Cable management system for vehicle charging station

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cable management system for storing and dispensing a charging cable, the system comprising: a housing to enclose at least a portion of the charging cable, the housing having a dispense opening for dispensing the charging cable therethrough; a cable guide configured to receive the charging cable therethrough to support a portion of the weight of the charging cable, the cable guide being configured to facilitate movement of the charging cable therethrough; and a movement mechanism to couple the cable guide to the housing, the movement mechanism being configured to permit the cable guide to move between a first position away from the dispense opening and a second position towards the dispense opening along a fixed path within the housing, wherein pulling action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to move from the first position to the second position thereby extending the charging cable out of the dispense opening, and pushing action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to return to the first position thereby retracting the charging cable into the housing.

Description

[0001] CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE CHARGING STATION

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present technology relates generally to a cable management system for electric vehicle charging stations. Herein, electric vehicles may include any vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion powered by a rechargeable battery, including road vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, motorcycles), trains, aircrafts, and waterborne vessels.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Advances in the field of electric-powered vehicles have increased the need for more and better charging solutions. A common charging solution is a charging station that includes a charging cable provided with a charging connector at one end configured to connect with a corresponding charging port on an electric vehicle. An operator connects the charging connector to the charging port, and the charging station is arranged to deliver electricity along the charging cable to the charging connector and to the vehicle battery via the charging port.

[0006] One factor that limits the speed of charging an electric vehicle is the heat generated by the high currents that flow through the charging cable and charging connector for high-power charging. For lower power, it may be possible to manage the amount of heat generated using a passive solution. However, at higher power (e.g. in the megawatt range), such an approach becomes impractical and insufficient. More specifically, higher charge currents require larger diameter conductors to avoid generating excessive heat. However, continue increasing the size of conductors required to accommodate increasingly high current ultimately becomes impractical for manual handling due to excessive weight.

[0007] An alternative solution to the issue of overheating is to use a circulating cooling liquid to maintain the temperature of the cable and connector to an acceptable level. In such a liquid cooled cable, a liquid pathway is generally arranged at a position that allows a cooling liquid (e.g. water) to circulate around or through one or more electrical conductor cores, and therefore carries heat away from, the electrical conductor cores. The addition of a liquid pathway (cooling line) within the charging cable as well as the liquid coolant itself add to the weight, size and rigidity of the cable. As such, liquid cooled cables are typically large, heavy and stiff. Thus, in high-current cases, liquid cooling may be justified if the combined weight and size of the liquid core(s) and conductor core(s) is lighter compared to the (larger) conductor core(s) of a non-liquid- cooled cable rated to the same (high) current.

[0008] However, even in cases where a liquid-cooled cable is comparatively lighter, it would still be a relatively heavy charging cable as a sizable conductor core(s) is still required for high current applications. Thus, it is desirable to provide a cable management system to augment an operator's ability to safely lift, carry and connect the cable and connector to a corresponding charging port on an electric vehicle.

[0009] However, due to the complexity associated with terminating both the cooling line as well as the electrical conductor cores and the size and rigidity of the liquid cooled cable, conventional cable storage solutions such as cable reels or drums are unsuitable.

[0010] There is, therefore, scope for providing an improved cable management system.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] In view of the foregoing consideration, an aspect of the present technology provides a cable management system for storing and dispensing a charging cable, the system comprising: a housing to enclose at least a portion of the charging cable, the housing having a dispense opening for dispensing the charging cable therethrough; a cable guide configured to receive a portion of the charging cable therethrough to support partially the weight of the charging cable, the cable guide being configured to facilitate movement of the charging cable therethrough; and a movement mechanism to couple the cable guide to the housing, the movement mechanism being configured to permit the cable guide to move between a first position away from the dispense opening and a second position towards the dispense opening along a fixed path within the housing, wherein pulling action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to move from the first position to the second position thereby extending the charging cable out of the dispense opening, and pushing action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to return to the first position thereby retracting the charging cable into the housing.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present technology, the cable guide of the cable management system is coupled to a movement mechanism that permits the cable guide to change its position along a fixed path within the housing. In doing so, when a charging cable is guided through the cable guide, the position of the charging cable changes as the position of the cable guide is changed. In particular, when the cable is stowed, the cable guide is at a first position that is away from the dispense opening. For example, the first position may be near the top of the housing to enable the use of substantially the full height of the housing for storing the length of the charging cable. When the charging cable is being dispensed, the cable guide is moved to a second position that is closer to the dispense opening. For example, the second position may be lower than or more forward than the first position. The cable guide being nearer to the dispense opening thereby supports the portion of the charging cable closer to the operator. Since the cable guide partially supports the weight of the charging cable, positioning the cable guide closer to the operator reduces the length of charging cable the operator needs to carry. Thus, the first position of the cable guide is favourable for optimising the storage capacity of the housing, while the second position of the cable guide is favourable for optimising an extendable length of the charging cable out of the dispense opening and reducing the weight that an operator is required to support. Since the movement mechanism only permits the cable guide to move between the first and second positions, the position of the cable within the support structure is changed in a controlled and predictable manner. The present arrangement not only facilitates an operator in stowing and dispensing the cable, but also ensures that the cable can be properly stowed and dispensed with minimal risk of getting stuck or tangled inside the support structure. The present arrangement is particularly relevant when the cable is a liquid cooled charging cable for a vehicle charging station, in that a liquid cooled charging cable is typically heavy, bulky and inflexible, and the change in position of the cable through the cable guide and the mechanism maximises the storage capacity of the support structure while improving the ease of dispensing the cable.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second position may be at a height proximal to the dispense opening, and the first position may be at a height higher than the second position, such that the cable guide lowers the portion of the charging cable towards the dispense opening when moving from the first position to the second position. Lifting the charging cable to a higher first position for storage optimises the storage capacity of the housing by converting some of the cable length into height. Then, lowering the charging cable to a lower second position that is closer to the dispense opening when dispensing the charging cable facilitates extension of the charging cable out of the dispense opening. In particular, when the charging cable is stored as a loop within the housing, moving the cable guide to the second lower position reduces the bend radius of the loop, converting cable height to cable length, thus allowing more of the charging cable to be pulled through.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second position may be at a horizontal distance proximal to the dispense opening, and the first position may be at a horizontal distance further from the dispense opening in relation to the second position, such that the cable guide supports the charging cable at a position proximal to the dispense opening when moving from the first position to the second position. Moving the cable guide to the first position away from the dispense opening for storage brings the charging cable backwards towards the back of the housing allows more of the charging cable to rest against the back of the housing to partially support the weight of the charging cable. Then, moving the cable guide forward to the second position brings the charging cable towards the dispense opening, and by having the cable guide closer to an operator, more of the weight of the charging cable is being supported by the cable guide, thus reducing the load carried by the operator.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cable guide may comprise a cable clamp, a roller, a static support structure, a hook or a combination thereof. The cable guide may allow the cable to pass therethrough or slide over (e.g. a single roller), or it may be a simple cable clamp that function cooperatively with the mechanism to bring the cable to the first or second position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cable guide may comprise a central opening and at least one friction-reducing element arranged within the central opening to assist movement of the charging cable through the central opening.

[0018] The at least one friction-reducing element may be any suitable frictionreducing element as desired, which reduces the friction experience by a cable to enable the cable to slide through or over the cable guide with increased ease. In some embodiments, the at least one friction-reducing element is a rotatable element. For example, the at least one rotatable element may be one or more rollers one or more ball bearings provided along a track, one or more sheaves, or a combination thereof.

[0019] The cable guide may be any suitable shape and size as desired. In some embodiments, the cable guide may be substantially polygonal and comprising a plurality of internal edges, and the at least one friction-reducing element may comprise a plurality of rotatable elements disposed along the plurality of internal edges of the polygonal cable guide. For example, the cable guide may be triangular with rotatable elements, e.g. rollers, provided along the three internal edges thereof, or the cable guide may be rectangular with rotatable elements, e.g. rollers, provided along two opposing internal edges thereof, or all four internal edges thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the movement mechanism may comprise a slide rail arranged substantially vertically, the first position being a higher position on the slide rail and the second position being a lower position on the slide rail. The slide rail provides a predetermined and fixed path on which the cable guide may travel between the first (e.g. top) position and the second (e.g. bottom) position to facilitate stowing or dispensing of the charging cable. Moreover, the slide rail allows the cable guide to move downwards closer to the level of the dispense opening, thus bringing the charging cable downward. Bringing the charging cable downwards allow more cable length to be pulled through the cable guide to facilitating the dispensing of the charging cable. When stowing the charging cable, pushing action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to move upwards on the slide rail such that a portion of the cable length can be stored in height.

[0021] In some embodiments, the movement mechanism may comprise a slide rail arranged inclined from horizontal, the first position being a position on the slide rail higher and horizontally further from the dispense opening and the second position being a position on the slide rail lower and horizontally closer to the dispense opening. The inclination of the slide rail allows more controlled and smoother motion of the cable guide as it travels between the first and second positions. Moreover, the inclination of the slide rail allows the cable guide to move downwards and forwards towards the dispense opening at the same time, thus bringing the charging cable downward and forwards. Bringing the charging cable downwards allow more cable length to be pulled through the cable guide, while bringing the charging cable forwards reduces the unsupported cable length between an operator and the cable guide, thus reducing the weight of the charging cable that needs to be carried by the operator.

[0022] In some embodiments, the movement mechanism may comprise a linkage assembly comprising at least one linkage pivotally coupled at a first end to the cable guide and pivotally coupled at a second end to the housing, the linkage assembly may be configured to pivot the cable guide between the first position higher and horizontally further from the dispense opening and the second position lower and horizontally closer to the dispense opening. In particular, the linkage assembly is preferably arranged and configured to enable the cable guide to move between the first position and the second position whilst maintaining its vertical orientation. While one linkage or linkage arm is sufficient to enable a pivoting motion of the cable guide, in preferred embodiments, two, three, four or more linkages are provided to give a stronger structure for the linkage assembly. Preferably, the linkage assembly has at least one linkage coupled to the top of the cable guide and at least one linkage coupled to the bottom of the cable guide. Preferably, the upper and lower linkages are of the same length. Preferably, the upper and lower linkages are arranged such that the distance between the upper and lower pivots coupled to the support structure is equal to the distance between the upper and lower pivots coupled to the cable guide. Preferably, the upper and lower pivots at both ends of the upper and lower linkages are vertically aligned. Since the weight of a cable can be significant, returning the cable inside the support structure, which may involve pushing the cable in an upward direction against gravity, can present difficulties. Thus, in some embodiments, the movement mechanism may comprise an assisting element configured to assist movement of the cable guide to return from the second position to the first position.

[0023] The assisting element may be any element or mechanism that reduces the effort required in returning the cable guide from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the assisting element may comprise a gas strut coupled to the cable guide, the gas strut may be arranged such that moving the cable guide from the first position to the second position compresses the gas strut. Thus, when an operator is stowing the cable, part of the weight of the cable is taken by the loaded gas strut to assist the operator in returning the cable guide (and the cable) to the first position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the assisting element may comprise a counterweight coupled to the cable guide through a pulley and wire system, the pulley and wire system may be arranged such that moving the cable guide from the first position to the second position raises the counterweight. Thus, when an operator is stowing the cable, part of the weight of the cable is countered by the raised counterweight to assist the operator in returning the cable guide (and the cable) to the first position.

[0025] It may sometimes be desirable to limit how much of the cable can be pulled out of the cable management system support structure, for example such that the cable does not overextend and damage its connection to a junction box or damage itself by exceeding its bend radius limit. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a rear cable clamp configured to fixedly couple to the charging cable at a position behind the cable guide with respect to the dispense opening, wherein the rear cable clamp may be configured to impact the cable guide to limit a length of the charging cable extendable from the cable management system.

[0026] It may sometimes be desirable to limit how much of the cable can be returned inside the cable management system support structure, for example such that the cable does not retract so far into the support structure that it cannot be retrieved by an operator. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a front cable clamp configured to fixedly couple to the charging cable at a position in front of the cable guide with respect to the dispense opening, wherein the front cable clamp may be configured to impact the cable guide to limit a length of the charging cable retractable into the cable management system. Moreover, the front and / or rear cable clamps may assist the movement of the cable guide between the first and second position. In particular, when the front / rear cable clamp collides with the cable guide, the collision prevents the cable from being pushed / pulled through the cable guide, and as the operator continues to push / pull, the cable guide is assisted to move to the first / second position by the pushing / pulling force exerted by the front / rear cable clamp.

[0027] In some embodiments, the system may further comprise friction-reducing element coupled to the support structure at the dispense opening through which the charging cable is dispensed, the friction-reducing element may be arranged to reduce friction experienced by the charging cable as the charging cable is dispensed. The friction-reducing element facilitates smooth dispensing of the cable. For example, the friction-reducing element may be a pair of rollers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing may be dimensioned to have a height substantially larger than a width and / or a depth of the housing. Dimensioning the housing as such allows the length of the charging cable to be stored in height within the housing. The reduced depth and / or width of the housing that is made possible by the increased height results in a smaller footprint.

[0029] It may sometimes be desirable to be able to monitor or signal when the cable guide moves from the first position to the second position or if the cable is under excessive tension or is being dispensed by an excessive amount. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a failsafe system configured to determine when the cable guide exceeds a positional limit and / or when the charging cable exceeds a load limit.

[0030] To this end, the failsafe system may comprise one or more sensing devices such as (but not limited to) a position sensor or motion sensor configured to sense the position or movement of the cable guide and / or mechanism, or a tension sensor configured to sense if the charging cable is under excessive strain / tension. The sensing device may e.g. be configured to determine an exact position of the cable guide, or to sense if the cable guide exceeds a positional limit or force on a part of the support structure. Thus, in some embodiments, the failsafe system may comprise one or more of: a position sensing device configured to sense a position of the cable guide; a compressive force sensing device arranged to receive the cable guide when the cable guide is at the second position to measure a compressive force exerted on the compressive force sensing device by the cable guide; or a strain gauge coupled to the charging cable configured to measure strain exerted on the charging cable.

[0031] The failsafe system may be arranged to communicate with a control system that controls the supply of power to the charging cable. In some embodiments, the failsafe system may further comprise an alert-generating module configured to generate an alert when it is determined that the cable guide exceeds a positional limit and / or when the charging cable exceeds a load limit. The failsafe system may be configured to send a signal to the control system, or remove a signal being monitored by the control system, in response to a particular behaviour of the cable management system (e.g. excessive tension in the cable). The control system may be configured to cease power supply to the cable based on the signal (or absence of signal) received from the failsafe system. The function provided by the failsafe system ensures that a hazardous electrical scenario does not arise if the cable is overextended and there is a risk of damage occurring to the cable, connector, or any other components of the cable management system and / or charging station. For example, the failsafe system may comprise a limit switch mounted inside the support structure configured to activate a signal in the event of the cable guide colliding with the support structure.

[0032] Another aspect of the present technology provides an electric vehicle charging station for charging an electric vehicle having a charging port, the charging station comprising: a charging connector configured to couple to the charging port of the electric vehicle to deliver electrical power; a charging cable comprising at least one electrical conductor core to conduct electricity, the charging cable being coupled at a first end to the charging connector and at a second end to an electrical power source; and the cable management system as described above.

[0033] In some embodiments, the charging cable may be a liquid cooled charging cable comprising at least one electrical conductor core to conduct electricity and at least one cooling line to allow a liquid coolant to flow therethrough.

[0034] In some embodiment, the charging cable may be stored within the housing as a loop. For example, the charging cable may be stored as a loop whereby decreasing the radius of the loop allows more of the charging cable to extend out of the housing while increasing the radius of the loop allows more of the charging cable to reside within the housing. Storing the charging cable as a loop maximises the available storage space within the housing while ensuring that the charging cable does not exceeds its minimum bend radius. When stored as a loop, the charging cable may be arranged such that a large portion of the charging cable is resting against the back of the housing, such that the weight of the charging cable is partially supported by the housing and partially supported by the cable guide. Upon the charging cable being pulled (by an operator) away from the back of the housing (i.e. towards the dispense opening), more weight is transferred to the cable guide, and the transfer of weight assists the movement of the cable guide (e.g. downward) to the second position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further comprise a connector holster coupled to the housing to receive the charging connector when the charging cable is stored. The connector holster ensures the charging connector is safely stowed away and can be conveniently retrieved.

[0036] Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0037] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary electric vehicle charging station;

[0040] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary cable management system;

[0041] FIG. 3 shows schematically an inside view of an exemplary cable management system;

[0042] FIG. 4 shows schematically an inside view of another exemplary cable management system;

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a first embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 6A shows a front view of an exemplary cable guide;

[0045] FIG. 6B shows a cross section view of the cable guide of FIG. 6A;

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a second embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a third embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a fourth embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a fifth embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 11 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a sixth embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 12 shows a side view of an exemplary cable management system according to a seventh embodiment; FIGs. 13A and 13B show a top view of an exemplary cable management system according to an eighth embodiment; and

[0052] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cable management system according to a further example.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present technology relates to a cable management system that functions as an interface between power and coolant supply for a liquid cooled cable and connector assembly. The cable management system may for example be used as an electric vehicle charging station for charging electrical vehicles. The cable management system further provides ergonomic assistance for an operator to manually handle the connector and cable when connecting to the electrical vehicle power inlet. The cable management system differs from existing heavy-duty electrical vehicle charger hardware in that it is configured to address challenges arising from the use of heavy and inflexible liquid cooled charging cable that is necessary to provide high-power (e.g. megawatt) charging capability.

[0055] According to embodiments of the present technology, the cable management system comprises a cable guide that is coupled to a mechanism which permits the cable guide to change its position within the support structure of the cable management system. In doing so, when a cable is guided through the cable guide, the path of the cable changes as the position of the cable guide is changed. In particular, when the cable is stowed, the cable guide is put in a first position that optimises the length of cable that can be stored within the support structure. For example, the first position may be near the top or at near full height of the support structure to enable the full height of the support structure to be used for storing the cable. When the cable is dispensed, the cable guide is put in a second position that optimises the ability of the cable to extend outside the support structure. For example, the second position may be at or near the position of the dispense opening in the support structure to reduce an exit angle of the cable. Since the mechanism only permits the cable guide to move between the first and second positions, the position of the cable within the support structure is changed in a controlled and predictable manner.

[0056] The present arrangement thus facilitates an operator in stowing and dispensing the cable, and in addition ensures that the cable can be properly stowed and dispensed with reduced risk of it getting stuck or tangled inside the support structure.

[0057] The present arrangement is particularly relevant when the cable is a liquid cooled charging cable in that a liquid cooled charging cable is typically heavy, bulky and inflexible, and the change in position of the cable through the cable guide and the mechanism maximises the storage capacity of the support structure while improving the ease of dispensing the cable.

[0058] For example, embodiments of the cable management system may be used for storing and dispensing a charging connector and cable assembly as part of a high-power DC (direct current) charging system (Megawatt Charging System (MCS)) that can provide more than 3MW charging power via a single connector. The MCS can be used to charge heavy-duty vehicles, such as agriculture and construction vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and e-vessels.

[0059] An example is shown in FIG. 1, in which an electric waterborne vessel 100 is being charged by an operator using charging station 110. In operation, the operator retrieves liquid cooled charging cable 120 from the charging station 110 and attach charging connector 121 of the charging cable 120 into a corresponding charging port 111 on the vessel 100 for charging. The charging cable 120 is connected, via the charging station 110, to a coolant supply 130 via supply and return hoses 131 and to an electric power source 140 via power supply cables 141.

[0060] An exemplary cable management system 200 is shown in FIG. 2. The cable management system 200 generally comprises a support structure such as housing 210 that supports and (at least partially) encloses a plurality of components, including various cable management hardware for mounting and dispensing a liquid cooled cable 220 through a dispense opening 240, a holster 250 for receiving a charging connector 230 coupled to the cable 220 when stowed, and a junction box within the housing 210 (not shown) for interfacing between a power source and a coolant source and the liquid cooled cable 220. The housing 210 may be mounted on a plinth 260 that acts as a standard interface between the system 200 and the install surface to provide anchor points to the ground and an even surface on which the system 200 mounts.

[0061] It may in some cases be desirable to provide full enclosure to a retracted cable for safe storage. Thus, in an example shown in FIG. 3, a cable management system 300 comprises a housing 310 with extended depth to accommodate a liquid cooled cable 320 when it is stowed. The cable 320 is again connected to respective power and coolant source through junction box 370. In use, an operator may lift a charging connector 330 from a holster 350 and retrieve the cable 320 from inside the housing 310, bringing the cable 320' and connector 330' forward to a charging position.

[0062] In an alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 4, a cable management system 400 comprises a housing 410 with increased height to accommodate a retracted cable 420. The cable 420 is similarly connected to respective power and coolant source through junction box 470. In use, an operator may lift a charging connector 430 from a holster 450 and retrieve the cable 420 from the housing 410, bringing the cable 420' and connector 430' downward to a charging position.

[0063] The additional height from which the cable is dispensed may present some difficulties for an operator when handling the cable and connector. For instance, the downward motion of the cable when being retrieved may be too quick and uncontrolled, potentially causing accidents and / or injuries to the operator, or the weight and stiffness of the cable may cause difficulty in returning the connector to the holster. Thus, in some embodiments, a cable guide is provided to the cable management system.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of a cable management system 500. Similar to the cable management system 400, the cable management system 500 comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 510 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable 520 coupled to a charging connector 530. The support structure 510 is provided with a holster 550 for receiving the connector 530 when the cable 520 is stowed. The cable management system 500 comprises a junction box 570 for connecting the cable 520 to a power source and coolant source (not shown). In the present embodiment, the cable management system 500 further comprises a cable guide 560 in the form of a roller fairlead, and coupled to a slide rail 580 arranged to permit the cable guide 560 to move from a first (top) position (560) to a second (bottom) position 560'. When the cable 520 is retracted, the cable guide 560 is pushed up to the first position along the slide rail 580 so as to optimise or otherwise increase the storage capacity of the support structure 510 by making use of its height. When the connector 530' is lifted out of holster 550 and the cable 520' is dispensed, the cable guide 560' is permitted to move to the second lower position on the slide rail 580, for example to a position that is near a dispense opening of the cable management system 500 to facilitate easy retrieval of the cable.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the cable 520 is stored within the housing 510 as a loop. Storing the cable 520 as a loop maximises the available storage space within the housing 510 while ensuring that the cable 520 does not exceeds its minimum bend radius. When stored as a loop, the cable 520 is arranged such that a large portion of the cable 520 is resting against the back of the housing 510. In doing so, the weight of the cable 520 is partially supported by the housing 510 and partially supported by the cable guide 560. When the cable guide 560' is at the second lower position, the cable 520 is brought to a height proximal to the dispensing point. Thus, lifting the cable 520 to the higher first position for storage optimises the storage capacity of the housing 510 by converting some of the cable length into height, while lowering the cable 520 to the lower second position reduces the bend radius of the loop to convert some of the cable height to length thereby facilitating extension of the cable 520 out of the dispensing point. Moreover, configuring the slide rail (movement mechanism) 580 such that the first and second positions are fixed ensures that the reduction in the cable bend radius is restricted; in other words, the cable 520 cannot bend more than the second position would allow. This is particularly important for liquid cooled cables since exceeding a minimum bend radius may lead to blocking of the liquid pathway. Typically, bend radius of a cable is preferably maintained at at least 5 to 12 times the diameter of the cable.

[0066] FIG. 6A shows a front view of the cable guide 560. The cable guide 560 is rectangular in shape and has a central opening for receiving a cable therethrough. Around the central opening is provided a plurality of rotatable elements in the form of two opposing pairs of rollers 561, 562, 563 and 564. The rollers 561, 562, 563 and 564 are provided around the opening to reduce the friction between a cable and the cable guide 560 as the cable slide through the opening. FIG. 6B shows a cross section of the cable guide 560. The cable guide 560 may for example be made of a suitable metal. Herein, the cable guide 560 is shown as rectangular in shape; however, the cable guide may be made in any suitable shape and size such as triangular, circular, etc. While the rotatable elements are shown as rollers in the present example, it will be appreciated that other form of friction-reducing elements may be used instead of the rotatable elements, such as ball bearings provided in a track around the opening of the cable guide 560, static roller, etc., as long as the friction-reducing elements or rotatable elements serve the function of reducing friction between the cable and the cable guide opening.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a cable management system 700. Similar to the cable management system 500, the cable management system 700 comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 710 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable 720 coupled to a charging connector 730. The support structure 710 is provided with a holster 750 for receiving the connector 730 when the cable 720 is stowed. The cable management system 700 comprises a junction box 770 for connecting the cable 720 to a power source and coolant source (not shown). The cable management system 700 similarly comprises a cable guide 760 in the form of a roller fairlead, and coupled to a slide rail 780 arranged to permit the cable guide 760 to move from a first (top) position (760) to a second (bottom) position 760'. However, in the present embodiment, the slide rail 780 is arranged inclined at an angle a from the horizontal. In doing so, when the cable 720 is retracted, the inclination allows the cable guide 760 to be more easily pushed up to the first position along the slide rail 780, while when the cable 720' is dispensed, the inclination allows more control when the cable guide 760' is moved to the second lower position on the slide rail 780.

[0068] Moreover, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the cable management system further comprises rear cable clamp 790a and front cable clamp 790b. The rear cable clamp 790a is arranged such that as the cable is dispensed out of the support structure (housing) 710, the cable clamp 790a eventually impacts the back of the cable guide 760 and is prevented from extending further out of the housing 710. The front cable clamp 790b is arranged such that as the cable retracts into the support structure 710, the cable clamp 790b eventually impacts the front of the cable guide 760 and is prevented from retracting further into the housing 710. The cable clamps 790a, 790b are provided to limit the extent by which the cable 720 is able to extend out of the cable management system 700 and to retract into the cable management system 700 respectively, thus ensuring that the cable 720 is in the correct position. Further, the cable clamps 790a, 790b are positioned such that the act of the rear cable clamp 790a (front cable clamp 790b) impacting the cable guide translates the force of the operator pulling (pushing) on the cable 720 into the cable guide 760 to assist with its movement from the first position to second position (the second position to the first position).

[0069] In the present embodiment, the second position is at a lower height and horizontally closer to the dispense opening, while the first position is at a greater height and horizontally further from the dispense opening. Thus, the cable guide 760 simultaneously lowers and brings forward the charging cable 720 towards the dispense opening as it moves from the first position to the second position, and the cable guide 760 simultaneously lifts and brings backward the charging cable 720 away from the dispense opening at it returns to the first position. Lifting the charging cable to a higher first position for storage optimises the storage capacity of the housing by converting some of the cable length into height. Then, lowering the charging cable to a lower second position that is closer to the dispense opening when dispensing the charging cable facilitates extension of the charging cable out of the dispense opening. In particular, since the charging cable 720 is stored as a loop within the housing 710, moving the cable guide 760 to the second lower position reduces the bend radius of the loop, converting cable height into cable length, thus allowing more of the charging cable 720 to be pulled through. Moreover, moving the cable guide 760 to the first position away from the dispense opening for storage brings the charging cable 720 backwards towards the back of the housing 710 allows more of the charging cable 720 to rest against the back of the housing 710 to partially support the weight of the charging cable 720. Then, moving the cable guide forward to the second position bring the charging cable 720 towards the dispense opening, and by having the cable guide 760 closer to an operator, more of the weight of the charging cable is being supported by the cable guide 760, thus reducing the load carried by the operator.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a cable management system 800. Similar to the cable management system 700, the cable management system 800 comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 810 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable 820 coupled to a charging connector 830. The support structure 810 is provided with a holster 850 for receiving the connector 830 when the cable 820 is stowed. The cable management system 800 comprises a junction box 870 for connecting the cable 820 to a power source and coolant source (not shown). The cable management system 800 comprises a cable guide 860, which may again be in the form of a roller fairlead. A rear cable clamp 890a and a front cable clamp 890b are again provided to limit the extent by which the cable 820 is able to extend out of and to retract into the cable management system 800 to ensure correct positioning of the cable 820. The rear cable clamp 890a is arranged such that as the cable is dispensed out of the support structure (housing) 810, the cable clamp 890a eventually impacts the back of the cable guide 860 and is prevented from extending further out of the housing 810. The front cable clamp 890b is arranged such that as the cable retracts into the support structure 810, the cable clamp 890b eventually impacts the front of the cable guide 860 and is prevented from retracting further into the housing 810.

[0071] The present embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 in that the cable guide 860 is coupled to a linkage assembly 880 configured to permit the cable guide 860 to move from a first (top) position 860 to a second (bottom) position 860'. In particular, in the present embodiment, the linkage assembly 880 is pivotally coupled to the cable guide 860 at a first end, and pivotally coupled to the support structure 810 at a second end. In doing so, when the cable 820 is retracted, the linkage assembly 880 pivots the cable guide 860 up towards the first higher position, while when the cable 820' is dispensed, the linkage assembly 880 pivots the cable guide 860' down towards the second lower position. In the present embodiment, the linkage assembly 880 comprises four linkages or linkage arms 881, 882, 883, 884, each pivotally coupled to the cable guide 860 at a first end and each pivotally coupled to the support structure 810 at a second end. However, a skilled reader will appreciate that a single linkage or linkage arm can be sufficient to provide a pivot motion to the cable guide 860, and two, three, or more than four linkages or linkage arms may be used as desired.

[0072] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of a cable management system 900. The present arrangement is similar to the cable management system 700 shown in FIG. 7, in that the cable management system 900 comprises a cable guide 960 in the form of a roller fairlead coupled to a slide rail 980 arranged inclined at an angle from the horizontal, which permits the cable guide 960 to move from a first (top) position to a second (bottom) position. The cable management system 900 again comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 910 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable coupled to a charging connector (not shown), a holster 950 for receiving the connector, and a junction box 970 for connecting the cable to a power source and coolant source (not shown).

[0073] The present embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 7 in that the cable management system 900 further comprises an assisting element 991 in the form of a gas strut, coupled to the cable guide 960 at a first end and to the support structure 910 (or slide rail 980) at a second end. In operation, the gas strut 991 is compressed by the cable guide 960 as it moves downward, along the slide rail 980, from the first higher position to the second lower position. In doing so, a portion of the gravitational potential energy lost as the cable is lowered with the cable guide 960 to the second position is stored in the compressed gas in the gas strut 991, and when the cable is retracted, pushing the cable guide 960 up the slide rail 980 towards the first position, the upward motion of the cable guide 960 is assisted by the gas strut 991 as the gas decompresses.

[0074] FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of a cable management system 1000. The present arrangement is similar to the cable management system 800 shown in FIG. 8, in that the cable management system 1000 comprises a cable guide 1060 in the form of a roller fairlead coupled to a linkage assembly 1080 configured to permit the cable guide 1060 to move from a first (top) position to a second (bottom) position. The cable management system 1000 again comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 1010 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable coupled to a charging connector (not shown), a holster 1050 for receiving the connector, and a junction box 1070 for connecting the cable to a power source and coolant source (not shown). Again, in the present embodiment, the linkage assembly 1080 is pivotally coupled to the cable guide 1060 at a first end, and pivotally coupled to the support structure 1010 at a second end.

[0075] The operation of the linkage assembly 1080 in the present embodiment is similar to the linkage assembly 880 in FIG. 8; however, the present embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the cable management system 1000 further comprises an assisting element 1091 in the form of a gas strut, coupled to the cable guide 1060 at a first end and to the support structure 1010 at a second end. In operation, the gas strut 1091 is compressed by the cable guide 1060 as it moves downward from the first higher position to the second lower position pivoted by the linkage assembly 1080. In doing so, the downward motion of the cable guide 1060 compresses the gas within the gas strut 1091, such that when the cable is retracted, pushing the cable guide 1060 up towards the first position pivoted by the linkage assembly 1080, the upward motion of the cable guide 1060 is assisted by the gas strut 1091 as the gas decompresses.

[0076] FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of a cable management system 1100. The present arrangement is similar to the cable management system 700 shown in FIG. 7, in that the cable management system 1100 comprises a cable guide 1160 in the form of a roller fairlead coupled to a slide rail 1180 arranged inclined at an angle from the horizontal, which permits the cable guide 1160 to move from a first (top) position to a second (bottom) position. The cable management system 1100 again comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 1110 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable coupled to a charging connector (not shown), a holster 1150 for receiving the connector, and a junction box 1170 for connecting the cable to a power source and coolant source (not shown).

[0077] The present embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 7 in that the cable management system 1100 further comprises an assisting element including a counterweight 1192, a pulley 1193 coupled to the support structure 1110 (preferably to the ceiling thereof or at a position near the full height thereof) and a pulley cable 1194 coupled at a first end to the counterweight 1192 and at a second end to the cable guide 1160 over the pulley 1193. In operation, the counterweight 1192 is raised to a higher position by the cable guide 1160 via the pulley cable 1194, as the cable guide 1160 moves downward along the slide rail 1180 from the first higher position to the second lower position. In doing so, a portion of the gravitational potential energy lost as the liquid cooled cable is lowered with the cable guide 1160 to the second position is stored as gravitational potential energy in the counterweight 1192, and when the cable is retracted, pushing the cable guide 1160 up the slide rail 1180 towards the first position, the upward motion of the cable guide 1160 is assisted by the downward motion of the counterweight 1192 via the pulley cable 1194.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows a seventh embodiment of a cable management system 2000. The present arrangement is similar to the cable management system 800 shown in FIG. 8, in that the cable management system 1200 comprises a cable guide 1260 in the form of a roller fairlead coupled to a linkage assembly 1280 configured to permit the cable guide 1260 to move from a first (top) position to a second (bottom) position. The cable management system 1200 again comprises a support structure (e.g. a housing) 1210 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable coupled to a charging connector (not shown), a holster 1250 for receiving the connector, and a junction box 1270 for connecting the cable to a power source and coolant source (not shown). Again, in the present embodiment, the linkage assembly 1280 is pivotally coupled to the cable guide 1260 at a first end, and pivotally coupled to the support structure 1210 at a second end.

[0079] The operation of the linkage assembly 1280 in the present embodiment is similar to the linkage assembly 880 in FIG. 8; however, the present embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the cable management system 1200 further comprises an assisting element including a counterweight 1292, a pulley 1293 coupled to the support structure 1210 (preferably to the ceiling thereof or at a position near the full height thereof) and a pulley cable 1294 coupled at a first end to the counterweight 1292 and at a second end to the cable guide 1260 over the pulley 1293. In operation, the counterweight 1292 is raised to a higher position by the cable guide 1260 via the pulley cable 1294, as the cable guide 1160 moves downward pivoted by the linkage assembly 1280 from the first higher position to the second lower position. In doing so, the downward motion of the cable guide 1260 is stored as gravitational potential energy in the counterweight 1292, and when the cable is retracted, the upward motion of the cable guide 1160 towards the first position, pivoted by the linkage assembly 1280, is assisted by the downward motion of the counterweight 1292 via the pulley cable 1294.

[0080] Through providing the assisting elements 991, 1091, 1191, 1291 to the cable guides 960, 1060, 1160 and 1260, the upward motion of the cable guide as it returns from the second lower position to the first higher position as the cable retracts is assisted by the assisting element, such that part of the weight of the cable is countered by the stored energy in the assisting element. Moreover, since the assisting elements 991, 1091, 1191, 1291 are passive energy storage elements rather than power-assisted elements, they do not add to the power requirement of the cable management system and does not significantly increase maintenance requirements. However, if desired, power- assisted elements such as actuators, motors, etc. may be used.

[0081] FIG. 13A shows a top view an eighth embodiment of a cable management system 1300. For the purpose of illustration only, the cable management system 1300 is shown as comprising a support structure (e.g. a housing) 1210 for accommodating a liquid cooled cable 1320 coupled to a charging connector 1330, a cable guide 1360 arranged to receive the liquid cooled cable 1320, a rear cable clamp 1390a for limiting extension of the cable 1320, and a junction box 1370 for connecting the cable to a power source and coolant source (not shown). It will be understood that the cable guide 1360 is coupled to a suitable mechanism configured to permit the cable guide 1360 to move between a first position when the cable 1320 is retracted and a second position when the cable 1320 is dispensed.

[0082] The present embodiment further comprises at least one friction-reducing element provided at a dispense opening A of the support structure 1210 through which the cable 1320 extends as it is dispensed. In particular, the cable management system 1300 is provided with a pair of rollers 1395a, 1395b disposed vertically on either side of the dispense opening A arranged such that the cable 1320 extends therebetween. The friction-reducing element rollers 1395a, 1395b reduce the friction on the cable 1320 as it extends out of and retracts into the support structure 1310 through the dispense opening A. Thus, the friction-reducing element facilitates movement of the cable 1320 out of and into the support structure 1310. Other friction-reducing elements may be implemented to improve the ease of moving the cable 1320 in and out of the support structure 1310, such as static "rollers" with low sliding friction surface or other mobile or static low friction elements.

[0083] As can be seen in FIG. 13B, the rollers 1395a and 1395b together with the rear cable clamp 1390a are arranged to facilitate extension of the cable 1320 out of the support structure 1310 at an angle. As the connector 1330 is pulled by an operator to extend the cable 1320, the rear cable clamp 1390a impacts the back of the cable guide 1360 and a tension is induced in the cable 1320 as the operator continues to pull the connector 1330. The rollers 1395a and 1395b, being positioned at the dispense opening A, can be used to laterally oppose the cable 1320 to translate the tension induced in the cable 1320 around the roller 1395b so that the cable 1320 can extend from the support structure 1310 at an angle. The roller 1395b in turn applies a force in line with the motion of the cable guide 1360 through the rear cable clamp 1390a. This enables the cable guide 1360 to travel (along suitable mechanism) towards the second (dispense) position as if the cable 1320 is extending out of the support structure 1310 in a straight line.

[0084] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cable management system 1400 according to a further example. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the cable management system 1400 comprises a housing 1410 enclosing a liquid cooled cable 1420 coupled to a connector 1430. A junction box 1470 is provided to connect the cable 1420 to a power and coolant source (not shown). In the present example, the cable management system further comprises a cable clamp 1460 that couples the cable 1420 and connector 1430 to a support cable 1494. The support cable 1494 at least partially supports the weight of the cable 1420 as an operator lifts the connector 1430 from a holster 1450 to extend the cable 1420 to a charging position. The support cable 1494 in the present example is configured to be retractable from a spring reel 1493, such that when the cable 1420 is pulled from the housing 1410, the retractable support cable 1494 extends from the spring reel 1493 to allow assisted extension of the cable 1420. The cable management system 1400 is further provided with an overhead beam 1496 for accommodating the spring reel 1493. The overhead beam 1496 extends the spring reel 1493 away from the housing 1410, allowing easier access of the connector 1430 and cable 1420 by the operator.

[0085] Optionally, the cable management system 1400 (and any other previously described cable management systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) may be provided with a control system 1499 for monitoring and controlling the cable management system 1400 and communicating with a charging system (not shown), a charging port on an electrical vehicle (not shown) and / or an associated emergency shut-off system (not shown). The control system 1499 may for example be provided within the junction box 1470 or elsewhere on the cable management system 1400. Further, the cable management system may be provided with indicator lights to signal to an operator the status of the charging system. Alternatively or additionally, a monitor or screen 1498 may be provided for displaying operation information.

[0086] It may sometimes be desirable to be able to monitor or signal when the cable guide moves from the first position to the second position or if the cable is under excessive tension or is being dispensed by an excessive amount. In some embodiments, any of the previously described systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 may further comprise a failsafe system configure to determine when the cable guide exceeds a positional limit and / or when the charging cable exceeds a load limit.

[0087] To this end, the failsafe system may comprise one or more sensing devices such as (but not limited to) a position sensor or motion sensor configured to sense the position or movement of the cable guide and / or mechanism, or it may be a strain / tension sensor configured to sense if the charging cable is under excessive strain / tension. The sensing device may be configured to determine an exact position of the cable guide, or to sense if the cable guide exceeds a positional limit or force on a part of the support structure. Thus, in some embodiments, the failsafe system may comprise one or more of: a position sensing device configured to sense a position of the cable guide; a compressive force sensing device arranged to receive the cable guide when the cable guide moves to the second position, the compressive force sensing device being configured to measure a compressive force on the compressive force sensing device as the cable guide impacts thereon; or a strain gauge coupled to the charging cable configured to measure strain exerts on the charging cable.

[0088] The failsafe system may be arranged to communicate with a control system that controls the supply of power to the liquid cooled charging cable. In some embodiments, the failsafe system may further comprise an alert-generating module configured to generate an alert when it is determined that the cable guide exceeds a positional limit and / or when the charging cable exceeds a load limit. The failsafe system may be configured to send a signal to the control system, or remove a signal being monitored by the control system, in response to a particular behaviour of the cable management system (e.g. excessive tension in the cable). The control system may be configured to cease power supply to the cable based on the signal (or absence of signal) received from the failsafe system. The function provided by the failsafe system ensures that a hazardous electrical scenario does not arise if the cable is overextended and there is a risk of damage occurring to the liquid cooled cable, connector, or any other components of the cable management system and / or charging station.

[0089] For example, the failsafe system may comprise a limit switch mounted inside the support structure configured to activate a signal in the event of the cable guide colliding with the support structure.

[0090] It will be clear to a skilled person that various elements described with reference to the drawings, such as various implementations of the cable guide, various implementations of the mechanism that permits movement of the cable guide, various implementations of the assisting element, various implementations of the friction-reducing element, various implementations of the sensing device(s), and / or various implementations of the control / monitoring system may be implemented in different combinations, including combinations not explicitly described herein.

[0091] The examples and conditional language recited herein are intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present technology and not to limit its scope to such specifically recited examples and conditions. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art may devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, nonetheless embody the principles of the present technology and are included within its scope as defined by the appended claims.

[0092] Furthermore, as an aid to understanding, the above description may describe relatively simplified implementations of the present technology. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[0093] In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the present technology may also be set forth. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to limit the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may make other modifications while nonetheless remaining within the scope of the present technology. Further, where no examples of modifications have been set forth, it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and / or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology.

[0094] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and implementations of the technology, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof, whether they are currently known or developed in the future.

[0095] It will be clear to one skilled in the art that many improvements and modifications can be made to the foregoing exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present techniques.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable management system for storing and dispensing a charging cable, the system comprising: a housing to enclose at least a portion of the charging cable, the housing having a dispense opening for dispensing the charging cable therethrough; a cable guide configured to receive a portion of the charging cable therethrough to support partially the weight of the charging cable, the cable guide being configured to facilitate movement of the charging cable therethrough; and a movement mechanism to couple the cable guide to the housing, the movement mechanism being configured to permit the cable guide to move between a first position away from the dispense opening and a second position towards the dispense opening along a fixed path within the housing, wherein pulling action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to move from the first position to the second position thereby extending the charging cable out of the dispense opening, and pushing action on the charging cable causes the cable guide to return to the first position thereby retracting the charging cable into the housing.

2. The cable management system of claim 1, wherein the second position is at a height proximal to the dispense opening, and the first position is at a height higher than the second position, such that the cable guide lowers the portion of the charging cable towards the dispense opening when moving from the first position to the second position.

3. The cable management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second position is at a horizontal distance proximal to the dispense opening, and the first position is at a horizontal distance further from the dispense opening in relation to the second position, such that the cable guide supports the charging cable at a position proximal to the dispense opening when moving from the first position to the second position.

4. The cable management system of any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises a central opening and at least one friction-reducing element arranged within the central opening to assist movement of the charging cablethrough the central opening.

5. The cable management system of claim 4, wherein the at least one frictionreducing element is a rotatable element including one or more rollers, one or more ball bearings, one or more sheaves, or a combination thereof.

6. The cable management system of any preceding claim, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a slide rail arranged substantially vertically, the first position being a higher position on the slide rail and the second position being a lower position on the slide rail.

7. The cable management system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a slide rail arranged inclined from horizontal, the first position being a position on the slide rail higher and horizontally further from the dispense opening and the second position being a position on the slide rail lower and horizontally closer to the dispense opening.

8. The cable management system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a linkage assembly comprising at least one linkage pivotally coupled at a first end to the cable guide and pivotally coupled at a second end to the housing, the linkage assembly being configured to pivot the cable guide between the first position higher and horizontally further from the dispense opening and the second position lower and horizontally closer to the dispense opening.

9. The cable management system of any preceding claim, wherein the movement mechanism comprises an assisting element configured to assist movement of the cable guide to return from the second position to the first position.

10. The cable management system of claim 9, wherein the assisting element comprises a gas strut coupled to the cable guide, the gas strut being arranged such that moving the cable guide from the first position to the second position compresses the gas strut.

11. The cable management system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the assisting element comprises a counterweight coupled to the cable guide through a pulley and wire system, the pulley and wire system being arranged such that moving the cable guide from the first position to the second position raises the counterweight.

12. The cable management system of any preceding claim, further comprising a rear cable clamp configured to fixedly couple to the charging cable at a position behind the cable guide with respect to the dispense opening, wherein the rear cable clamp is configured to impact the cable guide to limit a length of the charging cable extendable from the cable management system.

13. The cable management system of any preceding claim, further comprising a front cable clamp configured to fixedly couple to the charging cable at a position in front of the cable guide with respect to the dispense opening, wherein the front cable clamp is configured to impact the cable guide to limit a length of the charging cable retractable into the cable management system.

14. The cable management system of any preceding claim, wherein the housing is dimensioned to have a height substantially larger than a width and a depth of the housing.

15. The cable management system of any preceding claim, further comprising a failsafe system configured to determine when the cable guide exceeds a positional limit and / or when the charging cable exceeds a load limit.

16. The cable management system of claim 15, wherein the failsafe system comprises one or more of: a position sensing device configured to sense a position of the cable guide; a compressive force sensing device arranged to receive the cable guide when the cable guide is at the second position to measure a compressive force exerts on the compressive force sensing device by the cable guide; or a strain gauge coupled to the charging cable configured to measure a strain exerts on the charging cable.

17. The cable management system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the failsafesystem further comprises an alert-generating module configured to generate an alert when it is determined that the cable guide exceeds a positional limit and / or when the charging cable exceeds a load limit.

18. An electric vehicle charging station for charging an electric vehicle having a charging port, the charging station comprising: a charging connector configured to couple to the charging port of the electric vehicle to deliver electrical power; a charging cable comprising at least one electrical conductor core to conduct electricity, the charging cable being coupled at a first end to the charging connector and at a second end to an electrical power source; and the cable management system of any preceding claim.

19. The charging station of claim 18, wherein the charging cable is a liquid cooled charging cable comprising at least one electrical conductor core to conduct electricity and at least one cooling line to allow a liquid coolant to flow therethrough.

20. The charging station of claim 18 or 19, wherein the charging cable is stored within the housing as a loop.

21. The charging station of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the cable management system further comprising a connector holster coupled to the housing to receive the charging connector when the charging cable is stored.

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