Modular charging system for a stereoscopic parking lot

Abstract

This invention discloses a modular charging system for multi-level parking garages, comprising a vehicle charging module, a power supply module, a fixing block, a vehicle charging module track, and a vehicle charging module revolving rotor system. The vehicle charging module integrates a charging gun, a reel, a power interface, a traveling mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The power supply module is distributed on the outside of each parking space and integrates a power source, a power interface, and a structure for locking with the vehicle charging module. The fixing block is mounted on the vehicle platform and integrates a structure for locking with the vehicle charging module. The vehicle charging module track includes a fixed track and a movable track. The fixed track is located on the outside of the entry and exit parking spaces, and the movable track is located on the vehicle platform. The vehicle charging module revolving rotor system is used to transfer the vehicle charging module from the fixed track outside the exit parking space to the fixed track outside the entry parking space. This system adopts a modular design, has a low cost, small footprint, good safety, and a good user experience, making it practically usable and widely applicable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle charging facilities, and more specifically to a modular charging system for multi-level parking garages. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization of new energy vehicles, multi-level parking garages will inevitably require charging capabilities. However, a thorny issue is that drivers leave after entering the parking space, and the vehicle platform then transfers the vehicle to the parking space. Manual charging is not possible at the parking space. The existing solution involves installing an intelligent charging system at the parking space. This system receives a charging signal, identifies the location of the vehicle's charging port, aligns the charging gun with the port, and removes the charging gun when the vehicle is fully charged or when the vehicle exits the garage. Such an intelligent charging system is extremely complex, involving image recognition of the charging port and intelligent insertion of the charging gun. It requires advanced image processing capabilities and intelligent robotic arms, resulting in high costs and a large footprint, making it impractical and thus lacking widespread adoption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular charging system for multi-level parking garages. This system adopts a modular design, has a low cost, small size, good safety, and a good user experience, and can be practically used and promoted.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0005] A modular charging system for a multi-level parking garage includes a vehicle charging module, a power supply module, a fixing block, a vehicle charging module track, and a vehicle charging module rotor system. The vehicle charging module integrates a charging gun, a reel, a power interface, a traveling mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The charging gun is electrically connected to the power interface via a cable, with the middle section of the cable wound around the reel. The rotation of the reel triggers a charging signal. The traveling mechanism drives the vehicle charging module along the vehicle charging module track. The locking mechanism locks and unlocks the vehicle charging module when it docks with the power supply module or the fixing block. The power supply module is distributed on the outside of each parking space and integrates a power source, a power interface, and a structure for locking with the vehicle charging module. The power source is electrically connected to the power interface to supply power. The power port adopts an extendable structure; the fixing block is installed on the vehicle platform and integrates a structure for locking with the car charger module; the car charger module track includes a fixed track and a movable track. The fixed track is located outside the entry and exit positions, and the movable track is located on the vehicle platform. When the vehicle platform reaches the entry or exit position, the fixed track connects with the movable track; after the car charger module moves to its position along the movable track, it connects with the fixing block. When the car charger module moves from the vehicle platform to the parking position, it connects with the power supply module. When the car charger module and the power supply module are connected and locked, the power supply port extends and connects with the power interface; the car charger module rotation system is used to rotate the car charger module on the fixed track outside the exit position to the fixed track outside the entry position.

[0006] When a vehicle needs to be charged in a multi-level parking garage, the entire system operates as follows: 1) After the vehicle enters the parking space, the operator manually inserts the charging gun from the charging module on the outside of the parking space into the charging port on the vehicle, causing the reel to rotate and triggering a charging signal; 2) After receiving the charging signal, the traveling mechanism moves the charging module sequentially along the fixed track and the moving track until it docks with the fixed block. Then, the locking mechanism locks the charging module to the fixed block, triggering the next step; 3) The vehicle platform moves the vehicle, the fixed block, and the charging module together to the parking space. The charging module docks with the power supply module, and then the locking mechanism locks the charging module to the power supply module, triggering the power supply port to extend and connect to the power connector; 4) Power is supplied to the vehicle sequentially through the power supply port, the power connector, the charging gun, and the charging port. Charging continues until charging is complete or a vehicle retrieval signal is received from the control system of the multi-level parking garage. Charging then stops, and the locking mechanism unlocks the charging module from the power supply module and locks it to the fixed block. 5) Upon receiving the vehicle retrieval signal, the vehicle platform moves the vehicle, the fixed block, and the charging module together to the exit position, triggering the locking mechanism to unlock the charging module from the fixed block. Then, the walking mechanism moves the charging module along the moving track and the fixed track to the outside of the exit position. The charging gun is manually removed and placed on the charging module. 6) The charging module rotation system rotates the charging module on the fixed track outside the exit position to the fixed track outside the entry position. If there is already a charging module on the fixed track outside the entry position, it is first cached in the buffer area of ​​the charging module rotation system.

[0007] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a locking motor, a transmission assembly, and a locking screw connected in sequence. The locking motor drives the locking screw to extend forward or backward spirally out of the car charger module through the transmission assembly. The fixing block and the power supply module are respectively provided with locking holes for threaded engagement with the locking screw. When the car charger module is in the parking space, the front and rear ends of the car charger module are respectively connected to the fixing block and the power supply module. Then, if the locking screw extends backward spirally out of the car charger module, the car charger module is locked with the power supply module and unlocked with the fixing block at the same time. If the locking screw extends forward spirally out of the car charger module, the car charger module is unlocked with the power supply module and locked with the fixing block at the same time.

[0008] Preferably, the car charger module has three locking screws arranged in a triangle, and the locking motor drives the three locking screws to move synchronously through a transmission component.

[0009] Preferably, both the fixing block and the power supply module are equipped with a stroke controller in their locking holes. When the stroke controller of the fixing block is triggered, it controls the locking screw to stop moving and the vehicle platform to proceed to the next action. When the stroke controller of the power supply module is triggered, it controls the power supply to start supplying power.

[0010] Preferably, the vehicle charging module rail supplies power to the walking mechanism and the locking mechanism via rail power supply.

[0011] Preferably, the vehicle charging module turnaround system includes a turnaround track connecting the outer fixed track of the entry position and the outer fixed track of the exit position. The turnaround track is provided with a buffer area. A turntable for turning the vehicle charging module around is provided at a certain point on the turnaround track. Sensing components for determining whether there is a vehicle charging module are provided at the positions of the outer fixed tracks of the entry and exit positions.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0013] This system adopts a modular design, with the charging and power supply ends independently distributed. It can be used in newly built multi-level parking garages or for the renovation of existing ones. The system requires only manual operation at the entry position; the charging gun is inserted into the charging port on the vehicle, and the rest of the charging process is automated. It requires no image processing functions or intelligent robotic arms, resulting in lower costs and a smaller footprint, making it practically usable and widely applicable. In this system, the charging module enters and exits the vehicle platform via a track at the entry and exit positions. A locking mechanism locks and unlocks the charging module to the fixed block or power supply module, ensuring safe transport of the charging module along with the vehicle platform and maintaining a fixed docking position for enhanced security. The system also allows manual insertion of the charging gun from the charging module outside the entry position into the charging port on the vehicle, triggering a charging signal by rotating the reel, eliminating the need for scanning codes or screen operations and providing a superior user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle charging module and the fixing block at the inlet and outlet positions in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the car charger module, fixing block, and power supply module at the parking space in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the two ends of the vehicle charging module in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a) is the front end and b) is the rear end.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an internal top view of the car charger module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply module docking terminal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an internal top view of the power supply module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Fixed block; 2-Moving track; 3-Fixed track; 4-Car charger module; 5-Car platform; 6-Power supply module; 7-Walking mechanism; 8-Power inlet; 9-Locking screw; 10-Charging gun bracket; 11-Cable; 12-Reel; 13-Locking motor; 14-Transmission assembly; 15-Power supply port; 16-Locking hole; 17-Power supply; 18-Stroke controller. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] This invention proposes a modular charging system for multi-level parking garages, employing a modular and distributed design, including a vehicle charging module 4, a power supply module 6, a fixing block 1, a vehicle charging module track, and a vehicle charging module peripheral rotor system. Wherein:

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the car charger module 4 integrates a charging gun (the charging gun is not shown in the figure, only the charging gun bracket 10 is shown, and the charging gun is hung on the charging gun bracket 10), a reel 12, a power interface 8, a walking mechanism 7, and a locking mechanism. The charging gun is electrically connected to the power interface 8 through a cable 11. The middle section of the cable 11 is wound on the reel 12. The rotation of the reel 12 can trigger a charging signal. The walking mechanism 7 is used to drive the car charger module 4 to move along the car charger module track. The locking mechanism is used to lock and unlock the car charger module 4 when it is connected to the power supply module 6 or the fixing block 1.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, power supply modules 6 are distributed on the outside of each parking space, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, it integrates a power supply 17, a power supply port 15, and a structure for locking with the car charger module 4. The power supply 17 is electrically connected to the power supply port 15, and the power supply port 15 adopts a retractable structure.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fixing block 1 is installed on the vehicle platform 5 and integrates a structure for locking with the vehicle charging module 4;

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle charging module track includes a fixed track 3 and a movable track 2. The fixed track 3 is located outside the entry and exit positions, and the movable track 2 is located on the vehicle platform 5. When the vehicle platform 5 reaches the entry or exit position, the fixed track 3 connects with the movable track 2.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, after the car charger module 4 moves into place along the movable track 2, it docks with the fixed block 1. When the car charger module 4 moves from the vehicle platform 5 to the parking space, it docks with the power supply module 6. When the car charger module 4 and the power supply module 5 are docked and locked, the power supply port 15 is triggered to extend and connect to the power inlet 8.

[0029] The vehicle charging module rotation system is used to rotate the vehicle charging module 4 on the fixed track 3 outside the outgoing position to the fixed track 3 outside the incoming position.

[0030] When a vehicle needs to be charged in a multi-level parking garage, the entire system operates as follows:

[0031] 1) After the vehicle enters the parking space, the manual person inserts the charging gun on the vehicle charging module 4 outside the parking space into the charging port on the vehicle, which drives the reel 12 to rotate and trigger the charging signal.

[0032] 2) After receiving the charging signal, the walking mechanism 7 drives the car charger module 4 to move along the fixed track 3 and the movable track 2 in sequence until it docks with the fixed block 1. Then the locking mechanism locks the car charger module 4 with the fixed block 1, triggering the next action.

[0033] 3) The vehicle platform 5 moves the vehicle, the fixed block 1, and the car charger module 4 together to the parking space. The car charger module 4 is connected to the power supply module 6. Then the locking mechanism locks the car charger module 4 and the power supply module 6, triggering the power supply port 15 to extend and connect to the power connection port 8.

[0034] 4) Power supply 17 charges the vehicle sequentially through power supply port 15, power connection port 8, charging gun and charging port until charging is completed or the vehicle retrieval signal is received from the control system of the multi-level parking lot. Then the locking mechanism unlocks the vehicle charging module 4 from the power supply module 6 and locks it to the fixing block 1.

[0035] 5) After receiving the vehicle retrieval signal, the vehicle platform 5 moves the vehicle, the fixed block 1, and the vehicle charging module 4 together to the exit position, triggering the locking mechanism to unlock the vehicle charging module 4 from the fixed block 1. Then, the walking mechanism 7 moves the vehicle charging module 4 along the movable track 2 and the fixed track 3 to the outside of the exit position. The charging gun is manually pulled out and placed on the vehicle charging module 4.

[0036] 6) The vehicle charging module rotation system rotates the vehicle charging module 4 on the fixed track 3 outside the outgoing position to the fixed track 3 outside the incoming position. If there is already a vehicle charging module 4 on the fixed track outside the incoming position, it will be cached in the buffer area of ​​the vehicle charging module rotation system.

[0037] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, preferably, the locking mechanism includes a locking motor 13, a transmission assembly 14, and a locking screw 9 connected in sequence. The locking motor 13 drives the locking screw 9 to extend forward or backward spirally out of the car charger module 4 through the transmission assembly 14. The fixing block 1 and the power supply module 6 are respectively provided with locking holes 16 for threaded engagement with the locking screw 9. When the car charger module 4 is in the parking space, the front and rear ends of the car charger module 4 are respectively connected to the fixing block 1 and the power supply module 6. Then, if the locking screw 9 extends backward spirally out of the car charger module 4, the car charger module 4 is locked with the power supply module 6 and unlocked with the fixing block 1 at the same time. If the locking screw 9 extends forward spirally out of the car charger module 4, the car charger module 4 is unlocked with the power supply module 6 and locked with the fixing block 1 at the same time. This setting can achieve unlocking with one and locking with the other in one set of actions, which increases efficiency, and the connection is stable through the locking screw 9 and the locking hole 16.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the car charger module 4 has three locking screws 9 arranged in a triangle, and the locking motor 13 drives the three locking screws 9 to move synchronously through the transmission assembly 14. This arrangement can increase the stability of the connection when locking. The transmission assembly 14 can be a common screw drive or gear drive.

[0039] like Figure 7As shown, preferably, both the fixing block 1 and the power supply module 6 are equipped with stroke controllers 18 in their locking holes 16. When the stroke controller 18 of the fixing block 1 is triggered, it controls the locking screw 9 to stop moving and the vehicle platform 5 to proceed to the next step. When the stroke controller 18 of the power supply module 6 is triggered, it controls the power supply 17 to start supplying power. This setting automates the charging process, and the next step is triggered by the stroke reaching its limit, which is relatively reliable.

[0040] The walking mechanism 7 and the locking mechanism are energy-consuming components on the car charger module 4. Since the car charger module 4 needs to be frequently moved around, if it is powered only by a battery, a special charging position needs to be set up for it. Therefore, preferably, the car charger module rail supplies power to the walking mechanism 7 and the locking mechanism through rail power supply, so that there is no need to set up a special charging position for them.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, preferably, the vehicle charging module rotation system includes a turnover track connecting the fixed track 3 outside the entry position and the fixed track 3 outside the exit position. The turnover track has a buffer area, and a turntable is provided at a certain point on the turnover track for turning the vehicle charging module 4 around (when the vehicle is rotated and turned around by the vehicle platform 5 before exiting the warehouse, the vehicle charging module 4 will also turn around; therefore, the vehicle charging module 4 needs to be turned around and sent to the outside of the entry position to avoid misalignment of the interfaces). Sensing components for determining whether a vehicle charging module 4 is present are provided at the positions of the fixed tracks 3 outside the entry and exit positions. This setup allows for the turnover of the vehicle charging module 4 using the simplest structure while also considering the buffering issue.

[0042] This system adopts a modular design, with the charging end and power supply end designed independently and separately. It can be used in newly built multi-level parking lots as well as for the renovation of existing multi-level parking lots. The system only requires manual operation at the entry position, where the charging gun is inserted into the charging port on the vehicle. The rest of the charging steps are completed automatically. It does not require image processing functions or intelligent robotic arms, has a low cost, and occupies a small size, making it practically usable and easy to promote. In this system, the charging module 4 enters and exits the vehicle platform 5 at the entry and exit positions via the charging module track. The locking mechanism locks and unlocks the charging module 4 with the fixed block 1 or the power supply module 6, which not only allows the charging module 4 to be transported with the vehicle platform 5, but also ensures safety during the transportation process and fixes the docking position of the charging module 4, thus ensuring good safety. In this system, the charging gun on the charging module 4 outside the entry position is inserted into the charging port on the vehicle, which drives the reel 12 to rotate and trigger the charging signal, eliminating the need for scanning codes or screen operations, resulting in a better user experience.

[0043] The embodiments described above are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The detailed description of the embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A modular charging system for multi-level parking garages, characterized in that: It includes a car charger module, a power supply module, a fixing block, a car charger module track, and a car charger module circumferential rotor system. The car charger module integrates a charging gun, a reel, a power interface, a walking mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The charging gun is electrically connected to the power interface via a cable. The middle section of the cable is wound on the reel. The rotation of the reel can trigger a charging signal. The walking mechanism is used to drive the car charger module to move along the car charger module track. The locking mechanism is used to lock and unlock the car charger module when it is connected to the power supply module or the fixing block. The power supply module is distributed on the outside of each parking space. It integrates a power supply, a power supply port, and a structure for locking with the car charger module. The power supply is electrically connected to the power supply port, which has a retractable structure. The fixed block is installed on the vehicle platform and integrates a structure for locking with the vehicle charging module; the vehicle charging module track includes a fixed track and a movable track. The fixed track is located outside the entry and exit positions, and the movable track is located on the vehicle platform. When the vehicle platform reaches the entry or exit position, the fixed track connects with the movable track; after the vehicle charging module moves to its position along the movable track, it connects with the fixed block; when the vehicle charging module moves from the vehicle platform to the parking position, it connects with the power supply module; when the vehicle charging module and the power supply module are connected and locked, the power supply port extends and connects to the power interface. The vehicle charging module rotation system is used to rotate the vehicle charging modules on the fixed track outside the outgoing position to the fixed track outside the incoming position; When a vehicle needs to be charged in a multi-level parking garage, the entire system operates as follows: 1) After the vehicle enters the parking space, the operator inserts the charging gun from the charging module on the outside of the parking space into the charging port on the vehicle, causing the reel to rotate and triggering a charging signal; 2) After receiving the charging signal, the traveling mechanism moves the charging module along the fixed track and the moving track until it docks with the fixed block. Then, the locking mechanism locks the charging module with the fixed block, triggering the next step; 3) The vehicle platform moves the vehicle, the fixed block, and the charging module together to the parking space. The charging module docks with the power supply module, and then the locking mechanism locks the charging module with the power supply module, triggering the power supply port to extend and connect to the power interface. 4) The power supply sequentially charges the vehicle through the power supply port, power connection port, charging gun, and charging port until charging is complete or a vehicle retrieval signal is received from the control system of the multi-level parking garage. Then, the locking mechanism unlocks the vehicle charging module from the power supply module and locks it to the fixed block. 5) After receiving the vehicle retrieval signal, the vehicle platform moves the vehicle, fixed block, and vehicle charging module together to the exit position, triggering the locking mechanism to unlock the vehicle charging module from the fixed block. Then, the walking mechanism moves the vehicle charging module sequentially along the movable track and the fixed track to the outside of the exit position. The charging gun is manually removed and placed on the vehicle charging module. 6) The vehicle charging module rotation system rotates the vehicle charging module on the fixed track outside the exit position to the fixed track outside the entry position. If there is already a vehicle charging module on the fixed track outside the entry position, it is first buffered in the buffer area of ​​the vehicle charging module rotation system.

2. The modular charging system for multi-level parking garages as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a locking motor, a transmission assembly, and a locking screw connected in sequence. The locking motor drives the locking screw to extend forward or backward from the car charger module via the transmission assembly. The fixing block and the power supply module are respectively provided with locking holes for threaded engagement with the locking screw. When the car charger module is in the parking space, the front and rear ends of the car charger module are respectively connected to the fixing block and the power supply module. Then, if the locking screw extends backward from the car charger module, the car charger module is locked to the power supply module and unlocked from the fixing block at the same time. If the locking screw extends forward from the car charger module, the car charger module is unlocked from the power supply module and locked to the fixing block at the same time.

3. The modular charging system for multi-level parking garages as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The car charger module has three locking screws arranged in a triangle. The locking motor drives the three locking screws to move synchronously through the transmission component.

4. The modular charging system for multi-level parking garages as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both the fixing block and the power supply module have a stroke controller in their locking holes. When the stroke controller of the fixing block is triggered, it controls the locking screw to stop moving and the vehicle platform to proceed to the next action. When the stroke controller of the power supply module is triggered, it controls the power supply to start supplying power.

5. The modular charging system for multi-level parking garages as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle charger module rail supplies power to the walking mechanism and locking mechanism via rail power supply.

6. The modular charging system for multi-level parking garages as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle charging module rotation system includes a turnover track connecting the outer fixed track of the entry position and the outer fixed track of the exit position. The turnover track is equipped with a buffer area and a turntable for turning the vehicle charging module around at a certain point. Sensor components for determining whether there is a vehicle charging module are installed at the positions of the outer fixed tracks of the entry and exit positions.

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