for receiving a electric utility wiring; and a plurality of exclusion spacers positioned m adjacent to the opening. 
         [0037]    In various further embodiments, the plurality of exclusion spacers may extend from the rear portion into and interior of the enclosure. In some embodiments, a power transfer cable opening is located in a downward facing portion of the side wall. Some embodiments may further include a connector receptacle recessed from the front plate for receiving and retaining an energy transfer connector of a power transfer cable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective drawing of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is rear perspective drawing of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3A  is a drawing of a side view of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is an exploded rear perspective view of a possible embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5A  is a drawing showing a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0044]      FIG. 5B  is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of  FIG. 5A  illustrating placement of the wiring, electrical connectors, and electrical and electronic circuitry. 
           [0045]      FIG. 5C  is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of  FIG. 5B  illustrating the interior of the electric charging station enclosure. 
           [0046]      FIG. 5D  is a drawing showing a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of  FIG. 5C . 
           [0047]      FIG. 5E  is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of  FIG. 5C  illustrating the double wall structure of the charging station enclosure. 
           [0048]      FIG. 5F  is a drawing showing a bottom view of the embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of  FIG. 5C . 
           [0049]      FIG. 6  is a drawing of a top view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0050]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are drawings of a bottom view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0051]      FIG. 8  is a drawing of a right side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  is a drawing of a left side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0053]      FIG. 10  is a drawing of a rear view of an embodiment M of an electric vehicle charging station. 
           [0054]      FIGS. 11A-11D  are drawings of a back wall mounting plate of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective drawing of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station enclosure  10  is generally a truncated conical section that contains the power distribution circuitry for charging an electric vehicle. A front plate  15  is secured to an edge of a front opening of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  where the inner surface of the front edge of the peripheral casing  11  has a generally circular surface. The front edge of the peripheral casing  11  has a number of holes to receive fasteners such as screws that secure the front plate  15  to the charging station enclosure  10 . A pliable O-ring is situated between the front plate  15  and the front edge of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  to seal the interior of the charging station enclosure  10  from the exterior environment. 
         [0056]    The front plate has openings through which controls such as a start switch  35 , stop switch  35  and condition indicators  37  are placed, thus providing a user interface. A cable connector  30  is attached to the charging station enclosure  10  to allow connection to energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIG. 5  that is used for the transferring electrical energy to the electric vehicle being charged. The cable connector  30  is connected to an energy transfer conduit such as a flexible, elongated power cable  20  having a length sufficient for connecting to the electric vehicle. The diameter of the power cable  20  being dependent upon the amount of current carried by the power cable  20  and the environmental and usage requirements for the distribution of electrical energy from the electric vehicle charging station. Secured to the distal end of the power cable  20  is an electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  that is attached to a charging port of the electric vehicle for the transfer of the electrical energy to the electric vehicle for charging. 
         [0057]      FIG. 2  is rear perspective drawing of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The truncated conical section of the charging station enclosure  10  is placed such that the larger diameter side is the front opening of the peripheral casing  11  to which the front plate  15  is attached. The smaller diameter is placed at the rear surface  40  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The rear of the charging station enclosure  10  is attached to a vertical mounting surface such as a wall or pole. The charging station enclosure  10  is attached to the vertical mounting surface through a back plate  100 . The back plate  100  is connected to the vertical mounting surface and the charging station enclosure  10  is mounted to the back plate  100 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 3A  is a drawing of a side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.  FIG. 3B  is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . The truncated conical section of the charging station enclosure  10  is formed such that the top edge  12  of the peripheral casing  11  has an angle of approximately 25° (with a range of from 10° to 45° from a horizontal plane) or 65° from a vertical plane. This angle permits the power cable  20  of  FIG. 1  to be draped over the top edge  12  of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  to allow ease of removal of the power cable  20  for connection to the electric vehicle. An advantage of providing a means for supporting cable  20  by using the charging station enclosure  10  is that it eliminates the need for a separate cable hanger, and thus reduces space and lowers the overall system cost. The peripheral casing  11  has steps  14  of ridges and grooves formed in the surface of the peripheral casing  11  to facilitate retention and release of the power cable  20  of  FIG. 1  when it is stored on the top edge  12  of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The front plate  15  is placed at an angle of approximately 80° to a horizontal axis or equivalently 10° to a vertical axis. These angles may vary or be adjusted in other embodiments. The angled front plate  15  facilities viewing of the charging station front plate from slightly above the front plate  15 , to allow the charging station enclosure  10  to be conveniently mounted at a lower level than a user&#39;s head while still having the front plate  15  generally facing the user&#39;s m head. Further, it allows the electric vehicle charging station to comply with federal or local laws requiring a maximum height, i.e. 48 inches, to facilitate access by disabled users, while still being very usable by standing users. 
         [0059]      FIG. 4  is an exploded rear perspective drawing of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station enclosure  10  has a rear surface or wall  40  that is recessed into the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The rear surface  40  has stiffening plates  45  formed in the rear surface  40  and the bottom surface of the charging station enclosure  10  to provide necessary stiffening of the charging station enclosure  10  to inhibit damage from the insertion of the electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  and from the weight of the power cable  20  when it is placed at the top edge  12  of the charging station enclosure  10 . 
         [0060]    The rear surface  40  has standoffs  50   a  and  50   b  that inhibit the back plate  100  from being improperly placed when the electric vehicle charging station is mounted to the back plate  100 . The rear surface  40  further has fastener openings  55   a  and  55   b  for securing fasteners to join the back plate  100  to the rear surface  40  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The embodiment as shown has two fastener openings  55   a  and  55   b . In other embodiments, there may be any number of openings for securing the back plate  100  to the rear surface  40 . 
         [0061]    The rear surface  40  has an opening  365  that is aligned with the opening  120  of the back plate  100 . The cable openings  365  and  120  are aligned to allow an energy delivery cable (not shown) into the charging station enclosure  10  from wall directly behind the charging station enclosure  10  to connect to the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIG. 5  within the charging station enclosure  10 . Optionally, the energy delivery cable (not shown) may be routed via an electrical conduit (not shown) external to the wall (not shown) and enter the enclosure  10  through an alternate cable opening  330  ( FIGS. 7A and 7B ) in the bottom of the charging station enclosure  10 . In such a case, an optional tab  335  may cover the cable opening  365 . Or if the energy delivery cable enters through the back cable opening  365 , an optional tab (not shown) may cover the alternate cable opening  330 . Or, one or both of the cable openings  365  and/or  330  may be solid initially and thereafter drilled to make the required cable opening  365  or  330 . The back plate  100  has fasteners  105   a  and  105   b  that receive the mating fasteners that are attached to the openings  55   a  and  55   b . The back plate  100  has openings  115   a  and  115   b  that receive the fasteners  110   a  and  110   b  that are to attach the back plate  100  to the vertical surface (wall or pole). The back plate  100  having a separate connection to the vertical surface from the charging station enclosure  10  permits a variety of connections between the charging station enclosure  10  and the vertical surface and meets necessary regulatory requirements that the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIG. 5A  not have a direct connection to the vertical surface to which it is mounted. 
         [0062]    In various embodiments, the charging station cable  20  has a cable connector  30  that is structured to breakaway from the charging station enclosure  10  whenever the charging station cable  20  is placed under extreme tension. As noted in Petrie et al., it is anticipated that the electrical vehicle charging station may be used in residential garages to charge personal vehicles. A 240 volt residential power system could provide for overnight vehicle charging. In such a setting, it is anticipated that less-than ideal conditions might exist. For example, a garage can be expected to be filled with objects that could interfere with easy access to the charging station. Moreover, the vehicle may end up parked in a position that places its charging port far from the charging station console. Additionally, while charging is taking place, pets, children and adults may want to pass between the charging station console and the charging port. 
         [0063]    As was previously noted, in such a setting there are many possible situations in which a charging station cable  20  may be physically abused. For example, while extending the cable to the vehicle, a user may yank or whip the cable to get it passed an obstacle. Also, while the cable is attached to a vehicle, a person or object could inadvertently strike the cable, placing it in high tension. It is also possible that a vehicle could be driven away while the vehicle connector is still attached to the vehicle. 
         [0064]    Petrie et al. provides a mechanical weak link in the cable. The weak link is configured to fail in a way that limits risks to a user. More particularly, this weak link limits the risk that such events cause damage to the charging station enclosure  10  and potentially expose users or flammable materials to a high-power power source. 
         [0065]    Prior to the breaking away of the charging station cable  20 , the charging station enclosure  10  is under increased torquing moments at the cable receiving connector opening  340  of  FIGS. 5F and 7 . This torque is transferred to the openings  55   a  and  55   b  for securing fasteners to join the back plate  100  through the fasteners  105   a  and  105   b  to the rear surface  40  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The locations of the openings  55   a  and  55   b  for securing fasteners to join the back plate  100  are located to minimize the effects of this torque to inhibit damage to the charging station enclosure  10 . Similarly, the locations of the fasteners  105   a  and  105   b  on the back plate are located such that the effects of the torque inhibit any damage to the structure to which the electric m vehicle charging station is mounted. 
         [0066]    The openings  55   a  and  55   b , as located on the rear surface  40  of the charging station enclosure  10 , are approximately aligned vertically with the axis of the cable connector  30 . The alignment of the openings  55   a  and  55   b  with the cable connector  30  minimizes the effects of the torquing due to the charging station cable  20  being under tension in a breakaway situation. The fasteners  105   a  and  105   b  on the back plate  100  are aligned with the openings  55   a  and  55   b  to receive the fasteners that attach the charging station enclosure  10  to the back plate  100  at the fasteners  105   a  and  105   b . The openings  115   a  and  115   b  that receive the fasteners  110   a  and  110   b  to attach the back plate  100  to the vertical surface (wall or pole) are also essentially aligned with the axis of the cable connector  30  to inhibit the effects of the torquing when the charging station cable  20  is under tension in a breakaway situation. 
         [0067]      FIG. 5A  is a drawing showing a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station.  FIG. 5B  is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of  FIG. 5A  illustrating placement of the wiring, electrical connectors, and electrical and electronic circuitry.  FIG. 5C  is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the interior of an electric vehicle charging station of  FIG. 5B  illustrating the interior of the electric charging station enclosure.  FIG. 5D  is a drawing showing a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of  FIG. 5C .  FIG. 5E  is a drawing showing a perspective view of the embodiment of the electric charging station enclosure of  FIG. 5C  illustrating the double wall structure of the charging station enclosure.  FIG. 5F  is a drawing showing a bottom view of the embodiment of the m electric charging station enclosure of  FIG. 5C . The peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  includes an inner wall  60  and an outer wall  90 . The inner wall  60  provides an extra level of isolation and protection for the energy distribution circuitry  200  from the external environment. Between the inner wall  60  and the outer wall  90  are wall support features  65  and  205  to provide support to strengthen the charging station enclosure  10 . 
         [0068]    The wall support features  65  include fastener receiving locations  65  (screw holes as shown) to receive the fasteners  75  (screws) that secure the front plate  15  to the charging station enclosure  10 . The front plate  15  further has holes  80  through which the fasteners  75  pass to be attached to the front edge of the opening in the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  at the fastener receivers  65 . An O-ring  70  that conforms to the shape of the front edge of the peripheral casing  11  is placed on the inner wall  60  and is compressed to provide an environmental seal between the energy distribution circuitry  200  and the external environment. Generally the environmental seal is a waterproof seal, but may include other types of sealing material for isolating the energy distribution circuitry  200  from other environmental contaminants. 
         [0069]    The space between the inner and outer walls provide an air gap that provides, or may contain, thermal insulation between the inner and outer walls. This inhibits the outer wall from being heated by the electronics within the housing and inhibits heat flow from outside the housing to the electronics within the housing. 
         [0070]    The space between the inner and outer walls provides a chamber or channel that traps any water that intrudes past the edge of the front cover. Also, the inner wall may still m provide an environmental seal even if the outer wall is struck, punctured, or scraped so that it becomes inadvertently cracked or otherwise damaged. 
         [0071]    Refer now to  FIG. 5E . Should moisture be able to enter into the space between the inner wall  60  and the outer wall  90 , such as by the outer wall  90  of the charging station enclosure  10  becoming damaged or by any gap or opening between the front plate  15  and the outer wall  90 , the wall support features  65  have drainage ports  215  formed in them to allow water to flow past them. The wall support features  205  charging station enclosure  10  are placed such they are recessed to allow a space between the wall support features and the front plate  15  to further permit the passage of water that may enter the space between the inner wall  60  and the outer wall  90 . The water is able to flow to the bottom of the charging station enclosure  10  and exits through the drainage openings  220  as shown in  FIG. 5F . 
         [0072]    A cover plate  85  is provided to be placed over the fasteners  75  in a groove  95  of the front plate  15  to provide a decorative appearance for the front plate  15  and to protect the screws from direct contact with the elements. 
         [0073]    The peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  and the front plate  15  have openings  300  and  305  that receive an interface connector receptacle  315  of  FIG. 1 . The interface connector receptacle  315  provides a latching arrangement to hold the electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  when not in use. 
         [0074]    In various embodiments, the interface connector receptacle  315  is constructed as a feature of the charging station enclosure  10  rather than being separately installed in the openings  300 . In various embodiments, the charging station enclosure  10  is molded of an organic plastic compound with the interface connector receptacle  315  being formed during the molding process. 
         [0075]    The interior view of the rear surface  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, have the mounting positions  255  for the energy distribution circuitry  200 . As shown in  FIG. 5C  the cable opening  365  with its installed tab  335  is positioned centrally between wiring exclusion spacers  250 . The wiring exclusion spacers  250  are features positioned on the rear surface  40  to indicate that the wiring or components of the energy distribution circuitry  200  should not be placed in the area defined by the wiring exclusion spacers  250 . The wiring exclusion spacers  250  are to inhibit placement of obstacles in the region of the cable opening  365 . During installation of the energy delivery conduit (not shown) through the rear surface  40 , the optional tab  335  must be removed. In some embodiments the installation has the cable opening  365  being drilled out of the rear surface  40 . The wiring exclusion spacers  250  help insure that there are no obstacles to the drilling of the cable opening  365 . In addition, by the wiring exclusion spacers  250  acting to inhibit the movement or relocation of wires or other components into the area defined by the wiring exclusion spacers  250 , such wires or other components will not be damaged by drilling into this area. 
         [0076]      FIG. 6  is a drawing of a top view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The grooves  14  are illustrated as retaining the power cable  20  as it is draped over the top edge  12  and rests on the outer wall  90  of  FIGS. 5A-5F  of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  that is connected to the power cable  20  is inserted to the interface connector receptacle  315  that is recessed into the front plate  15  of the charging station enclosure  10 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are drawings of a bottom view of an m embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. A second opening  330  in the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  has an electrical conduit connector  320  that provides an alternative connection point for the energy delivery conduit (not shown). The cable connector  30  is connected to the cable receiving connector  325  that is attached to the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The cable connector  30  is connected to the cable receiving connector  325  to allow connection of the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  to the power cable  20 . The electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  is placed in the interface connector receptacle  315  that is constructed to receive and retain the electric vehicle charging interface connector  25 . The interface connector receptacle  315  is constructed to provide isolation from the external environment and protection of the electrical contacts of the electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  when an electric vehicle is not being charged. 
         [0078]    The electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  has a plastic ring around the outside that locates it within the interface connector receptacle  315 . Inside this ring are metal pins. On the interface connector  25 , there is a circular channel that the plastic ring locates in the interface connector receptacle  315 . In the interface connector receptacle  315  are plastic locating features for the pins to locate on for storing the connector until the next usage. When the interface connector  25  is seated in any receptacle, a rubber seal on the inside of the plastic ring makes contact with the exterior wall of the inner circular channel of the interface connector receptacle  315  to seal the interface connector  25  from exposure to the external environment. 
         [0079]    The stiffening plates  45  formed in the rear surface m and the bottom surface of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  provide necessary reinforcement of the charging station enclosure  10  to inhibit damage from the insertion of the electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  and from the weight of the power cable  20  when it is placed at the top edge  12  of the charging station enclosure  10 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 8  is a drawing of a right side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The power cable  20  is draped over the top edge  12  of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  and frictionally retained by the steps  14  to inhibit the cable from sliding to the vertical surface  400  of  FIG. 9  and potentially causing crimping of the power cable  20 . The cable connector  30  is connected to the cable receiving connector  325  that is attached to the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The cable connector  30  is connected to the cable receiving connector  325  to allow connection of the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIG. 5  to the power cable  20 . The electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  is placed in the interface connector receptacle  315  that is recessed in the front plate  15 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 9  is a drawing of a left side view of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The electric vehicle charging station  5  is secured to the vertical surface  400  with the fasteners  110   a  and  110   b . The interface connector receptacle  315  is connected to or integrated with the bottom of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The power cable  20  is draped over the top edge  12  and frictionally retained by the steps  14 . The electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  is placed and secured in the interface connector receptacle  315  recessed within the front plate  15 . The electrical conduit connector  320  is placed at the bottom of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  to allow the energy delivery conduit (electrical cable) to pass through the charging station enclosure  10  to the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In this embodiment, with the energy delivery conduit (electrical conduit) being placed at the bottom surface of the charging station enclosure  10 , the opening  365  in the rear surface  40  of  FIG. 4  has the optional tab  335  in place to seal the rear surface from the external environment. Or, in this and other embodiments, the opening  365  may be drilled from a solid portion of the rear surface  40 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 10  is a drawing of rear panel of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The rear surface  40  is recessed into the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . The rear surface  40  has stiffening plates  45  formed in the rear surface  40  and into the bottom of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10  to provide necessary reinforcing of the charging station enclosure  10  to inhibit damage from the insertion of the electric vehicle charging interface connector  25  of  FIG. 1  and from the weight of the power cable  20  when it is placed at the top edge  12  of the charging station enclosure  10  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0083]    The rear surface  40  has standoffs  50   a  and  50   b  that inhibit the back plate  100  from being improperly placed when the electric vehicle charging station is mounted to the back plate  100 . The rear surface  40  further has openings  55   a  and  55   b  ( FIG. 4 ) for securing fasteners to join the back plate  100  to the rear surface  40  of the charging station enclosure  10 . 
         [0084]    The rear surface  40  has an opening  365  that is aligned with the opening  120  of the back plate  100 . The cable openings  365  and  120  allow an energy delivery conduit (not shown) into the charging station enclosure  10  from a vertical surface (wall) directly behind the charging station enclosure  10  to connect to the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  within the charging station enclosure  10 . Optionally, the energy delivery conduit (not shown) may enter via an electrical conduit connector  320  external to the wall (not shown) and through an alternate cable opening  330  in the bottom of the peripheral casing  11  of the charging station enclosure  10 . In such a case, an optional tab  335  may cover the cable opening  365 . Or, in this and other embodiments, the opening  330  may be drilled from a solid portion bottom surface of the enclosure  10 . Conversely an optional tab (not shown) may cover the alternate cable opening  330 . The back plate  100  has fasteners  105   a  and  105   b  that receive the mating fasteners that are attached to the openings  55   a  and  55   b . The back plate  100  has openings  115   a  and  115   b  that receive the fasteners  110   a  and  110   b  that are to attach the back plate  100  to the vertical surface (wall or pole). The back plate having a separate connection to the vertical surface from the charging station enclosure  10  permits a variety of connections between the charging station enclosure  10  and the vertical surface and meets necessary regulatory requirements that the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  not have a direct connection to the vertical surface to which it is mounted. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 11A-11D  are drawings of a back wall mounting plate of an embodiment of an electric vehicle charging station. The back plate  100  has fasteners  105   a  and  105   b  that receive the mating fasteners that are attached to the openings  55   a  and  55   b  of the charging station enclosure  10  of  FIGS. 4 and 10 . The back plate  100  has openings  115   a  and  115   b  that receive the fasteners  110   a  and  110   b  that are to attach the back plate  100  to the vertical surface (wall or pole). The back plate  100  having a separate connection to the vertical surface from the charging station enclosure  10  permits a variety of connections between the charging station enclosure and the vertical surface and meets necessary regulatory requirements that the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  not have a direct connection to the vertical surface to which it is mounted. 
         [0086]    The back plate  100  has an opening  120  that is aligned with the opening  365  of  FIGS. 4 and 10 . The cable openings  365  and  120  allow an energy delivery conduit (not shown) into the charging station enclosure  10  from a wall directly behind the charging station enclosure  10  to connect to the energy distribution circuitry  200  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  within the charging station enclosure  10 . 
         [0087]    The back plate  100  is constructed from a metal plate or sheet such as an aluminum, steel, or other known material plate. The back plate  100  is constructed such that it satisfies regulatory requirements. Further, the back plate  100  has no visible fasteners and is not visible when used. The vertical and horizontal edges  500  and  505  provide an alignment mechanism for insuring that the back plate  100  is mounted correctly to the vertical surface. The back plate  100  is optional. The electric vehicle charging station can be mounted with or without it. 
         [0088]    One of the many advantages of the back plate is that the shape of the back plate  100  allows a bubble level to be used along the vertical and horizontal edges when mounting the back plate  100 , and thus the charging station enclosure mounted to the back plate will be level. The edges allow the back plate  100  to be mounted true before mounting of the charging station enclosure  10 . Further, the squared size of the back plate  100  also reduces the size of the stock used to manufacture, and allow multiple back plates  100  from the same piece of smaller stock, keeping costs of materials down. Moreover, after the back plate  100  is mounted, a flange portion  16  of the charging station enclosure  10  may be rested on the top curved edge  510  ( FIGS. 11A and 11D ) of the back plate  100 . The curved edge  510  ( FIGS. 11A and 11D ) allows the charging station enclosure  10  to be turned or rotated to align the openings  55   a  and  55   b  with fasteners  105   a  and  105   b , respectively. The curved top edge of the back plate  100  generally restrains the up/down and left/right movement of the charger station housing  10 , but allows it to rotate to line up the screw holes in the housing with threads in the back plate  100 , or with threads in nuts restrained by the back plate  100 . Thus, in some embodiments, the charging station enclosure can be seated and hung from the back plate while the installer does an installation. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B, one advantage of storing the flexible, elongated power cable  20  over the top of the charging station enclosure  10  is that the radius of curvature of the power cable  20  is better for cable health, as compared to a hook or other means. The round surface of the charging station enclosure  10  keeps the power cable  20  from experiencing greater pressure against the cable, and/or low radius bending (especially localized sharp bending at corners, edges, or the like) than might occur with a hook or a retention means with edges or sharp surfaces. Most of the time the power cable  20  will be stored draped over the top of the charging station enclosure  10 . The larger radius of curvature of the charging station enclosure  10  keeps the power cable  20  from over bending, and/or kinking to extend the life of the power cable  20 . In addition, due to the configuration, as the power cable  20  is pulled, it can easily roll off the top of the charging station enclosure  10  to dispense easily with little effort by the user. Also, the configuration allows the power cable  20  to be more easily returned over the charging station enclosure  10  when finished. 
         [0090]    In some embodiments, the charging station enclosure  10  is constructed of a plastic that may be rotomolded or a fiber reinforced plastic panel. In other embodiments, the charging station enclosure  10  may be constructed metal such as steel or aluminum. While the embodiments of this invention illustrate an electric vehicle charging station, the structure of the charging station enclosure  10  and the back plate  100  are adaptable to other applications and these other application are in keeping with the principles of this invention. 
         [0091]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.