Charging device

Abstract

The present invention provides a charging device that allows for easy storage of the arm supporting the charging cable. [Solution] The charging device A1 charges the battery of an electric mobile device. The charging device A1 includes a support structure 5 having an arm 52 that is rotatable relative to the main body 2 while supporting the charging cable. The arm 52 includes a tip 520 that can move between a first position Y1 in which the charging cable is stretched and a second position Y2 in which the charging cable is retracted by rotation. The support structure 5 has an assist mechanism 54 that applies tension to move the tip 520 to the second position Y2. When an external force is applied to the arm 52 that moves the tip 520 to the first position Y1, the spring 540 of the assist mechanism 54 elastically deforms, and when the aforementioned external force is released, the aforementioned tension is applied to the arm 52 by the restoring force of the spring 540 of the assist mechanism 54.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device for charging a storage battery of an electric moving body.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of electric moving bodies such as electric vehicles, the maintenance of charging devices for charging the storage batteries of electric moving bodies has been progressing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional charging device. The charging device described in Patent Document 1 includes a power supply unit that outputs power for charging a storage battery, a charging cable that supplies the power output by the power supply unit to a charging plug, and a support structure that supports the charging cable. The support structure has a telescopic arm. The charging cable is suspended from the arm.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the charging device described in Patent Document 1, by suspending the charging cable from the arm, damage, dirt, etc. of the charging cable caused by dragging on the ground are suppressed. Also, by moving the arm, it becomes possible to easily pull out and retract the charging cable. However, when retracting the charging cable, if the return of the arm is poor, there is a risk that the arm may be left extended by some users. If the arm is left without being returned to the proper storage position like this, there is a possibility that the arm may move during inclement weather, etc., which may cause damage to the arm.

[0005] The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a charging device capable of easily storing an arm that supports a charging cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The charging device provided by this disclosure is a charging device for charging a storage battery of an electric mobile body that moves by driving an electric motor with the power of the storage battery, comprising: a power supply unit that outputs power for charging the storage battery; a main body unit that houses the power supply unit; a charging plug connected to the electric mobile body and supplying power output from the power supply unit to the electric mobile body; a charging cable that supplies power output from the power supply unit to the charging plug; and a support structure having an arm that is rotatable relative to the main body while supporting the charging cable, wherein the arm includes a tip portion that is movable between a first position in which the charging cable is stretched and a second position in which the charging cable is retracted by the rotation, the support structure has an assist mechanism that applies tension to move the tip portion to the second position, the assist mechanism includes a spring attached to the arm and that generates the tension, and when an external force that moves the tip portion to the first position is applied to the arm, the spring elastically deforms, and when the external force is released, the tension is applied to the arm by the restoring force of the spring.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the charging device, the assist mechanism includes a base that generates tension together with the spring, a first link portion connected to the base, and a second link portion rotatably connected to the first link portion. When an external force is applied to the arm to move the tip portion to the first position, the angle between the first link portion and the second link portion increases, and a force for generating tension is accumulated in the base. When the external force is released, the tension is applied to the arm as the angle between the first link portion and the second link portion decreases due to the release of the force accumulated in the base.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the charging device, the assist mechanism includes a damper mechanism, which slows down the movement of the tip to the second position when the deformation stress applied to the spring is released.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the charging device, the support structure includes a base portion fixed to the main body, the arm includes an arm link portion that includes the tip portion and is rotatable relative to the base portion, and a joint portion that is fixed to the base portion and supports one end of the arm link portion as a pivot axis, the tip portion moves between the first position and the second position along the circumferential direction about the pivot axis, one end of the spring is fixed to the base portion and the other end of the spring is fixed to the arm link portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the charging device of this disclosure, when an external force is applied to the arm that moves the tip to a first position, the spring undergoes elastic deformation. Subsequently, when the external force that moves the tip to the first position is released, the restoring force of the elastically deformed spring applies tension to the arm that moves the tip to a second position. As a result, when the charging cable is pulled back, the assist mechanism allows the arm to rotate so that it returns to its original position (storage position). Therefore, according to the charging device of this disclosure, the arm supporting the charging cable can be easily stored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a charging device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a charging device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged plan view of a key part, showing a portion of Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing an example of the external configuration of a charging device according to one embodiment (with the arm extended). [Figure 5]This is a side view showing an example of the external configuration of a charging device according to one embodiment (with the arm retracted). [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing an example of the movement of an arm of a charging device according to one embodiment and the dynamic change of the assist mechanism in response to the movement of the arm. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing an example of spring attachment in a charging device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the charging device of this disclosure are described below. In the following, identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Figures 1 to 7 show a charging device A1 according to one embodiment. The charging device A1 is equipment for charging an electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 is an automobile equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery 91 that supplies power to the electric motor. The electric vehicle 9 includes not only so-called electric vehicles that use only an electric motor as a power source, but also hybrid vehicles that have an internal combustion engine as well. Furthermore, the target of charging device A1 may not be an automobile, but other electric mobile devices equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery that supplies power to the electric motor. The charging device A1 supplies power to the electric vehicle 9 for charging the storage battery 91 (hereinafter referred to as "charging power").

[0014] The charging device A1 is installed in the parking lot of a facility (e.g., a public facility and a commercial facility). In the example shown in Figure 1, one charging device A1 is installed for two parking spaces P1. The charging device A1 is positioned outside each parking space P1. In the illustrated example, the charging device A1 is positioned behind each parking space P1, between the two parking spaces P1. Note that the arrangement of the charging device A1 with respect to the parking spaces P1 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, one charging device A1 may be installed for one parking space P1 (in this case, one charging cable 3, one charging plug 4, one arm 52, and one assist mechanism 54, which will be described later, may suffice). Alternatively, the charging device A1 may be positioned to the side of each parking space P1. The charging device A1 is installed on the ground. Each parking space P1 is a parking space for an electric vehicle 9.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the charging device A1 comprises a power supply unit 11, a control unit 12, a main unit 2, two charging cables 3, two charging plugs 4, and a support structure 5. In Figure 3, the two charging cables 3 and the two charging plugs 4 are not shown. Figure 4 shows one of the two charging cables 3 pulled out in front of the parking space P1, and Figure 5 shows one of the two charging cables 3 pulled back to the rear of the parking space P1. In Figure 4, the electric vehicle 9 is shown by a dashed line.

[0016] The power supply unit 11 outputs the charging power of the electric vehicle 9 according to a command from the control unit 12. The power supply unit 11 individually outputs the charging power to the two charging plugs 4 via the corresponding charging cables 3. In the example shown in FIG. 2, only one of the two charging cables 3 is shown, but the other charging cable 3 is also connected to the power supply unit 11 in the same manner. The charging power is, for example, DC power. As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 11 converts the AC power input from the power grid K into DC power and outputs it. Note that AC power may be input to the power supply unit 11 from the power grid K via a main breaker not shown. The power supply unit 11 includes, for example, a converter and a smoothing circuit. The converter converts the AC power input from the power grid K into DC power according to a command from the control unit 12. The smoothing circuit smooths and outputs the DC power output by the converter. Note that the specific configuration of the power supply unit 11 is not limited as long as it can output the charging power (DC power in this embodiment). For example, the power supply unit 11 may include a transformer that boosts the AC voltage input from the power grid K. The power supply unit 11 is housed in the main body 2.

[0017] The control unit 12 controls the charging device A1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 12 controls the output power of the power supply unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, AC power is input to the control unit 12 from the power grid K. Note that AC power may be input to the control unit 12 from the power grid K via a control breaker not shown. For example, the control unit 12 converts the input AC power into DC power and operates with the DC power. The control unit 12 is housed in the main body 2.

[0018] In addition to the power supply unit 11 and the control unit 12, the charging device A1 may include a display unit for notifying the user of the charging status, an operation unit for the user to operate the charging device A1, and a communication unit for communicating with the electric vehicle 9, etc., but the illustration of these is omitted. The display unit and the operation unit are, for example, attached to the main body 2 so that a part thereof is exposed to the outside, and the communication unit is housed in the main body 2.

[0019] The main body 2 is a housing that houses the power supply unit 11 and the control unit 12. In the illustrated example, the main body 2 is vertically long and box-shaped, but the shape of the main body 2 is not limited in any way. The main body 2 is, for example, placed on the ground where the parking frame P1 is demarcated. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main body 2 is arranged on the rear side of each parking frame P1. Of the main body 2, the surface facing the parking frame P1 side is referred to as the "front surface", and the surface on the opposite side is referred to as the "rear surface". Also, of the main body 2, the surface facing (contacting) the ground is referred to as the "lower surface", and the surface on the opposite side is referred to as the "upper surface". Also, of the main body 2, each surface facing the left-right direction is referred to as the "side surface".

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the main body 2 includes two plug holders 21 that individually house and hold two charging plugs 4. Each plug holder 21 has a portion protruding from the front surface of the main body 2 and a portion recessed from the front surface of the main body 2. The charging plug 4 is housed in the plug holder 21 when not in use.

[0021] Each charging cable 3 has a power line and a signal line arranged inside it. As understood from FIG. 2, the power line in each charging cable 3 is connected to the power supply unit 11. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each charging cable 3 extends from the side surface of the main body 2. Different from this example, each charging cable 3 may extend from other surfaces (front surface, rear surface, upper surface, etc.) of the main body 2.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the two charging plugs 4 are individually attached to the ends of the two charging cables 3. Charging power is supplied from the power supply unit 11 to the charging plugs 4 via the charging cables 3. Each charging plug 4 comprises a body and a connector. In each charging plug 4, the aforementioned body is the part that the user grasps and has a handle. Inside the body of each charging plug 4 are power lines connected to the power lines in the corresponding charging cable 3, and signal lines connected to the signal lines in the corresponding charging cable 3. In each charging plug 4, the aforementioned connector is the part that connects to the plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9. The connector of each charging plug 4 is, for example, a cylindrical metal member located at the tip of the body. Inside the connector of each charging plug 4 are power terminals that conduct to the power lines in the corresponding body, and signal terminals that conduct to the signal lines in the corresponding body. In addition to the body and connector, each charging plug 4 includes a mechanism for locking the charging plug 4 to the plug-in connector 92, and a button for removal. The configuration of each charging plug 4 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the charging device A1 is a multi-plug type that can supply power individually from each of the two charging plugs 4. Unlike this example, the charging device of this disclosure may be a single-plug type that can supply power from one charging plug 4.

[0023] The support structure 5 supports each of the two charging cables 3. In this embodiment, the support structure 5 is fixed to the main body 2. In the illustrated example, the support structure 5 is positioned above the main body 2. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the support structure 5 has a base 51, two arms 52, and two assist mechanisms 54. The number of arms 52 and assist mechanisms 54 are the same as the number of charging cables 3 and charging plugs 4. For example, in a configuration where there is one charging cable 3 and one charging plug 4, there only needs to be one arm 52 and one assist mechanism 54.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base portion 51 is attached to the upper surface of the main body portion 2 and supports the two arms 52 and the two assist mechanisms 54. The base portion 51 may be a frame structure or a box structure. In this embodiment, the base portion 51 is a mounting device for attaching the two arms 52 and the two assist mechanisms 54. Unlike this example, the support structure 5 may not have a base portion 51, and each arm 52 and each assist mechanism 54 may be directly attached to the main body portion 2.

[0025] Each of the two arms 52 is attached to a base 51 and supported by the main body 2 via the base 51. The two arms 52 each individually support the two charging cables 3. In the illustrated example, each arm 52 is positioned higher than the height of the electric vehicle 9. In contrast to this example, each arm 52 may be positioned lower than the height of the electric vehicle 9.

[0026] Each of the two arms 52 includes an arm link portion 521 and a joint portion 522. Unless otherwise specified, the arm link portion 521 and joint portion 522 described below are common to each arm 52.

[0027] The joint portion 522 rotatably connects the arm link portion 521 to the main body portion 2 (base portion 51). In this embodiment, the joint portion 522 is attached to the base portion 51. The joint portion 522 is cylindrical. The joint portion 522 is arranged so that its upper and lower surfaces are circular. The joint portion 522 rotates around a rotation axis (see Figures 4 and 5) that runs along the vertical direction. Note that the joint portion 522 is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as the arm link portion 521 is configured to be rotatable relative to the main body portion 2 (base portion 51).

[0028] The arm link portion 521 is a rod-shaped member. Most of the arm link portion 521 extends in a straight line. In the illustrated example, the tip of the arm link portion 521 (the end opposite the joint portion 522) is bent in an L-shape. Unlike this example, the entire arm link portion 521 may be a straight rod. The arm link portion 521 is connected to the base portion 51 by the joint portion 522. The arm link portion 521 is supported by the main body portion 2 via the base portion 51. The arm link portion 521 is rotatably mounted to the main body portion 2 (base portion 51) around the rotation axis of the joint portion 522. One end of the arm link portion 521 (the end opposite the tip portion 520 described later) rotates around the rotation axis of the joint portion 522.

[0029] The arm 52 includes a tip portion 520. The tip portion 520 is the other end of the arm link portion 521 (the side opposite to the side attached to the joint portion 522). In this embodiment, the tip portion 520 is the L-shaped bent portion of the arm link portion 521. The tip portion 520 is movable between a first position Y1 and a second position Y2 by the rotation of the arm 52. When the tip portion 520 is in the first position Y1, the charging cable 3 is pulled out (the arm 52 is extended). When the tip portion 520 is in the second position Y2, the charging cable 3 is retracted (the arm 52 is stored). The tip portion 520 moves between the first position Y1 and the second position Y2 along the circumferential direction (see Figure 3) around the rotation axis of the arm 52. Figures 1 and 3 show an example where one end 520 of two arms 52 is in a first position Y1, and the other end 520 of the two arms 52 is in a second position Y2. When the end 520 is in the second position Y2, the arms 52 are retracted. During the movement of the end 520 from the first position Y1 to the second position Y2, the end 520 moves approximately parallel to the ground of the parking space P1. Note that the end 520 is not limited to moving strictly parallel to the ground of the parking space P1, and may have a predetermined inclination angle. The end 520 moves due to the rotation of the arms 52.

[0030] The two assist mechanisms 54 are provided individually for each of the two arms 52. Each of the two assist mechanisms 54 applies tension to move the tip 520 of the corresponding arm 52 to a second position Y2. Each of the two assist mechanisms 54 includes a spring 540, a base 541, a first link portion 542, and a second link portion 543. The spring 540, base 541, first link portion 542, and second link portion 543 described below are common to each assist mechanism 54 unless otherwise specified.

[0031] The spring 540 generates the aforementioned tension. In this embodiment, the spring 540 is, for example, a metal coil spring. As shown in Figure 7, the spring 540 has a mounting end 540a attached to the arm 52 and a mounting end 540b attached to the base portion 51. The two mounting ends 540a and 540b are formed, for example, in a hook shape, but may also be formed in an annular shape. In the illustrated example, the mounting end 540a is attached to the portion of the arm link portion 521 that is connected to the joint portion 522. Unlike this example, the mounting end 540a may also be attached to the joint portion 522. Note that the fixed position of the mounting end 540a is not limited to the arm link portion 521 or the joint portion 522, as long as the mounting end 540a rotates in the same position as the arm link portion 521 (arm 52). In the illustrated example, the mounting end 540b is attached to a hook fitting 511 attached to the frame that supports the arm 52, which is part of the base portion 51. The shape of the hook fitting 511 is not limited to the illustrated example. Unlike this example, the mounting end 540b may be hooked into a hole provided in the aforementioned frame of the base portion 51. The fixing position of the mounting end 540b is not limited to the base portion 51, as long as the mounting end 540b does not rotate with the rotation of the arm link portion 521 (arm 52).

[0032] The base 541 generates the aforementioned tension. The base 541 is attached, for example, to the arm link portion 521. In this embodiment, the base 541 incorporates a spring and oil (not shown). The spring is, for example, a metal coil spring. When an external force is applied to the arm 52 that moves the tip portion 520 to the first position Y1, the spring built into the base 541 undergoes elastic deformation (compression or expansion). This causes force to accumulate in the base 541 (and its spring) to generate tension. Then, the restoring force (force returning to its original shape) of this elastically deformed spring releases the force accumulated in the base 541 (and its spring), generating tension that moves the tip portion 520 to the second position Y2. The aforementioned oil is incorporated to transmit the force of the spring gradually. This oil provides a damping force against the expansion and contraction of the spring built into the base 541. Note that the configuration of the base 541 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the spring is not limited to a coil spring; it may have other structures and does not have to be made of metal. Also, for example, the base 541 may contain another elastic material (such as rubber) instead of a spring.

[0033] The first link section 542 is connected to the base section 541 and the second link section 543. The first link section 542 has a mounting end 542a attached to the base section 541. The mounting end 542a is rotatable with respect to the mounting object (base section 541). As a result, the first link section 542 rotates with the mounting end 542a as the axis of rotation.

[0034] The second link portion 543 is rotatably connected to the first link portion 542. The second link portion 543 has a mounting end 543a attached to, for example, the base portion 51. The mounting end 543a may be attached not to the base portion 51, but to the frame of the assist mechanism 54 or the frame of the arm 52 (limited to fixed parts, not movable parts like the arm link portion 521). The mounting end 543a is rotatable with respect to the mounting object (the base portion 51 in this embodiment). The mounting end 543a is fixed to the aforementioned mounting object by, for example, a bracket (not shown). The second link portion 543 rotates with respect to the mounting end 543a as the axis of rotation in conjunction with the rotation of the first link portion 542.

[0035] Unlike the example described above, in the assist mechanism 54, the base portion 541 and the mounting end 543a of the second link portion 543 may be mounted in reverse. That is, the base portion 541 may be attached to the base portion 51 (or the frame of the assist mechanism 54 or the frame of the arm 52, etc.), and the mounting end 543a of the second link portion 543 may be attached to the arm link portion 521.

[0036] In this embodiment, the base 541, the first link portion 542, and the second link portion 543 are configured similarly to, for example, a well-known door closer. The base 541, the first link portion 542, and the second link portion 543 assist the spring 540, generating tension that moves the tip portion 520 from the first position Y1 to the second position Y2, and function as a damper mechanism that reduces the rate of extension and contraction of the spring 540. This damper mechanism (base 541, first link portion 542, and second link portion 543) slows down the movement of the tip portion 520 to the second position Y2 by gradually reducing the restoring force of the spring 540 when the deformation stress applied to the spring 540 (stress caused by the elastic deformation of the spring 540) is released.

[0037] The support structure 5 has two support members 53, as can be seen from Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the support structure 5 has one support member 53 for each arm 52, but it may have multiple support members 53 for each arm 52. Each of the two support members 53 supports a corresponding charging cable 3. Each of the two support members 53 is supported by a corresponding arm 52 and, in this embodiment, is attached to the tip 520 of the arm 52. Each of the two charging cables 3 is flexed between the tip 520 of the corresponding arm 52 and the main body 2. When the charging cable 3 is pulled out, the flex between the tip 520 and the main body 2 decreases, and when the charging cable 3 is pulled back, the flex between the tip 520 and the main body 2 increases. Each charging cable 3 is fixed to the support member 53 such that the length from the charging plug 4 at the tip to the corresponding support member 53 is a predetermined value. This predetermined value (the length of the charging cable 3 from the charging plug 4 to the part fixed to the support 53) can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the charging device A1. The support 53 moves together with the tip 520 due to the rotation of the arm link portion 521.

[0038] As can be seen from Figures 3 to 5, the movement of the tip 520 causes the support 53 to move, and the charging cable 3 is pulled out in front of the parking space P1 or pulled back to the rear of the parking space P1 (towards the main body 2). By pulling out and pulling back the charging cable 3 in this way, the user of the charging device A1 can move the charging plug 4 in front of the parking space P1 and connect it to the electric vehicle 9 (plug-in connector 92), or move the charging plug 4 in rear of the parking space P1 and house it in the main body 2 (plug holder 21).

[0039] In the charging device A1, when an external force is applied to the arm 52 that moves the tip 520 to a first position Y1, the arm 52 (arm link portion 521) rotates due to this external force. The external force that moves the tip 520 to a first position Y1 is applied, for example, by a user of the charging device A1. In this example, when a user of the charging device A1 moves the charging plug 4 forward of the parking space P1 to charge the electric vehicle 9, the force generated by this movement is transmitted via the charging cable 3 to the arm link portion 521 of the arm 52 as an external force that moves the tip 520 to a first position Y1. The external force that moves the tip 520 to a first position Y1 may be generated not by the movement of the charging plug 4 by the user of the charging device A1, but by a switch operation by the user of the charging device A1. In this example, the arm 52 may be configured so that the tip 520 moves electrically from a second position Y2 to a first position Y1 in response to the switch operation. As the arm 52 (arm link portion 521) rotates, the mounting end 540a of the spring 540 in the assist mechanism 54 rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 7. This causes the spring 540 to stretch (elastically deform), accumulating the force necessary to generate tension. In addition to the movement of the mounting end 540a of the spring 540, the base portion 541 also moves along with the arm link portion 521 as the arm 52 (arm link portion 521) rotates. This movement of the base portion 541 causes the first link portion 542 to rotate around its mounting end 542a as the axis of rotation, in the direction indicated by the solid arrow in Figures 6(a) and (b). At this time, as the first link portion 542 rotates, the spring built into the base portion 541 undergoes elastic deformation. This also accumulates the force necessary to generate tension in the base portion 541 (and its spring). Furthermore, as the first link portion 542 rotates, the second link portion 543 connected to the first link portion 542 rotates around its mounting end 543a in the direction indicated by the solid arrows in Figures 6(a) and (b). When the tip portion 520 moves from the second position Y2 to the first position Y1, the angle θ between the first link portion 542 and the second link portion 543 gradually increases, as shown in Figures 6(a), (b), and (c) in that order.

[0040] On the other hand, when the external force moving the tip 520 to the first position Y1 is released, the restoring force of the spring 540 releases the accumulated force in the spring 540, causing the mounting end 540a to rotate in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 7. This causes the arm 52 (arm link portion 521) to rotate. In other words, tension is applied to the arm 52 (arm link portion 521) that moves the tip 520 to the second position Y2. Also, when the external force moving the tip 520 to the first position Y1 is released, the restoring force of the spring built into the base 541 releases the force accumulated in the base 541 (and its spring), causing the first link portion 542 to rotate around the mounting end 542a in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figures 6(b) and (c). As the first link portion 542 rotates, the second link portion 543 connected to the first link portion 542 rotates around its mounting end 543a in the direction indicated by the dashed arrows in Figures 6(b) and (c). When the tip portion 520 moves from the first position Y1 to the second position Y2, the angle θ between the first link portion 542 and the second link portion 543 gradually decreases, as shown in Figures 6(c), (b), and (a) in that order. In this way, the restoring force of the spring built into the base portion 541 applies tension to the arm 52 (arm link portion 521) that moves the tip portion 520 to the second position Y2, and the tip portion 520 moves to the second position Y2. As a result, the assist mechanism 54 returns the arm 52 to its storage position and pulls back the charging cable 3.

[0041] The operation and effects of the charging device A1 are as follows:

[0042] In the charging device A1, when an external force is applied to the arm 52 that moves the tip 520 to the first position Y1, the spring 540 in the assist mechanism 54 undergoes elastic deformation (stretches). Subsequently, when the aforementioned external force is released, the restoring force (force returning to its original shape) of the spring 540 applies tension to the arm 52 that moves the tip 520 to the second position Y2. With this configuration, when the charging cable 3 is pulled back, the assist mechanism 54 rotates the arm 52 so that it returns to its original position (storage position). Therefore, the charging device A1 can easily store the arm 52 that supports the charging cable 3.

[0043] In the charging device A1, the assist mechanism 54 includes a base 541, a first link section 542, and a second link section 543. When an external force is applied to the arm 52 that moves the tip section 520 to a first position Y1, the assist mechanism 54 increases the angle θ between the first link section 542 and the second link section 543, and a force is accumulated in the base 541 to generate tension that moves the tip section 520 to a second position Y2. Subsequently, when the aforementioned external force is released, the force accumulated in the base 541 is released, and the angle θ between the first link section 542 and the second link section 543 decreases, and the aforementioned tension is added to the arm 52. With this configuration, the base 541 can generate tension that moves the tip section 520 to a second position Y2. Therefore, in the charging device A1, the tension that moves the tip section 520 to a second position Y2 can be increased, so that the arm 52 can be returned to the storage position more appropriately.

[0044] In the charging device A1, the base 541 incorporates a spring (for example, a coil spring). The force required to generate the aforementioned tension (the tension that moves the tip 520 to the second position Y2) is accumulated in the spring of the base 541 by the elastic deformation of the spring. Furthermore, the force required to generate the aforementioned tension (the tension that moves the tip 520 to the second position Y2) is released by the restoring force of the elastically deformed spring of the base 541. In this embodiment, the spring of the base 541 elastically deforms as the first link portion 542 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction with the mounting end 542a as the axis of rotation. As a result, the force required to generate tension is accumulated in the base 541. On the other hand, the force accumulated in the base 541 is released as tension by the restoring force of the elastically deformed spring of the base 541, causing the first link portion 542 to rotate to the other side in the circumferential direction with the mounting end 542a as the axis of rotation. Therefore, the charging device A1 can generate tension through its base 541 that moves the tip 520 to the second position Y2.

[0045] In the charging device A1, the assist mechanism 54 includes a damper mechanism. In this embodiment, the damper mechanism is composed of a base 541, a first link 542, and a second link 543. The damper mechanism (in this embodiment, the base 541, the first link 542, and the second link 543) slows down the movement of the tip 520 to the second position Y2 when the deformation stress applied to the spring 540 is released. The aforementioned deformation stress is generated by an external force that moves the tip 520 to the first position Y1. In this embodiment, oil is contained in the base 541, and the oil contained in the base 541 dampens the rate of extension and contraction of the spring contained in the base 541. As a result, the rotational speed of the first link 542 and the second link 543 can be suppressed, and the rotational speed of the arm 52 when the tip 520 moves to the second position Y2 can be slowed down. In other words, the damper mechanism slows down the movement of the tip 520 to the second position Y2. With this configuration, the charging device A1 can reduce the impact on the arm 52 that may occur when it reaches the second position Y2.

[0046] In the charging device A1, the tip portion 520 moves between a first position Y1 and a second position Y2 along the circumferential direction centered on one end of the arm link portion 521, which is the axis of rotation. In the assist mechanism 54, one end of the spring 540 is fixed to, for example, the base portion 51, and the other end of the spring 540 is fixed to the arm link portion 521. With this configuration, as the arm 52 rotates, the tip portion 520 moves to the first position Y1 along one of the aforementioned circumferential directions, causing the spring 540 to elastically deform (stretch). Then, due to the restoring force of the spring 540, the tip portion 520 moves to the second position Y2 along the other of the aforementioned circumferential directions. In other words, in the charging device A1, the assist mechanism 54 can apply tension to the arm 52 to move the tip portion 520 to the second position Y2.

[0047] In an example different from the above embodiment, the base 541 of the assist mechanism 54 may include a gas spring instead of a coil spring. For example, the gas spring includes a cylinder tube, gas, oil, a piston, and a piston rod. A piston is attached to the end of the piston rod. The gas and oil are injected into the cylinder tube. The cylinder tube includes a sealed section filled with gas. A gas spring of this configuration expands and contracts due to the pressure of the gas and oil. Specifically, when the piston rod is pushed in, the volume of the sealed section filled with gas decreases. This compresses the gas in the sealed section, accumulating a force to generate tension. When the pushing of the piston rod is stopped in this state, the compressed gas in the sealed section tries to return to its original volume, pushing back the piston (and piston rod). This reaction force of the gas functions as a spring, generating the aforementioned tension. Note that the configuration of the gas spring is not limited to the above configuration. As described above, in the charging device of this disclosure, the base 541 may generate tension by a gas spring instead of a coil spring.

[0048] In an example different from the above embodiment, the assist mechanism 54 may include a stopper that maintains the extended position of the arm 52 (charging cable 3), and a release unit that releases the hold by the stopper. The stopper stops the arm 52 from being pulled back when the angle θ between the first link portion 542 and the second link portion 543 exceeds a predetermined value, so as to maintain this predetermined angle. This predetermined angle may be set in steps or continuously. The release unit is activated by user operation (for example, pressing a dedicated button or further extending the arm 52) to release the hold of the arm 52 by the stopper. With this configuration, when the charging cable 3 is pulled out, the tension that moves the tip portion 520 to the second position Y2 is temporarily disabled. This temporarily suppresses the movement of the tip portion 520 (rotation of the arm 52). Subsequently, when the user operates the release unit and the stopper releases its holding function, tension is applied to the arm 52, moving the tip 520 to the second position Y2, causing the tip 520 to move (the arm 52 rotates). In other words, in this modified charging device, the arm 52 rotates during charging of the electric vehicle 9, preventing the charging cable 3 from being pulled back.

[0049] In an example different from the above embodiment, the assist mechanism 54 of the charging device of this disclosure may be provided with a damper stay instead of the base 541, the first link portion 542, and the second link portion 543. The damper stay reduces the speed at which the tip portion 520 moves from the first position Y1 to the second position Y2. In other words, the damper stay slows down the movement of the tip portion 520 from the first position Y1 to the second position Y2. The damper stay is attached, for example, to the arm link portion 521 and the base portion 51, but its attachment position is not limited in any way. The structure of the damper stay is not limited in any way, and a well-known one may be used. In such a charging device, when the tip portion 520 moves from the first position Y1 to the second position Y2 by the spring 540, the movement of the arm 52 can be slowed down by the damper stay. This reduces the impact on the arm 52 that may occur when it reaches the second position Y2. This damper stay may be provided in place of the damper function of the base 541, or it may be provided in addition to the damper function of the base 541.

[0050] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the assist mechanism 54 includes a base portion 541, a first link portion 542, and a second link portion 543. However, in the charging device of this disclosure, the assist mechanism 54 does not necessarily include these components. Also, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the base portion 541 of the assist mechanism 54 incorporates a spring and oil. However, in the charging device of this disclosure, the base portion 541 of the assist mechanism 54 does not necessarily include at least one of these components.

[0051] In an example different from the above embodiment, the charging device of the present disclosure may include a roof. The roof, for example, covers the top of the charging device. The roof may cover the top of the parking frame P1 while also covering the top of the charging device. The roof is positioned above the arm 52 of the support structure 5. The roof protects the main body 2, each charging cable 3, the charging plug 4 and the support structure 5 from rain. In this example, the support structure 5 (arm 52 and assist mechanism 54) may be attached to the roof.

[0052] The charging device relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the charging device relating to this disclosure can be modified in various ways. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] A1: Charging device, 11: Power supply unit, 2: Main unit, 3: Charging cable, 4: Charging plug, 5: Support structure, 51: Base unit, 52: Arm, 520: Tip unit, 521: Arm link unit, 522: Joint unit, 54: Assist mechanism, 540: Spring, 541: Base unit, 542: First link unit, 543: Second link unit, 9: Electric vehicle (electric mobile device), 91: Storage battery, Y1: First position, Y2: Second position

Claims

1. A charging device for charging the battery of an electric mobile vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with the power of the battery, A power supply unit that outputs power for charging the aforementioned storage battery, The main body housing the aforementioned power supply unit, A charging plug connected to the aforementioned mobile electric device, which supplies power output by the power supply unit to the mobile electric device, A charging cable that supplies power output from the power supply unit to the charging plug, A support structure having an arm that supports the charging cable and is rotatable relative to the main body, Equipped with, The arm includes a tip portion that is movable between a first position in which the charging cable is extended and a second position in which the charging cable is retracted, by the rotation. The support structure has an assist mechanism that applies tension to move the tip portion to the second position. The assist mechanism includes a spring attached to the arm and generating the tension, When an external force is applied to the arm that moves the tip to the first position, the spring undergoes elastic deformation, A charging device in which, when the external force is released, the tension is applied to the arm by the restoring force of the spring.

2. The assist mechanism includes a base that generates tension together with the spring, a first link portion connected to the base, and a second link portion rotatably connected to the first link portion. When an external force is applied to the arm that moves the tip to the first position, the angle between the first link and the second link increases, and a force for generating the tension is accumulated at the base. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein when the external force is released, the tension is applied to the arm as the angle between the first link portion and the second link portion decreases due to the release of the force accumulated in the base portion.

3. The assist mechanism includes a damper mechanism, The charging device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the damper mechanism slows down the movement of the tip to the second position when the deformation stress applied to the spring is released.

4. The support structure includes a base portion fixed to the main body portion, The arm includes an arm link portion that includes the tip portion and is rotatable relative to the base portion, and a joint portion that is fixed to the base portion and supports one end of the arm link portion as a pivot point. The tip portion moves between the first position and the second position along the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation, One end of the spring is fixed to the base portion, The charging device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the other end of the spring is fixed to the arm link portion.

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