Electric vehicle supply equipment

Abstract

The aspects of the present invention relate to an electric vehicle supply equipment (10) comprising a cable holder (12) and a guide (36). The cable holder (12) comprises a first portion (24) for receiving at least one winding of a charging cable (14) therearound and a second portion (26) for receiving a plurality of windings of the charging cable (14) therearound. The guide (36) is configured to direct the charging cable (14) from an attachment point (20) of the charging cable (14) with the electric vehicle supply equipment (10) onto the first portion (24) such that, during use, the charging cable (14) is wound around the first portion (24) prior to the second portion (26).

Description

[0001] 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] An electric vehicle supply equipment is used to provide electrical power to an electric vehicle so as to charge a traction battery of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle supply equipment typically includes a flexible charging cable that extends from the electric vehicle supply equipment and connects to the electric vehicle. 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

[0006] Due to the length of the charging cable, when the traction battery of the electric vehicle has been charged, a user of the electric vehicle supply equipment stows the charging cable for subsequent usage. It is known to stow the charging cable by winding the charging cable around a cable holder of the electric vehicle supply equipment. However, this can result in an unsightly appearance of the stowed charging cable due to the charging cable being wound around the cable holder in a haphazard manner. Additionally or alternatively, the charging cable can become knotted or twisted during winding such that the charging cable is then difficult to unwind during subsequent usage.

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

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in the appended claims.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a cable holder comprising a first portion for receiving at least one winding of a charging cable therearound and a second portion for receiving a plurality of windings of the charging cable therearound; and a guide configured to direct the charging cable onto the first portion such that, during use, the charging cable is wound around the first portion prior to the second portion. During use (i.e., during cable stowage), as the charging cable is wound about the cable holder, the charging cable is first directed about the first portion of the cable holder by the guide. As such, the first winding of the charging cable follows a predictable path which helps ensure that the charging cable is neatly wound in the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0011] In an embodiment, the guide may be configured to direct the charging cable from an attachment point of the charging cable with the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the first portion. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a cable holder comprising a first portion for receiving at least one winding of a charging cable therearound and a second portion for receiving a plurality of windings of the charging cable therearound; and a guide configured to direct the charging cable from an attachment point of the charging cable with the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the first portion such that, during use, the charging cable is wound around the first portion priorto the second portion. During use (i.e., during cable stowage), as the charging cable is wound about the cable holder the charging cable is first directed from the attachment point about the first portion of the cable holder by the guide. As such, the first winding of the charging cable follows a predictable path from the attachment point, which helps ensure that the charging cable is neatly wound within the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0012] In an embodiment, the guide may be disposed between the first and second portions of the cable holder and extend outwardly therefrom. The guide may therefore provide a physical barrier to inhibit the charging cable from moving from the first portion to the second portion, ensuring that the first winding of the charging cable is directed around the first portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a retaining member extending outwardly from the cable holder and configured to retain the charging cable on the first portion when the charging cable is wound around the first portion, during use. Optionally, the retaining member may be disposed between the first and second portions of the cable holder and extend outwardly therefrom. The retaining member may help to retain the first winding of the charging cable on the first portion of the cable holder as the charging cable is wound about the cable holder, thereby further ensuring that the charging cable follows a predictable path and is neatly wound.

[0014] In an embodiment, the guide and the retaining member may be spaced from one another around the cable holder. Spacing the guide and retaining member from one another helps ensure that the first winding of the charging cable is directed around the first portion over the length of the first winding.

[0015] In an embodiment, the guide and the retaining member may be substantially opposite one another on the cable holder. This positioning allows the guide and the retaining member to be located on the cable holder, where the tension in the charging cable, during winding, is greatest. The guide and the retaining member may be most effective when positioned in this manner to ensure that the first winding of the charging cable is directed around the first portion over the length of the first winding.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second portion may be coaxial with the first portion along a longitudinal axis of the cable holder. This configuration may improve the ease of winding the charging cable and reduce packaging requirements of the electric vehicle supply equipment. In an embodiment, the first portion may have a greater cross-sectional area than the second portion. The wider cross-section of the first portion increases the amount of the charging cable that is wound on the cable holder in the first winding, thereby helping to improve the neatness of the charging cable winding. Additionally, this arrangement of the cable holder may reduce the chance of the charging cable slipping off the second portion onto the first portion, during use.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cable holder may comprise a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion, the third portion being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable holder to inhibit movement of a winding of the charging cable from the second portion onto the first portion. The third portion may act as a ledge between the first and second portions, thereby reducing the chance of the charging cable slipping off the second portion onto the first portion, during use.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first portion and / or the second portion may be substantially oval in cross-section. An oval cross-sectional shape may allow for efficient storage of the charging cable whilst minimising effort from the user and may further improve the ease and predictability of the charging cable being neatly wrapped around the cable holder.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cable holder may comprise an inclined portion configured to direct the charging cable from the first portion onto the second portion. Therefore, the charging cable may be directed from the first portion onto the second portion without any further interaction from the user and helps the charging cable follow a predictable path on the cable holder.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first portion of the cable holder may be configured to receive only a single winding of the charging cable therearound. That is, the first portion of the cable may be sized so as to only accommodate a signal winding therearound. As such, the path of the first winding about the cable holder may be restricted, which may ensure that the first winding follows a predictable and repeatable path around the cable holder so that the charging cable is neatly wound in the electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0021] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a housing having a rear part and a front part defining a chamber therebetween for receiving the charging cable and in which the cable holder is disposed; and the housing may define an opening forwinding and unwinding the charging cable from the cable holder, the opening extending around the circumference of the housing between the front and rear parts.

[0022] Optionally, the cable holder may be disposed in the chamber with the second portion of the cable holder positioned between the first portion of the cable holder and one of the front and rear parts of the housing. The housing may improve the visual appearance of the electric vehicle supply equipment by concealing the cable holder and the charging cable which is wound around the cable holder. The cable holder and the guide are particularly advantageous when used in combination with the housing. This is because the cable holder ensures that the charging cable is neatly wound, which the user cannot easily do themselves since the cable holder is within chamber of the electric vehicle supply equipment and the user’s view of the cable holder would be obstructed by the housing.

[0023] In an embodiment, the front part of the housing may cover the cable holder and may be configured to cover the windings of the charging cable when the charging cable is stowed on the cable holder. Optionally, the rear part of the housing may be configured to be mounted to a wall. The front part of the housing may therefore shield the charging cable from view, improving the visual appearance of the electric vehicle supply equipment and preventing the charging cable from being snagged.

[0024] In an embodiment, the cable holder or housing may comprise a connection point for electrically connecting the charging cable to the electric vehicle supply equipment. The attachment point may comprise a cable grip by which the charging cable attached to the cable holder, the cable grip may be positioned to direct the charging cable from the connection point towards the guide. Directing the charging cable towards the guide may help ensure that the first winding of the charging cable is directed around the first portion. Directing the charging cable in this manner may also reduce the chance of the charging cable being wound the wrong way around the cable holder (i.e. wound in a direction away from the guide).

[0025] The connection point may comprise a socket for receiving a connector of the charging cable or a cable gland.

[0026] In an embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise the charging cable. The charging cable may be attached to the cable holder at the attachment point. Optionally, the charging cable may comprise a connector at one end.

[0027] 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.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a front view of an electric vehicle supply equipment including a first winding of a charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 3 shows a further perspective view of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 without the charging cable;

[0032] Figure 4 shows a further perspective view of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 including a plurality of windings of the charging cable;

[0033] Figure 5 shows a further perspective view of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 including a front part of a housing; and

[0034] Figure 6 shows a further perspective view of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 5.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] An electric vehicle supply equipment 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 6. The electric vehicle supply equipment 10 is for supplying electricity to a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle, to charge a traction battery of the vehicle.

[0037] A charging cable 14 may be used to transfer electrical power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 to the vehicle for charging the traction battery. As shown in Figure 4, the charging cable 14 may be an elongate, flexible member. The charging cable 14 may comprise a charging gun 16 at a first end. The charging gun 16 may comprise a plug (not shown) for coupling to a corresponding socket (not shown) in the vehicle to charge the traction battery. The charging cable 14 comprises a connector 19 at a second end for connecting the charging cable 14 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. The electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may comprise a socket 18 for receiving the connector 19 of the charging cable 14. The socket 18 may be configured to transfer electricity to the charging cable 14. The socket 18 provides a connection point for electrically connecting the charging cable 14 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may comprise the charging cable 14.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the charging cable 14 may be attached to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 at an attachment point 20. The attachment point 20 may comprise a cable grip 22. The cable grip 22 is arranged close to the socket 18 (i.e. towards the second end of the charging cable 14) and provides a point of attachment between the charging cable 14 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. The cable grip 22 may be positioned to direct the charging cable 14 from the socket 18 in a particular direction. The cable grip 22 holds a part of the charging cable 14 in a fixed position. The cable grip 22 may therefore reduce the risk of the charging cable 14 being accidently pulled out of the socket 18 and may protect the connector and charging cable from stress and damage. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the cable grip 22 comprises a bracket attached to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. The bracket partially defines an opening through which the charging cable extends. The bracket may be sized such that the opening has approximately the same diameter as the charging cable 14 such that the bracket securely holds the charging cable 14 in place. As shown in the Figures, opposing ends of the bracket may be attached to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. In alternative embodiments to that shown in the Figures, the cable grip may be omitted. In such embodiments, the attachment point of the charging cable 14 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may comprise the socket 18.

[0039] The charging cable 14 is to be stowed in the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 when the charging cable 14 is not being used to charge the traction battery of the vehicle. To that end, the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 comprises a cable holder 12. A user may stow the charging cable 14 in the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 by winding the charging cable 14 around the cable holder 12 as shown in Figure 4. The charging cable 14 is manually wound around the cable holder 12 by the user. The charging cable 14 may be stowed on the cable holder 12 until subsequent usage of the charging cable 14. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the charging cable 14 is wound around the cable holder in a clockwise direction. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. In alternative embodiments, the charging cable 14 may be wound around the cable holder 12 in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0040] The cable holder 12 comprises a first portion 24 for receiving at least one winding of the charging cable 14 therearound. The charging cable 14 may contact at least a part of the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 when the charging cable 14 is wound therearound. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first portion 24 of the cable holder is for receiving a first winding 15 of the charging cable 14. The first winding 15 of the cable is the winding of the charging cable 14 closest to the connector 19 (i.e. the end of the charging cable 14 attached to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10). As shown in the Figures, the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 may be near or adjacent to the attachment point. Figures 1 and 2 show the first winding 15 only of the charging cable 14 extending around the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first portion 24 may define a surface 25 about which the charging cable 14 is wound. As such, when the charging cable 14 is wound about the first portion 24 at least a part of the charging cable 14 contacts the surface 25. The surface 25 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12. The longitudinal axis A extends through the centre of the cable holder 12 as shown in Figure 2. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the surface 25 of the first portion 24 may have a depth substantially equal to the diameter of the charging cable 14, where the depth is measured in the direction parallel to a longitudinal axis A. The first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 may be configured to only receive a single winding of the charging cable 14 therearound.

[0042] The cable holder 12 comprises a second portion 26 for receiving a plurality of windings of the charging cable 14 therearound. As shown in Figure 4, the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 is for receiving a second winding and subsequent windings of the charging cable 14 therearound. That is, starting from the attachment point, the charging cable 14 is wound once around the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 and then around the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 one or more times. As shown in the Figures, the second portion 26 is disposed on the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. The second portion 26 may be coaxial with the first portion 24 along a longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12.

[0043] In a similar manner to the first portion 24, the charging cable 14 may contact at least a portion of the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 when the charging cable 14 is wound therearound. The second portion 26 may define a surface 27 about which the charging cable 14 is wound. At least some of the second and subsequent windings of the charging cable 14 may contact the surface 27 when the charging cable 14 is stowed on the cable holder 12. The surface 27 of the second portion 26 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. In the embodiment in the Figures, the surface 27 of the second portion 26 extends in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12. The surface 27 of the second portion 26 may have a depth equal to at least twice the diameter of the charging cable 14. As such, the second portion 26 may receive at two or more windings of the charging cable 14 therearound.

[0044] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first portion 24 may have a greater cross-sectional area than the second portion 26, the cross-sectional area being measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Providing the first portion 24 with a larger cross-sectional area increases the length of the charging cable 14 which is wound about the first portion 14 in the first winding 15. Additionally, providing the second portion 26 with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first portion 24 may help retain the second and subsequent windings of the charging cable 14 on the second portion 26 when the charging cable 14 is stowed on the cable holder 12.

[0045] The first and second portions 24, 26 may have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as each other. The first portion 24 and / or the second portion 26 may have a curvature that substantially corresponds to the bend radius of the charging cable 14. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first portion 24 and / or the second portion 26 may be substantially oval in cross-section. That is, the first portion 24 may have a first oval cross-section and the second portion 26 may have a second oval cross-section. Therefore, as shown in the Figures, each of the first and second portions may be oval-shaped or elliptical cylinders. The first oval cross-section may have a greater cross-sectional area than the second oval cross-section as described above. In alternative embodiments to that shown in the Figures, the first portion 24 and / or the second portion 26 may be substantially circular, quadrilateral, or any other cross-sectional shape suitable for receiving windings of the charging cable 14.

[0046] The cable holder 12 may comprise a third portion 30 extending between the first portion 24 and the second portion 26. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 3, the third portion 30 may be a surface 31 extending between the surface 25 of the first portion 24 and the surface 27 of the second portion 26. The third portion 30 may be configured to inhibit movement of a winding of the charging cable 14 from the second portion 26 onto the first portion 24. In the embodiment in the Figures, the third portion 30 is a shelf or support against which some of windings on the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 abut to prevent windings slipping to the first portion 24 during stowage of the charging cable 14. Third portion 30 may extend between the first and second portions 24, 26 around the entirety of the cable holder 12 so as to inhibit movement of a winding of the charging cable 14 from the second portion 26 onto the first portion 24 about the circumference of the cable holder 12. The cable holder 12 may be rounded or bevelled at the join between the first portion 24 and the third portion 30 and at the join between the second portion 26 and the third portion 30.

[0047] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the third portion 30 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12. As such, the cable holder 12 may have a stepped profile provided by the first, second and third portions 24, 26, 30. The third portion 30 may have a width equal to the at least diameter of the charging cable 14, the width being in the direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the third portion 30 may have a width equal to the at least twice diameter of the charging cable 14.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1 , the cable holder 12 may include a support portion 32. The support portion 32 may be used for attaching the cable holder 12 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first portion 24 may be disposed on the support portion 32. The first portion 24 may be upstanding from the support portion 32. The support portion 32 may extend around the periphery of the first portion 24. Therefore, when the charging cable 14 is wound about first portion 24, a part of the charging cable 14 contacts support portion 32. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the support portion 32 may be substantially planar. The support portion 32 extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0049] As shown in the Figures, the support portion 32 may comprise the socket 18 for the charging cable 14. The attachment point 20 of the charging cable 14 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may be on the support portion 32 of the cable holder 12. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support portion 32 may comprise first projection 33 to which the cable grip 22 is attached. The first projection 33 may comprise a semi-circular channel therein and the bracket of the cable grip 22 may have a corresponding semi-circular shape. As such, when the bracket is attached to the projection 33 a substantially circular opening for the charging cable 14 is formed as shown in Figure 3.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the cable holder 12 may comprise an inclined portion 28 configured to direct the charging cable 14 from the first portion 24 onto the second portion 26. That is, after the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14 has been wound about the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12, the inclined portion 28 is configured to direct the charging cable 14 onto the second portion 26 so that the second winding is wound about the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12. The inclined portion 28 therefore directs charging cable 14 upwards relative to the longitudinal axis A. The inclined portion 28 may be adjacent to the socket 18 and / or attachment point 20 to maximise length of the charging cable 14 wound about first portion 24 during stowage of the charging cable 14. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the support portion 32 comprises a second projection 35 extending therefrom. The second projection 35 has the inclined portion 28 on one side and the socket 18 on the opposing side.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the inclined portion 28 may extend outwardly (i.e. radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis A) from the first portion 24 to interrupt the path of the charging cable 14 around the first portion 24 and prevent further winding of the charging cable 14 about the first portion 24. The inclined portion 28 may extend across the surface 25 of the first portion 24. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the inclined portion 28 may extend substantially across the depth of the first portion 24 i.e. from the support portion 32 of the cable holder 12 substantially to the third portion 30 of the cable holder 12. The inclined portion 12 may extend at an obtuse angle relative to the support portion 32 of the cable holder 12. The inclined portion 28 may comprise a surface 29 for contacting the charging cable 14. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the inclined portion 28 may be a ramp.

[0052] The electric vehicle supply equipment 10 comprises a guide 36 configured to direct the charging cable 14 from the attachment point 20 of the charging cable 14 with the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 onto the first portion 24 such that, during use, the charging cable 14 is wound around the first portion 24 prior to the second portion 26. The guide 36 helps to ensure that the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14 is wound around the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 and not the second portion 26. The attachment point 20 may be positioned between the socket 18 and the guide 36 so as to direct the charging cable 14 from the socket 18 towards the guide 36. The attachment point 20 may direct the charging cable 14 towards the guide 36 by generating curvature in the charging cable 14 in the direction of the guide 36.

[0053] The guide 36 may be disposed between the first and second portions 24, 26 of the cable holder 12 and extend outwardly therefrom. The guide 36 may extend outwardly from the cable holder 12 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The guide 36 may provide a physical barrier to prevent the charging cable 14 being directed onto the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 from the attachment point 20. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the guide 36 may overhang the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. As such, a channel for the charging cable 14 may be formed between the guide 36 and the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. The channel may also be bounded by the support portion 32. As shown in the embodiment, in the Figures, the guide 36 may comprise a substantially planar plate. However, the guide 36 is not limited to this shape.

[0054] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the guide 36 may be positioned next to the attachment point 20 so as to inhibit the charging cable 14 being directed directly onto the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 from the attachment point 20. The guide 36 may extend around the cable grip 22. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the guide 36 may comprise a cut-out portion 37 to accommodate the height of the cable grip 22 as shown in Figure 2. The guide 36 may be disposed on the third portion 30, between the first and second portions 24, 26 of the cable holder 12 as shown in the Figures. As such, the guide 36 may have a cantilevered portion 38 that overhangs the first portion 24.The guide 36 may be coupled to the third portion 30 by any fixing means known in the art. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the guide 36 is attached to the cable holder 12 by a plurality of fasteners. However, in alternative embodiments, the guide 36 may be attached to the cable holder by alternative means or in a different location or the guide 36 may be integral with the third portion 30.

[0055] The guide 36 may extend outward from the cable holder 12 by an amount equal to at least the diameter of the charging cable 14. That is, the overhang or cantilevered portion 38 of the guide 36 may have a width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A equal to at least the diameter of the charging cable 14. A radially outer edge of the guide 36 may substantially correspond in shape to the first portion 24.

[0056] In the embodiment in the Figures, since the guide 36 extends outwardly from the cable holder 12 between the first and second portions 24, 26, the guide 36 may help retain windings of the charging cable 14 on the second portion 26 during stowage such that the windings do not slip onto the first portion 24.

[0057] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may comprise a retaining member 40 extending outwardly from the cable holder 12 and configured to retain the charging cable 14 on the first portion 24 when the charging cable 14 is wound around the first portion 24 during use.

[0058] In a similar manner to the guide 36, the retaining member 40 may extend outwardly from the cable holder 12 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The retaining member 40 provides a physical barrier to prevent the charging cable 14 being directed onto the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 from the first portion 24 before the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14 about the first portion 24 is complete. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the retaining member 40 may overhang the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. As such, a channel for the charging cable 14 may be formed between the retaining member 40 and the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. The channel may also be bounded by the support portion 32. As shown in the embodiment, in the Figures, the retaining member 40 may comprise a substantially planar plate. However, the retaining member 40 is not limited to this arrangement.

[0059] The retaining member 40 may be disposed on the third portion 30, between the first and second portions 24, 26 of the cable holder 12 as shown in the Figures. As such, the retaining member 40 may have a cantilevered portion 42 that overhangs the first portion 24. The retaining member 40 may be coupled to the third portion 30 by any fixing means known in the art. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the retaining member 40 is attached to the cable holder 12 by a plurality of fasteners. However, in alternative embodiments, the retaining member 40 may be attached to the cable holder by alternative means or in a different location or the retaining member 40 may be integral with the third portion 30. The retaining member 40 may extend outwardly from the cable holder 12 by an amount equal to at least the diameter of the charging cable 14. That is, the overhang or cantilever portion 42 of member 40 may have a width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A equal to at least the diameter of the charging cable 14. A radially outer edge of the member 40 may substantially correspond in shape to the first portion 24.

[0060] In the embodiment in the Figures, since the member 40 extends outwardly from the cable holder 12 between the first and second portions 24, 26, the member 40 may help retain windings of the charging cable 14 on the second portion 26 during stowage such that the windings do not slip onto the first portion 24.

[0061] The guide 36 and the retaining member 40 may be spaced from one another around the cable holder 12. The guide 36 and the retaining member 40 are positioned so as not to overlap or overhang the inclined portion 28 of the cable holder 12. The guide 36 may extend around a first length of the cable holder 12, and the retaining member 40 may extend around a second length of the cable holder 12 spaced from (or separated from) the first length of the cable holder 12. The guide 36 and the retaining member 40 may be substantially opposite one another on the cable holder 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the first and second portions 24, 26 of the cable holder 12 have a substantially oval cross-section. As shown in the Figures, the guide 36 and the retaining member 40 may be positioned at substantially opposite ends of the semi-major axis (i.e. the diameter that runs through the longest part of the oval cross-section) of the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. As shown in Figure 1 , the centre of the guide 40 may be on the semi-major axis of the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 whereas the centre of the retaining member 36 may be offset from the semi-major axis. When the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 is mounted to a wall, the guide 36 may be positioned at the bottom of the cable holder 12 and the retaining member 40 may be positioned at the top of the cable holder 12.

[0062] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may comprise a housing 48. The housing 48 defines a chamber 54 within which the cable holder 12 resides. The housing may comprise a rear part 50 and a front part 52 defining the chamber 54 therebetween for receiving the charging cable 14 and in which the cable holder 12 is disposed. The rear part 50 is shown in Figures 1 to 4 and the front and rear parts 50, 52 are both shown in Figures 5 and 6. The cable holder 12 may be disposed in the chamber 54 with the first and second portions 24, 26 of the cable holder 12 positioned between the rear and front parts 50, 52 of the housing 48. The cable holder 12 may be disposed within the housing 48 such that first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 is closest to the rear part 50 of the housing 48 and the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 is closest to the front part 52 of the housing 48. The second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 may therefore be between the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 and the front part 52 of the housing 48.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1 , the support portion 32 of the cable holder 12 may be coupled with the rear part 50 of the housing 48. The front part 52 of the housing may be coupled to a front portion 34 of the cable holder 12. The front portion 34 of the cable holder 12 may extend between extents of the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12. The front portion 34 of the cable holder 12 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12. The cable holder 12 may be attached to the housing 48 by any suitable means. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the cable holder 12 is attached to the rear part 50 of the housing 48 by a plurality of fasteners.

[0064] The housing 48 may define an opening 49 for winding and unwinding the charging cable 14 from the cable holder 12. As shown in the Figures, the opening extends around the circumference of the housing 48 between the front and rear parts 50, 52 of the housing 48. The opening 49 may have a depth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12 equal to or greater than the diameter of the charging cable 14.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the front part 52 of the housing 48 may be sized to cover the cable holder 12 and configured to cover the windings of the charging cable 14 when the charging cable 14 is stowed on the cable holder 12. The windings of the charging cable 14 may be considered to be covered from view when the windings of the charging cable 14 are not visible when the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 is viewed in a direction facing towards the front part 52 of the housing 48. Therefore, the housing 48 conceals the charging cable 14 when the charging cable 14 is stowed.

[0066] The rear part 50 of the housing 48 may be configured to be mounted to a support (e.g., a wall). As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the rear part 50 of the housing 48 may comprise a back panel 57 with four upstanding side panels 56. The side panels 56 may extend around a perimeter of the back panel 57. As such, the rear part 50 of the housing 48 defines a box or recess within which the cable holder 12 is disposed. The support portion 32 of the cable holder 12 may be attached to the back panel 57 of the housing 48. One of the side panels 56 may comprise a door or flap 59 to allow the charging gun 16 to be stowed within the housing 48 if the depth of the opening is smaller than the charging gun 16. To open and close the door 59, the door 59 may be configured to pivot about one side. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the door 59 may be configured to pivot about the side furthest from the opening 49.

[0067] The front part 52 of the housing 48 may comprise a panel 53. The front part 52 of the housing 48 may have a shape corresponding to that of the rear part 50 of the housing 48. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the housing 48 has a rectangular shape. The panel 53 of the front part 52 of the housing 48 and the back panel 57 of the rear part 50 of the housing 48 are both rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, the housing 48 may have a different shape. For example, the front and rear parts 52, 50 of the housing 48 may be circular, square or another suitable shape.

[0068] The electric vehicle supply equipment 10 allows the charging cable 14 to be stowed neatly on the cable holder 12 and concealed from view when the charging cable 14 is not being used to charge the traction battery of a vehicle. When the charging cable 14 is being used to charge the traction battery, the charging cable 14 may be entirely unwound from the cable holder 12. Once the traction battery has been charged, the user stows the charging cable in the electric vehicle supply equipment 10.

[0069] To stow the charging cable 14, the user winds the charging cable 14 onto the cable holder 12 via the opening 49. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, to do this the user winds the charging cable 14 in a clockwise direction.

[0070] As the user winds the charging cable 14 about the cable holder 12, the guide 36 directs the charging cable 14 from the attachment point 20 on to the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. The guide 36 provides a physical barrier to prevent the charging cable 14 being directed from the attachment point 20 to the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12. The guide 36 therefore ensures that the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14 is directed about the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. Thus, the first winding 15 of the charging cable follows a predictable path which enables the charging cable 14 to be neatly wound in the electric vehicle supply equipment 10.

[0071] As the user continues to wind the charging cable 14 about the cable holder 12, the retaining member 40 helps retain the charging cable 14 on the first portion of the cable holder 12. The retaining member 40 provides a further barrier to keep the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14 on the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, when the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 is mounted to a support, the retaining member 40 is positioned at the top of the cable holder 12. This may provide the most effective position for the retaining member 40 because the force a user applies to the charging cable 14 when winding may increase as they wind charging cable 14 over the top of the electric vehicle supply equipment 10.

[0072] Once the charging cable 14 has been wound approximately 360 degrees about the cable holder 12, the inclined portion 28 directs the charging cable 14 from the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 onto the second portion 26. This causes the second winding of the charging cable 14 to be formed around the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12. As the user winds the second winding of the charging cable 14, the third portion 30 of the cable holder 12 prevents the charging cable 14 from slipping off the second portion 26 onto the first portion 24. As such, the second winding of the charging cable 14 follows a predictable path further helping the charging cable 14 to be neatly wound in the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. When the second winding of the charging cable 14 is wound approximately 360 degrees around the cable holder 12, the second winding of the charging cable 14 may be considered to be complete.

[0073] The user may then wind a third winding of the charging cable 14 onto the cable holder 12. The third winding of the charging cable 14 will also be wound about the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 as shown in Figure 4. The third winding may be wound adjacent to the second winding in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12 such that the third winding is stacked on top of the second winding along the longitudinal axis or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12 such that the second and third windings sit side-by-side relative to the longitudinal axis A. When the third winding is wound around the cable holder 12 and adjacent to the second winding in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12, the third winding may contact the second winding of the charging cable 14 to inhibit movement of the third winding of the charging cable 14 from the second portion 26 onto the first portion 24. When the third winding is wound around the cable holder 12 and adjacent to the second winding in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the cable holder 12, the third winding may contact the third portion of the cable holder to inhibit movement of the third winding of the charging cable 14 from the second portion 26 onto the first portion 24. The third winding may also contact the guide 36 and / or the retaining member 40. As such, the guide 36 and retaining member 40 may also inhibit movement of the third winding of the charging cable 14 from the second portion 26 onto the first portion 24.

[0074] Subsequent windings of the charging cable 14 may be wound around the cable holder 12 in a similar manner to the third winding. The subsequent windings of the charging cable 14 will also be wound about the second portion 26 of the cable holder as shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, some of the subsequent windings around the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 may be stacked on top of each other along the longitudinal axis A. Additionally, as shown in Figure 4, some of the subsequent windings around the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 may also sit side-by-side relative to the longitudinal axis A. That is, one of the windings around the second portion 26 may be radially outwards of another of the windings around the second portion 26 relative to the longitudinal axis A. As such, not all windings about the second portion 26 of the cable holder 12 may be in direct contact with the cable holder 12.

[0075] The cable holder 12 of the present invention allows that the charging cable 14 to be easily wound neatly about the cable holder 12 in the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. Having a neatly wound charging cable 14 ensures that, once stowed, the charging cable 14 is entirely concealed by the housing 48 such that the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 presents a clean aesthetic. The inventors found that if the first winding 15 of the cable was directed along a predictable path this was enough to cause the charging cable 14 to be sufficiently neatly wound around the cable holder so as to be concealed by the housing 48. Increasing the length of the charging cable 14 in the first winding 15 may further improve the ease of winding of the charging cable 14 neatly about the cable holder 12.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the attachment point 20 is the cable grip 22. However, in alternative embodiments the attachment point 20 may be provided by alternative means. Any suitable means may be used to attach the charging cable 14 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. Alternatively, the cable grip 22 may be omitted and the attachment point 20 may be the socket 18 of the cable holder 12.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the attachment point 20 is on the cable holder 12. However, in alternative embodiments, the attachment point 20 may be provided on a different part of the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. In certain embodiments, the rear part 50 of the housing 48 may comprise the attachment point 20.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the cable holder 12 comprises the socket 18 for receiving the connector 19 of the charging cable 14. However, in alternative embodiments, the socket 18 may be provided on a different part of the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. In certain embodiments, the housing 48 may comprise the socket 18. The socket may be provided on the rear part 50 of the housing 48.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 receives only the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14. However, in alternative embodiments, the first portion 24 may be configured to receive at least two windings of the charging cable 14 therearound. In such embodiments, the depth of the first portion 24 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis may be increased to, for example, twice the diameter of the charging cable 14.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the guide 36 and the retaining member 40 are separate and spaced apart from one another about the cable holder 12. However, in alternative embodiments the guide 36 and the retaining member 40 may be integral with one another. That is, the guide 36 and the retaining member 40 may be formed as one piece.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the guide 36 and retaining member 40 are each substantially planar. However, in alternative embodiments the guide 36 and / or retaining member 40 may have different shapes. For example, the guide 36 and / or retaining member 40 may each comprise a plurality of projections extending from the cable holder 12.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment 10 may comprise more than one retaining member to retain the first winding 15 of the charging cable 14 on the first portion of the cable holder 12. In such embodiments, the retaining members may be spaced apart around the cable holder 12. In an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the support portion 32 of the cable holder 12 may be omitted. The first portion 24 of the cable holder 12 may be attached directly to the rear part 50 of the housing 48. In such embodiments, the socket 18 may be provided on the rear part 50 of the housing 48.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the guide is attached to the third portion of the cable holder. In alternative embodiments, the guide may additionally or alternatively be attached to the first portion of the cable holder and / or the support portion of the cable holder.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 may be substantially equal to one another.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the socket 18 provides the connection point for electrically connecting the charging cable to the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. The socket 18 allows the charging cable 14 to be detachable from the electric vehicle supply equipment 10. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. The socket 18 may be replaced by any suitable means capable of providing a connection point for electrically connecting the charging cable to the electric vehicle supply equipment. For example, a cable gland may be used as an alternative to the socket 18. The cable gland may be arranged to connect to the charging cable to the cable holder 12 or the housing 48. In embodiments where the cable grip 22 is omitted, the attachment point 20 may be the cable gland. The cable gland may be used when it is not desirable for the charging cable 14 to be detachable from the electric vehicle supply equipment 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a cable holder comprising a first portion for receiving at least one winding of a charging cable therearound and a second portion for receiving a plurality of windings of the charging cable therearound; and a guide configured to direct the charging cable from an attachment point of the charging cable with the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the first portion such that, during use, the charging cable is wound around the first portion prior to the second portion.

2. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the guide is disposed between the first and second portions of the cable holder and extends outwardly therefrom.

3. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a retaining member extending outwardly from the cable holder and configured to retain the charging cable on the first portion when the charging cable is wound around the first portion during use.

4. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 3, wherein the guide and the retaining member are spaced from one another around the cable holder.

5. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide and the retaining member are substantially opposite one another on the cable holder.

6. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is coaxial with the first portion along a longitudinal axis of the cable holder.

7. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the second portion.

8. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 7, wherein the cable holder comprises a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion, the third portion being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable holder to inhibit movement of a winding of the charging cable from the second portion onto the first portion.

9. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion and / or the second portion are substantially oval in cross-section.

10. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable holder comprises an inclined portion configured to direct the charging cable from the first portion onto the second portion.11 . An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing having a rear part and a front part defining a chamber therebetween for receiving the charging cable and in which the cable holder is disposed; and wherein the housing defines an opening for winding and unwinding the charging cable from the cable holder, the opening extending around the circumference of the housing between the front and rear parts.

12. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 11 , wherein the front part of the housing covers the cable holder and is configured to cover the windings of the charging cable when the charging cable is stowed on the cable holder.

13. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable holder or the housing comprises a connection point for electrically connecting the charging cable to the electric vehicle supply equipment; and wherein the attachment point comprises a cable grip by which the charging cable is attached to the cable holder, the cable grip being positioned to direct the charging cable from the connection point towards the guide.

14. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any preceding claim, comprising the charging cable attached to the cable holder at the attachment point.

Images