Charging device

Abstract

Charging device installed at the bottom of a recess in a floor and configured to charge an energy storage device attached to a vehicle, wherein the charging device comprises: a movable unit (300a) with a connecting device configured to be connected to the energy storage device; an extension and retraction device (306) configured to cause the movable unit (300a) to extend or retract between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movable unit (300a) is housed below the floor, and the second state is a state in which the movable unit (300a) is exposed above the floor and the energy storage device and the connecting device are connectable to each other; a detection device (310; 312) configured to detect an obstacle above the moving unit (300a); and a control device (308) that is configured to to control operations of the extension and retraction device (306), and to prevent the extension of the movable unit (300a) when a determination is made that the movable unit (300a) is in the first state and the obstacle is present above the movable unit (300a), based on a detection result from the detection device (310; 312), characterized in that the control device (308) is configured to: to communicate with a device outside the charging device; If the extension of the movable unit (300a) is prevented, information about a request to allow the extension of the movable unit (300a) is to be sent to the device outside the loading device; and to cease preventing the extension of the movable unit (300a) when information indicating that the extension of the movable unit (300a) is permitted is received by the device outside the loading device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging apparatus configured to charge an on-board energy storage device. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Charging devices for charging energy storage devices mounted on vehicles or the like are installed in parking lots or sidewalks outside the vehicles or the like. However, these charging devices can obstruct pedestrians while walking or vehicles while driving because they occupy installation space. Therefore, a technology is known in which the charging device is movable and, for example, is housed below ground.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication JP 2011-109807 A discloses a charging post that is extendable or retractable to stand on the ground or be housed below the ground. Furthermore, WO 2019 / 215423 A1 describes an electric vehicle charging station comprising a housing for underground installation, which has a base, a side wall, and a top wall defining an interior space, with an opening provided in the top wall, a post, a load sensor provided on the post for detecting a load on the post or provided on the housing, and a socket for connecting to a power supply and receiving a power plug of an electric vehicle.The socket is mounted in a side of the column and near a top end of the column, wherein a bottom end of the column can be received in the housing and the column can be moved through the opening between a retracted position for storing the column within the interior of the housing underground and an extended position above ground for carrying the socket outside the housing above ground.Furthermore, the interpublished document EP 3 865 337 A1 discloses a charging station for charging a battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a main body with a base part positioned in a substructure and a charging part, wherein the charging part comprises an electrical socket for connection to the electric vehicle, a lifting device for moving the charging part between a first position in which the charging part is located in the base part and a second position in which the charging part is in a raised position outside the base part and above the substructure, and a lifting control for activating the lifting device to move the charging part between the first position and the second position. The charging station is capable of charging the vehicle when the charging part is in the first position within the base part. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The movable, extendable and retractable loader described above can automatically rest on the ground to improve comfort. If the loader automatically extends or rises, but an obstacle is present above the loader housed below the ground, the obstacle may contact the loader and apply a load to the extension and retraction mechanism, causing a malfunction in the loader.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging device that prevents malfunction when an obstacle is present above the charging device.

[0006] The above object is achieved according to the invention by a charging device according to claim 1. Further features and advantageous developments are shown in the subclaims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a charging device is installed at the bottom of a depression in a ground and configured to charge a vehicle-mounted energy storage device. The charging device includes a movable unit, an extension and retraction device, a sensing device, and a control device. The movable unit includes a connecting device configured to be connectable to the energy storage device. The extension and retraction device is configured to cause the movable unit to extend or retract between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the movable unit is housed below the ground.The second state is a state in which the movable unit is exposed above the ground and the energy storage device and the connection device can be connected to each other. The detection device is configured to detect an obstacle above the movable unit. The control device is configured to control operations of the extension and retraction device. The control device is configured to prohibit extension of the movable unit when a determination is made that the movable unit is in the first state and the obstacle is present above the movable unit, based on a detection result from the detection device.

[0008] This prevents the movable unit from extending or ascending if it detects that the obstacle is above the movable unit. Therefore, the load on the extending and retracting device is prevented. As a result, malfunctions of the loading device can be prevented.

[0009] In the charging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control device is configured to communicate with a device external to the charging device. Here, the control device is configured to send information about a request as to whether to permit the extension of the movable unit to the device external to the charging device when the extension of the movable unit is prohibited. The control device may be configured to stop prohibiting the extension of the movable unit when information indicating that the extension of the movable unit is permitted is received from the device external to the charging device.

[0010] The operations of the extending and retracting device can be controlled so that the movable unit changes from the first state to the second state in response to a user's request.

[0011] In the loading device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the detection device is configured to detect a weight of the obstacle placed on an upper surface of the movable unit. The control device is configured to determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit when the weight of the obstacle detected using the detection device is greater than a first threshold.

[0012] The detection device can be used to determine with high accuracy whether the obstacle is located above the moving unit.

[0013] In the charging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the detection device is configured to detect a state quantity corresponding to a movement amount of the movable unit. The control device is configured to determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit when the movement amount of the movable unit is less than a second threshold based on a result of detecting the state quantity during application of an extension force to the movable unit in the first state using the extension and retraction device.

[0014] The detection device can be used to determine with high accuracy whether the obstacle is located above the moving unit.

[0015] In the charging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the detection device is configured to detect a distance from the obstacle above the movable unit. The control device is configured to determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit when the distance detected using the detection device is less than a third threshold.

[0016] The detection device can be used to determine with high accuracy whether the obstacle is located above the moving unit.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the charging device that prevents a malfunction when an obstacle is present above the charging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements and in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structures of a motor vehicle and a charging station whose movable unit is housed below the ground; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structures of the motor vehicle and the charging station whose movable unit is exposed above the ground; Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of charging stations and parking spaces; Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of charging stations and parking spaces; Fig. 5 is a diagram for describing a case where a heavy object is placed on top of the charging station; Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processes to be executed by a control device of the charging station; Fig. 7 is a timing chart for describing an example of operations of the charging station control device; Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processes to be executed by the control device of the charging station according to a modified example; and Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the processes to be executed by the control device of the charging station according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like or corresponding parts are designated by like reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[0020] As an example, the structure of a charging station 300 serving as a charging device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structures of a motor vehicle 200 and the charging station 300 whose movable unit 300a (described later) is housed below the floor. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structures of the motor vehicle 200 and the charging station 300 whose movable unit 300a is exposed above the ground.

[0021] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the charging station 300 is between a first state (see Fig. 1), in which the upper end is positioned substantially flush with the floor and the movable unit 300a is housed below the floor, and a second state (see Fig. 2), in which the upper end rises or extends to a predetermined position above the ground and the movable unit 300a is exposed, extendable or retractable.

[0022] The charging station 300 comprises, for example, a cylindrical housing and is installed on the underside of a recess in the ground. The recess in the ground is spaced a predetermined distance from the outer peripheral surface of the housing of the charging station 300, and the depth of the recess is approximately equal to the vertical length of the charging station 300 in the first state.

[0023] The charging station 300 includes the movable unit 300a and a stationary unit 300b. A housing space adapted to receive a plug 302 is formed on top of the movable unit 300a. The plug 302 is connected to one end of a cable 304, the other end of which is connected to a power supply 350. The power supply 350 is an AC power supply, such as a mains power supply. The cable 304 includes, for example, a shaping stretchable and contractible portion including a coil portion or a structural stretchable and contractible portion including a receiving structure. When the plug 302 is worn, the cable 304 is stretchable up to an inlet 220 of the motor vehicle 200 parked in a parking space.

[0024] A weight sensor 310 is provided on the top surface of the movable unit 300a. The weight sensor 310 is a detection device configured to detect whether a heavy object is placed on the top surface of the movable unit 300a. Specifically, the weight sensor 310 detects a weight applied to the top surface of the movable unit 300a. The weight sensor 310 transmits a signal indicating the weight to a control device 308.

[0025] The stationary unit 300b is mounted at the bottom of the recess in the ground. The stationary unit 300b can be mounted anywhere in the recess and does not necessarily have to be mounted at the bottom or underside of the recess.

[0026] The stationary unit 300b includes an extension and retraction device 306 configured to cause the movable unit 300a to extend or retract in the vertical direction, the control device 308 configured to control the operations of the extension and retraction device 306, and a movement amount sensor 312.

[0027] The extension and retraction device 306 includes an actuator configured to cause the movable unit 300a to extend or retract. For example, the extension and retraction device 306 may include a rack and pinion mechanism configured to cause the movable unit 300a to extend or retract by rotating a pinion gear meshed with a rack gear attached to the movable unit 300a with an electric actuator, a mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder in which a rod connected to a piston is attached to the movable unit 300a and configured to cause the movable unit 300a to extend or retract by increasing or decreasing hydraulic pressure to be supplied to a cylinder body attached to the stationary unit 300b, or a mechanism configuredto cause the movable unit 300a to extend or retract by generating a repulsive force based on a magnetic force between the movable unit 300a and the stationary unit 300b.

[0028] The extension and retraction device 306 is configured so that the movable unit 300a does not retract below a position corresponding to the first state and does not extend above a position corresponding to the second state, for example, by using stop mechanisms.

[0029] The movement amount sensor 312 detects a movement amount of the movable unit 300a. For example, the movement amount sensor 312 detects an extension and retraction amount of the movable unit 300a using the extension and retraction device 306 as the movement amount of the movable unit 300a. The movement amount sensor 312 sends a signal indicating the detected movement amount of the movable unit 300a to the controller 308. The movement amount sensor 312 can detect a state quantity corresponding to the extension and retraction amount, such as an operation amount of the actuator, and the controller 308 can detect the extension and retraction amount based on the detected state quantity.

[0030] The control device 308 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 308a, a memory 308b including a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and a communicator 308c capable of communicating with external devices. The control device 308 controls electrical devices (e.g., the extension and retraction device 306) provided in the charging station 300 based on information stored in the memory 308b, information received via the communicator 308c, or information detected by the weight sensor 310, the movement amount sensor 312, or other sensors (not shown). The electrical devices can be controlled not only by a structure in which the CPU 300a executes software processes, but also by a structure consisting of dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0031] The communicator 308c can exchange various types of information with devices external to the charging station 300. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows an example in which the communicator 308c and the motor vehicle 200 can communicate with each other. For example, the communicator 308c can communicate with a management server (not shown), with the motor vehicle 200 (in particular with a communication device 204 described later), with a mobile terminal (not shown) of a user who wishes to charge at the charging station 300, or with other charging stations 300.

[0032] For example, the communicator 308c can communicate with the management server or other charging stations 300 via wired communication. Alternatively, the communicator 308c can communicate with the management server, the motor vehicle 200, the mobile terminal, or other charging stations 300, for example, via wireless communication.

[0033] For example, when an execution condition for the extension control is met, the control device 308 executes the extension control on the extension and retraction device 306 to transfer the charging station 300 from the first state to the second state. The execution condition for the extension control includes, for example, the condition that the charging station 300 is in the first state and the condition that a request to execute the extension control (hereinafter referred to as an "extension request") is made for the charging station 300. The extension request can be received, for example, from the management server, the motor vehicle 200, the mobile terminal, or another charging station 300.

[0034] For example, when an execution condition for the retraction control is met, the control device 308 executes the retraction control on the extension and retraction device 306 to transfer the charging station 300 from the second state to the first state. The execution condition for the retraction control includes, for example, the condition that the charging station 300 is in the second state and the condition that a request to execute the retraction control (hereinafter referred to as a "retraction request") for the charging station 300 has been made. The retraction request can be received, for example, from the management server, the motor vehicle 200, the mobile terminal, or another charging station 300.

[0035] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show another example of the structure of the motor vehicle 200, which is parked in a parking space where charging at the charging station 300 is possible. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the motor vehicle 200 is a vehicle with an energy storage device, for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The motor vehicle 200 only needs to be supplied with electrical energy from the charging station 300 and is not limited to the vehicles described above. The motor vehicle 200 can, for example, be a vehicle that includes an energy storage device for an external energy supply.

[0036] The motor vehicle 200 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 202, the communication device 204, a charger 212, a battery 214, an inverter 216, a motor generator 218, and the intake 220.

[0037] The ECU 202 includes a CPU and a memory including a ROM and a RAM. The ECU 202 controls electrical devices (e.g., the charger 212 or the inverter 216) provided in the motor vehicle 200 based on information stored in the memory or information detected by sensors (not shown).

[0038] The communication device 204 can exchange various types of information with outside the motor vehicle 200. For example, the communication device 204 can communicate with the management server (not shown), with the mobile terminal (not shown) of the user who wishes to charge at the charging station 300, or with other charging stations 300.

[0039] When alternating current is supplied from the inlet 220, the charger 212 converts the supplied alternating current to direct current (DC) and supplies the DC current to the battery 214. The battery 214 is charged by the operation of the charger 212. For example, the charger 212 is controlled based on a control signal from the ECU 202.

[0040] Battery 214 is, for example, a rechargeable energy storage element, typically a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery with a liquid or solid electrolyte. Alternatively, battery 214 may also be an energy storage device capable of storing electrical energy. For example, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of battery 214.

[0041] For example, the inverter 216 converts direct current from the battery 214 into alternating current and supplies the alternating current to the motor generator 218. For example, the inverter 216 converts alternating current from the motor generator 218 (regenerative power) into direct current and supplies the direct current to the battery 214 to charge the battery 214.

[0042] The motor generator 218 provides rotational power to the drive wheels 222 by supplying them with electrical energy from the inverter 216. The drive wheels 222 are rotated by the rotational power output from the motor generator 218 to set the motor vehicle 200 in motion.

[0043] The inlet 220 is provided, together with a cover (not shown), e.g., a lid, on a part of the exterior of the motor vehicle 200. The inlet 220 is an energy absorption device configured to receive charging power supplied by an external charging device (e.g., the charging station 300). The inlet 220 is shaped such that the plug 302 of the charging station 300 can be attached to the inlet 220. Both the inlet 220 and the plug 302 are provided with contacts. When the plug 302 is attached to the inlet 220, the contacts are brought into contact with each other, and the inlet 220 and the plug 302 are electrically connected. The battery 214 of the motor vehicle 200 can be charged with the electrical energy supplied by the charging station 300.

[0044] The charging stations 300 may be installed on a sidewalk adjacent to a plurality of parking spaces in a parking lot or on a sidewalk adjacent to a plurality of parking spaces along a street. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of the charging stations 300 and the parking spaces 400. As in Fig. 3, the charging stations 300 are installed at positions adjacent to the respective parking spaces 400 when the parking spaces 400 are arranged next to each other via dividing lines 402 at a plurality of positions in a parking lot. Fig. 3 shows, for example, a structure in which a sidewalk 500 is provided at one longitudinal end of each parking space 400 (right side on the drawing sheet of Fig. 3). In this case, the charging stations 300 are installed along the sidewalk 500. When the motor vehicle 200 is parked in one of the parking spaces 400 and the charging station 300 is in the second state, the user removes the plug 302 from the charging station 300 and connects the plug 302 to the inlet 220 of the motor vehicle 200.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the charging stations 300 and the parking spaces 410. As in Fig. 4, the charging stations 300 are installed at positions adjacent to the respective parking spaces 410 when the parking spaces 410 are lined up at a plurality of positions along a road along dividing lines 412. Fig. For example, Figure 4 shows a structure in which the parking spaces 410 are arranged along a sidewalk 510. In this case, the charging stations 300 are installed along the sidewalk 510. When the motor vehicle 200 is parked in one of the parking spaces 410 and the charging station 300 is in the second state, the user takes the plug 302 from the nearest charging station 300 and connects the plug 302 to the inlet 220 of the motor vehicle 200.

[0046] When the charging station 300 is in the first state, the user sends an extension request to the charging station 300 via the mobile terminal or the management server. In response to the extension request, the control device 308 of the charging station 300 controls the extension and retraction device 306 to set the second state.

[0047] The movable charging station 300, which is extendable or retractable as described above, can be automatically released above the ground by means of the extension and retraction device 306 to improve convenience.

[0048] However, when the charging station 300 automatically moves upwards, there may be an obstacle above the charging station 300, which is located below the ground. Fig. 5 is a diagram for describing a case where a heavy object 600 is placed on top of the charging station 300. For example, the user may place the heavy object 600 on top of the charging station 300 as shown in Fig. 5, or the vehicle may drive onto a sidewalk and a tire may be on top of the charging station 300. When the charging station 300 extends in this state, a load may be applied to the extension and retraction device 306, resulting in a malfunction of the charging station 300.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control device 308 of the charging station 300 prevents the extension of the movable unit 300a when it is determined that the movable unit 300a is in the first state in which the movable unit 300a is housed below the ground and an obstacle is present above the movable unit 300a.

[0050] Through the above-described operation, the extension of the movable unit 300a is prevented when it is determined that an obstacle exists above the movable unit 300a. Therefore, the load on the extension and retraction device 306 is prevented. As a result, the malfunction of the charging station 300 can be prevented.

[0051] An example of control processes to be executed by the control device 308 is described below with reference to Fig. 6 described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processes to be executed by the control device 308. The series of processes illustrated in this flowchart are repeated by the control device 308 every predetermined control period.

[0052] In step 100 (hereinafter referred to as "S"), the controller 308 determines whether a request to execute the extension control has been made. For example, the controller 308 may determine that the request to execute the extension control has been made if a current time is within a time frame for executing the extension control.

[0053] Alternatively, the control device 308 may determine that the request to execute the extension control has been made when information indicating the request to execute the extension control is received via the communicator 308c from an external device such as the management server, the motor vehicle 200, the mobile terminal, or another charging station 300. If it is determined that the request to execute the extension control has been made ("YES" in S100), the processes proceed to S102.

[0054] In S102, the controller 308 detects a weight applied to the top surface of the movable unit 300a (hereinafter referred to as "top surface weight"). For example, the controller 308 detects a weight determined using the weight sensor 310 as the top surface weight.

[0055] In S104, the controller 308 determines whether the detected top surface weight is greater than a threshold value Wa. If it is determined that the top surface weight is greater than the threshold value Wa ("YES" in S104), the processes proceed to S106. The threshold value Wa is an example of a first threshold value.

[0056] In S106, the control device 308 prohibits the extension control because there is an obstacle above the movable unit 300a.

[0057] In S108, the controller 308 executes notification control. The notification control includes the control for transmitting information about a request as to whether the extension of the mobile unit 300a should be permitted to the management server, the motor vehicle 200, or the mobile terminal.

[0058] In S110, the control device 308 determines whether information indicating permission for the extension of the mobile unit 300a is received from the external device. When the user inputs the information indicating permission for the extension of the mobile unit 300a, for example, into the mobile terminal or an input device of the motor vehicle 200, the mobile terminal or the motor vehicle 200 sends the input information to the charging station 300 directly or via the management server. For example, the control device 308 determines that the information indicating permission for the extension of the mobile unit 300a is received from the external device if the information is received before a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the time of prohibiting the extension control.When it is determined that the information indicating permission to extend the movable unit 300a is received from the external device ("YES" in S110), the processes proceed to S112.

[0059] In S112, the controller 308 executes the extension control. The controller 308 controls the extension and retraction device 306 to cause the movable unit 300a to ascend or extend to the position corresponding to the second state. If it is determined that the information indicating permission to extend the movable unit 300a is not received from the external device ("NO" in S110), the processes are terminated.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 7, an example of the operations of the control device 308 of this embodiment will be described based on the structure and flowchart described above. Fig. 7 is a timing chart for describing the operations of the control device 308 of the charging station 300. A vertical axis of Fig. 7 represents whether a heavy object is present, whether an extension request is made for the charging station 300, and an extended or retracted state of the charging station 300. The horizontal axis in Fig. 7 represents time. In Fig. 7, “LN1” represents an example of a change in relation to whether a heavy object is present. In Fig. 7, “LN2” represents another example of a change related to the presence of a heavy object. In Fig. 7, “LN3” represents a change in whether an exit request is made for the charging station 300. In Fig. 7, “LN4” represents an example of a change in the extended or retracted state of the charging station 300. In Fig. 7, “LN5” represents another example of changing the extended or retracted state of the charging station 300. For example, assume that the charging station 300 is in a retracted state (first state).

[0061] For example, as indicated by “LN1” in Fig. 7, it is assumed that a heavy object such as a piece of luggage whose weight is greater than the threshold Wa is placed on the upper surface of the movable unit 300a of the charging station 300 at a time T(0), and this state is maintained after the time T(0).

[0062] If a request to execute the extension control (“YES” in S100) is made at a time T(2) as indicated by “LN3” in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a weight of the upper surface is detected (S102). Since the detected surface weight is greater than the threshold value Wa ("YES" in S104), the extension control is inhibited (S106) and the notification control is executed (S108). Therefore, the retracted state of the charging station 300 is maintained, as indicated by "LN5" in Fig. 7. By executing the notification control, information about a request to allow the extension of the movable unit is transmitted to the user. If the user removes the heavy object and transmits information about allowing the extension of the movable unit 300a to the charging station 300, the extension control is executed. If the user does not transmit the information, the retracted state is maintained.

[0063] As indicated by “LN2” in Fig. 7, it is assumed that a heavy object such as a piece of luggage whose weight is greater than the threshold Wa is placed on the upper surface of the movable unit 300a of the loading station 300 at time T(0), and then the placed heavy object is removed at time T(1).

[0064] If at time T(2), the Fig. 7 by "LN3", an extension control is requested ("YES" in S100), a weight of the upper surface is detected (S102). Since the detected upper surface weight is equal to or less than the threshold value Wa ("NO" in S104), the extension control is executed (S112). Therefore, the charging station 300 is transferred from the first state to the second state, as indicated by "LN4" in Fig. 7 shown.

[0065] In the charging station 300 serving as the charging device according to the above-described embodiment, the extension of the movable unit 300a is prohibited or inhibited when it is determined that an obstacle is present above the movable unit 300a. Therefore, the load on the extension and retraction device 306 is inhibited. As a result, the malfunction of the charging station 300 can be inhibited. Thus, it is possible to provide a charging device that inhibits malfunction when an obstacle is present above the charging device.

[0066] When the extension of the movable unit 300a is prohibited, the information requesting whether to permit the extension of the movable unit 300a is transmitted to the external device. The prohibition of the extension of the movable unit 300a is terminated when the information indicating permission to extend the movable unit 300a is received from the external device. Therefore, the operations of the extension and retraction device 306 can be controlled so that the movable unit 300a is switched from the first state to the second state in response to the user's request.

[0067] With the help of the weight sensor 310 it can be determined with high accuracy whether there is an obstacle above the movable unit.

[0068] Modified examples are described below. In the exemplary embodiment described above, the power supply 350 is the AC power supply, but it can also be a DC power supply. In this case, the motor vehicle 200 can, for example, be constructed such that the charging device 212 is omitted.

[0069] For example, the above-described embodiment refers to the structure in which the connector 302 is housed in the housing space on the top side of the movable unit 300a. For example, a socket may be exposed on the side of the top side of the movable unit 300a. With this structure, the user can charge the battery 214 mounted on the motor vehicle 200 by connecting the inlet 220 of the motor vehicle 200 to the socket of the charging station 300 with a separately prepared connection cable. Alternatively, a connector may be provided on the top side of the movable unit 300a, which can be connected to an inlet provided on the bottom side of the motor vehicle 200. With this structure, the inlet of the motor vehicle 200 and the charging station are electrically connected by setting the movable unit 300a to the second state.Therefore, the user can charge the battery 214 attached to the motor vehicle 200 without connecting the inlet of the motor vehicle 200 and the charging station.

[0070] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the housing of the charging station 300 has a cylindrical shape, but it only needs to have a shape that allows for extension and retraction movements, and the shape is not particularly limited to the cylindrical shape. For example, the housing of the charging station 300 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, whether an obstacle is present above the movable unit 300a is determined based on the detection result of the weight sensor 310. Specifically, the sensor for detecting whether an obstacle is present above the movable unit 300a is not limited to the weight sensor 310 and may be, for example, a measuring device provided above the movable unit 300a instead of the weight sensor 310 and configured to measure a distance to an obstacle above the movable unit 300a. Examples of the measuring device include an ultrasonic sensor and a camera.That is, the controller 308 may measure a distance from an obstacle above the movable unit 300a in the first state and determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit when the measured distance from the obstacle is less than a third threshold.

[0072] In this case, the control device 308 executes processes shown in a flowchart in Fig. 8 are shown. Fig. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes to be executed by the control device of the charging station according to a modified example. The flowchart of Fig. 8 differs from the flowchart of Fig. 6 in that a process of detecting a distance from an obstacle using the measuring device is executed as a process of S152 instead of the process of S102, and a process of determining whether the distance from the obstacle is smaller than the third threshold is executed as a process of S154 instead of the process of S104. The other processes are similar to the processes shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6, and therefore, a detailed description will not be repeated. In this case, too, it can be determined with high accuracy whether an obstacle exists above the movable unit 300a, and the extension of the movable unit 300a is prevented if the obstacle is determined to be present. Therefore, the load on the extension and retraction device 306 is prevented.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, whether an obstacle exists above the movable unit 300a is determined based on the detection result of the weight sensor 310. Specifically, the sensor for detecting whether an obstacle exists above the movable unit 300a is not limited to the weight sensor 310, but may be, for example, the movement amount sensor 312. That is, the controller 308 can determine that an obstacle exists above the movable unit 300a when the movement amount sensor 312 detects that the movable unit 300a is not moving even though an increasing force is applied to the movable unit 300a in the first state.

[0074] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processes to be executed by the charging station controller according to a modified example.

[0075] In S200, the control device 308 determines whether a request to execute the extension control is made. The determination process is similar to the determination process in the process of S100 in the flowchart of Fig. 6, and therefore a detailed description will not be repeated. If it is determined that the request to execute the extension control is received ("YES" in S200), the processes proceed to S202.

[0076] In S202, the control device 308 executes the extension control. That is, the control device 308 controls the extending and retracting device 306 to switch the first state to the second state.

[0077] In S204, the controller 308 determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed from the time the extension control was executed. The predetermined time period is set, for example, so that the load on the extension and retraction device 306 does not cause a malfunction even if the movable unit 300a cannot extend due to a heavy object placed on top of the movable unit 300a. The predetermined time period is set through trials or the like. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed ("YES" in S204), the process proceeds to S206. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed ("NO" in S204), the process returns to S204.

[0078] In S206, the controller 308 determines whether the rising amount of the movable unit 300a is equal to or less than a threshold value La. The controller 308 determines the rising amount of the movable unit 300a based on a detection result of the movement amount sensor 312. The threshold value La is, for example, a lower limit of a range within which the movable unit 300a can extend when the extension control is continued for the predetermined period of time. The threshold value La is a predetermined value set through experiments or the like. If it is determined that the rising amount of the movable unit 300a is equal to or less than the threshold value La ("YES" in S206), the processes proceed to S208. The threshold value La is an example of a second threshold value.

[0079] In S208, the controller 308 inhibits the extension control. For example, the controller 308 may control the extension and retraction device 306 to set the first state.

[0080] In S210, the controller 308 continues the extension control. The controller 308 controls the extending and retracting device 306 to set the second state.

[0081] The operations of the controller 308 according to the modified example described above will be described. Assume that a heavy object such as a person or luggage is placed on top of the movable unit 300a of the charging station 300. When the extension control is requested ("YES" in S200), the extension control is executed (S202). When the predetermined time period has elapsed from the time the extension control is executed ("YES" in S204), it is determined whether the extension amount is equal to or less than the threshold value La (S206). If the movable unit 300a does not rise due to the placed heavy object, it is determined that the rise amount is equal to or less than the threshold value La ("YES" in S206). Then, the extension control is prohibited (S208).

[0082] In this case, too, the extension of the movable unit 300a is prevented when the heavy object is placed on top of the movable unit 300a. Therefore, the load on the extension and retraction device 306 is prevented. As a result, the malfunction of the charging station 300 can be prevented.

[0083] All or part of the modified examples can be combined as needed. It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative but not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include meanings of equivalents to the elements in the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0084] A charging device comprises a movable unit (300a), an extension and retraction device (306), a detection device (310; 312), and a control device (308). The movable unit (300a) comprises a connection device configured to be connected to an energy storage device. The extension and retraction device (306) causes the movable unit (300a) to extend or retract between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the movable unit (300a) is housed below the ground. The detection device (310; 312) detects an obstacle above the movable unit (300a).The control device (308) prevents the movable unit (300a) from extending if it is determined, based on a detection result of the detection device (310; 312), that the movable unit (300a) is in the first state and the obstacle is present above the movable unit (300a).

Claims

[1] A charging device installed at the bottom of a recess in a floor and configured to charge an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle, the charging device comprising: a movable unit (300a) having a connecting device configured to be connected to the energy storage device; an extension and retraction device (306) configured to cause the movable unit (300a) to extend or retract between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movable unit (300a) is housed below the ground, and the second state is a state in which the movable unit (300a) is exposed above the ground and the energy storage device and the connecting device are connectable to each other; a detection device (310; 312) configured to detect an obstacle above the movable unit (300a); and a control device (308) configured to to control operations of the extending and retracting device (306), and to prevent extension of the movable unit (300a) when a determination is made that the movable unit (300a) is in the first state and the obstacle is present above the movable unit (300a), based on a detection result from the detection device (310; 312) characterized by that the control device (308) is configured to: to communicate with a device external to the charging device; if the extension of the movable unit (300a) is prohibited, to send information about a request as to whether the extension of the movable unit (300a) is to be permitted to the device outside the charging device; and to stop prohibiting the extension of the movable unit (300a) when information indicating permission to extend the movable unit (300a) is received from the device outside the charging device. [2] Charging device according to claim 1, wherein: the detection device (310; 312) is configured to detect a weight of the obstacle placed on an upper surface of the movable unit (300a); and the control device (308) is configured to determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit (300a) when the weight of the obstacle detected using the detection device (310; 312) is greater than a first threshold. [3] Charging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the detection device (310; 312) is configured to detect a state variable corresponding to a movement amount of the movable unit (300a); and the control device (308) is configured to determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit (300a) when the amount of movement of the movable unit (300a) is less than a second threshold based on a result of detecting the state quantity during application of an extension force to the movable unit (300a) in the first state using the extension and retraction device (306). [4] Charging device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the detection device (310; 312) is configured to detect a distance from the obstacle above the movable unit (300a); and the control device (308) is configured to determine that the obstacle is present above the movable unit (300a) when the distance detected using the detection device (310; 312) is less than a third threshold value.

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