An electric vehicle supply equipment

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to an electric vehicle supply equipment (1). The electric vehicle supply assembly (1) comprises: a housing (10) defining a chamber (12) to stow a charging gun (16) and a charging cable (14). The housing (10) has an opening (42) through which the charging gun (16) and the charging cable (14) are extendable from and retractable into the chamber (12). The electric vehicle supply assembly (1) comprises a door (58) movable between an open position in which the chamber (12) is accessible through the opening (42) and a closed position in which the opening (42) is covered by the door (58) so that the charging cable (14) and the charging gun (16) are enclosed within the chamber (12).

Description

[0001] AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle supply equipment. In particular, an electric vehicle supply equipment for charging a traction battery of an electric vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known to provide an electric vehicle supply equipment for the transfer of electricity from a local power supply to charge the traction battery of a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle. A charging cable and charging gun for transferring electricity to the traction battery are connected to or part of the electric vehicle supply equipment. The charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment has significant length such that the charging cable may be used with electric vehicles of varying configurations, shapes, and sizes and / or extend around obstacles. Due to the length of the charging cable, the charging cable and charging gun need to be stowed when not in use charging the traction battery.

[0006] For home charging of the traction battery, the electric vehicle supply equipment is typically mounted to a wall. The charging cable and charging gun may be stowed by wrapping the cable around the electric vehicle supply equipment or a bracket near the electric vehicle supply equipment. Stowing the cable in this way can result in an unsightly appearance of the charging cable due to the charging cable being wound around the cable holder in a haphazard manner. Additionally, the charging cable and gun are not provided with any protection when stowed in this way.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0008] The present invention provides an improved electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a housing for stowing a charging gun and a charging cable, the housing having an opening through which the charging gun and the charging cable are extendable from and retractable; and a door movable between an open position in which the opening is uncovered by the door and a closed position in which the opening is covered by the door.

[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a housing defining a chamber to stow a charging gun and a charging cable, the housing having an opening through which the charging gun and the charging cable are extendable from and retractable into the chamber; and a door movable between an open position in which the chamber is accessible through the opening and a closed position in which the opening is covered by the door so that the charging cable and the charging gun are enclosed within the chamber.

[0013] When the electric vehicle supply equipment is not being used to charge a traction battery of a vehicle, the charging cable and the charging gun may be stowed within the chamber and the door covers the opening so that the charging cable and the charging gun are enclosed in the chamber. Enclosing the charging cable and the charging gun in this way provides improved protection for the charging gun and charging cable when stowed which may improve the longevity of the charging gun and charging cable. For example, covering the opening may prevent animals entering the chamber through the opening whilst the electric vehicle supply equipment is not in use thereby reducing the chance of animals making their home in the chamber and of damage being caused to the electric vehicle supply equipment. The electric vehicle supply equipment also provides improved weather protection and UV radiation protection for the charging cable and the charging gun as the charging cable and the charging gun are enclosed within the chamber which may improve longevity of the electric vehicle supply equipment. Additionally, the door of the may improve the security of the electric vehicle supply equipment as the charging cable and the charging gun are enclosed when not in use.

[0014] In either of the above-described aspects of the invention, the following may apply.

[0015] The charging cable and the charging gun may be entirely enclosed within the chamber when the door is in the closed position. As such, the charging cable and the charging gun in chamber may be entirely inaccessible whilst the door is in the closed position thereby the advantages associated with enclosing the charging cable and the charging gun in the chamber are enhanced.

[0016] Optionally, the door may be a sliding door. A sliding door advantageously reduces risk of door being damaged when by the charging cable or the charging gun are extended from the chamber during use compared to, for example, a hinged door. Additionally, a sliding door may be simple to open and improves the aesthetic of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0017] The door may reside within the housing. Advantageously, providing a door which resides within the housing reduces the risk of damage to the door using use of the electric vehicle supply equipment and improves the aesthetic of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0018] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a door actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position. Providing an actuator to move the door may improve the ease of use and ensure that a consistent force is used to move the door thereby improving the longevity of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0019] The door actuator may comprise rack meshed with a pinion, wherein the pinion is held in a fixed position relative to the housing, and wherein the rack is attached to the door. The pinion may be drivingly coupled to a motor. A rack and pinon provides simple and cost effective mechanism for controlling movement of the door between the closed position and the open position. Additionally, by using a rack and pinion a user can manually move the door to move between the closed position and the open position in the event that there is a problem with the motor. A rack and pinion does not impede a user from manually moving the door.

[0020] The rack may be adjacent to a lateral edge of the door. A lateral edge is an edge of the door that is parallel to a direction of movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. Positioning the rack to one side of the door reduces the likelihood the rack and pinion becoming disengaged if the door is deflected thereby improving the reliability and longevity of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0021] Optionally, the housing may comprise a pair of parallel ledges on which the door is supported and at least one limiting member. The door may reside between and may be slidable relative to the ledges and the at least one limiting member. The limiting member may be configured to restrain movement of the door in a direction perpendicular to the ledges. The limiting member may abut the door to restrain movement of the door in a direction perpendicular to the ledges. The limiting member may advantageously ensure that the door is retained on the ledges. That is, the limiting member prevents the door being moved upwards relative to the ledges. As such, the limiting member helps to retain the door in position so that the door can be repeatedly moved between the open and closed positions.

[0022] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a brush adjacent to the opening and in contact with an inner side of the door such that when the door moves from the closed position to the open position the brush sweeps debris off the inner side of the door and through the opening. Debris may accumulate on the charging gun or charging cable when charging a traction battery of a vehicle. Such debris use may fall onto the door whilst on the charging gun or charging cable are being stowed. The brush advantageously removes debris from the electric vehicle supply equipment helping to keep the chamber clean. In certain embodiments, the brush may reduce the changes of debris entering the actuator thereby improving the longevity of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0023] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a drum within the chamber for receiving windings of the charging cable therearound, wherein the drum is rotatable relative the housing to extend and retract the charging cable and charging gun through the opening. Providing a rotatable drum on which to stow the charging cable may improve the storage of the cable within the chamber at the charging cable may be neatly stowed about the drum and, consequently, the ease of use of extending the charging cable and charging gun through the opening during use.

[0024] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate. Providing an actuator to rotate the drum may improve the ease of use of the electric vehicle supply equipment. The drum actuator may be drivingly coupled to a motor.

[0025] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a controller configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum in response to the door moving from the closed position to the open position such that the charging gun extends from the opening. The charging gun is therefore automatically moved through the opening when the door is opened advantageously allowing a user to easily access the charging gun for use.

[0026] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a controller configured to cause the door to move from the open position to the closed position in response the charging gun being retracted. The door may therefore be automated. This may ensure that the door is closed when the charging gun and charging cable are stowed thereby ensuring that the benefits of enclosing the charging gun and charging cable in the electric vehicle supply equipment are not dependent on a user.

[0027] The electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a position sensor configured to sense the position of the charging gun within the chamber. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the position sensor.

[0028] The controller may comprise at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving input signals, from for example, the position sensor,; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon. For example, the at least one electronic processor may be configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon to cause the door to move from the open position to the closed position in response receipt of a signal from the position sensor indicated that of the charging gun within the chamber i.e. the charging gun being retracted.

[0029] The housing may be configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground and wherein the opening is in the lowermost side of the housing facing towards the ground when housing is mounted to the wall. Providing the opening on the lowermost side of the housing reduces the chance of water or debris entering the chamber when the charging gun and the charging cable are being used to charge the traction battery of a vehicle. As such, the longevity of the electric vehicle supply equipment may be increased.

[0030] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise the charging gun and charging cable.

[0031] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment the invention;

[0034] Figures 2 and 3 each show a cross-section of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 5 shows a sub-assembly of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 with the charging gun omitted;

[0038] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ; and Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 .

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figures 1 to 8 show an electric vehicle supply equipment 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is for supplying electricity to a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle, to charge a traction battery (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0041] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 defines a chamber 12 to stow a charging gun 16 and a charging cable 14. The chamber 12 is sized to accommodate the entirety of the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16. As such, when the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 are stowed in the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 they are both entirely inside the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a container for the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14. As such, the housing 10 may conceal the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 when stowed improving the aesthetic of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 .

[0042] The charging cable 14 is for transferring electrical power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to the vehicle for charging the traction battery. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the charging cable 14 may be an elongate, flexible member. The charging cable 14 may comprise the charging gun 16 at one end. The charging gun 16 may comprise a plug 18 for coupling to a corresponding socket (not shown) in the vehicle to charge the traction battery. The charging cable 14 may be connected to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 by a cable gland 20 or, alternatively, a socket (not shown). The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may be configured to supply electrical power to the charging cable 14. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise one or more wires 22 for supplying electrical power to the charging cable 14. In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14.

[0043] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the housing 10 may comprise multiple parts. The housing 10 may comprise a front part 24 and a rear part 26. The front and rear parts 24, 26 of the housing 10 may be coupled together. The chamber 12 may be formed between the front and rear parts 24, 26. When stowed, the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 may therefore be located between the front and rear parts 24, 26 of the housing 10.

[0044] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the rear part 26 of the housing 10 may comprise a recess 27 for receiving the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16. The rear part 26 of the housing 10 may comprise a back panel 28. The rear part 16 may comprise four side panels 30 extending from the back panel 28 such that the recess 27 is formed between the side panels 30. The side panels 30 may extend around a perimeter of the back panel 28. The side panels 30 may be substantially perpendicular to the back panel 28. The back panel 28 of the housing 10 may be substantially rectangular. The front part 24 of the housing 10 is configured to cover the recess 27 to form the chamber 12. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the front part 24 of the housing 10 may comprise a panel 32. Together, the front and rear parts 26 of the housing 10 may provide a box or cuboid for stowing the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 within. The front part 24 of the housing 10 may have a substantially planar outer surface to provide the housing 10 with a clean aesthetic. In a similar manner, the side panels 30 may each have a substantially planar outer surfaces.

[0045] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may be configured to be mounted to a structure (not shown), such as a wall. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the housing 10 may comprise a back plate 34 (shown in Figure 1) for mounting to the structure. The back plate 34 may comprise a panel. The back plate 34 may be attached to the rear part 26 of the housing 10 and the structure by any suitable means. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises fasteners 40 for attaching the back plate 34 to the wall.

[0046] The housing 10 comprises an opening 42 through which the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14 are extendable from and retractable into the chamber 12. The opening 42 is sufficient large to allow the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 to be removed for the chamber 12 in order to charge the traction battery of an electric vehicle. During normal use, the chamber 12 may only be accessible through the opening 42. That is, the housing 10 may comprise a single opening 42 through which the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14 are extendable from and retractable into the chamber 12. Apart from the opening 42, the housing 10 may comprise no additional openings for accessing the chamber 12.

[0047] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the opening 42 may be in one of the side panels 30 of the rear part 26 of the housing 10. The opening 42 may be on a lower side of the housing 10. The lower side being the side of the housing 10 closest to or facing the ground when the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is mounted to the wall. In the embodiment in the Figures, the opening 42 is in the lower side panel 30a of the rear part 26 of the housing 10.

[0048] To stow the charging cable 14 within the housing 10, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum 44. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the drum 44 is positioned within the chamber 12. The drum 44 may be configured to receive windings of the charging cable 14 therearound. As such, the charging cable 14 may be neatly stowed within the chamber 12. The drum 44 may comprise a plurality of grooves (not shown) for receiving the windings of the charging cable 14 thereby ensuring that the cable may be neatly stowed on the drum 44.

[0049] Figures 1 to 3 show the charging cable 14 fully wound about the drum 44 so that the entirety of the charging cable 14 and also the charging gun 16 are within the chamber 12. As shown in the Figures, the charging gun 16 extends downwards, below the drum 44 when the charging cable 14 fully wound about the drum 44. The drum 44 is rotatable relative the housing 10. Therefore, the drum 44 may be rotated to extend and retract the changing cable and charging gun 16 through the opening 42. The drum 44 is positioned in the chamber 12 such that the opening 42 is aligned with the charging gun 16 when the charging cable 14 is fully wound about the drum 44. When the charging cable 14 is unwound from the drum 44, the charging gun 16 descends through the opening 42 so that is can be accessed by a user. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the drum 44 is configured to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction to unwind the charging cable 14 from the drum 44 and to rotate in a clockwise direction to wind the charging cable 14 onto the drum 44.

[0050] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a support 46 configured to support 46 the drum 44 within the housing 10. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the support 46 may comprise a rear section 48 and a front section 50. The support 46 may be attachable to the housing 10. The rear section 48 of the support 46 may be attached to the rear part 26 of the housing 10. The front part 24 of the housing 10 may be attached to the front section 50 of the support 46.

[0051] The drum 44 may be supported between the rear and front sections 48, 50 of the support 46. The support 46 may comprise a plurality of bars 52 extending from the front section 50 to the rear section 48. The bars 52 may be parallel to the rotational axis of the drum 44. The bars 52 may be positioned around the circumference of the drum 44 at a radius slightly greater than the radius of the drum 44 with the charging cable wound thereabout 14. As such, the rods 52 may be configured to guide to charging cable 14 onto the drum 44 and help ensure the charging cable 14 is neatly wound onto the drum 44.

[0052] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum actuator to rotate the drum 44. As shown in Figure 1 , the drum actuator may comprise meshed circular gears 54a, 54b. The drum actuator may comprise a first circular gear 54a attached to one end of the drum 44. The first circular gear 54a may have a radius that is larger than the radius of the drum 44 when the electric charging cable 14 is wound thereabout. The drum actuator may comprise a second circular gear 54b configured to mesh (i.e. engage) with the first circular gear 54a. The second circular gear 54b may be attached to the support 46. As shown in the Figures, the first and second circular gears 54a, 54b may each comprise a plurality of parallel teeth so that the first and second circular gears 54a, 54b may engage one another. As shown in Figure 1 , the electric vehicle supply equipment

[0053] 1 may comprise a drum motor 56, such as an electric motor, drivingly coupled to the drum actuator. The drum motor 56 may be drivingly coupled to the second circular gear 54b. The drum motor 56 may be attached to the support 46. The drum motor 56 may be configured to rotate the drum 44 to wind and unwind the charging cable 14 from the drum 44 to extend and retract the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 through the opening 42.

[0054] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a door 58 movable between an open position in which the chamber 12 is accessible through the opening 42 and a closed position in which the opening 42 is covered by the door 58. In the closed position, the opening 42 is coved by the door 58 so that the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 are enclosed within the chamber 12. Figure 2 shows the door 58 in the open position. The door 58 may be opened when a user wants to extend the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 to use the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to charge a traction battery. Figure 3 shows the door 58 in the closed position. The door 58 may be movable into the closed position when the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 are stowed within the chamber 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this is when the charging cable 14 is fully wound about the drum 44.

[0055] Together, the housing 10 and the door 58, when in the closed position, surround the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 such that the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 are separated from the surrounding environment. The chamber 12 is effectively closed off from the surrounding environment which protects for the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14. Enclosing the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 may improve the longevity of the charging gun 14, charging cable 16 and electric vehicle supply equipment because it: prevents animals entering the chamber 12 through the opening 42 whilst the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is not in use thereby reducing the chance of animals making their home in the chamber 12 and of damage being caused to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 , charging gun 16 or charging cable 14; provides weather protection for the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 helping to keep the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 clean; improves protection from UV radiation protection for the charging cable 14; and increases the security of the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 when not in use. The charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 may be entirely enclosed within the chamber 12 when the door 58 is in the closed position. That is, when the door 58 is in the closed position, the chamber 12 may not be accessible (i.e. by a user or an animal) from outside of the housing 10.

[0056] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the door 58 may be a sliding door 58. That is, the door 58 may move within a plane between the open and closed positions. The door 58 may reside substantially within (i.e. inside) the housing 10. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this is achieved by the door 58 being positioned above or on top of the lower side panel 30a of the rear part 26 of the housing 10 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The door 58 is therefore inside of the housing 10. The door 58 may slide relative to the lower side panel 30a to cover and uncover the opening 42 as the door 58 is moved between the open and closed positions.

[0057] The housing 10 may comprise a pair of parallel ledges 60 on which the door 58 is supported. Opposing lateral edges 62 of the door 58 may be supported on the pair of ledges 60. A lateral edge 62 is an edge of the door 58 that is parallel to a direction of movement of the door 58 between the closed and open positions. The door 58 is slidable on the pair of ledges 60. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the ledges 60 extend in a direction parallel to the lower side panel 30a of the housing 10. The length of the ledges 60 may be equal to at least length of the door 58 and the length of the opening 42 combined such that the opening 42 is entirely uncovered by the door 58 when the door 58 is in the closed position. The length of the ledges 60, the door 58 and the opening 42 each being in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the door 58.

[0058] The door 58 may be rectangular in shape. However, as shown in the cross-section of the non-limiting embodiment in Figures 4 and 6, the door 58 may not be planar. The door 58 may comprise a central portion 64 configured cover the opening 42 when the door 58 is in the closed position. The door 58 may comprise a lip 66 towards or at each lateral edge 62 for engaging the ledges 60. As shown in the Figures, the central portion 64 of the door 58 and each lip 66 may reside in offset parallel planes. Each lip 66 is raised related to the central portion 64 of the door 58. Each lip 66 may comprise a first section 68 extending from and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central portion 64 of the door 58. Each lip 66 may also comprise a second section 70 extending from the first section 68, the second section 70 being configured to engage the corresponding ledge 60. The second section 70 may be substantially parallel to the central portion 64 of the door 58 and perpendicular to the first section 69 of the lip 66. The first section 68 of each lip 66 may be configured to engage the edge of the respective ledge 60 to limit lateral movement of the door 58 (i.e. movement in the parallel to the door 58 but a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the door between the open and closed positions). The end of the second section 70 of the each lip 66 may also be configured to limit lateral movement of the door 58. As shown, the end of the second section 70 of the each lip 66 may contact or be positioned close to a surface 72 from which the corresponding ledge 60 extends to limit lateral movement of the door 58.

[0059] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a brush 71 adjacent to the opening 42 as shown in Figures 6 to 8. The brush 71 is in contact with an inner side of the door 58 such that when the door 58 moves from the closed position to the open position the door 58 slides underneath the brush 71 so that the brush 71 sweeps debris off the inner side of the door 58 and through the opening 42. Whilst the charging gun 16 is stowed in the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 debris may, for example, fall from the charging gun 16 onto the door 58. The brush 71 enables the debris to be swept off the door 58 and out of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 when the door 58 is opened. The brush 71 may have substantially the same width as the opening 42 and / or the door 58, the width being in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the door 58 between the closed and open positions. The brush 71 may have substantially the same width the central portion 64 of the door 58. The brush 71 may comprise a block 73 to which a plurality of bristles 75 are attached. The block 73 may be attached to a cover 84 (described below) such that the bristles 75 contact the inner side of the door 58. The block 73 may be attached to the cover 84 by one or more fasteners 77 or by any suitable alternative means.

[0060] The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a door actuator 76 configured to move the door 58 between the open position and the closed position. The door actuator 76 may comprise rack 78 meshed (i.e. engaged) with a pinion 80. The rack 78 and pinion 80 are shown in the cross-sectional views of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 in Figures 4 and 6. Figure 5 shows a sub-assembly of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 which includes the rack 78 and pinion 80, the door 58 and pair of ledges 60 in isolation from the majority of other features of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1.

[0061] The pinion 80 is a circular gear. The pinion 80 comprises a plurality of parallel teeth. The pinion 80 is held in a fixed position relative to the housing 10. The rack 78 is a linear gear. The rack 78 comprises a row of parallel teeth configured to engage the plurality of parallel teeth of the pinion 80. The rack 78 is attached to the door 58. Rotation of the pinion 80 therefore causes the door 58 to move between the open and closed positions. As shown in the Figures, the door actuator 76 with positioned within the housing 10. Therefore, the rack 58 is attached to the inside of the door 58. The pinion 80 may be drivingly coupled to a door motor 82, such as an electric motor. The door motor 82 is operable to cause the pinion 80 to rotate to move the door 58. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the rack 78 may be adjacent to or towards one of the lateral edges 62 of the door 58. The rack 78 is positioned on the central portion 64 of the door 58. Positioning the rack 80 to one side of the door 58 reduces the likelihood the rack 78 and pinion 80 becoming disengaged if the door 58 is deflected during use. As shown in the Figures, the rack may be positioned on the central portion 64 of the door 58 near or next to one of the lips 66.

[0062] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a cover 84 for the pinion 80 and the door motor 82. As shown in Figure 4, the cover 84 may extend over the pinion 80 and the door motor 82. The cover 84 does not occlude the opening 42. The pinion 80 may be attached to the cover 84 to hold the pinion 80 in a fixed position relative to the housing 10. The door motor 82 may also be attached to the cover 84. The cover 84 may extend from one of the pair of ledges 60 to the other of the pair of ledges 60. A part of the cover 84 may therefore be positioned above and parallel to each of the ledges 60.

[0063] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a casing 86 partially surrounding the opening 42, the ledges 60 and the door 58 when the door 58 is in the closed position. Together the cover 84 and the casing 86 may provide a compartment for the ledges 60, the door 58, the door actuator 76 and the door motor 82 as shown in Figure 1 . The casing 86 and the cover 84 may help secure the ledges 60, the door 58 and the door actuator 76 in and to the housing 10.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the casing 86 may comprise two sections: a first section 88 parallel to and extending along one of the side panels 30 of the rear part 26 of the housing 10; and a second section 90 parallel to and extending partway along the front part 24 of the housing 10. The first section 88 of the casing 86 may extend between the pair of ledges 60. The second section 90 of the casing 86 may be coupled to one of the ledges 60. However, in alternative embodiments, the casing 86 may be omitted or may have a different configuration. The casing 86 may be used to facilitate attaching the ledges, and consequently the door, to the housing 10.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the housing 10 may comprise a guide member 92 positioned above the opening 42. The guide member 92 may be attached to the second section 90 of the casing 86. The guide member 92 extends inwardly into the chamber 12 within the housing 10. The purpose of the guide member 92 is to guide the charging gun 16 through the opening 42 when the charging cable 14 is unwound from the stowed position and to prevent the charging gun 16 becoming caught on the ledge or the front part 24 of the housing 10. Figure 7 shows the charging gun 16 in contact with the guide member 92 whilst in the stowed position. The guide member 92 comprises a first inclined surface 94 for engaging the charging gun 16. The first inclined surface 94 is angled relative to the front part 26 of the housing 10 so as to direct the charging gun 16 away from the housing 10 and through the opening 42. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the distance by which the guide member 92 extends into the chamber 12 increases along the first inclined surface 94 in a direction towards the opening 42. The guide member 92 may also comprise a second inclined surface 96. The first inclined surface 94 is further from the opening 42 than the second inclined surface 96. The first inclined surface 94 may meet the second inclined surface 96 at a corner. The distance by which the guide member 92 extends into the chamber 12 decreases along the second inclined surface 96 in a direction towards the opening 42. The second inclined surface 96 may be attached to the casing near the opening 42. The first inclined surface 94 may be longer and shallower than the second inclined surface 96 and help guide the charging gun 16 out of the opening 42. Both the first and second inclined surfaces 94, 96 are inclined relative the front part 24 of the housing 10 and the second section of the casing 86. The guide member 92 may extend substantially along the length of the opening 42.

[0066] The housing 10 may comprise at least one limiting member to restrain movement of the door 58 in a direction perpendicular to the ledges 60 and the door 58. The door 58 may reside between and may be slidable relative to the ledges 60 and the at least one limiting member. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, at least one limiting members are positioned above each of the ledges 60. Each lateral edge 62 of the door 58 is therefore sandwiched between a ledge 60 and a limiting member. The at least one limiting members may be configured to abut the door 58 to restrain movement of the door 58 in a direction perpendicularto the ledges 60. Therefore, the at least one limiting member may be in contact with or positioned close to the door 58. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the at least one limiting member restrains movement of the door 58 in an upwards direction, away from the lower side panel 30a of the rear part 26 of the housing 10. The ledges 60 prevent movement of the door 58 in a downward direction. The at least one limiting members may extend at least along the length of the opening 42. The at least one limiting member may extend along the length of the ledges 60, upward movement of the door 58 may therefore be limited when door 58 is in the open and in the closed position.

[0067] The at least one limiting member may be provided by one or more of the above-described components of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 . For example, the cover 84 may provide a limiting member for one or both lateral edges 62 of the door. As described above, the cover 84 may extend from one of the pair of ledges 60 to the other. A part of the cover 84 may be positioned above and parallel to each of the ledges 60. Therefore, the cover 84 may limit upward movement of the door 58 along each lateral edge 62 when the door 58 is in the open position.

[0068] When the door 58 is in the closed position, a terminating end of the guide member 92 may provide a limiting member for one of the lateral edges 62 of the door 58. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the guide member 92 may provide a limiting member for the lateral edge 62 that is closest to the front part 24 of the housing 10. The guide member 92 may be configured to extend substantially to the height of the door 58 when the door 58 is supported of the ledges 60 so as to limit upward movement of the door 58 relative to the ledges 60. In a similar manner, when the door 58 is in the closed position, a terminating end of an internal panel 95 may be arranged to provide a limiting member for the edge of the door 58 that is furthest from the front part 24 of the housing 10. The internal panel 95 may be configured to extend substantially to the height of the door 58 when the door 58 is supported of the ledges 60 so as to limit upward movement of the door 58 relative to the ledges 60. A terminating end 86 of the internal panel 95 may be positioned above the ledge to limiting upward movement of the door 58 away from the ledge 60. The internal panel 95 may be substantially planar to not inhibit movement of the charging gun 16 out of the chamber 12. The internal panel 95 may extend substantially along the length of the opening 42. The internal panel 95 may also be used to separate the opening 42 from other components of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a controller (not shown). The controller may be enclosing within a compartment 98 in the housing 10. The controller comprises processing means and memory means. The processing means may be one or more electronic processing device which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means may be one or more memory device. The memory means is electrically coupled to the processing means. The memory means is configured to store instructions, and the processing means is configured to access the memory means and execute the instructions stored thereon.

[0069] The controller may be configured to control movement of the door 58 and / or the drum 44.

[0070] The controller may be configured to cause the door 58 to move from the closed position to the open position. The controller may be configured to receive an open signal.

[0071] The controller may be configured to cause the door 58 to move from the closed position to the open position in response to receipt of the open signal. The controller may be configured to cause the door actuator 76 to move the door 58 from the closed position to the open position in response to receipt of the open signal. The controller may output a control signal to cause the door motor 82 to drive the door actuator 76 move the door 58 to the open position.

[0072] The controller may be configured to receive the open signal from a button 74 on the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 . The button 74 may be on one of the side panel 30 of the housing 10. A user may press the button to indicate that the door 58 should be opened and generate the open signal.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to receive the open signal over a wireless connection from a vehicle. The open signal may be indicative of the vehicle being in close proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 . For example, the controller may receive the open signal whilst the vehicle is being parked near the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 . No input from a user may be required to generate the open signal. The door 58 may therefore be automatically moved from the closed to the open position when the vehicle is near the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 , for example, whilst a user is parking the vehicle. The controller may be configured to receive the open signal from the vehicle by WiFi sniffing, Bluetooth, GPS geofencing or any other suitable wireless means.

[0074] The controller may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 in response to the door 58 moving from the closed position to the open position. The controller may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 until the charging gun 16 extends from the opening 42. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a door position sensor (not shown) to sense whether the door 58 is in the open or closed position. The door 58 position sensor may be configured to send a movement signal to the controller in response the door 58 moving from the closed to the open position. The controller may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 in response to receipt of the movement signal. The controller may output a control signal to cause the drum motor 56 to drive the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44. The controller may cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 so that the charging gun 16 extends from the opening 42. A user may then access the charging gun 16 and use the charging gun 16 to charge a traction battery of a vehicle.

[0075] Once the vehicle has been sufficiently charged and the charging gun 16 has been disconnected from the vehicle, the controller may be configured to receive a retract signal indicating that the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 should be retracted into the housing 10 and wound about the drum 44. The retract signal may be provided by the user pressing the button or by an alternative means. Upon receiving the retract signal, the controller may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 to retract the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 into the housing 10. The controller may output a control signal to cause the drum motor 56 to drive the drum actuator to retract the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16.

[0076] In the event that the controller causes the drum 44 to rotate so that the charging gun 16 extends from the opening 42 but the user does not use the charging gun 16 to charge the traction battery of the vehicle, the controller may be configured retract the charging gun 16 into the housing 10 after a predetermined time period has passed. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum position sensor (not shown) to sense the position of the drum 44. The controller may be configured to receive a drum position signal from the drum position sensor. If the controller determines from the drum position signal that the position of the drum 44 has not changed during a predetermined time period after the charging gun 16 has been extended through the opening 42, the controller may be configured to cause the drum 44 to rotate to retract the charging gun 16 back into the housing 10. The controller may output a control signal to cause the drum motor 56 to drive the drum actuator to retract the charging gun 16. As such, the charging gun 16 may be automatically retracted if is it not used.

[0077] Once the charging gun 16 is within the housing 10, the controller may be configured to move the door 58 from the open to the closed position thereby enclosing the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 within the housing 10. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a charging gun 16 position sensor to sense whether the charging gun 16 is within the housing 10. The charging gun 16 position sensor may be configured to send a position signal to the controller in response to the charging gun 16 being retracted into the housing 10. The controller may be configured to cause the door actuator 76 to move the door 58 in response to receipt of the position signal. The controller may output a control signal cause the door motor 82 to drive the door actuator 76 to move the door 58 to the closed position. The door 58 may therefore be closed automatically once the charging gun 16 is within the housing 10.

[0078] The above-described electric vehicle supply equipment 1 provides a chamber 12 within which a charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 may be stowed. Enclosing the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 when they are not in use charging a vehicle provides improved protection for the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 when stowed which may improve their longevity and the aesthetics of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 . The door 58 which allows access to the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 may be automated to improve ease of use and ensure that the benefits of enclosing the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 in the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 are not dependent on a user. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the housing 10 is a box and formed of a front part 24 and a rear part 26. However, in alternative embodiments, the housing 10 may have a different shape. The housing 10 may be formed from more than two parts.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the opening 42 is on the lowerside panel 30a of the housing 10. However, in alternative embodiments, the opening 42 could be positioned elsewhere on the housing 10. For example, the housing could be placed on to top, front or a side of the housing 10.

[0081] The above-described embodiment comprises limiting members that limit upward movement of the door 58 in both in the closed and open positions. However, in an alternative embodiments the limiting members may be configured to only limit such movement of the door 58 in the open position.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the door 58 and the drum 44 are moved by respective motors 82, 56. However, in alternative embodiments, one of both of the door 58 and the drum 44 may be moved manually and the motors 82, 56 may be omitted. For example, a user may slide the door 58 between the open and closed positions. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a handle coupled to the drum actuator or the drum 44 for rotating the drum 44 manually.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a housing defining a chamber to stow a charging gun and a charging cable, the housing having an opening through which the charging gun and the charging cable are extendable from and retractable into the chamber; and a door movable between an open position in which the chamber is accessible through the opening and a closed position in which the opening is covered by the door so that the charging cable and the charging gun are enclosed within the chamber.

2. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the charging cable and the charging gun are entirely enclosed within the chamber when the door is in the closed position.

3. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door is a sliding door.

4. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door resides within the housing.

5. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a door actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

6. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 5, wherein the door actuator comprises rack meshed with a pinion, wherein pinion is held in a fixed position relative to the housing, and wherein the rack is attached to the door.

7. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 6, wherein the rack is adjacent to a lateral edge of the door.

8. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a pair of parallel ledges on which the door is supported and at least one limiting member; wherein the door resides between and is slidable relative to the ledges and the limiting member; and wherein the limiting member is configured to restrain movement of the door in a direction perpendicular to the ledges.

9. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a brush adjacent to the opening and in contact with an inner side of the door such that when the door moves from the closed position to the open position the brush sweeps debris off the inner side of the door and through the opening.

10. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a drum within the chamber for receiving windings of the charging cable therearound, wherein the drum is rotatable relative the housing to extend and retract the charging cable and charging gun through the opening.

11. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate.5 12. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 11 , comprising a controller configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum in response to the door moving from the closed position to the open position such that the charging gun extends from the opening.

13. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground and wherein the opening is in the lowermost side of the housing facing towards the ground when housing is mounted to the wall.

14. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the charging gun and charging cable.

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