An electric vehicle supply equipment

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to an electric vehicle supply equipment (1) and a control system (2). The electric vehicle supply equipment (1) comprises an extendable portion (110) comprising a charging cable (202) and a charging gun (204) at a distal end of the charging cable (202), and a support structure (200) configured to stow the extendable portion. The extendable portion is extendable from and retractable to the support structure (200). The support structure (200) comprises a magnetic sensor configured to generate a signal (209) in dependence on detection of a magnetic component (206) of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, wherein the signal is configured to stop retraction of the extendable portion.

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. The present invention provides an improved electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an electric vehicle supply equipment, a control system, and a charging gun for use with an electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a support structure to stow a charging cable having a charging gun at a distal end thereof, wherein the charging cable is extendable from and retractable to the support structure, the charging gun comprising a stopping component, the support structure comprising a sensor configured to generate a signal in dependence on detection of the stopping component. Advantageously, the charging gun and cable can be detected when correctly stowed.

[0011] The charging gun may be attached to the charging cable at a joining portion, wherein the stopping component is located in the joining portion.

[0012] Optionally, the stopping component comprises a magnetic material. Optionally, the sensor is a magnetic sensor. For example, the sensor may be a magnetic proximity sensor. Optionally, the stopping component has a nng-hke structure. The stopping component may surround the charging cable.

[0013] Optionally, the support structure comprises a drum for receiving windings of the charging cable therearound, wherein the drum is rotatable relative the support structure to extend and retract the charging cable. The electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate. Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a controller configured to cause the drum actuator to stop rotation of the drum in response to the signal from the sensor.

[0014] The support structure may be configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground.

[0015] According to another aspect, there is provided a charging gun for use with a vehicle having an electric traction motor, the charging gun comprising a stopping component. Optionally, the stopping component comprises a magnetic material. Optionally, the stopping component has a ring-like structure.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: an extendable portion comprising a charging cable and a charging gun at a distal end of the charging cable, a support structure configured to stow the extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is extendable from and retractable to the support structure, the support structure comprising a sensor configured to generate a signal in dependence on detection of a component of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, wherein the signal is configured to stop retraction of the extendable portion. Advantageously, the charging gun and cable can be detected when correctly stowed to prevent the equipment retracting the gun beyond the stowed position. This facilitates the prevention of damage to component parts or jamming of the supply equipment. Optionally, the component may be referred to as a stopping component. The component may be integrated with the charging gun and / or the charging cable.

[0017] Optionally, the component is a magnetic component. That is, the component may comprise a magnetic material. The sensor may be a sensor responsive to a magnetic field. That is, the sensor may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, magnetoresistive sensor or the like. Advantageously, such a sensing mechanism provides high accuracy whilst remaining cost effective. Alternatively, the sensor may be an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or a contact sensor such as a microswitch. The component may then be a corresponding component suitable for the sensing mode.

[0018] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a retraction mechanism configured to cause the extendable portion to retract within the support structure, and wherein the signal is configured to cause the retraction mechanism to stop retraction. The support structure may comprise a drum for receiving windings of the charging cable therearound, wherein the drum is rotatable relative to the support structure to extend and retract the extendable portion, and wherein the retraction mechanism comprises a drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate. The signal may be configured to cause the drum actuator to stop rotation of the drum. Advantageously, the drum actuator facilitates the automated retraction of the charging cable and stowage in a space efficient manner. By preventing the drum actuator from causing further rotation of the drum, damage to the drum actuator and strain to the charging cable from attaining a torque limit are prevented.

[0019] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment further comprises a controller configured to: receive the signal generated by the sensor; and in response to receiving said signal, output a control signal to the retraction mechanism to cause the retraction mechanism to stop.

[0020] The support structure may comprise a display element, and in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor, the controller may be further configured to output a control signal to the display element to cause the display element to display an indication of stowage. Advantageously, a user of the equipment can easily discern if an issue has occurred and the charging gun has not been stowed correctly, as the stowed position may not be readily visible from an outside of the equipment.

[0021] Optionally, the support structure comprises: a housing configured to stow the extendable portion, the housing having an opening through which the extendable portion is extendable and retractable, and a door actuator configured to actuate a door to close the opening. When the door is closed, the housing may substantially enclose the extendable portion in the stowed position. Advantageously, the housing protects the cable and gun from external conditions, and the end user is provided with a streamlined structure.

[0022] Optionally, in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor, the controller is further configured to output a control signal to the door actuator to close the opening. Advantageously, the door actuator closes the opening when the charging gun is stowed correctly, to prevent jamming or obstruction of the door.

[0023] Optionally, the charging gun is attached to the charging cable at a joining portion, wherein the component is located in the joining portion and wherein the sensor is configured to detect the component when the extendable portion is in the stowed position. The sensor may be disposed on an interior of the support structure adjacent to the joining portion in the stowed position. As the charging gun may frequently have an asymmetric design, providing the component at the joining portion advantageously enables improved accuracy of detection of the gun as the joining portion to the cable is smaller and more symmetric than the remainder of the gun. Further, the volume in which the joining portion is stowed is smaller than for the remainder of the gun due to the smaller cross section of the joining portion. Thus, locating the sensor adjacent to said volume enables more accurate sensing of the component in the stowed position.

[0024] Optionally, the sensor is a proximity sensor configured to detect the component within a predetermined distance of the sensor. The sensor may be a non-contact sensor. Advantageously, the component can be detected more accurately with a proximity or non-contact sensor than for a contact sensor requiring precise placement, which compensates for the freedom of movement of the cable when retracting.

[0025] Optionally, the component has a ring-like structure. For example, the component may be a ring or otherwise have an annular structure, such as a toroidal structure. The toroidal or annular structure may have any cross- section such as a rectangular or oval cross section. Advantageously, a ring with rectangular cross section provides ease of manufacture, and a symmetry which improves detection accuracy.

[0026] Optionally, the component surrounds the charging cable. For example, the component may encircle or otherwise extend about a circumference of the charging cable. Advantageously, this enables accurate detection of the component even when cable rotates unpredictably during retraction.

[0027] Optionally, the component is located between the charging cable and a sealing gland of the charging gun. The sealing gland may be a rubber gland. The sealing gland may be waterproof, i.e. provide an ingress protection (IP) rating to protect the charging gun from ingress of water and contaminants. Advantageously, the component is protected from water and contaminants and is not visible to end user.

[0028] Optionally, the support structure is configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground.

[0029] According to another aspect there is provided a control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising an extendable portion comprising a charging cable and a charging gun at a distal end of the charging cable, and a support structure configured to stow the extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is extendable from and retractable to the support structure, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: receive, from a sensor of the electric vehicle supply equipment, a signal indicative of detection of a component of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, and in response to receiving the signal, output a control signal to a retraction mechanism of the electric vehicle supply equipment to cause the retraction mechanism to stop retracting the extendable portion.

[0030] The control system comprises one or more controllers collectively comprising at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; 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 so as to: receive, from a sensor ofthe electric vehicle supply equipment, a signal indicative of detection of a component of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, and in response to receiving the signal, output a control signal to a retraction mechanism of the electric vehicle supply equipment to cause the retraction mechanism to stop retracting the extendable portion.

[0031] According to another aspect there is provided a computer-implemented method for an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising an extendable portion comprising a charging cable and a charging gun at a distal end of the charging cable, and a support structure configured to stow the extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is extendable from and retractable to the support structure, the method comprising receiving, from a sensor of the electric vehicle supply equipment, a signal indicative of detection of a component of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, and in response to receiving the signal, outputting a control signal to a retraction mechanism of the electric vehicle supply equipment to cause the retraction mechanism to stop retracting the extendable portion. 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:

[0034] Figure 1 A shows a sketch of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment the invention in a stowed configuration;

[0035] Figure 1 B shows a sketch of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment the invention in an extended configuration;

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic of a control system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 3 shows a schematic of a controller according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 4 shows a portion of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows an external view of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a charging gun according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 7 shows a detail view of a portion of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 3; and

[0041] Figure 8 shows a detail view of a portion of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figs. 1 A and 1 B 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. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a support structure 200 and an extendable portion 110. The extendable portion 110 comprises a charging cable 202 and a charging gun 204, with the charging gun 204 attached to the distal end of the charging cable 202. In an example the charging cable 202 is a flexible cable that may be stored on a rotatable drum (not shown) when not in use. The charging gun 204 may be an asymmetric component. When it is retracted back to the support structure 200, it could either stop early potentially resulting in difficulties in storage. In other circumstances, it could be retracted too close to the drum. This could lead to damage or inefficient operation of the drum and / or neighbouring components.

[0044] The support structure 200 is configured to stow the extendable portion 110. The extendable portion 110 is extendable from and retractable to the support structure 200. In Figure 1A, the extendable portion 1 10 is illustrated in a stowed position within the support structure 200. When the extendable portion 1 10 is extended from the support structure, the charging gun 204 and at least a portion of the charging cable 202 are arranged to extend outside the support structure in an extended position for use during charging of a vehicle, as shown in Figure 1 B. Once the charging gun 204 is no longer in use, a retraction process causes the extendable portion 110 to be retracted back inside the support structure for stowage. It may be desirable to detect when the charging gun 204 is correctly located in the stowed position, in order to perform one or more actions to complete the stowage process, such as stop the retraction, secure the support structure, and / or display a stowage indication to a user. If such actions are taken too late, this may cause damage to the support structure, charging gun 204 and any retraction mechanism. If too early, the charging gun 204 may not be fully retracted within the support structure 200 which may cause a blockage for a closure of the support structure 200 and exposure damage to the charging gun 204.

[0045] The support structure 200 may be configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground, and may comprise or be located within a housing to surround the stowed charging cable 202 and charging gun 204. In some embodiments the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is a home charger for a vehicle, however it will be appreciated that the electric vehicle supply equipment may alternatively be a public vehicle charger, or a charger for a specialist vehicle such as an aircraft, watercraft or the like.

[0046] In order to accurately detect the extendable portion 110 in the stowed position without placing strain on the cable 202 or gun 204, the support structure 200 comprises a sensor 208. The sensor 208 is configured to generate a signal in dependence on detection of a component 206 of the extendable portion 110 in the stowed position within the support structure 200. The sensor 208 may be positioned to detect the component 206 when the charging gun 204 is located at or very close to the stowed position. The sensor 208 in the illustrated embodiment is a non-contact sensor, i.e. a proximity sensor, configured to detect the component 206 when the component 206 is within a predetermined distance of the sensor 208. The placement of the sensor 208 within the support structure is therefore arranged such that the component 206 is detected in the stowed position. That is, the sensor 208 may be disposed within the predetermined distance from the stowed position of the component 206. Advantageously, use of a non-contact or proximity sensor accounts for freedom of movement of the charging gun 204 during retraction, enabling more accurate detection even when subject to fluctuation such as twisting. However, in other embodiments the sensor 208 may be a contact sensor, such as a microswitch. In such embodiments, the sensor 208 may be disposed within the support structure 200 such that the sensor 208 makes contact with the component 206 in the stowed position. The signal output by the sensor is configured to stop further retraction of the extendable portion 110, as will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0047] The component 206 arranged to be detected by the sensor 208 may be referred to as a stopping component 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopping component 206 is provided on the charging gun 204; however in other embodiments, the stopping component 206 may be located elsewhere on the extendable portion 1 10, such as on the charging cable 202.

[0048] In one embodiment, the sensing mechanism between the sensor 208 and stopping component 206 is a magnetic mechanism. In such an embodiment, the stopping component 206 is a magnetic component 206 comprising a magnetic material, for example a material having a high ferrous content. The sensor 208 is responsive to a magnetic field. In an example, the stopping component 206 comprises iron. The sensor 208 may be a magnetic sensor. In an example the sensor 208 is a magnetic proximity sensor. For example, the sensor 208 may be a Hall effect sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a variable reluctance sensor, or the like. Such a sensor 208 may be used to detect a magnetic field, for example, a magnetic field from the stopping component 206. While the sensor 208 and stopping component 206 combination are described herein as having a magnetic interaction, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such an arrangement. Other types of interaction such as optical, capacitive and the like may be used.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, a single sensor 208 and stopping component 206 combination is shown. However, it can be envisaged that in some embodiments, a plurality of sensors 208 and / or stopping components 206 may be used. For example, a first combination of sensor 208 and component 206 using a magnetic interaction may be implemented as a primary stopping mechanism. A second combination of a second sensor (not shown) and second component (not shown) may be used as a secondary stopping mechanism, e.g. using an optical interaction or a contact interaction. For example, the secondary stopping mechanism may comprise a microswitch configured to make contact with a component of the charging gun 204 in the stowed position. In such an embodiment, the secondary stopping mechanism may be used as a failsafe.

[0050] A schematic illustration of a control system 2 for an electric vehicle supply equipment 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2. The control system 2 may control the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 described with reference to Figures 1A and 1 B.

[0051] The control system 2 comprises at least one controller 300, schematically illustrated in Figure 3. The controller 300 comprises processing means 320 and memory means 330. The processing means 320 may be one or more electronic processing device 320 which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means 330 may be one or more memory device 330. The memory means 330 is electrically coupled to the processing means 320. The memory means 330 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 320 is configured to access the memory means and execute the instructions stored thereon. The controller 300 further comprises at least one communication module 310 for providing a wireless or wired connection to other components of the electric vehicle supply system 1 .

[0052] Returning to Figure 2, the controller 300 is in wireless or wired communication, via the communication module 310, with the sensor 208. The controller 300 is configured to receive the signal 209 generated by the sensor 208. The controller 300 is further in communication with one or more output devices 222, 224, 226 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 .

[0053] The one or more output devices 222, 224, 226 comprise a retraction mechanism 224 configured to cause the extendable portion 110 to retract within the support structure 200. Once the vehicle has been sufficiently charged and the charging gun 204 has been disconnected from the vehicle, the controller 300 may be configured to receive a retract signal (not shown) indicating that the charging cable 202 and charging gun 204 should be retracted into the support structure 200. The retract signal may be provided by the user pressing a button or by an alternative means. Upon receiving the retract signal, the controller 300 may be configured to cause the retraction mechanism 224 to retract the charging cable 202 and charging gun 204. The controller

[0054] 300 may output a retraction control signal to cause the retraction mechanism 224 to retract the charging cable 202 and charging gun 204 until receipt of the signal from the sensor 208. In response to receiving the signal 209 from the sensor 208, the controller 300 is configured to output a stopping control signal 301 to the retraction mechanism 224 to cause the retraction mechanism 224 to stop retracting. The retraction mechanism 224 may comprise an electric motor or the like. A torque limit may be implemented such that if a torque of the electric motor exceeds the torque limit, the controller 300 is configured to output the stopping control signal 301 . Thus, if the sensor 208 malfunctions, the torque limit on the electric motor provides a failsafe stopping mechanism. However, primary use of the sensor 208 ratherthan the torque limit helps prevent repetitive strain being applied to the cable 202 and other components.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates a portion 4 of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment, such as electric vehicle supply equipment 1. In the portion 4 of the illustrated embodiment, the support structure comprises a drum 410 for receiving windings of the charging cable 202 therearound, wherein the drum 410 is rotatable relative the support structure 200 to extend and retract the charging cable 202. In this embodiment, the retraction mechanism comprises a drum actuator 420 configured to cause the drum 410 to rotate. The drum actuator 420 may be manual or automatic. That is, the drum actuator 420 may act as the retraction mechanism 224. In this way, when the stopping component triggers the sensor to generate the signal 209, the drum actuator 420 halts rotation of the drum 410. By preventing the drum actuator 420 from causing further rotation of the drum 410 afterthe charging gun 204 reaches the stowed position, damage to the drum actuator 420 and strain to the charging cable from attaining the torque limit are mitigated against.

[0056] In use, when the charging operation is terminated, a user may operate the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to retract the charging gun 204 and charging cable 202 to the stowed position on the support structure 200. The drum 410 is rotated, either manually or by motor, until the stopping component in the charging gun 204 comes close to the sensor. The sensor 208 will then detect the stopping component 206 and generate its output signal 209. The signal 209 is received by the controller 300 which outputs the stopping control signal

[0057] 301 to the drum actuator 224, causing the drum actuator 224 to cease rotating the drum 410. The controller 300 may take one or more additional actions, such as locking the drum in position so that it can no longer rotate, closing a door of the support structure 200, generating a stop indicator e.g. light or alarm to indicate to the user the charging gun has been stowed, and / or other actions.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates an electric vehicle supply equipment 1 in a closed view according to one embodiment. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is shown in the stowed position, wherein the extendable portion 110 is not visible external to the equipment 1 . The support structure of the equipment 1 comprises a housing 201 configured to stow the extendable portion. The housing 201 has an opening 203 through which the extendable portion 110 is extendable and retractable. The support structure comprises a door 205 for closing the opening 203. When in the stowed position within the housing 201 , the door 205 is configured to close the opening 203 to prevent ingress of water and other contaminants and to secure the housing 201. In the illustrated embodiment the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a door actuator 222 configured to actuate the door 205 to open or close the opening 203.

[0059] The door actuator 222 may be one of the output devices in communication with the controller 300 as shown in Figure 2. In response to receiving the signal 209 generated by the sensor 208 when the charging gun 204 is stowed, the controller 300 may output a door close control signal 302 to the door actuator 222 to close the opening 203.

[0060] Additionally illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 5 is a display element 226. The display element 226 may in some embodiments be one of the output devices in communication with the controller 300 as shown in Figure 2. The display element 226 is configured to display an indication to a user of the equipment when the charging gun 204 is correctly stowed. In the illustrated embodiment, the display element 226 comprises a display mounted on the housing 201 arranged to provide visual feedback to the user. For example, the display element 226 may comprise one or more light emitting devices, a display screen, a projector or the like. In other embodiments it could be envisaged that the display element 226 be replaced by another type of output device configured to provide anothertype of feedback such as an audible signal, a haptic signal orthe like. In response to receiving the signal 209 generated by the sensor 208, the controller 300 may be configured to output a further control signal 303 to cause the display element 226 to display an indication of stowage. In this way, a user can easily discern if an issue has occurred, as the stowed position may not be readily visible from an exterior of the equipment 1 .

[0061] Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7 there is shown a charging gun 204 according to an embodiment of the invention. The charging gun 204 is suitable for use with the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 described herein. The charging gun 204 comprises a vehicle-engaging portion 2042, a middle portion 2044 and a joining portion 210. Fig. 6 shows a partial cross-section of the charging gun 204, including at the vehicle-engaging portion and the joining portion. Fig. 7 shows a magnified view of the joining portion 210. The joining portion 210 is for receiving an end of the charging cable 202. The joining portion 210 may comprise a flexible material to allow the charging gun 204 to move in relation to the charging cable 202. The flexible material may be for example rubber. The joining portion 210 may include or act as a gland, for example, to prevent water ingress to the charging gun 204. The charging gun 204 includes the stopping component 206 (not shown in Figs. 6 and 7).

[0062] The stopping component 206 for use with the illustrated embodiment has a ring-like, or annular, structure. In particular, the stopping component 206 is or comprises a magnetic ring. The ring-like structure of the stopping component 206 facilitates accurate detection of the component 206 even when the cable 202 and charging gun 204 are twisted during retraction. The stopping component 206 may then extend around a circumference of the cable 202 at the joining portion 210 of the charging gun 204.

[0063] The stopping component 206 can therefore be fit into a ring-shaped passage 2062 that is located around an opening in the joining portion of the charging gun 204 for receiving the end of the charging cable 202. The passage is shown having a substantially rectangular cross-section, to receive a stopping component 206 having a rectangular cross-section, however, it will be understood that other cross sections may be used depending on the shape of the stopping component 206.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment the ring-shaped passage is a continuous passage around a full circumference of the charging cable 202, however in other embodiments the stopping component 206 may be discontinuous. For example, the stopping component 206 may comprise two or more discrete sections each provided with a discrete passage.

[0065] With reference to Figure 8, there is shown a detailed portion of an electric vehicle supply equipment 1 for use with the charging gun 204 shown in Figures 6 and 7. The detailed portion shows the charging gun 204 in the stowed position within the support structure 200 such that the stopping component (not shown) located in the joining portion 210 of the gun 204 is disposed adjacent to the sensor 208. As the charging gun 204 may have an asymmetric design, providing the stopping component at the joining portion 210 enables improved accuracy of detection of the gun as the joining portion 210 has a smaller and more symmetric cross section than the remainder of the gun. Further, the volume in which the joining portion is stowed as illustrated in Figure 8 is smaller than the volume used for the remainder of the gun due to the smaller cross section of the joining portion. Thus, locating the sensor 208 adjacent to said volume enables more accurate sensing of the component in the stowed position.

[0066] Integrating the metal ring of the stopping component in the charging gun 204 and placing the sensor 208 in the support structure 200 provides a robust and efficient solution and allows for compact and reliable stowage of the charging gun 204. The stopping component may be located at a location within the charging gun 204 to provide a chosen stopping location for the charging gun 204 when stowed at the support structure 200 having the sensor 208. In an example, the stopping component may be located at the end of the charging gun 204 closest to the charging cable 202. By integrating the stopping component at the base of the charging gun 204 and located within the joining portion 210, for example in a rubber gland, the magnetic proximity sensor on the support structure is able to consistently identify the charging gun’s correct storage position. In this way, the charging gun 204 will not block the motor of the retraction mechanism. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 and charging gun 204 described herein provide for long term functionality by eliminating the need of a mechanical switch.

[0067] While the stopping component is described herein as being located in the charging gun 204, it will be understood that the stopping component 206 may also be located elsewhere in the extendable portion 110 such as in the charging cable 202, for example near the charging gun 204, with suitable positioning of the sensor.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: an extendable portion comprising a charging cable and a charging gun at a distal end of the charging cable, and a support structure configured to stow the extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is extendable from and retractable to the support structure, the support structure comprising a sensor responsive to a magnetic field, the sensor being configured to generate a signal in dependence on detection of a magnetic component of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, wherein the signal is configured to stop retraction of the extendable portion.

2. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a retraction mechanism configured to cause the extendable portion to retract within the support structure, and wherein the signal is configured to cause the retraction mechanism to stop retraction.

3. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises a drum for receiving windings of the charging cable therearound, wherein the drum is rotatable relative to the support structure to extend and retract the extendable portion, and wherein the retraction mechanism comprises a drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate.

4. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 further comprising a controller configured to: receive the signal generated by the sensor; and in response to receiving said signal, output a control signal to the retraction mechanism to cause the retraction mechanism to stop.

5. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises a display element, and in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor, the controller is further configured to output a control signal to the display element to cause the display element to display an indication of stowage.

6. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises: a housing configured to stow the extendable portion, the housing having an opening through which the extendable portion is extendable and retractable, and a door actuator configured to actuate a door to close the opening.

7. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 6 when dependent on claim 4, wherein in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor, the controller is further configured to output a control signal to the door actuator to close the opening.

8. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the charging gun is attached to the charging cable at a joining portion, wherein the magnetic component is located in the joining portion and wherein the sensor is configured to detect the magnetic component when the extendable portion is in the stowed position.

9. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor configured to detect the magnetic component within a predetermined distance of the sensor.

10. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the magnetic component has a ring-like structure.

11. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the magnetic component surrounds the charging cable.

12. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the magnetic component is located between the charging cable and a sealing gland of the charging gun.

13. An electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground.

14. A control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising an extendable portion comprising a charging cable and a charging gun at a distal end of the charging cable, and a support structure configured to stow the extendable portion, wherein the extendable portion is extendable from and retractable to the support structure, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: receive, from a sensor of the electric vehicle supply equipment, a signal indicative of detection of a magnetic component of the extendable portion in a stowed position within the support structure, wherein the sensor is responsive to a magnetic field; and in response to receiving the signal, output a control signal to a retraction mechanism of the electric vehicle supply equipment to cause the retraction mechanism to stop retracting the extendable portion.

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