GB2597071A

GB2597071A - Cable-tidy apparatus, and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2597071A
Application number: GB2010768.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Locke Anthony
Original assignee: E Park Solutions Ltd; Juuce Ltd
Current assignee: E Park Solutions Ltd; Juuce Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-13
Filing date: 2020-07-13
Publication date: 2022-01-19
Also published as: GB202010768D0

Abstract

A cable-tidy apparatus 10 suitable for an electric-vehicle charging cable 14, the cable-tidy apparatus 10 comprises a support-element housing 32, and a support-element spool 28a mounted for rotation within the housing 32. The apparatus further comprises a winding mechanism (figure 3, 30) suitable for the support-element spool 28a, is windable in a retraction direction, and a releasable control mechanism (figure 2, 62) which selectably controls the winding mechanism (figure 3, 30). The invention further comprises a flexible elongate support element 40 which is windable on the support-element spool 28a, and a cable connector 42 at an end of said support element 40 by which an electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is engageable at a position along its length. Another aspect further comprises a second spool 28b and a second support element 40 connected to the cable 14 by a connector 42 at a second point along the cable 14. Another aspect further comprises the first and second spools 28a 28b having differing diameters and the spools being equi-angularly rotatable. A method of use is also claimed.

Description

Cable-Tidy Apparatus, and Method of Use Thereof The present invention relates to cable-tidy apparatus having one or multiple spools, specifically but not necessarily exclusively for a non-spoolable electric-vehicle charging cable. The present invention also relates to a method of reducing abrasion damage of 5 an electric-vehicle charging cable.

Electric vehicles, powered by electricity stored in a battery, are increasingly viable alternatives to vehicles operating on fossil fuels. As the electricity is used up, the electric vehicle needs to be charged. After locating and driving to a charger, a charging cable is connected at one end to the electric vehicle, and at the other end to the charger to charge the battery.

As some chargers may be devoid of a charging cable, the user may need to provide the charging cable instead. However, this solution may be undesirable due to the incompatibility of the user's charging cable with some chargers, the space taken up by the charging cable in the vehicle, and the risk of forgetting the cable at the charger or at home. Furthermore, upon use, the temperature of the charging cable increases, resulting in a risk of injury to the user handling the heated cable and/or a fire risk, particularly when storing the cable in the vehicle after use.

Many chargers are fitted with a charging cable. However, this solution also has drawbacks. A charging cable may extend from the charger along the ground, providing trip hazards, even when properly stored. Dragging the charging cable on the ground may result in abrasion damage. If laid out on the ground, the charging cable may also be damaged by vehicles driving over the cable. Some users may also find it physically challenging to drag a heavy cable along the ground to and from their vehicle. A solution is to provide a spool around which the charging cable may be coiled when not in use.

The spool may be at a height to prevent or minimise contact between the cable and the ground, thereby reducing or eliminating the friction associated with dragging the charging cable across the floor.

However, using the charging cable when partially spooled results in the cable overheating due to the electromagnetic field produced when electricity flows through the 30 cable. The lifespan of the cable is reduced, and the fire risk is increased. Coiling the cable around a spool further inhibits cooling of the heated cable.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing; a first spool and a second spool mounted for rotation within the housing, the second spool being equi-angularly rotatable with the first spool, and a first spool-core diameter of the first spool differing from a second spool-core diameter of the second spool; a winding mechanism by which the first spool and the second spool are windable in a retraction direction; a releasable control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism; a first flexible elongate element and a second flexible elongate element which are windable on the first spool and the second spool respectively; and a cable connector at an end of the first elongate element by which the first elongate element is connectable to an electric-vehicle charging cable at a first position for supporting a first portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable; and a cable connector at an end of the second elongate element by which the second elongate element is connectable to the said electric-vehicle charging cable at a second position for supporting a second portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable, the first position being spaced-apart from the second position along the length of the electric-vehicle charging cable.

The term "cable-tidy apparatus" used herein and throughout is defined as or intended to mean an apparatus maintaining one or more electric vehicle charging cables in a stowed condition or biasing the electric vehicle charging cable or cables towards the stowed condition if the electric vehicle charging cable or cables is/are displaced from the stowed condition.

The term "stowed condition" used herein and throughout is defined as or intended to mean that the charging cable is in an orderly and/or compact or substantially compact 25 manner. The stowed condition does not require the charging cable to be received within or around an object.

The term "equi-angularly rotatable" used herein and throughout is defined as or intended to mean rotatable through a same angle or having the same angular velocity. Thus, the angular velocity of the second spool preferably matches the angular velocity of the first 30 spool.

The apparatus maintains at least part of, and preferably at least a majority of a charging cable off a ground surface, preferably at all times. This is achieved by having spools that preferably in-use rotate at the same angular velocity, whilst dispensing or retracting the elongate elements at different rates due to the different spool-core diameters. As the charging cable or at least a substantial part thereof is above the ground, the tripping hazard is reduced or eliminated, whilst damage to the charging cable is also reduced. The winding mechanism assists a user in moving the cable towards the stowed condition. The control mechanism selectively prevents or inhibits retraction of the charging cable towards the stowed condition, thereby preventing or reducing damage to an electric vehicle when the vehicle is being charged. As the charging cable is not received around a spool, the risk of overheating is reduced or eliminated.

Optionally, the first spool-core diameter may be double the second spool-core diameter. The second spool dispenses the second flexible elongate element at a lower rate than 10 the first spool, whilst the spools in-use preferably have the same angular velocity. The flexible elongate elements are different lengths.

Beneficially, the retraction direction of the first spool may be the same as the retraction direction of the second spool. The spools in-use preferably rotate in the same direction to spool the flexible elongate elements. Similarly, the spools in-use preferably rotate in 15 the same direction to unspool the flexible elongate elements.

Preferably, the multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus may further comprise a hub element, engageable with the first spool and the second spool. Furthermore, the first spool may be spaced-apart from the second spool along a longitudinal extent of the hub element. Optionally, the first spool may be at or adjacent to a first hub-end of the hub element, and/or the second spool may be at or adjacent to a second hub-end of the hub element. Preferably, the hub element, and at least one of the first spool and the second spool may be integrally formed with each other. The hub element provides a simple means to enable the in-use spools to rotate simultaneously, in the same direction and at the same velocity as each other. The ease of manufacture is also increased in the case of spools integrally formed with the hub element.

Beneficially, the winding mechanism may comprise a spring element having a first spring-end and a second spring-end. Advantageously, the spring element may comprise a constant-force spring for providing a constant winding force in the retraction direction. The pulling force required of the user to pull an end of the charging cable towards their vehicle preferably does not increase with distance.

Additionally, the multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus may further comprise a spring mount, the spring element being connectable at the first spring-end to the spring mount.

Optionally, the second spring-end may be connectable to the hub element. The spring element may easily rotate the or all spools connected to the hub element simultaneously.

Beneficially, the control mechanism may comprise a pawl and a gear. Preferably, the pawl may be connectable to at least one of the first spool and the second spool. It may be envisioned that the pawl may additionally or alternatively be engageable with the hub element. By being associated with a rotatable element, such as a spool and/or the hub element, the pawl may be selectively disengaged from the gear by a centrifugal force.

Advantageously, the control mechanism may further comprise an angular range limiting element for limiting the rotation of the pawl away from the gear. Furthermore, the angular range limiting element may comprise a stop. Optionally, the stop may comprise a pin. The angular range limiting element limits the range of rotation of the pawl in a radial direction relative to the rotatable element to which the pawl is mounted, when the pawl is subjected to a centrifugal force.

Furthermore, the multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus may be provided as a kit of parts. The 15 multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus is easily transportable.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing, a first-stage spool and a second-stage spool mounted for rotation within the housing, a winding mechanism by which the first-stage spool and the second-stage spool are windable in a retraction direction, a releasable control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism, a flexible elongate first-stage support element and a flexible elongate second-stage support element which are windable on the first-stage spool and the second-stage spool respectively, and a cable connector at an end of each of said first-stage support element and second-stage support element by which an electric-vehicle charging cable is engageable at two spaced-apart positions along its length. To provide different lengths of elongate elements, the in-use spools start unspooling sequentially or in a temporally staggered manner, rather than starting to unspool simultaneously. The spools may or may not have different spool-core diameters.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the modular cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; or a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, to which one or more further spools can be selectively mounted or removed. Fewer or more than two spools may be provided to accommodate different lengths of electric-vehicle charging cables. A plurality of spools provides redundancy. Additional spools reduce the distance between two positions where two elongate elements connect with the charging cable, thereby reducing the degree of sagging of the charging cable therebetween.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing, a support-element spool mounted for rotation within the housing, a winding mechanism by which the support-element spool is windable in a retraction direction, a releasable control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism, a flexible elongate support element which is windable on the support-element spool, and a cable connector at an end of said support element by which an electric-vehicle charging cable is engageable at a position along its length. The assembly of the cable-tidy apparatus is thus simplified.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing or reducing ground-abrasion damage of a non-spooling electric-vehicle charging cable, the method comprising the steps of: a] attaching first ends of two separate cable support elements to the electric-vehicle charging cable in spaced-apart relationship, and attaching the opposite ends to respective spools having cores of different diameters, and b] simultaneously unwinding the said spools at matching or substantially matching rotational velocities as the electric-vehicle charging cable is moved so as to support at least a majority of the electric-vehicle charging cable in spaced-apart relationship relative to the ground as the electric-vehicle charging cable is extended towards a charging condition. The method reduces or prevents damage from dragging the electric-vehicle charger cable on the ground by suspending at least part of, and more preferably all or a majority of the cable above the ground. It may be envisioned that a minority of the longitudinal extent of the charging cable may be supported above the ground surface instead in an alternative embodiment. A further benefit of suspending at least part of the charging cable above the ground may be that damage due to vehicles driving over the charging cable is or is substantially reduced or eliminated.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing; a first spool and a second spool mounted for rotation within the housing-a winding mechanism by which the first spool and the second spool are windable in a retraction direction; a control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism; a first flexible elongate element and a second flexible elongate element which are windable on the first spool and the second spool respectively; and a cable connector at an end of the first elongate element by which the first elongate element is connectable to an electric-vehicle charging cable at a first position for supporting a first portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable; and a cable connector at an end of the second elongate element by which the second elongate element is connectable to the said electric-vehicle charging cable at a second position for supporting a second portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable, the first position being spaced-apart from the second position along the length of the electric-vehicle charging cable. The advantages are similar to those provided by the cable-tidy apparatus of the first embodiment. However, the spools may also rotate at different angular velocities to provide different lengths of flexible elongate elements. The spools may optionally have the same spool-core diameters.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle charger for charging an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle charger comprising: a power outlet, an electric-vehicle charging cable, and any of: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, a modular cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, and a cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention. The electric vehicle charger may comprise a selectable cable-tidy apparatus.

Optionally, the electric vehicle charger may further comprise any of: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, a multistage cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, a modular cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, and a cable-tidy apparatus preferably in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention. The electric vehicle charger may have a plurality of cable-tidy apparatuses, such that a plurality of charging cables may be supported, providing the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously with one charger. The plurality of cable-tidy apparatuses of the charger may be the same or may differ.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective part cut-away representation of a first embodiment of an electric vehicle charger in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention, having two cable-tidy apparatuses in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in which part of a support-element housing has been omitted for clarity to show the two cable-tidy apparatuses, and in which a spring element of each cable-tidy apparatus and the charging cable of one cable-tidy apparatuses are omitted for clarity; Figure 2 shows a close-up perspective diagrammatic representation of one cable-tidy apparatus of Figure 1, in which the spring element and the support-element housing has been omitted for clarity, Figure 3 shows a close-up plan diagrammatic representation of the cable-tidy apparatus of Figure 2, in which the spring element is shown; Figure 4 shows a close-up side diagrammatic representation of the cable-tidy apparatus of Figure 2, in which the spring element is shown; Figure 5 shows a close-up front diagrammatic representation of the cable-tidy 15 apparatus of Figure 2, with the spring element indicated as a dotted line; Figure 6 shows a side diagrammatic representation of the electric vehicle charger of Figure 1, in-use, in which the electric-vehicle charging cable is in a stowed condition; Figure 7 shows a side diagrammatic representation of the electric vehicle charger of Figure 6 in-use, in which the electric-vehicle charging cable is in an extended 20 condition; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electric vehicle charger in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention, having one internal cable-tidy apparatus in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an electric vehicle 25 charger in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention, having a cable-tidy apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the cable-tidy apparatus of Figure 9, with a support-element housing, first-stage and second-stage support elements, a winding mechanism, and cable connectors omitted for clarity.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown an electric vehicle charger, generally indicated at 10. The electric vehicle charger 10 comprises at least one supporting element 12, at least one electric-vehicle charging cable 14, at least one cable-end holder 16, at least one user interface 18, and at least one power outlet 20, although any of these features may be omitted. The electric vehicle charger 10 has at least one, and preferably two cable-tidy apparatuses 22.

The supporting element 12 provides a support to the or each cable-tidy apparatus 22. More preferably, the supporting element 12 enables the or each cable-tidy apparatus 22 to be positionable in an elevated position relative to a ground surface 24. The support element 12 has a pillar, pole, extension or foot portion, extending or extendable from a ground surface 24, as shown in Figure 1.

The electric-vehicle charging cable 14 in-use provides a conduit for electricity between the electric vehicle charger 10 and an electric vehicle. The electric-vehicle charging cable 14 may be referred to as a charging cable, an EV charging cable, or a retractable cable. The electric-vehicle charging cable 14 has a first cable-end 26a connected or connectable to the power outlet 20. The electric-vehicle charging cable 14 has a second cable-end 26b. The second cable-end 26b is in-use connectable to an electric vehicle, not shown. When not in-use, the second cable-end 26b may optionally be connectable, connected, engageable to, or receivable in or on the cable-end holder 16. The electrical cable 14 is preferably less than 20 metres in length but may be any length, including longer than 20m. More preferably, the electrical cable 14 is less than 15m. Most preferably, the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is 10m long. Preferably an electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is associated with each cable-tidy apparatus 22.

The or each user interface 18, if provided, enables a user to interact with the electric vehicle charger 10.

The or each power outlet 20 provides a conduit for electricity and preferably has a socket or plurality of sockets. In the latter case, two or more sockets may or may not differ from each other. This may allow different types of cables to be connectable to the power outlet 20. Although in-use, electricity is primarily expected to flow from the charger 10 to the vehicle, it could be additionally be envisioned that electricity may flow from vehicle to the charger, to provide vehicle-to-grid capability. In this case, the power outlet 20 may be referred to as a power inlet, a two-way power port, a two-way socket, or power inlet and outlet. This may be advantageous to regulate frequency fluctuations in an energy grid resulting from a mismatch between supply and demand of electrical power.

Each cable-tidy apparatus 22 in-use supports at least part of the said electric-vehicle charging cable 14 of an electric vehicle charger 10 above or off a ground surface 24. Each cable-tidy apparatus 22 comprises at least one, and preferably two spools 28. The cable-tidy apparatus 22 may thus be referred to as a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus, or an electric-cable support system. Each cable-tidy apparatus 22 also includes at least one winding mechanism 30; at least one support-element housing 32; at least one hub element 34; at least one spring mount 36; at least one support bracket 38; at least one flexible elongate element 40, and at least one cable connector 42 but any of these features may be omitted. In Figure 1, two cable-tidy apparatuses 22 are shown, rotated by 180° relative to one another, but any arrangement may be envisioned, such as a mirrored arrangement. Furthermore, the support-element housings 32 of the two cable-tidy apparatuses 22 are preferably non-separable and/or integrally formed in Figure 1 but non-integrally formed and/or connected or connectable, or abuttable together may be envisioned. Figure 2 shows a single cable-tidy apparatus, with the winding mechanism and the support-element housing omitted for clarity.

The or each spool 28 in-use engages or receives a said flexible elongate element 40. Each spool 28 is preferably mountable or mounted to, in, or on the support-element housing 32 and/or the supporting element 12. Furthermore, each spool 28 is preferably mountable or mounted to, in, or on the support bracket 38 if provided. Preferably, the or all spools 28 are rotatable. The or each spool 28 may be formed of plastics, metal, wood, any suitable material, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the or each spool 28 comprises acetal. Preferably, the or each spool 28 is also mounted to a metal axle, which more preferably comprises steel, but these features may be omitted.

Preferably, a first said spool 28, referred to as a first spool 28a for clarity, is rotatable synchronously with a second said spool 28, referred to as a second spool 28b. In other words, the first spool 28a and the second spool 28b in-use preferably either both rotate or neither rotates. The spools 28 are preferably not independently rotatable relative to each other. The first spool 28a preferably rotates in the same direction as the second spool 28b, but opposite directions may be envisioned. Furthermore, the first spool 28a has the same angular velocity as the second spool 28b in the present embodiment, but again, different angular velocities may be envisioned. In other words, the second spool 28b is preferably equi-angularly rotatable with the first spool 28a.

In the preferred embodiment, the spools 28 in-use rotate together in the same direction, simultaneously, in phase or at the same angular velocity as each other. In yet again other words, the first spool 28a is preferably rotationally phase-locked relative to the second spool 28b.

Although each cable-tidy apparatus 22 preferably has two spools 28, it may be envisioned that one or more further spools can be selectively mounted or removed from 5 the cable-tidy apparatus 22. The cable-tidy apparatus 22 may thus be modular.

As more clearly shown in Figure 3, each spool 28 has a core or barrel 44a around which a said flexible elongate element 40 is wrappable or spoolable. Optionally, each spool 28 preferably also comprises at least one, and more preferably two flanges 44b.

The core 44a of each spool 28 is preferably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. As such, the core 44a has a diameter, also referred to as a spool-core diameter for clarity. The diameter of the core 44a of the first spool 28a may be referred to as a first spool-core diameter 46a. Similarly, the diameter of the core 44a of the second spool 28b may be referred to as a second spool-core diameter 46b. The first and second spool-core diameters 46a,46b are indicated as dashed double arrows in Figures 3 and 4. The first spool-core diameter 46a preferably differs from the second spool-core diameter 46b but the spools having the same spool-core diameter may be envisioned. Different diameters enable in-use unspooling and spooling the flexible elongate elements 40a,40b at different rates or velocities, even when rotating at the same angular velocity. The first spool-core diameter 46a is preferably greater than the second spool-core diameter 46.

More preferably the first spool-core diameter 46a is double the second spool-core diameter 46b but any other ratio, fraction, or multiple may be envisioned.

If provided with a hub element 34, the first spool 28a and/or the second spool 28b may be engageable, connected or connectable with the hub element 34. If the cable-tidy apparatus 22 comprises any further spool or spools, said further spool or spools may be connected, connectable or engageable with the hub element 34. At least one of, more preferably a plurality of spools, and most preferably all spools 28 are integrally formed with the hub element 34, but non-integrally formed such as separably engageable may be envisioned. The spool or spools may be mountable or mounted on the hub element. This advantageously ensures that the first and second spools 28a,28b are rotatable synchronously, in the same orientation, and at the same angular velocity. In other words, the hub element 34 enables the spools 28 to be rotationally locked relative to each other. This may also simplify manufacture.

The hub element 34 has a first hub-end 48a and a second hub-end 48b, and a longitudinal extent therebetween. Being preferably rotatable, the hub element 34 further has an axis of rotation, referred to as a hub axis 50, indicated as dotted lines in Figures 3 and 4. The hub element 34 may be or substantially be a linear shaft or portion, but a non-linear hub element may be envisioned. The hub element 34 is preferably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, but a non-cylindrical hub may be envisioned. Optionally, the hub element 34 may be chamfered or truncated, as illustrated in Figure 2. Preferably, the first spool 28a is spaced-apart from the second spool 28b along the longitudinal extent of the hub element 34, but non-spaced-apart is an option. Optionally, the first spool 28a may be connected or connectable around, at or adjacent to the first hub-end 48a of the hub element 34. Additionally or alternatively, the second spool 28b may be around, at or adjacent to a second hub-end 48b of the hub element 34. Preferably as shown, the first and second spools 28a,28b are positioned at the first and second hub-ends 48a,48b, respectively.

The support-element housing 32 preferably has casing, frame, or body, which may be closed, substantially closed, or open. The support-element housing 32 provides a protective casing and/or weatherproofing. The support-element housing 32 may comprise plastics, metals, or any suitable material, or combination thereof. Most preferably, the housing 32 comprises steel, and more preferably stainless steel. The support-element housing 32 may be wall mountable. Alternatively or additionally, the support-element housing 32 may be engageable or engaged atop the optional supporting element 12. The support-element housing 32 and the supporting element 12 may be integrally formed with or connectable to each other, such as via fasteners, an adhesive, welding, complementary engagements portions, or any other connection means.

The winding mechanism 30 in-use winds the or each flexible elongate element 40 in a retraction direction. The or each spool 28 is therefore windable. This is achieved by winding or biasing the rotation of each spool 28. The retraction direction may be clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on the orientation and arrangement of each spool 28 relative to the winding mechanism 30, and/or the orientation of wrapping of the or each flexible elongate element 40. Preferably, the flexible elongate element 40 associated with the first spool 28a is spooled when the first spool 28a is rotated in a specific direction and the flexible elongate element 40 associated with the second spool 28b is also spooled when the second spool 28b is rotated in the same specific direction.

In other words, the retraction direction of the first spool 28a is preferably the same as the retraction direction of the second spool 28b, but opposing directions may be envisioned.

In any case, the winding mechanism 30 in-use causes each flexible elongate element 40 to be wound or biased towards a spooled condition. The winding mechanism 30 may be 5 referred to as a biasing means, a biasing mechanism, biasing system, or a retraction mechanism. The winding mechanism 30 comprises a spring element 52 having a first spring-end 54a and a second spring-end 54b. Preferably, the spring element 52 comprises a constant-force spring or constant-tension spring. This may advantageously provide a constant tension, constant winding or biasing force in the retraction direction, 10 irrespective of how extended the charging cable 14 is and/or how unwound a said flexible elongate element 40 is.

The spring element 52 is preferably connectable at the first spring-end 54a to the spring mount 36. The first spring-end 54a, and optionally at least part of a longitudinal extent of the spring element 52, is wrappable, spoolable, or coilable around the spring mount 36.

The spring mount provides an anchor, an anchoring element, or mount for the spring element 52. The spring mount 36 is preferably a cylinder or substantially a cylinder, but non-cylindrical shapes may be envisioned. The spring mount 36 is preferably fixed, locked, or non-rotatable. The spring mount 36 may even be or be substantially a spool or spool-shape, albeit preferably a non-rotatable spool. However, it may easily be envisioned that the spring mount may be selectably rotatable to rewind the constant-force spring, to compensate for any energy losses of the winding mechanism 30 over time.

The second spring-end 54b is connectable to one or more of the spools 28 whether directly or indirectly. In the present embodiment, the second spring-end 54b is preferably connected, connectable, or engageable to the hub element 34. More preferably, the second spring-end 54b is connectable to the truncated portion of the hub element 34. Furthermore, the second spring-end 54b is preferably wrappable, coilable or spoolable around the, preferably cylindrical, hub element 34, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Together, the spring mount 36, the hub element 34 and the spring element 52 may be 30 referred to as a constant torque spring motor assembly, or a constant force spring motor.

The support bracket 38 is a bracket, frame, or structure to which elements of the cable-tidy apparatus 22 may be connectable. The support bracket 38 is preferably separable from the support-element housing 32, but non-separable may be envisioned. Either one of the support bracket and the support-element housing may be omitted entirely. As such, the support bracket may be connected or connectable directly to the supporting element and/or to an upright surface such as a wall. Alternatively, constituent parts of the cable-tidy apparatus may be connectable or connected to the support-element housing directly, instead of to the support bracket.

The support bracket 38 preferably comprises at least one plaque, plate, plate element, planar or substantially planar surface. In the shown embodiment, the support bracket 38 comprises two such plate elements, referred to as a first plate element 56a and a second plate element 56b, although either plate element may be omitted and/or additional plate elements may be provided.

The first plate element 56a in-use is or is substantially parallel to the ground surface 24 and/or faces or substantially faces the ground surface 24. Furthermore, the first plate element 56a is preferably in-use positionable between the spools 28 and the ground surface 24, but this feature may be optional. The first plate element may be referred to as a ground-facing surface, a major surface, a bottom plate, or a top plate The first plate element 56a preferably comprises at least one cord-through-bore 58, shown more clearly in Figure 2, although this feature may be omitted if the first plate element 56a is a top plate. Each cord-through-bore 58 in-use receives a flexible elongate element 40 therethrough. There are preferably at least as many cord-through-bores 58 as there are flexible elongate elements 40. The support-element housing 32 may preferably also have a corresponding through-bore, not shown, aligned or alignable with the or each cord-through-bore 58.

The first plate element 56a may optionally further comprise a securing means. The securing means may comprise at least one, and here four fastener-bores, for receiving a fastener such as a pin, rivet, screw, or a nut and bolt, to enable the support bracket 38 to be connectable to the support-element housing 32 and/or supporting element 12. Other additional or alternative securing means may be envisioned such as any suitable adhesive, welding, or complementary engagement portions. By being separably connectable from the supporting element 12 and/or the support-element housing 32, the support bracket 38 enables the cable-tidy apparatus 22 to be retrofittable to an existing supporting element 12 and/or support-element housing 32. Removal for maintenance is also facilitated.

The second plate element 56b in-use is or is substantially perpendicular to the ground surface 24 and/or faces or substantially faces a wall if the cable-tidy apparatus 22 is wall-mountable. The second plate element 56b may be referred to as a lateral surface, a minor surface, or a side plate. Preferably, the second plate element 56b is perpendicular to the first plate element 56a, but non perpendicular may be an option. The support bracket 38 may therefore be or be substantially an [-shape in cross-section, although any non-L shape may be envisioned. For example, a U-shape, a C-shape, any curved, part-curved, non-curved, polygonal, such as rectangular or square, or any abstract shape may be envisioned.

In the shown embodiment, the second spool 28b and/or the second hub-end 48b are connectable or connected to the first plate element 56a and/or, preferably, the second plate element 56b. The first spool 28a and/or the first hub-end 48a is preferably connectable or connected to the or a further second plate element 56b and/or, preferably, the first plate element 56a. The connection is preferably via a spacer-element 60 but may be direct.

It may easily be envisioned that the spacer-element may be connectable to each spool and/or to the hub element instead. Alternatively or additionally, the spacer-element may be omitted, and each spool may be connected or connectable to the and/or a further second plate element.

The spacer-element 60 spaces the or each spool 28 away from the first plate element 56a to enable rotation of the or each spool 28. The spacer-element 60 may also be referred to as an extension, bracket, lifting portion, or a shaft clamp. The spacer-element 60 is connectable to the support bracket 38 via fasteners, which may include at least one nut and bolt, and/or one or more screws, and optionally one or more washers. Integrally formed with, fixed via an adhesive or by being welded to the first plate element are alternative options.

As previously mentioned, each cable-tidy apparatus 22 preferably comprises at least one elongate element 40. The or each elongate element 40 is preferably flexible, to enable it to be spoolable around a said spool 28. The or each elongate element 40 may comprise any of and any number of: a cord, a cable, a wire, a chain, a rope, twine, any other suitable elongate element, or any combination of the above. Preferably, each elongate element 40 is non stretchable, but stretchable, such as elastically and/or plastically deformable may be envisioned. Each elongate element 40 may comprise plastics, metal, rope or twine, whether formed of natural fibres such as jute or hemp, and/or non-natural fibres, nylon, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. More preferably, the or each elongate element 40 comprises steel, and most preferably galvanised steel. The or each elongate element 40 may comprise a 7x7 wire but this feature may be omitted. The or each elongate element 40 is preferably 0.002 m or 2 mm in diameter but any other diameter greater or smaller than 2mm may be envisioned.

Each flexible elongate element 40 has a first end which is wrappable or spoolable around a respective spool 28. Optionally, the first end of each flexible elongate element 40 may be connected via a ferrule.

The second end of each flexible elongate element 40 is connected or connectable with; or receivable on, in, or around the electric-vehicle charging cable 14. The second end may comprise thimble for facilitating the connection to the cable, but this may be omitted. The or each flexible elongate 40 may connect to the cable 14 at or adjacent to either the first cable-end 26a, the second cable-end 26b, or anywhere in between, along the longitudinal extent of the cable 14. Furthermore, two or more elongate elements 40 preferably connect with the cable 14 at distinct and/or spaced-apart positions along the electric-vehicle charging cable 14.

Optionally, the, each, or at least one of the flexible elongate elements 40 may further comprise an outer coating or layer, not shown. The coating may be brightly coloured, such as red, pink, orange, or yellow, although any other colour, or any combination of colours may be envisioned. The coating may extend along all the or each elongate element 40 or at least a major portion thereof, but the coating may be applied to a minor portion of the or each elongate element only. The coating may provide protection and/or may increase the visibility of the or each coated flexible elongate element 40. The coating may comprise plastics, metal, elastics, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Most preferably, the coating comprises PVC.

In the preferred embodiment, each cable-tidy apparatus 22 has two flexible elongate elements 40. The two flexible elongate elements 40 may respectively referred to as a first elongate element 40a and a second elongate element 40b for clarity.

The first elongate element 40a is spoolable or windable around one of the first spool 28a and the second spool 28b, preferably the former. A first said cable connector 42 may optionally be provided at an end of the first elongate element 40a. The first elongate element 40a may be connectable or connected to the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 at a first position.

The second flexible elongate element 40b is spoolable or wrappable around the other of the first spool 28a and the second spool 28b, preferably the latter. Preferably, the first and second flexible elongate elements 40a,40b are wrapped or wrappable or wrapped in the same direction around their respective spools 28a,28b, but opposite directions may be envisioned. Furthermore, a second said cable connector 42 may optionally be provided at an end of the second elongate element 40b. The second elongate element 40b may be connected or connectable to the said electric-vehicle charging cable 14 at a second position for supporting a second portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable 14. Preferably, the first position is spaced-apart from the second position along the longitudinal extent or length of the electric-vehicle charging cable 14. The or each cable connector 42 may comprise a hook, ring, or ring section, although any other suitable cable connector may be envisioned.

Each cable-tidy apparatus 22 also includes a control mechanism 62, but this feature may be omitted. The control mechanism 62 is preferably releasable. The control mechanism 62 in-use selectably controls the winding mechanism 62. More preferably, the control mechanism 62 in-use selectably prevents or inhibits rotation of the or each spool 28. To this effect, the control mechanism 62 may control, oppose, or lock any of: the winding mechanism 30, one or more of the spools 28, the hub element 34, and any combination thereof More preferably, the control mechanism 62 may selectably and/or temporarily of the lock the or each spool 28. The control mechanism 62 may also be referred to as a locking means, a locking mechanism, or a lock. In the preferred embodiment, the control mechanism 62 comprises a pawl 64a and gear 64b, although any other type of locking mechanism may be envisioned, such as a lock. Although preferably comprising a locking mechanism, any non-locking mechanism may be envisioned to alter the tension of the electric cable. For example, a winding mechanism which is able to apply selectable and/or variable tension to wind the or each spool, may be envisioned instead.

The pawl 64a and/or gear 64b may comprise plastics, metals, or any suitable material, or combination thereof. Most preferably, the pawl 64a and/or gear 64b comprise aluminium.

The gear 64b may also be referred to as a ratchet, a block, or a pawl-block. The gear 64b is connected or connectable to a non-rotatable element, which is preferably the spacer-element 60 here, although any other non-rotatable element may be envisioned, such as the second plate element. The gear 64b comprises at least one pawl-engaging surface which is engageable with the pawl 64a in-use.

The pawl 64a may be referred to as a latch. The pawl 64a may optionally comprise a recess or groove 66a against which or in which part of the gear 64b may be received in, preferably the pawl-engaging surface. Furthermore, the pawl 64a may optionally comprise a front surface 66b, which may be referred to as a skimming surface, but either or both the recess and the front surface may be omitted. The pawl 64a is preferably connected or connectable to a rotatable element. Said rotatable element may be one or both spools 28a,28b and/or the hub element 34. The pawl 64a is preferably mounted to the rotatable element via a connector 68, best shown in Figure 5.

The connector 68 may include any fastener, such as a pin, peg, a projection, a protrusion, 10 or any other suitable connector. The connector 68 preferably enables the pawl 64a to be at least partly rotatable around the connector 68.

Preferably, the pawl 64a is also biased towards engagement with the gear 64b. The biasing may be due to gravity, or, preferably by being at least partly spring loaded, or by comprising any other biasing means. Preferably, the biasing force exerted on the pawl 64a may be in-use overcome by a centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotatable portion above a predetermined angular velocity threshold, for reasons which will be described below.

Optionally, the control mechanism 62 may further comprise an angular range limiting element 70. The angular range limiting element 70 may limit or reduce the angular range that the pawl 64a may rotate around the connector 68 away from the gear 64b. In other words, the angular range limiting element 70 in-use limits the rotation of the pawl 64a away from the gear 64b. This reduces the risk of the pawl 64a re-engaging in the incorrect orientation with the gear 64b after rotating outwards in-use under centrifugal forces, such that the control mechanism 62 is no longer functional. The angular range limiting element 70 preferably comprises a stop, although alternative limiting elements may be envisioned such as a spring, a string or cord, an elastic band, magnets, or any other suitable angular range limiting element may be envisioned. Preferably as shown, the stop may comprise at least one pin, but any other additional or alternative non-pin stop may be envisioned, such as an abutment lip, or protrusion.

In use, the electric vehicle charger 10 may need to be installed first. A suitable site, such as a car park or depot, is selected.

The user obtains the charger 10, which may be in an assembled condition, or disassembled condition. If the charger 10 is provided as a kit of parts, the user may need to assemble the charger 10 and/or parts thereof. Any of the following assembly steps may be omitted if the charger 10 or parts thereof are already in a partly assembled condition. Assembly may occur in situ. Alternatively, the charger 10 or parts thereof may be assembled, or partly assembled off-site before being moved to the desired site.

The or each cable-tidy apparatus 22 may also be provided as a kit of parts, as this may increase the ease of transport. If provided as a kit of parts, the or each cable-tidy apparatus 22 may need to be assembled. This can be done before, during, or after assembly of the other parts of the charger 10.

To assemble the or each cable-tidy apparatus 22, in no particular order, the user connects or engages together the first spool 28a, the second spool 28b, and, if provided, the hub element 34, if they are not already integrally formed. The first spool 28a, the second spool 28b and hub element 34 together may be referred to as a triple spool or a multiple spool for clarity. If no hub element 34 is provided, the first spool 28a and the second spool 28b may be referred to as a double spool for clarity.

Similarly, greater integers may be used to describe any alternative combination comprising two or more spools and/or any number of hub elements including none, one or a plurality. Any of the above combinations may be referred to as a multiple spool.

The flexible elongate elements 40a,40b are connected to their respective spools 28a,28b, which preferably have cores 44a of different diameters. The flexible elongate elements 40a,40b are threaded through a respective cord-through-bore 58 in the support bracket 38 and/or through through-bores in the support-element housing 32. The constituent components of the control mechanism 62 are connected to their relevant parts, here the pawl 64a to the first spool 28a, and the gear 64b to the spacer-element 60. The angular range limiting element 70, if provided and/or if not already integrally formed with the rotatable element, is also connected thereto.

The first spring-end 54a of the winding mechanism 30 is connected to the spring mount 36. Preferably in this embodiment, at least part of the spring element 52 is also wound around the spring mount 36. The spring mount 36 is positioned adjacent to the multiple spool, whether above, below, on either side, or in any combination thereof. Preferably, the spring mount 36 is orientated such that the longitudinal extent of the spring mount 36 extends parallel with the hub axis 50. The second spring-end 54b is connected to the multiple spool, and more preferably to the hub element 34. The multiple spool and the spring mount 36 are preferably engaged with the support bracket 38 and/or to the housing 32.

The above assembly steps are repeated for each further cable-tidy apparatus 22, if a plurality of cable-tidy apparatuses 22 are provided.

Before, during or after assembly of the or each cable-tidy apparatus 22, the or each cable-tidy apparatus 22 is connected to the supporting element 12. This is preferably done via connecting the support bracket 38 to the housing 32 and/or the housing 32 to the supporting element 12. Preferably the housing 32 is positioned at an elevated position. If the housing 32 is wall-mountable, the housing 32 is connected to the wall, before or after engagement with the support bracket 38. Preferably however, the charger 10 is free-standing as shown. In the present embodiment, the supporting element 12 and the housing 32 form or form substantially a T-shape together but any non-T shape may be considered. The housing 32 may even be indistinguishable from the supporting element 12.

The or each cable-tidy apparatus 22 may even be retrofittable to an existing supporting element 12.

The power outlet 20 is connected to an electricity grid. If provided, the interface 18 may be installed and set up. Preferably, at least one electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is provided, although a user may alternatively connect their own cable to the power outlet.

The first cable-end 26a of the cable 14 is connected to the power outlet 20. The second cable-end 26 may be loose or may be received or connected with the cable-end holder 16 if provided. The cable 14 is also preferably connected to the, at least one of, and preferably each flexible elongate element 40 of a cable-tidy apparatus 22.

This preferably involves attaching the first ends of two separate elongate elements 40, 25 which are preferably fitted with a cable connector 42, to the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 in spaced-apart relationship.

Thus, a functional electric vehicle charger 10 is provided.

To disassemble the charger 10, the above-described steps are done in reverse.

A user desiring to charge their electric vehicle, drives up to and parks adjacent to the 30 charger 10. Optionally, the user may need to interact with the interface 18 if provided.

To charge their electric vehicle, the user pulls the second cable-end 26b of the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 away from the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 12 by applying a pulling force. The pulling force needs to be sufficient so as to overcome a winding or biasing force of the winding mechanism 30 such that the or each 5 spool 28 rotates in a first direction or an unspooling direction. This unspools the or each flexible elongate element 40 connected to the electric-vehicle charging cable 14. Simultaneously, the winding mechanism 30 tensions the or each flexible elongate element 40 by biasing the or each spool 28 to rotate in a second direction, spooling direction, or retraction direction, opposite the first direction. The or each flexible elongate 10 element 40 is therefore preferably taut at all times.

Preferably, the first spool 28a rotates in the same direction as the second spool 28b. Furthermore, the first and second spools 28a preferably rotate at the same angular velocity. However, as the first and second spools 28a,28b have different diameters 46a,46b, the first and second flexible elongate elements 40a,40b are unspooled at different rates or velocities. In other words, the spools 28 are preferably simultaneously unwound at matching or substantially matching rotational velocities as the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is moved so as to support at least a majority of the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 in spaced-apart relationship relative to the ground 24 as the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is extended from a stowed or stored condition, illustrated in Figure 6, towards a charging condition or extended condition, shown in Figure 7.

The relative spacing and order of the first and second position, and the different lengths of flexible elongate element accommodate the second cable-end 26b being moved towards the vehicle without hindering the user and whilst simultaneously providing 25 support to the cable 14.

Furthermore, as the winding mechanism 30 preferably comprises a constant-force spring, the winding mechanism 30 provides constant tension to the or each flexible elongate element 40, and thus to the cable 14. In other words, the pulling force that needs to be applied by the user does not increase with distance from the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 12.

Once the user has reached their vehicle, the user ceases to pull the second cable-end 26b away from the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 12. The control mechanism 62 is engaged to prevent or inhibit the winding mechanism 30 retracting the electric-vehicle charging cable 14. This may prevent or inhibit any damage to the vehicle, particular if the second cable-end 26b is engaged with a charging port on the vehicle.

Engagement of the control mechanism 62 involves the pawl 64a engaging with the gear 64b, preferably via engagement of the pawl-engaging surface of the gear 64b with the recess or groove 66a and/or via abutment. The winding mechanism 30 may rotate the or each spool 28 in the second direction until the pawl 64a engages with the gear 64b. In other words, backlash, in the form of a limited amount of rotation of the multiple spool in the second direction, may be required for abutment to engage the control mechanism 62.

The winding mechanism 30 prevents or inhibits rotation of the or each spool 28 in the first direction. This prevents or inhibits further unspooling of the flexible elongate elements 40. As such, the cable 14 or at least part thereof, is or is substantially suspended or supported above the ground surface 24.

Once the user no longer requires the cable 14, the cable 14 should be stowed to avoid 15 damage to the cable 14, and reduce a potential collision hazard with a suspended cable 14 and/or a tripping hazard if any part of the cable does contact the ground surface 24.

The control mechanism 62 is releasable in that it is preferably disengaged before moving the second cable-end 26b towards the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 12. As the control mechanism 62 is disengaged, the winding mechanism 30 is not opposed by the control mechanism 62. As such, the winding mechanism 30 spools the or each connected flexible elongate element 40 via rotating the or each spool 28 in the second direction. The elongate elements 40 thereby assist the user by retracting or partially retracting the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 towards the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 12. This also maintains or substantially maintains at least part of the cable 14 above the ground surface 24.

A pawl and gear mechanism ordinarily permits rotation in one direction only. However, in the present embodiment, the pawl 64a and gear 64b mechanism needs to permit rotation in the unspooling or first direction at all times, whilst selectably and/or temporarily permitting rotation in the spooling, second direction or retraction direction at a desired time. This is achieved by the pawl 64a being mounted on a rotatable portion, here the multiple spool, and itself being rotatable about the connector 68. When the rotatable portion rotates, a centrifugal force is exerted on the pawl 64a which prevents or inhibits engagement with the gear 64b. The angular range limiting element 70 limits how far outwards radially the pawl 64a may rotate.

Thus, to disengage the control mechanism 62, the user may need to briefly pull the second cable-end 26b away from the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 5 12. This disengages the pawl 64a from the gear 64b, and in particular from the protrusion surface thereof. The user then moves the second cable-end 26b towards the support bracket 38 and/or the supporting element 12 at a velocity sufficient to create a centrifugal force sufficient to overcome any force biasing the pawl 64a towards the gear 64b. As long as the centrifugal force overcomes the pawl-biasing force, the pawl 64a remains 10 disengaged from the gear 64b. Alternatively or, preferably additionally, the shape of the skimming surface 66b of the pawl 64a may further aid in maintaining the pawl 64b disengaged from the gear 64b. The winding mechanism 30 rotates the or each spool 28 in the second direction without the pawl 64a re-engaging with the gear 64b.

VVhen the angular velocity of the spool or spools 28 falls below a velocity threshold, the 15 pawl 64a may re-engage with the gear 64b.

When the cable 14 is in a stored or stowed condition, portions of the cable 14 connected to the flexible elongate element or elements 40 are suspended by the said elongate elements 40, such that at least part, or all of the cable 14 is above the ground surface 24. Although the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 may form loose coils, the electric-vehicle charging cable 14 is not coiled around a spool. Thus, cooling of the cable 14, which may be hot after use, is enhanced. Furthermore, as not received around a spool, there is no risk or a minimal risk of the cable 14 overheating.

Thus, there is provided a method of supporting or suspending at least part of an electric-vehicle charging cable 14 of an electric vehicle charger 10 above a ground surface 24, preferably at or substantially at all times. As the cable 14 or at least part thereof is above the ground at all times, the cable-tidy apparatus 22 prevents or reduces ground-abrasion damage of a non-spooling electric-vehicle charging cable 14.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a second embodiment of an electric vehicle charger 110. Features of the second embodiment which are similar to features of the first 30 embodiment have similar reference numerals with the prefix "1".

The second embodiment of an electric vehicle charger 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the electric vehicle charger 10, having similar cable-tidy apparatus 122, power outlet 120, and electric-vehicle charging cable 114. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The cable-tidy apparatus 122 of the second embodiment is similar to the cable-tidy apparatus 22 of the first embodiment, having similar support-element housing 132, 5 support-element spool mounted for rotation within the housing 132, winding mechanism by which the support-element spool is windable in a retraction direction, a control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism, a flexible elongate support element which is windable on the support-element spool, and a cable connector 142 at an end of said support element by which an electric-vehicle charging cable 114 is 10 engageable at a position along its length Preferably, the electric vehicle charger 110 of the second embodiment is devoid of a supporting element, a cable-end holder, or user interface, although any of these features may be envisioned. Preferably, the support-element housing 132 of the cable-tidy apparatus 122 is wall-mountable, as shown in Figure 8, whether directly or indirectly.

The charging cable 114 is preferably 5m long but longer or shorter may easily be envisioned.

There is preferably only one cable-tidy apparatus 122 per charger 110, although a plurality may easily be provided. Similarly, there is preferably only one flexible elongate element per cable-tidy apparatus 122, but a plurality of elongate elements may be envisioned. The second embodiment of the charger 110 may be more suitable for instance in a domestic environment, or for a home charger, whereas the first embodiment of the charger 10 may be more appropriate for a commercial setting, a car park, or a depot.

The uses of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment and 25 detailed description of the common steps is, once again, omitted for brevity.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a third embodiment of an electric vehicle charger 210. Features of the second embodiment which are similar to features of the first embodiment have similar reference numerals with the prefix "2".

The third embodiment of an electric vehicle charger 210 is similar to the first embodiment 30 of the electric vehicle charger 10, having similar at least one cable-tidy apparatus 222, power outlet 220, electric-vehicle charging cable 214, at least one supporting element 212, at least one cable-end holder 216, and at least one user interface, although any of these features may be omitted. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The third embodiment of the cable-tidy apparatus 222 is similar to the first embodiment of cable-tidy apparatus 22, having similar first spool 228a, second spool 228b, spacer-5 element 260, winding mechanism by which the first spool 228a and the second spool 228b are windable in a retraction direction, control mechanism 262 which selectably controls the winding mechanism, pawl 264a and gear 264b, a flexible elongate element windable on each of the first spool 228a and the second spool 228b respectively, a support-element housing 232, and a cable connector 242 at an end of each of the first 10 elongate element and the second elongate element by which the electric-vehicle charging cable 214 is engageable at two spaced-apart positions along its length. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

There is preferably a plurality of spacer-elements 260, but any number, including none, one, and at least two may be envisioned.

The first spool 228a and second spool 228b are preferably not rotationally locked with each other. Preferably, the first spool 228a may be at least partly independently rotatable from the second spool 228b. More preferably, the spools 228 may be independently rotatable in one angular direction, such as the unspooling direction, but this feature may be omitted. Preferably, the spools 228 are not engaged, mounted or mountable, or integrally formed with a common hub element.

The first spool 228a and the second spool 228b preferably have the same or similar spool-core diameters, although different diameters may be envisioned.

The control mechanism 262 preferably further comprises a second ratchet or ratchet system 272.

The second ratchet system 272 comprises an intermediate portion or ratchet hub 274 and at least one, and more preferably two spool-gears 276. The or each spool-gear 276 is associated with a spool 228. Preferably as shown, a flange 244b of each spool 228 is formed as a said spool-gear but this feature may be omitted. For instance, the flange and the spool-gear may be distinct and/or separable from each other. The or each spool-gear may be connected, connectable, or integrally formed with a spool. The spool-gears 276 are preferably mountable, mounted or formed in opposing directions to each other, as shown, but non-opposing directions may be envisioned. A spool-gear 276 associated with the first spool 228a is referred to as a first spool-gear 276a. The second spool-gear 276b is the spool-gear 276 associated with the second spool 228b The ratchet hub 274 has a hub body 278. The ratchet hub 274 may also comprise at least one tooth, and more preferably two teeth 280 as shown. The teeth, protrusions or projections 280 are preferably spaced-apart along a perimeter or circumference of the ratchet hub 274, and more preferably, are diametrically opposed. A said tooth 280 associated or engageable with the first spool-gear 276a may be referred to as the first tooth 280a. Similarly, a tooth 280 associated or engageable with the second spool-gear 276b may be referred to as the second tooth 280b for clarity.

The ratchet hub 274 is also rotatable around a ratchet-hub axis. Optionally, said ratchet-hub axis is preferably parallel or substantially parallel with the rotation axes of the spools 228, but non-parallel may be envisioned. The ratchet hub 274 is preferably biased or spring loaded to rotate around the ratchet-hub axis towards a neutral position, shown in Figure 10, although non-biased may be envisioned. Thus, if displaced from the neutral position, the ratchet hub 274 in-use rotates back towards the neutral position. The neutral position is characterised by the tooth or teeth 280 extending towards or substantially towards the centre of the first spool-gear 276a and/or the centre of the second spool-gear 276b.

The assembly and uses of the third embodiment of an electric vehicle charger 210. are 20 similar to the uses of the first embodiment of the electric vehicle charger 10. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity.

The third embodiment of the cable-tidy apparatus 222 provides a multi-stage process for unspooling the flexible elongate elements 222. As there are preferably two spools 228, the process is preferably a two-stage process. The cable-tidy apparatus 222 may 25 therefore be referred to as a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus.

The user grasps the cable 214 at or adjacent the vehicle-engaging end or second end 226b and pulls the cable 214 away from the charger-engaging end 226a and towards their vehicle.

During the first stage, the flexible elongate element which is connected to cable 214 most distally relative to the first cable-end or charger-engaging end 226a of the cable 214 and/or most proximal to the second cable-end or vehicle-engaging end 226b and/or user is unspooled first. As the spools 228 are preferably independent rather than rotationally phase-locked or synchronous in this case, the first spool 228a preferably rotates in isolation. In other words, the second spool 228b preferably does not rotate or does not substantially rotate during the first stage. The first spool 228a may be referred to as a first-stage spool. The second spool 228b may be referred to as a second-stage spool.

Furthermore, the first elongate element may be referred to as a flexible elongate first-stage support element, a first-stage support element, a first-stage elongate element, a first-stage flexible elongate element, or first-stage cord. Similarly, the second elongate element may be referred to as a flexible elongate second-stage support element, a second-stage support element, a second-stage elongate element, a second-stage flexible elongate element.

The second ratchet system 272 is arranged and oriented such that rotation of the first spool 228b in the unspooling direction is not inhibited or prevented by the ratchet hub 274. In this case, the first tooth 280a is simply displaced away from the neutral position by the rotating first spool-gear 276a. The ratchet hub 274 rotates around its ratchet-hub axis, and away from the neutral position. The first spool 228a unspools the first flexible elongate element.

If the user continues to pull the vehicle-engaging end 226b of the cable 214, the second stage starts when the cable 214 starts pulling the second flexible elongate element. Simultaneously, the first flexible elongate element continues to be unspooled. When the second spool 228b unspools, the second spool 228b may rotate unhindered by the ratchet hub 274.

Thus, during the second stage, both spools 228a,228b rotate.

The staggered start times of the unspooling of the flexible elongate elements ensures sequential lowering of increasingly proximal portions or segments of the cable 214, thereby reducing or minimising the contact between the cable 214 and the ground 224, preferably at all time. The sequential staggering also negates the need to unspool elongate elements at different rates, although this feature is an additional option.

Once the user ceases to pull the cable, the or each spool 228 fitted with the pawl 264a, here the first spool 228a, engages with the gear 264b. The first spool 228a ceases to turn. The ratchet hub 274 returns or substantially returns to the neutral position.

The first tooth 280a and the second tooth 280b engage with the first spool-gear 276a and second spool-gear 276b respectively. The winding mechanism biases the second spool-gear 276b to rotate in the retraction direction such that the second spool-gear 276b pushes against the second tooth 280b. However, the second tooth 280b, the ratchet hub body 278 and the first tooth 280a together form a lever around the ratchet-hub axis. As the first tooth 280a abuts against the first spool-gear 276a, now locked by the engagement of the pawl 264a and gear 264b, the second tooth 280b prevents or inhibits rotation of the second spool-gear 276b in the retraction direction. The flexible elongate elements are thereby prevented or inhibited from being retracted.

To release the control mechanism, the user pulls the cable 214 to disengage the pawl 264a from the gear 264b. The winding mechanism winds the first spool 228a in the retraction direction. Preferably, the centrifugal force of the rotating first spool 228a 10 maintains the pawl 264a disengaged from the gear 264b.

As the first spool 228a rotates in the retraction direction, the first spool-gear 276b preferably no longer blocks the lever formed by the first tooth 280a, hub body 278 and second tooth 280b. The second spool-gear 276b may simply rotate past the second tooth 280b.

Furthermore, the ratchet hub 274 may be rotated about its ratchet-hub axis and displaced from the neutral position by the first spool-gear 276a. As such, the second tooth 280b may be disengaged and spaced-apart from the second spool-gear 276b.

In any case, the second spool-gear 276b is no longer prevented or inhibited from rotating by the second tooth 280b such that the second spool 228b is rotated by the winding 20 mechanism in the retraction direction.

Although each charging cable in all the above embodiments is supported by one cable-tidy apparatus, it may easily be envisioned that each charging cable may be supported or supportable by a plurality of different cable-tidy apparatuses.

Whilst a common winding mechanism for winding all or at least two spools of a cable-25 tidy apparatus is provided, it may be envisioned that all or at least two spools may be windable by distinct and/or different winding mechanisms.

Although preferably comprising at least one constant-force spring in the present embodiment, the spring element may additionally or alternative comprise any non-constant force spring. For instance, a coil or helical spring, or any type of spring may be 30 envisioned.

Although preferably distinct from the supporting element and the support-element housing, the support bracket may alternatively be a portion of the supporting element and/or the support-element housing. Parts of the cable-tidy apparatus may therefore be connectable directly to the supporting element and/or the support-element housing.

Although the user is passive to engage the control mechanism, engagement of the control mechanism may additionally or alternatively require an active input or action from 5 the user, such as pressing a button or squeezing a lever, by way of example only.

Any of the above cable-tidy apparatus may be modular such that one or more further spools can be selectively mounted or removed from any above-described cable-tidy apparatus.

Whilst the charger of the first and third embodiments preferably comprises at least two cable-tidy apparatuses, and the second embodiment preferably comprises one cable-tidy apparatus, any of the embodiments may have any number and/or any combination of the above-described cable-tidy apparatuses. For instance, an electric vehicle charger may comprise any of: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus, a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus, a single spool cable-tidy apparatus, a modular cable-tidy apparatus, any combination thereof, or a plurality of any of the above.

Although the spools are preferably circular in cross-section, and the the hub element and the spring mount are preferably truncated circles in lateral cross-section and rectangular in longitudinal cross-section, the support bracket is L-shaped in cross-section, the supporting element and the housing are preferably square or rectangular in lateral and/or longitudinal cross-section; any other lateral and/or cross-section shape may be envisioned for any of the above features, including curved, part curved, non-curved, circular, oval, ellipsoid, linear, C-shaped, U-shaped, polygonal, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other polygon, whether truncated, non-truncated, chamfered, regular, irregular, or any abstract shape.

The cable-tidy apparatus of any of the above embodiments may be usable with any of the above-described embodiments of the electric vehicle charger.

It is therefore possible to provide a cable-tidy apparatus which suspends or substantially suspends above the ground at least part of an electric-vehicle charging cable of an electric vehicle charger. The length of each elongate element is adapted to the distance of the relevant portion of cable from the charger to minimise contact of the cable with the ground. The length is adjusted by providing either: spools of different core diameters rotating at the same velocity; by staggering the start time at which the spools start unspooling; or providing spools rotating at different velocities and which may or may not have different core diameters. The electric-vehicle charging cable may provide a constant or substantially constant tension irrespective of how far an end of the cable is pulled away from the charger. The cable-tidy apparatus further assists the user when the second cable-end of the cable is moved towards the charger by automatically retracting 5 one or more suspensive cords connected with the electric-vehicle charging cable, when desired by the user. Coiling of the electric-vehicle charging cable around a spool is dispensed with, whilst the tripping hazard is minimised, cooling is improved, and the risk of overheating is minimised. It is therefore also possible to provide an electric vehicle charger having at least one cable-tidy apparatus for improving cooling of the cable, and 10 minimising the fire risk and the tripping hazard. It is also possible to provide a method of reducing or preventing ground-abrasion damage to an electric vehicle cable.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of 15 one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1 Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing; a first spool and a second spool mounted for rotation within the housing, the second spool being equi-angularly rotatable with the first spool, and a first spool-core diameter of the first spool differing from a second spool-core diameter of the second spool; a winding mechanism by which the first spool and the second spool are windable in a retraction direction; a releasable control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism; a first flexible elongate element and a second flexible elongate element which are windable on the first spool and the second spool respectively; and a cable connector at an end of the first elongate element by which the first elongate element is connectable to an electric-vehicle charging cable at a first position for supporting a first portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable; and a cable connector at an end of the second elongate element by which the second elongate element is connectable to the said electric-vehicle charging cable at a second position for supporting a second portion of the said electric-vehicle charging cable, the first position being spaced-apart from the second position along the length of the electric-vehicle charging cable.
2 Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spool-core diameter is double the second spool-core diameter.
3 Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retraction direction of the first spool is the same as the retraction direction of the second spool.
4 Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hub element, engageable with the first spool and the second spool.
Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first spool is spaced-apart from the second spool along a longitudinal extent of the hub element.
6. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first spool is at or adjacent to a first hub-end of the hub element, and/or the second spool is at or adjacent to a second hub-end of the hub element.
7. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the hub element, and at least one of the first spool and the second spool are integrally formed with each other.
8. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding mechanism comprises a spring element having a first spring-end and a second spring-end.
9. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spring element comprises a constant-force spring for providing a constant winding force in the retraction direction.
10. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a spring mount, the spring element being connectable at the first spring-end to the spring mount.
11. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 when dependent on any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second spring-end is connectable to the hub element.
12. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control mechanism comprises a pawl and a gear.
13. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pawl is connectable to at least one of the first spool and the second spool.
14. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the control mechanism further comprises an angular range limiting element for limiting the rotation of the pawl away from the gear.
15. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the angular range limiting element comprises a stop.
16. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the stop comprises a pin.
17. Multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided as a kit of parts.
18. Multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the multistage cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing, a first-stage spool and a second-stage spool mounted for rotation within the housing, a winding mechanism by which the first-stage spool and the second-stage spool are windable in a retraction direction, a releasable control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism, a flexible elongate first-stage support element and a flexible elongate second-stage support element which are windable on the first-stage spool and the second-stage spool respectively, and a cable connector at an end of each of said first-stage support element and second-stage support element by which an electric-vehicle charging cable is engageable at two spaced-apart positions along its length.
19. Modular cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the modular cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, or a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 18, to which one or more further spools can be selectively mounted or removed.
20. Cable-tidy apparatus for an electric-vehicle charging cable, the cable-tidy apparatus comprising: a support-element housing, a support-element spool mounted for rotation within the housing, a winding mechanism by which the support-element spool is windable in a retraction direction, a releasable control mechanism which selectably controls the winding mechanism, a flexible elongate support element which is windable on the support-element spool, and a cable connector at an end of said support element by which an electric-vehicle charging cable is engageable at a position along its length.
21 A method of preventing or reducing ground-abrasion damage of a non-spooling electric-vehicle charging cable, the method comprising the steps of: a] attaching first ends of two separate cable support elements to the electric-vehicle charging cable in spaced-apart relationship, and attaching the opposite ends to respective spools having cores of different diameters; and b] simultaneously unwinding the said spools at matching or substantially matching rotational velocities as the electric-vehicle charging cable is moved so as to support at least a majority of the electric-vehicle charging cable in spaced-apart relationship relative to the ground as the electric-vehicle charging cable is extended towards a charging condition.
22. An electric vehicle charger for charging an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle charger comprising: a power outlet, an electric-vehicle charging cable, and any of: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, a multi-stage cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 18, a modular cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 19, and a cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 20.
23. An electric vehicle charger as claimed in claim 22, further comprising any of: a multi-spool cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, a multistage cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 18, a modular cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 19, and a cable-tidy apparatus as claimed in claim 20.