An assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment and method of installation
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure EP2026052510_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] AN ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to show an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment. Aspects of the invention relate to an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment and a method of mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment on a support.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] It is known to install an electric vehicle supply equipment at a property. The electric vehicle supply equipment is used for supplying electricity to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, to charge a traction battery of the vehicle. An electric vehicle supply equipment requires a supply of electrical power. Therefore, installation of an electric vehicle supply equipment requires an electrical connection to be made with the electric vehicle supply equipment. An electric vehicle supply equipment is typically a heavy apparatus which may increase the difficulty of installation.
[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment and a method of mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment on a support as claimed in the appended claims.
[0009] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided, an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment. The assembly comprising:
[0010] a fixing plate for mounting to a support;
[0011] an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a first connector;
[0012] a connection housing comprising a second connector configured to mate with the first connector; wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment is mountable on the fixing plate such that a connection between the first and second connectors is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment when the fixing plate is mounted to a support.
[0013] The components of the assembly can be mounted sequentially onto a support by an installer. For example, the fixing plate and connection housing may first be attached to the support and then the electric vehicle supply equipment may be mounted on the fixing plate. This may improve the ease of installation of the assembly as the weight of the assembly may be distributed between the components. Additionally, the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment advantageously ensures that the connection between the first and second connectors is made without further intervention from the installer. The invention therefore improves the installation of an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0014] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided, an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment. The assembly comprising:
[0015] a fixing plate for mounting to a support;an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a first connector;
[0016] a connection housing comprising a second connector configured to mate with the first connector, wherein the fixing plate comprises the connection housing or the connection housing is attachable to the fixing plate;
[0017] wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment is mountable on the fixing plate such that a connection between the first and second connectors is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment when the fixing plate is mounted to a support; and
[0018] wherein the connection comprises an electrical connection.
[0019] The components of the assembly can be mounted sequentially onto a support by an installer. For example, the fixing plate and connection housing may first be attached to the support and then the electric vehicle supply equipment may be mounted on the fixing plate. This may improve the ease of installation of the assembly as the weight of the assembly may be distributed between the components. Additionally, the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment advantageously ensures that the electrical connection between the first and second connectors is made without further intervention from the installer. The invention therefore improves the installation of an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment and improves the ease of providing an electrical connection to an electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0020] The following embodiments apply to both of the above-described aspects of the invention.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the first and second connectors may be configured to provide a plurality of connections. The plurality of connections may comprise an electrical connection and one or more of a data transfer connection, a smart meter connection and an accessory connection. Multiple types of connections may therefore be made via the connection between the first and second connector, there no need for additional connections to be made. Additionally, the connection therefore enables the transfer of power and information from the second connector to the first connector.
[0022] Optionally, the first connector may comprise a male connector and the second connector comprises a female connector. As the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector, the first connector may be received within the second connector to form the connection thereby providing a secure connection.
[0023] The connection housing may comprise a body and a lid, the second connector being disposed on the lid. The second connector may comprise a first side on an exterior surface of the lid for connection with the second connector and a second side on the interior surface of the lid for coupling to one or more input cables. The lid allows the second connector to be easily coupled to one or more input cables within the connection housing.
[0024] The body of the connection housing may comprise one or more apertures for receiving one or more input cables. The apertures may be on the opposite side of the body to the lid.The electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a cable holder for support a charging cable wound thereabout. In certain embodiments, the cable holder may be a drum.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a housing containing the drum for receiving windings of a charging cable therearound; a drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate relative the housing to extend and retract the charging cable and charging gun from the housing; and a motor drivingly coupled to the drum actuator. Providing a rotatable drum on which a charging cable may be stowed may improve the storage of the cable within the electric vehicle supply equipment as the charging cable may be neatly stowed about the drum. Providing an actuator and motor to rotate the drum may improve the ease of use of the electric vehicle supply equipment. These components increase the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment thereby improving the connection between the first and second connectors and making it more important that the components of the assembly can be mounted sequentially onto a support to facilitate installation of the assembly.
[0026] Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a charging cable and a charging plug coupled thereto.
[0027] In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment may be mountable to the fixing plate by sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment along the fixing plate in a first direction from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the first connector is not connected to the second connector and in the second position the first connector is connected to the second connector. The electric vehicle supply equipment may therefore be mounted onto the fixing plate by sliding which provides a simple motion for an installer to perform thereby further improving the ease of installation of the assembly.
[0028] The first direction may be a direction towards the connection housing. Optionally, the first direction may be in a plane parallel to the fixing plate.
[0029] In certain embodiments, one of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a projection and the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a slot for receiving the projection therein. The slot and the projection may be arranged such that when the projection is received in the slot the first connector is aligned with the second connector. The engagement of the slot and projection may ensure that the first and second connectors are aligned within one another during installation and the connection between the first and second connectors is made.
[0030] In certain embodiments, one of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a plurality of projections and the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a plurality of slots, each slot being configured to receive one of the plurality of projections therein.
[0031] When the first and second connectors are aligned, the first and second connectors are in line with each other so that when the electric vehicle supply equipment is slid in the first direction towards the connection housing,the connection will be formed between the first and second connectors without requiring further adjustments to the position of the electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0032] Optionally, when the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the second position, the projection may engage the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment to prevent movement of the electric vehicle supply equipment relative to the fixing plate in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. The engagement of the projection with the electric vehicle supply equipment or fixing plate helps to secure the electric vehicle supply equipment and fixing plate together i.e. the projection helps stop the electric vehicle supply equipment being pull away from the fixing plate once the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted to the fixing plate.
[0033] In certain embodiments, the fixing plate comprises the projection and the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises the slot.
[0034] Optionally, when the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the first position, the projection may be within the slot but the projection may not prevent movement of the electric vehicle supply equipment relative to the fixing plate in the second direction.
[0035] Optionally, the second direction may be perpendicular to the fixing plate.
[0036] In certain embodiments, each of the electric vehicle supply equipment and the connection housing may comprise alignment features configured to engage one another as the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted on the fixing plate to facilitate alignment of the first and second connectors. The engagement of the alignment features may help ensure that the first and second connectors are aligned within one another during installation so that the connection between the first and second connectors is made.
[0037] The alignment features may comprise a plurality of ribs on each of the connection housing and the electric vehicle supply equipment, the ribs being parallel to the first direction. Ribs provide simple, robust mechanical alignment features and are easy to aligned during installation.
[0038] Optionally, each of the lid and the body of the connection housing may comprise ribs.
[0039] The electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a recess for receiving the connection housing therein. The alignment features of the electric vehicle supply equipment may be disposed within the recess. Providing the alignment features within a recess may improve the engagement between the alignment features on the electric vehicle supply equipment and those on the connection housing.
[0040] The alignment features may comprise a socket disposed on the connection housing, the socket comprising an opening configured to receive a pin disposed on the electric vehicle supply equipment, wherein the socket comprises a concave surface surrounding the opening configured to direct the pin into the opening as the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted on the fixing plate. As such, during mounting of the electricvehicle supply equipment, the concave surface surrounding the socket guides the pin into the opening to the socket thereby improving alignment between the first and second connectors.
[0041] The alignment features may comprise a pair of sockets disposed on the connection housing, each socket comprising an opening configured to receive one of a pair of pins disposed on the electric vehicle supply equipment, wherein each socket comprises a concave surface surrounding the opening configured to direct the pin into the opening as the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted on the fixing plate. The first connector is disposed between the pair of pins and the second connector is disposed between the pair of sockets. As such, during mounting of the electric vehicle supply equipment, the concave surface surrounding each socket guides each pin into the opening to the socket on either side for the first and second connectors thereby further improving alignment between the first and second connectors.
[0042] When the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted to the fixing plate, the connection housing may be entirely concealed within the recess thereby improving the aesthetic of the assembly.
[0043] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment on a support. The method comprising:
[0044] mounting a fixing plate to a support, the fixing plate having a connection housing attached thereto, wherein the connection housing comprises a second connector;
[0045] mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment to the fixing plate by sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment along the fixing plate in a direction towards connection housing until a first connector of the electric vehicle supply equipment mates with the second connector of the connection housing to form a connection therebetween, wherein the connection is an electrical connection; and
[0046] releasing the electric vehicle supply equipment whereby the connection is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0047] In the method, the components of the assembly can be mounted sequentially onto a support. This may improve the ease of installation of the assembly as the weight of the assembly may be distributed between the components. Additionally, the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment advantageously ensures that the electrical connection between the first and second connectors is made without further intervention from the installer. The invention there improves the installation of an assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment and ease of providing an electrical connection to an electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0048] In certain embodiments, the method may comprise coupling one or more input cables to the second connector within the connection housing prior to mounting the fixing plate to the support. The second connector may comprise a first side for connection with the second connection and a second side. The method may comprise coupling one or more input cables to the second side of the first connector. As such, the ease of making connections between input cables and the first connector may be improved.
[0049] The method may comprise removing a lid of the connection housing to couple the one or more input cables to the first connector. The first connector may be disposed in the lid of the connection housing. The method maycomprise securing the hd a body of the connection housing once the one or more input cables are coupled to the first connector. The lid may further improve the ease of making connections between input cables and the first connector.
[0050] The method may comprise mounting the connection housing to the fixing plate prior to mounting the fixing plate to the support. The installation may therefore be improved as the one or more input cables can be coupled to the first connector prior to attaching the connection housing to the fixing plate.
[0051] In certain embodiments, mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the fixing plate may comprise causing at least one alignment feature on the electric vehicle supply equipment to engage at least one corresponding alignment feature on the connection housing to facilitate alignment of the first and second connectors. The engagement of the alignment features may help ensure that the first and second connectors are aligned within one another during installation so that the connection between the first and second connectors is made.
[0052] In certain embodiments, mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the fixing plate may comprise causing a projection on one of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment to enter a slot on the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment. The slot and the projection may be arranged such that when the projection is received in the slot the first connector is aligned with the second connector thereby helping the connection between the first and second connectors to be made.
[0053] Optionally, mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the fixing plate may comprise sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment vertically downwards along the fixing plate thereby improving the ease of installation. The vertical movement may improve the ease of installation as it is simple for an installer to perform. Vertically downwards corresponds to the direction of gravitational force.
[0054] 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 anyway 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.
[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0057] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0058] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ;Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an interior of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 ; and Figure 8 shows a flow chart showing a method according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] Figures 1 to 7 show an assembly 10 for an electric vehicle supply equipment 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is an apparatus for supplying electricity to a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle, to charge a traction battery (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0061] The assembly 10 comprises a fixing plate 14, a connection housing 16 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 12 as shown in Figure 1. The fixing plate 14 is for mounting to a support (not shown), such as a wall or a post. The connection housing 16 is to facilitate the provision of electrical power to the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. As shown in in the embodiment the Figures, the connection housing 16 may be a separate component to the fixing plate 14 and the connection housing 16 may be attachable to the fixing plate 14. However, in alternative embodiments, the fixing plate 14 may comprise the connection housing 16. That is, the connection housing 16 may be integral with or permanently attached to the fixing plate 14. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mountable on the fixing plate 14 such that a connection is made between the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and the connection housing 16. To this end the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 comprises a first connector 18 and the connection housing 16 comprises a second connector 20 configured to mate with the first connector 18 to provide the connection. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the connection is an electrical connection for transferring electrical powerto the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mountable on the fixing plate 14 such that the connection is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12.
[0062] Each of the fixing plate 14, connection housing 16 and electric vehicle supply equipment 12 are described in in further detail below.
[0063] The fixing plate 14 is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3. As shown in the Figures, the fixing plate 14 may comprise a substantially planar panel 22 to which the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mountable. When the fixing plate 14 is attached to the support, the panel 22 may be orientated substantially vertically. The shape and size of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14 may be the substantially the same as a rear surface of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. The rear surface of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is the side closest to the fixing plate 14 when the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted thereto. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the panel 22 may be rectangular in shape. The fixing plate 14 may comprise a first set of apertures 24. Each aperture in the first set of apertures 24 may be configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for attaching the fixing plate 14 to the support. The first set of apertures 24 may be in the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14.The fixing plate 14 may comprise a second set of apertures 32. Each aperture in the second set of apertures 32 may be configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for attaching the connection housing 16 to the fixing plate 14. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second set of apertures 32 may be arranged towards a lower edge 33 of the panel 22 of fixing plate 14. When the fixing plate 14 is attached to the support, the lower edge 33 of the panel 22 is beneath (i.e. closer from the ground relative to) an opposite upper edge 35 of the panel 22. The second set of apertures 32 may be arranged towards a corner on the lower edge 33 of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14.
[0064] As shown in the Figures, the fixing plate 14 may comprise one or more projections 26. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be mounted onto the projections 26. The projections 26 may extend from the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the fixing plate 14 may comprise two projections 26. Each projection 26 may comprise an engagement portion 28 for engaging the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. The engagement portion 28 may be parallel to but offset from the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14. As such, there may be a gap between the engagement portion 28 of the projection 26 and the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14. Each projection 26 may comprise a connection portion 30 to connect the engagement portion 28 to the panel 22. The connection portion 30 may be planar or curved in shape. The engagement portion 28 of each projection 26 may extend from the connection portion 30 to a free end in a direction from the connection portion 30 towards a upper edge of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14. As such, the projection 26 extends upwards from the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14 when the fixing plate 14 is attached to the support. Each projection 26 may extend partway across the width of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14, where the width is measured perpendicular to a direction from the lower edge to the top edge.
[0065] The fixing plate 14 may comprise a shelf 37 extending from the lower edge 33 of the panel 22. The shelf 37 may be positioned towards a corner on the lower edge 33 of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14. As shown in Figure 3, the second set of apertures 32 and the shelf 37 may be at lower opposite corners of the panel 22. The shelf 37 may extend beneath the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 when the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted to the fixing plate 14. The shelf 37 may comprise one or more apertures (not shown) for receiving fasteners so that the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be secured to the fixing plate 14 once the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted to the fixing plate 14.
[0066] The connection housing 16 is shown in detail in Figure 2. As shown in the Figures, the connection housing 16 may comprise a body 34. The body 34 of the connection housing 16 may comprise a base 36 and a plurality of side walls 40 upstanding from the base 36. One of the side walls 40 may comprise a third set of apertures (not shown) for receiving fasteners. The third set of apertures in the side wall 40 may be configured to align with the second set of apertures 32 of the fixing plate 14 so that the connection housing 16 may be attached to the fixing plate 14 by one or more fasteners. The second set of apertures 32 may be arranged such that when the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14, the base 36 of the connection housing 16 coincides with the lower edge 33 of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14.
[0067] The connection housing 16 may comprise a lid 39. The lid 39 may be configured to be attached to the side walls 40 of the connection housing 16. The lid 39 may be attached to the side walls 40 by a plurality of fasteners(not shown). As such, the hd 39 may be removable from the body 34 so that an interior of the body 34 is accessible. When the lid 39 is attached to the body 34, the connection housing 16 may be a closed unit. When the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14 and the fixing plate 14 is mounted to the support, the lid 39 may face substantially upwards (i.e. away from the ground).
[0068] As shown in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the connection housing 16 may be substantially cuboid in shape. As such, the base 36 of the body 34 may be substantially perpendicular to the side walls 40. The lid 39 may be substantially perpendicular to the side walls 40 when attached thereto. When the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14, the lid 39 may be substantially perpendicular to the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14.
[0069] As described above, the connection housing 16 comprises a second connector 20. The second connector 20 may be disposed on the lid 39 of the connection housing 16. Therefore, when the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14 and the fixing plate 14 is mounted to the support, the second connector 20 may face substantially upwards (i.e. away from the ground).
[0070] The second connector 20 may comprise a first side on an exterior surface of the lid 39 for connection with the first connector 18. The body 34 of the connection housing 16 may comprise one or more apertures for receiving one or more input cables 42. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the one or more apertures for receiving one or more input cables 42 may be in the base 36 of the connection housing 16. A second side (not shown) of the second connector 20 may be disposed on an interior surface of the lid 39 for coupling to the one or more input cables 42. The one or more input cables 42 comprise an electrical cable for transferring electrical power. The lid 39 may be removed from the body 34 of the connection housing 16 to enable the second side of the second connector 20 to be coupled to the one or more input cables 42. During installation, the second side of the second connector 20 to be coupled to the one or more input cables 42 prior to attaching the connection box to the fixing plate 14.
[0071] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the second connector 20 may comprise one or more female connectors. That is, the second connector 20 may comprise one or more sockets or slots 66.
[0072] The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is shown in detail in Figures 1 , 4 and 5. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a housing 44. The housing 44 may define a chamber 12 to stow a charging plug 48 and a charging cable 46 therein. The charging cable 46 is for transferring electrical power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the vehicle for charging the traction battery. The charging cable 46 may be an elongate, flexible member. The charging cable 46 may comprise the charging plug 48 at one end. The charging plug 48 may be configured to couple to a corresponding socket (not shown) in the vehicle to charge the traction battery. The charging cable 46 may be connected to the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 by a cable gland or, alternatively, a socket (not shown).
[0073] The housing 44 may comprise an opening through which the charging plug 48 and the charging cable 46 may be extendable from and retractable into the chamber 12. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, theopening may be on a lower side of the housing 44. The lower side being the side of the housing 44 closest to or facing the ground. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a door 58 movable between an open position in which the charging plug 48 and charging cable 46 may be extended through the opening 42 and a closed position in which the opening 42 is covered by the door 58.
[0074] To stow the charging cable 46 within the housing 44, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a drum 50. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the drum 50 may be positioned within the chamber 12. The drum 50 may be configured to receive windings of the charging cable 46 therearound. The drum 50 may be rotatable relative the housing 44. Therefore, the drum 50 may be rotated to extend and retract the changing cable and charging plug 48 through the opening.
[0075] The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a drum actuator to rotate the drum 50. As shown in Figure 1 , the drum actuator may comprise meshed circular gears 52, 54. The drum actuator may comprise a first circular gear 52 attached to one end of the drum 50. The first circular gear 52 may have a radius that is larger than the radius of the drum 50 when the electric charging cable 46 is wound thereabout. The drum actuator may comprise a second circular gear 54 configured to mesh (i.e. engage) with the first circular gear 52. The second circular gear 54 may be attached to the housing 44. As shown in the Figures, the first and second circular gears 52, 54 may each comprise a plurality of teeth so that the first and second circular gears 52, 54 may engage one another. As shown in Figure 1 , the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a drum motor 56, such as an electric motor, drivingly coupled to the drum actuator. The drum motor 56 may be drivingly coupled to the second circular gear 54. The drum motor 56 may be attached to the support 46. The drum motor 56 may be configured to rotate the drum 50 to wind and unwind the charging cable 46 from the drum 50 to extend and retract the charging plug 48 and charging cable 46 through the opening 42.
[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a receiving recess 60 for receiving the connection housing 16. The receiving recess 60 may be formed in the housing 44. The receiving recess 60 may substantially conform to the shape of the connection housing 16. As such, the receiving recess 60 may be substantially cuboid in shape. As shown in the embodiment of the Figures, the receiving recess 60 may be toward a lower rear corner of the housing 44 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. Once the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted to the fixing plate 14, the base 36 of the connection housing 16 may be flush with a base 36 of the housing 44 to provide a clean aesthetic as shown in Figure 1. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the receiving recess 60 may be defined by an upper wall 62 and three side walls 64. The upper wall 62 may be substantially perpendicular to the rear side of the housing 44 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. The side walls 64 of the receiving recess 60 may be substantially perpendicular to a lower side of the housing 44 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12.
[0077] As described above, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 comprises the first connector 18. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first connector 18 may be disposed in the receiving recess 60 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. As shown in Figure 5, the first connector 18 may be disposed on the upper wall 62 of the receiving recess 60. Therefore, when the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted to thefixing plate 14 and the fixing plate 14 is mounted to the support, the first connector 18 may face substantially downwards (i.e. towards from the ground). As such, the first and second connectors 18, 20 are configured to face in opposite directions in the assembly 10.
[0078] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first connector 18 may comprise one or more male connectors. As such, the first connector 18 may be configured to be received within the second connector 20 to provide the connection. The first connector 18 may comprise one or more plugs, pins or projections configured to be received by the one or more corresponding sockets or slots 66 of the second connector 20.
[0079] The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a seal (not shown) surrounding the first connector 18. When the first connector 18 is mated with the second connector 20 the seal may surround both the first and second connectors 18, 20 to provide a watertight connection. The seal may comprise a deformable material. The seal may be compressed between the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and the connection housing 16 by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 when the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted on the fixing plate 14 and the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14.
[0080] As described above, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mountable onto the fixing plate 14. As shown in Figure 5, the rear side of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be configured to be mounted onto the fixing plate 14. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise a slot 66 for receiving the projections 26 of the fixing plate 14 therein for mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the fixing plate 14. The slot 66 may be configured to receive the engagement portion 28 of the projection 26.
[0081] The slots 66 are shown in Figure 5. Each slot 66 may be formed by a recess 68 in the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. The recess 68 may be formed in the housing 44 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. A portion of the recess 68 may be covered by a plate 70 such that the recess 68 has a covered portion and an uncovered portion. The plate 70 may be attached to the housing 44 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 by one or more fasteners (not shown). The covered portion provides the slot 66. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, an upper side of each recess 68 is covered by the plate 70 where the upper side is the side of the recess 68 furthest from the ground when the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted to the fixing plate 14 and the fixing plate 14 is mounted on the support.
[0082] The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be mountable to the fixing plate 14 by sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 along the fixing plate 14 in a first direction 72 from a first position to a second position. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be mounted to the fixing plate 14 once the connection housing 16 has been attached to the fixing plate 14. As such, the first direction 72 may be in a direction towards the connection housing 16. Mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the fixing plate 14 causes the first connector 18 to mate with the second connector 20.
[0083] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first direction 72 may also be in a direction from the upper edge 35 to the lower edge 33 of the panel 22 of the fixing plate 14. Therefore, when the fixing plate 14 isattached to a support, the first direction 72 may be vertically downwards i.e. in the direction of gravitational force. The first direction 72 may be in a plane parallel to the fixing plate 14.
[0084] When the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is in the first position, the engagement portion 28 of the projection 26 may be within the uncovered portion of the recess 68 and the first connector 18 is not connected to the second connector 20.To move the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the second position, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be slid along the fixing plate 14 in the first direction 72 so that the projection 26 moves into the slot 66 (i.e. into the covered portion of the recess 68). When the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is in the second position, the plate 70 may be reside in the gap between the engagement portion 28 of the projection 26 and the fixing plate 14. When the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is in the second position, the first connector 18 is connected to (i.e. mates with) the second connector 20 so that the connection is formed.
[0085] When the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is in the second position, the projection 26 may be configured to prevent movement of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 relative to the fixing plate 14 in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction 72. The second direction may also be perpendicular to the fixing plate 14. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the projection 26 may be configured to engage the plate 70 and / or walls defining the recess 68 to prevent movement of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 relative to the fixing plate 14 in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction 72.
[0086] The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mountable on the fixing plate 14 such that the connection is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this is facilitated by the first and second connectors 18, 20 facing in opposite directions when the electric vehicle supply equipment 12, fixing plate 14 and connection are assembled together. The first connector 18 faces towards the ground and the second connector 20 faces away from the ground when the assembly 10 is attached to the support. The first connector 18 is above the second connector 20. The weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 therefore ensures the connection between the first and second connectors 18, 20 is maintained when the assembly 10 is attached to the support. At least part of the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is supported by the connection housing 16. The projections 26 of the fixing plate 14 may also support part of the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12.
[0087] As described above, the first and second connectors 18, 20 provide a connection which comprises an electrical connection. As such, the connection may enable electrical power to be provided to the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 so that the charging cable 46 may be used to change a traction battery of a vehicle. The electrical power supplied to the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be for powering the drum motor or other electronic components within the electric vehicle supply equipment 12.
[0088] The first and second connectors 18, 20 may be configured to provide further connections in addition to the electrical connection. That is, the first and second connectors 18, 20 may be configured to provide a plurality of connections. The plurality of connections may comprises the electrical connection and one or more of a data transfer connection, a smart meter connection and an accessory connection. The data transfer connectionmay be an ethernet connection. The ethernet connection may be provided via an ethernet port and corresponding connector. The smart meter connection may be provided by RS-485 terminal or current transformer (CT) terminals. An accessory connection may be provided via a USB port and terminal.. As such, each of the first and second connectors 18, 20 may comprise a plurality of sub-connectors 19, 21 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Each sub-connector 19, 20 may be configured to provide a different type of connection when the first and second connectors 18, 20 are mated together.
[0089] The assembly 10 may comprise alignment features configured to engage one another as the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted on the fixing plate 14 to facilitate alignment of the first and second connectors 18, 20. That is, the alignment features are to help position the first and second connectors 18, 20 in line with each other so that as the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is slid along the fixing plate 14 the connection will be formed between the first and second connectors 18, 20.
[0090] The projections 26 of the fixing plate 14 may provide an alignment feature. The projections 26 may be positioned so that when the projections 26 are received in the recesses 68, the first connector 18 is aligned with the second connector 20. To facilitate this, the projections 26 may have substantially the same width as the recesses 68. The projections 26 and recesses 68 may reduce the risk of misalignment of the first and second connectors 18, 20 caused by the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 being positioned too far to the right hand side or the left hand side of the fixing plate 14 during mounting. During mounting, if the projection 26 is not correctly received in the recess 68 or slot 66, the projections 26 may prevent the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 being slid in the first direction 72 relative to the fixing plate 14.
[0091] The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and the connection housing 16 may comprise one or more of the alignment features.
[0092] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, a pin and socket connector may provide an alignment feature. The pin 74 and socket 76 are shown in detail in Figures 6 and 7. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may comprise one or more pins 74 and the connection housing 16 may comprise one or more sockets 76 configured to receive the one or more pins 74. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 comprises two pins 74 and the connection housing 16 comprises two sockets 76. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement.
[0093] The pins 74 may be disposed on the upper wall 62 of the receiving recess 60 and a sockets 76 may be disposed on the lid 39 of the connection housing 16. As such, the pins 74 may extend downwards from the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and the sockets 76 may extend upwards from the connection housing 16 when mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 onto the fixing plate 14. The pins 74 and the sockets 76 may be provided on the first and second connectors 18, 20, respectively as shown in the embodiment in the Figures. Alternatively, the pins 74 and the sockets 76 may be provided adjacent to the first and second connectors 18, 20, respectively. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the two pins 74 may be arranged at opposing ends of the first connector 18 and the two sockets 76 may be arranged at opposing ends of the second connector 20.As shown in Figure 7, each socket 76 comprises an opening 78 configured to receive one of the pins 74. The openings 78 may substantially conform to the shape of the pins 74. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the pins 74 and the openings 78 may be cylindrical. Each socket 76 may comprise a concave surface 80 peripheral to (i.e. surrounding) the opening 78. As such, when mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the fixing plate 14 which has the connection housing 16 attached thereto, if the pin 74 is not perfectly aligned with the opening 78 in the socket 76, the concave surface 80 directs the pin 74 into the opening as the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is slid towards the connection housing 16. Thus, the pin 74 and socket 76 help to ensure correct alignment of the first and second connectors 18, 20.
[0094] A plurality of ribs 82 on each of the connection housing 16 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may provide an alignment feature. The ribs 82 may be orientated parallel to the first direction 72. The ribs 82 may be configured to engage one another as the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is moved relative to the fixing plate 14 in the first direction 72 from the first position to the second position. If the ribs 82 are not correctly aligned, the ribs 82 may resist movement to the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is moved in the first direction 72 from the first position to the second position. Engagement of the ribs 82 may cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to move into correct alignment with the connection housing 16. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the each of the lid 39 and the body 34 of the connection housing 16 may comprise ribs 82. One or more of the side walls 40 defining the receiving recess 6860 may comprise ribs 82.
[0095] When mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the fixing plate 14, the projections 26 may first align the first connector 18 with the second connector 20. This alignment provided by the projection 26 may be then be further refined by the pin and socket connector and the ribs 82 as the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is moved towards the connection housing 16.
[0096] The components of the assembly 10 can be mounted sequentially onto a support. For example, the fixing plate 14 and connection housing 16 may first be attached to the support and then the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be mounted on the fixing plate 14. This may improve the ease of installation of the assembly 10 as the weight of the assembly 10 may be distributed between the components. Additionally, the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 advantageously ensures that the connection between the first and second connectors 18, 20 is made without further intervention from the installer. The invention therefore improves the installation of an assembly 10 for an electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and the ease of providing the connection. The alignment features may further improve the ease and accuracy of installing the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 on to the fixing plate 14.
[0097] Figure 8 shows a method 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 1000 is a method of mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment 12 on a support (i.e. a method of installation). The method 1000 may be used to mount the assembly 10 of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 to the support. The method 1000 may be performed by an installer.The method 1000 comprises the step 1002 of mounting the fixing plate 14 to the support where the fixing plate 14 has a connection housing 16 attached thereto. The step 1002 may comprise inserting fasteners through the first set of apertures 24 to mount the fixing plate 14 to the support.
[0098] The method may comprise the step 1004 of coupling the one or more input cables 42 to the second connector 20 within the connection housing 16. As described above, the first connector 18 may be disposed on the lid 39 of the connection housing 16. Therefore, the method step 1004 may comprise removing a lid 39 of the connection housing 16. Removing the lid 39 may expose the second side of the connector and the interior of the body 34. The one or more input cables 42 may be coupled to the second side of the first connector 18. The method may comprise coupling one or more input cables 42 to the apertures in the base 36 of the connection housing 16 or passing one or more input cables 42 through the apertures in the base 36 of the connection housing 16. Once the one or more input cables 42 are coupled to the second side of the first connector 18, the method may comprise securing the lid 39 to the body 34 of the connection housing 16. One of more fasteners may be used to secure the lid 39 of the body 34 of the connection housing 16.
[0099] When using the assembly 10 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, the method may comprise the step 1006 of mounting the connection housing 16 to the fixing plate 14. This may be done after the step 1004 of coupling the one or more input cables 42 to the second connector 20 within the connection housing 16 to improve the ease of coupling the one or more input cables 42 to the second connector 20. Therefore, the installer may mount the connection housing 16 to the fixing plate 14. Alternatively, the step 1006 of mounting the connection housing 16 to the fixing plate 14 may be performed prior to the installer receiving the assembly 10, for example, the connection housing 16 may be mounted to the fixing plate 14 at a factory when the assembly is produced. This may reduce the installation time and improve the ease of installation and also ensure correct alignment of the first and second connectors 18,20.
[0100] Once the connection housing 16 is attached to the fixing plate 14, the method comprises the step 1008 of mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to the fixing plate 14 by sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 along the fixing plate 14 in a direction towards the connection housing 16 until the second connector 20 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 mates with the first connector 18 of the connection housing 16 to form the connection therebetween. The installer may lift the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to mount it onto the fixing plate 14.
[0101] The step 1008 of mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 onto the fixing plate 14 may comprise sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 vertically downwards along the fixing plate 14. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may be slid along the fixing plate 14 in the first direction 72.
[0102] The method comprises the step 1010 of releasing the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 whereby the connection is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. Therefore, once mounted on the fixing plate 14, the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 causes the connection between the first and second connectors 18, 20 to be maintained. The electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is mounted on the fixing plate 14 so that at least part of the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is supported by the connection housing 16.The method step 1008 of mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 onto the fixing plate 14 may comprise causing the projections 26 on the fixing plate 14 to enter the slots 66 on the electric vehicle supply equipment 12. As described above, the slots 66 and the projections 26 may be arranged such that when the projections 26 are received in the slots 66 the first connector 18 is aligned with the second connector 20.
[0103] The step 1008 of mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 onto the fixing plate 14 may comprise causing at least one alignment feature on the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 to engage at least one corresponding alignment feature on the connection housing 16 to facilitate alignment of the first and second connectors 18, 20. As the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is slid towards the connection housing 16, the pins on the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 may enter the sockets on the connection housing 16 and the ribs 82 one the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and connection housing 16 may engage one another to ensure correct alignment between the first and second connectors 18, 20.
[0104] In the method, the components of the assembly 10 can be mounted sequentially onto a support. This may improve the ease of installation of the assembly 10 as the weight of the assembly 10 may be distributed between the components. Additionally, the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 advantageously ensures that the connection between the first and second connectors 18, 20 is made without further intervention from the installer. The invention therefore improves the installation of an assembly 10 for an electric vehicle supply equipment 12 and the ease of providing the connection. The alignment features may further improve the ease and accuracy of installing the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 on to the fixing plate 14.
[0105] The skilled person will appreciate that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the connection housing 16 is separate to the fixing plate 14. However, in alternative embodiments, the fixing plate may comprise the connection housing. That is, the connection housing may be integral with or permanently attached to the fixing plate.
[0107] In alternative embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 is not limited to the above described housing and components. In alternative embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment may for example comprise a cable holder for supporting a charging cable wound thereabout that is fixed in position relative to the housing. The opening of the electric vehicle supply equipment may be modified to enable the cable to be unwound from the cable holder.
[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the fixing plate 14 comprises one or more projections 26 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 12 comprises one or more slots 66. However, in an alternative embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise the one or more projections and the fixing plate may comprise the one or more slots.
Claims
CLAIMS1. An assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment, the assembly comprising:a fixing plate for mounting to a support;an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a first connector;a connection housing comprising a second connector configured to mate with the first connector, wherein the fixing plate comprises the connection housing or the connection housing is attachable to the fixing plate;wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment is mountable on the fixing plate such that a connection between the first and second connectors is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment when the fixing plate is mounted to a support; andwherein the connection comprises an electrical connection.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second connectors are configured to provide a plurality of connections, the plurality of connections comprises the electrical connection and one or more of a data transfer connection, a smart meter connection and an accessory connection. .
3. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector comprises a male connector and the second connector comprises a female connector.
4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection housing comprises a body and a lid, the second connector being disposed on the lid, wherein the second connector comprises a first side on an exterior surface of the lid for connection with the second connector and a second side on the interior surface of the lid for coupling to one or more input cables.
5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a housing containing a drum for receiving windings of a charging cable therearound; a drum actuator configured to cause the drum to rotate relative the housing to extend and retract the charging cable from the housing; and a motor drivingly coupled to the drum actuator.
6. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment is mountable to the fixing plate by sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment along the fixing plate in a first direction from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the first connector is not connected to the second connector and in the second position the first connector is connected to the second connector.
7. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a projection and the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a slot for receiving the projection therein, wherein the slot and the projection are arranged such that when the projection is received in the slot the first connector is aligned with the second connector.
8. An assembly according to claim 7, when dependent on claim 6, wherein when the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the second position the projection engages the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment to prevent movement of the electric vehicle supply equipment relative to the fixing plate in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
9. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the electric vehicle supply equipment and the connection housing comprise alignment features configured to engage one another as the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted on the fixing plate to facilitate alignment of the first and second connectors.
10. An assembly according to claim 9, when dependent on claim 6, wherein the alignment features comprise a plurality of ribs on each of the connection housing and the electric vehicle supply equipment, the ribs being parallel to the first direction.
11. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the alignment features comprise a socket disposed on the connection housing, the socket comprising an opening configured to receive a pin disposed on the electric vehicle supply equipment, wherein the socket comprises a concave surface surrounding the opening configured to direct the pin into the opening as the electric vehicle supply equipment is mounted on the fixing plate.
12. A method of mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment on a support, the method comprising:mounting a fixing plate to a support, the fixing plate having a connection housing attached thereto, wherein the connection housing comprises a second connector;mounting an electric vehicle supply equipment to the fixing plate by sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment along the fixing plate in a direction towards the connection housing until a first connector of the electric vehicle supply equipment mates with the second connector of the connection housing to form a connection therebetween, wherein the connection is an electrical connection; and releasing the electric vehicle supply equipment whereby the connection is maintained by the weight of the electric vehicle supply equipment.
13. A method according to claim 12, comprising coupling one or more input cables to the second connector within the connection housing prior to mounting the fixing plate to the support, wherein the second connector comprise a first side for connection with the second connection and a second side, wherein the method comprises coupling one or more input cables to the second side of the first connector.
14. A method according to claims 12 or 13, wherein mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the fixing plate comprising causing at least one alignment feature on the electric vehicle supply equipment to engage at least one corresponding alignment feature on the connection housing to facilitate alignment of the first and second connectors and / or wherein mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the fixing plate comprising causing a projection on one of the fixing plate and the electricvehicle supply equipment to enter a slot on the other of the fixing plate and the electric vehicle supply equipment wherein the slot and the projection are arranged such that when the projection is received in the slot the first connector is aligned with the second connector.
15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein mounting the electric vehicle supply equipment onto the fixing plate comprising sliding the electric vehicle supply equipment vertically downwards along the fixing plate.