Vehicle charger

Abstract

Vehicle charger (1) comprising a base unit (2c), a sliding body (3A) on which a connector (5) is arranged that fits an inlet (210) in a vehicle (200), wherein the sliding body is slidably supported by the base unit (2c), and a guide structure (60A) which is guided between the base unit (2c) and the sliding body (3A), has a curved section (66) which is curved in a U-shape and follows a movement of the sliding body (3A) while a position of the curved section (66) is changed.The guide structure (60A) comprises, for example, a first outer element (61), a first electrical wire (63) inserted into the first outer element (61), a second outer element (62) and a second electrical wire (64) inserted into the second outer element (62), wherein an outer diameter of the second electrical wire (64) is smaller than an outer diameter of the first electrical wire (63) and the second outer element (62) is arranged along the first outer element (61).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle charger. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In the related art, there are charging devices that charge vehicles. A vehicle charging system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2022-26379 A includes a power supply device including a power supply-side fitting body and provided in a parking space of a vehicle. The vehicle charging system includes an insertion / removal moving unit that causes the power supply-side fitting body to mate with a power receiving-side fitting body of a vehicle.

[0003] In a vehicle charger where a plug is moved by a sliding body, a guide structure is required to allow the electrical wires to follow the movement of the sliding body. It is desirable for such a vehicle charger to be able to reduce the space required for the guide structure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle charger that can reduce the space for a guide structure.

[0005] To achieve the above object, a vehicle charger according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a base unit fixed to a floor unit; a slide body on which a connector is arranged, the connector being configured to fit an inlet arranged in a vehicle, and the slide body being slidably supported by the base unit; and a guide structure guided between the base unit and the slide body, having a U-shaped curved portion, and configured to follow a movement of the slide body while changing a position of the curved portion.

[0006] The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle charger according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment; Fig. 5 is a side view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a guide structure according to the embodiment; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the guide structure according to the embodiment; Fig. 8 is a plan view of an outer member according to the embodiment; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the guide structure according to the embodiment; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the guide structure according to the embodiment; Fig. 11 is a side view of a load-bearing structure according to the embodiment; Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the load-bearing structure according to the embodiment; Fig. 13 is a side view of the load-bearing structure according to the embodiment; and Fig. 14 is a plan view of another shape of the load-bearing structure according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] A vehicle charger according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiment include other components that are readily conceivable by those skilled in the art or are substantially the same. Embodiment

[0008] An embodiment is described with reference to the Fig. described. The present embodiment relates to a vehicle charger. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are perspective views of a vehicle charger according to the embodiment, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment, Fig. 5 is a side view of the vehicle charger according to the embodiment, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a guide structure according to the embodiment, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the guide structure according to the embodiment, Fig. 8 is a plan view of an outer member according to the embodiment, Fig. 9 is a plan view of the guide structure according to the embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the guide structure according to the embodiment.

[0009] Fig. 11 is a side view of a load-bearing structure according to the embodiment, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the load-bearing structure according to the embodiment and Fig. 13 is a side view of the load-bearing structure according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a plan view of another shape of the load-bearing structure according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 shows the XX cross section of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 shows the XII-XII cross section of Fig. 11.

[0010] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment is placed on a ground unit 100 of a parking space where a vehicle is stopped. The vehicle charger 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 includes a base unit 2c attached to the ground unit 100. The base unit 2c is a foundation unit of the vehicle charger 1 and is formed, for example, from a metal plate. The housing 2 includes a sliding cover 2a and a rotatable cover 2b. The covers 2a and 2b cover the device housed inside the housing 2 from above.

[0011] As in Fig. 2, the vehicle charger 1 comprises a sliding body 3 arranged inside the housing 2. The sliding body 3 comprises a first sliding body 3A and a second sliding body 3B, as shown in Fig. 3. The first sliding body 3A is slidably supported by the base unit 2c. The first sliding body 3A is movable in a second direction W relative to the base unit 2c. The second sliding body 3B is slidably supported by the first sliding body 3A. The second sliding body 3B is movable in a first direction L relative to the first sliding body 3A. The first direction L and the second direction W are horizontal. In a case where a bottom surface of the floor unit 100 is inclined, the first direction L and the second direction W are preferably parallel to the bottom surface of the floor unit 100.

[0012] The first direction L corresponds to a vehicle front-to-rear direction of a vehicle 200 to be charged. The second direction W corresponds to a vehicle width direction of the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 is positioned in a charging position to be charged by the vehicle charger 1 while moving forward or backward along the first direction L. In the exemplary vehicle charger 1, the first direction L is a longitudinal direction of the housing 2. The second direction W is a transverse direction of the housing 2 and is perpendicular to the first direction L.

[0013] As in Fig. 2, the vehicle charger 1 includes sensors 4, a connector 5, a support member 6, a coupling mechanism 7, and arms 8. The vehicle charger 1 further includes a first drive mechanism 10, a second drive mechanism 20, a third drive mechanism 30, and a fourth drive mechanism 40.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connector 5 is provided with an inlet 210 located in the vehicle 200. The inlet 210 is located on the underside of the vehicle 200. The connector 5 is connected to a battery of the vehicle 200 through the connection to the inlet 210.

[0015] The sensors 4 are used to detect the position of the inlet 210. The sensors 4 can be distance measuring sensors, sensors that capture images and detect objects in the images, or any other position detecting sensors. The sensors 4 can include a variety of sensors with different detection methods. The sensors 4 of the present embodiment are laser sensors that detect the distance to a reflecting object using laser beams. The sensors 4 emit laser beams in a predetermined direction and receive the laser beams reflected from the object.

[0016] The sensors 4 are arranged on the second sliding body 3B and move together with the second sliding body 3B. Fig. The sensors 4 shown in Figure 2 comprise a first sensor 4A, a second sensor 4B, and a third sensor 4C. The three sensors 4A, 4B, and 4C are arranged side by side in this order in the second direction W. The second sensor 4B emits a laser beam upward in a vertical direction Z. The vertical direction is perpendicular to both the first direction L and the second direction W and corresponds to a vertical vehicle direction of the vehicle 200. The first sensor 4A and the third sensor 4C emit laser beams in an oblique direction that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0017] The connector 5 is a charging plug for charging the battery of the vehicle 200. The connector 5 includes a charging port. The vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that a position of the connector 5 can be moved in the first direction L, the second direction W, and the vertical direction Z.

[0018] The first drive mechanism 10 is a mechanism that causes the connector 5 to move in the first direction L. The first drive mechanism 10 includes a first motor 11 and a gear 12. The first motor 11 is arranged on the second slider 3B. The gear 12 is arranged on an output shaft of the first motor 11 and meshes with a rack arranged on the first slider 3A. The first motor 11 can rotate forward and backward to move the second slider 3B and the connector 5 in the first direction L.

[0019] The second drive mechanism 20 is a mechanism that causes the connector 5 to move in the second direction W. The second drive mechanism 20 includes a second motor 21 and a gear 22. The second motor 21 is disposed in the first slider 3A. The gear 22 is mounted on an output shaft of the second motor 21. The gear 22 meshes with a rack mounted on the base unit 2c of the housing 2 via a reduction gear. The second motor 21 can rotate forward and backward to move the first slider 3A and the second slider 3B in the second direction W.

[0020] The third drive mechanism 30 is a mechanism that causes the connector 5 to move in the vertical direction Z. The connector 5 is coupled to the second sliding body 3B by means of the arms 8, the support member 6, and the coupling mechanism 7. Each of the arms 8 is a plate-shaped member and has a first end portion 81 and a second end portion 82. The first end portion 81 is connected to the support member 6. The second end portion 82 is rotatably supported by the second sliding body 3B. In other words, each of the arms 8 can rotate with the second end portion 82 as a fulcrum. The arms 8 move in a rotational manner to raise and lower the support member 6.

[0021] The vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment includes a first arm 8A and a second arm 8B. The first arm 8A and the second arm 8B extend in the first direction L and oppose each other in the second direction W. The second end portions 82 of the two arms 8A and 8B are connected to each other via a shaft. As a result, the two arms 8A and 8B rotate together.

[0022] The support member 6 is connected to the first end portion 81 of the first arm 8A and the first end portion 81 of the second arm 8B. The support member 6 is a plate-shaped member and extends in the second direction W. The support member 6 is axially supported by the first end portions 81 of the arms 8, so that the support member 6 can rotate relative to the arms 8.

[0023] The coupling mechanism 7 connects the connector 5 to the support element 6 and is designed to allow changes in the orientation of the connector 5. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the coupling mechanism 7 includes a universal joint 71 and springs 72. The universal joint 71 and the springs 72 are disposed between the support member 6 and the connector 5 and extend in the first direction L. One end of the universal joint 71 and one end of each spring 72 are connected to the support member 6, and the other end of the universal joint 71 and the other end of each spring 72 are connected to the connector 5.

[0024] A bearing may be arranged between the universal joint 71 and the connector 5. In this case, the bearing enables rotation of the connector 5 with the center axis line in the first direction L as the pivot point. In a case where the bearing is provided, the connector 5 can rotate relative to the universal joint 71.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the universal joint 71 enables changes in the orientation of the connector 5 in both rotational directions. More specifically, the universal joint 71 enables rotation of the connector 5 with a central axis line Wx in the second direction W as the pivot point. The universal joint 71 also enables rotation of the connector 5 with the central axis line Zx in the vertical direction Z as the pivot point. The universal joint 71 is, for example, a universal joint.

[0026] The springs 72 include a first spring 72A and a second spring 72B. The first spring 72A and the second spring 72B are arranged on both sides along the second direction W, with the universal joint 71 interposed therebetween. A spring force is applied to the connector 5 by the first spring 72A and the second spring 72B to return a position of the connector 5 to the neutral position in a rotational direction.

[0027] The third drive mechanism 30 causes a rotational movement of the arms 8, whereby the connector 5 moves in the vertical direction Z. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the third drive mechanism 30 includes a third motor 31, a first gear 32, and a second gear 33. The third motor 31 is disposed on the second sliding body 3B. The first gear 32 is disposed on an output shaft of the third motor 31. The second gear 33 is connected to the shaft connecting the two arms 8A and 8B and meshes with the first gear 32. The third motor 31 rotates forward and backward to rotate the arms 8.

[0028] The fourth drive mechanism 40 is configured to change an angle θ of the connector 5. The angle θ is an inclination angle of the connector 5 with respect to the first direction L. The fourth drive mechanism 40 includes a fourth motor 41, a first pinion 42, and a pair of second pinions 43. The fourth motor 41 is arranged on the second sliding body 3B. The first pinion 42 is arranged on an output shaft of the fourth motor 41. The second sprockets 43 are arranged coaxially with the shaft connecting the arms 8A and 8B and rotate relative to the shaft. An endless chain is wound around the first sprocket 42 and one of the second sprockets 43. A third sprocket 44 is arranged on the support member 6. An endless chain is wound around the other second sprocket 43 and the third sprocket 44. The fourth motor 41 rotates forward and backward to rotate the support member 6 relative to the arms 8A and 8B.The angle θ of the connecting piece 5 changes in response to the rotation of the support element 6.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the vehicle charger 1 includes a first guide structure 60A, a second guide structure 60B, and a third guide structure 60C. The guide structures 60A, 60B, and 60C are structures for routing electrical wires for supplying power, signals, and other elements to each device in the vehicle charger 1.

[0030] The first guide structure 60A is laid between the base unit 2c and the first sliding body 3A. As shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the first guide structure 60A includes a first outer member 61, a second outer member 62, a first electrical wire 63, and a second electrical wire 64.

[0031] The first and second outer members 61 and 62 are flexible tubular members. The first outer member 61 and the second outer member 62 are molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. The first outer member 61 and the second outer member 62 are formed, for example, from a plurality of interconnected tube units 65, as shown in Fig. 8. The tubular units 65 are a tubular member into which the electrical wires 63 and 64 can be inserted. The cross-sectional shape of each of the tubular units 65 is, for example, rectangular. Two adjacent tubular units 65 are connected to each other by a shaft 65a for rotation relative to each other.

[0032] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first outer member 61 has a first end portion 61a and a second end portion 61b. The second outer member 62 has a first end portion 62a and a second end portion 62b. The first end portions 61a and 62a are fixed to the base unit 2c. The second end portions 61b and 62b are fixed to the first sliding body 3A. The second end portions 61b and 62b move in the second direction W following the first sliding body 3A.

[0033] The first guide structure 60A is arranged to have a curved portion 66. The curved portion 66 is convexly curved in a U-shape in the second direction W. The second outer member 62 is arranged adjacent to the first outer member 61 such that the second outer member 62 is positioned radially inward relative to the first outer member 61 at the curved portion 66. In other words, the second outer member 62 is arranged in a region surrounded by the first outer member 61. The curved portion 66 is formed with a first curved portion 61c included in the first outer member 61 and a second curved portion 62c included in the second outer member 62. The second curved portion 62c is directed radially inward relative to the first curved portion 61c.The first end portions 61a and 62a and the second end portions 61b and 62b open to the same side in the second direction W.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first outer member 61 has an inner diameter R at the first curved portion 61c. A movable range of the tubular units 65 of the first outer member 61 is adjusted to achieve the inner diameter R at the first curved portion 61c. The second outer member 62 has an inner diameter r at the second curved portion 62c. A movable range of the tubular units 65 of the second outer member 62 is adjusted to achieve the inner diameter r at the second curved portion 62c. The inner diameter R of the first curved portion 61c is larger than the inner diameter r of the second curved portion 62c.

[0035] The second end portions 61b and 62b of the first outer member 61 and the second outer member 62 are connected to the first sliding body 3A. In other words, the second end portions 61b and 62b slide together with the first sliding body 3A in the second direction W with respect to the base unit 2c. When the second end portions 61b and 62b are moved, the position of the curved portion 66 in the first guide structure 60A is changed. More specifically, when the second end portions 61b and 62b are moved toward a first side W1 in the second direction W, the position of the curved portion 66 is moved closer to the second end portions 61b and 62b. On the other hand, when the second end portions 61b and 62b are moved toward a second side W2 in the second direction W, the position of the curved portion 66 is moved closer to the first end portions 61a and 62a.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the first outer member 61 and the second outer member 62 of the embodiment have a rectangular cross-section. At least one first electric wire 63 is inserted into the first outer member 61. The inner diameter R of the first outer member 61 is defined according to an outer diameter D1 of the first electric wire 63. When a plurality of first electric wires 63 are inserted into the first outer member 61, the inner diameter R is determined according to the outer diameter D1 of the first electric wire 63 with the largest diameter.

[0037] At least one second electric wire 64 is inserted into the second outer member 62. The inner diameter r of the second outer member 62 is determined according to the outer diameter D2 of the second electric wire 64. When a plurality of second electric wires 64 are inserted into the second outer member 62, the inner diameter r is determined according to the outer diameter D2 of the second electric wire 64 with the largest diameter. The outer diameter D2 of the second electric wire 64 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the first electric wire 63. In other words, the first electric wire 63 with the relatively large outer diameter D1 is inserted into the first outer member 61, and the second electric wire 64 with the relatively small outer diameter D2 is inserted into the second outer member 62.Here, the fact that the outer diameter D2 of the second electric wire 64 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the first electric wire 63 means that, for example, the outer diameter D2 of the second electric wire 64 with the maximum diameter is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the first electric wire 63 with the maximum diameter.

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the second outer member 62 is rectangular, with a width Wd1 in a direction along an axis Ax of the curved portion 66 being wider than a width Wd2 in a radial direction. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second outer member 62 is a rectangle with the vertical direction Z as the longitudinal direction. Such a cross-sectional shape ensures both the required inner diameter r and a sufficient cross-sectional area in the second outer member 62.

[0039] The cross-sectional shape of the first outer member 61 is rectangular, with a width Wd3 in a direction along the axis Ax of the curved portion 66 being wider than a width Wd4 in a radial direction. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the first outer member 61 is a rectangle with the vertical direction Z as the longitudinal direction. Such a cross-sectional shape ensures both the required inner diameter R and a sufficient cross-sectional area in the first outer member 61.

[0040] In the first guide structure 60A of the present embodiment, a flattening F2 of the second outer member 62 is larger than a flattening F1 of the first outer member 61. The flattening F1 and the flattening F2 are calculated by the following equations (1) and (2). F1=(Wd3−Wd4) / Wd3 F2=(Wd1−Wd2) / Wd1

[0041] As described above, the flattening degree of the second outer member 62 is greater than the flattening degree of the first outer member 61. In other words, the second outer member 62 has an elongated cross-sectional shape compared to the first outer member 61. Since the second electric wire 64 with a small diameter is inserted into the second outer member 62, the width Wd2 in the radial direction can be reduced. The flattening F2 of the second outer member 62 is determined based on the inner diameter R to be secured in the first outer member 61, the inner diameter r to be secured in the second outer member 62, and the cross-sectional area required in the second outer member 62.

[0042] According to the first guide structure 60A of the present embodiment, the second guide structure 60B is arranged in a space closer to the center in the first direction L than the first guide structure 60A. Accordingly, an area for guiding the first electric wire 63 and the second electric wire 64 in the housing 2 can be minimized.

[0043] As in Fig. 6, the second guide structure 60B and the third guide structure 60C are respectively arranged at end portions of the first sliding body 3A in the second direction W. The first electric wire 63 and the second electric wire 64 are connected to a device of the second sliding body 3B via the second guide structure 60B or the third guide structure 60C.

[0044] The second guide structure 60B includes a third outer member 91 and an electrical wire 92. The third outer member 91 is a flexible tubular member. The third outer member 91 consists, for example, of a plurality of interconnected tubular units 65. The electrical wire 92 inserted into the third outer member 91 is, for example, the first electrical wire 63. The first electrical wire 63 includes, for example, an electrical power supply wire connected to a terminal of the connector 5.

[0045] The second guide structure 60B is arranged to have a curved portion 93. The curved portion 93 is convexly curved in a U-shape in the first direction L. The third outer member 91 has a first end portion 91a and a second end portion 91b. The first end portion 91a is connected to the first sliding body 3A. The second end portion 91b is connected to the second sliding body 3B. Accordingly, the second guide structure 60B follows the second sliding body 3B while changing a position of the curved portion 93 when the second sliding body 3B moves relative to the first sliding body 3A along the first direction L. In a case where the electric wire 92 is the first electric wire 63, the third outer member 91 is configured so that the curved portion 93 has an inner diameter R.

[0046] The third guide structure 60C includes a fourth outer member 94 and an electrical wire 95. The fourth outer member 94 is a flexible tubular member. The fourth outer member 94 consists, for example, of a plurality of interconnected tubular units 65. The electrical wire 95 inserted into the fourth outer member 94 is, for example, the second electrical wire 64. The second electrical wire 64 is, for example, a communication line, a small-diameter power supply line, or other wiring.

[0047] The third guide structure 60C is arranged to have a curved portion 96. The curved portion 96 is convexly curved in a U-shape in the first direction L. The fourth outer member 94 has a first end portion 94a and a second end portion 94b. The first end portion 94a is connected to the first sliding body 3A. The second end portion 94b is connected to the second sliding body 3B. Accordingly, the third guide structure 60C follows the second sliding body 3B while changing a position of the curved portion 96 when the second sliding body 3B moves relative to the first sliding body 3A along the first direction L. In a case where the electric wire 95 is the second electric wire 64, the fourth outer member 94 is configured so that the curved portion 96 has an inner diameter r.

[0048] In the vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment, the second guide structure 60B and the third guide structure 60C are arranged at the separated end portions in the second direction W, so that the electric wires can be efficiently arranged. For example, electric wires can be routed on both sides in the second direction W with respect to the motors 11, 31, and 41 and the connector 5.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the first electric wire 63 is inserted into the third outer member 91, and the second electric wire 64 is inserted into the fourth outer member 94. Therefore, the space in which the fourth outer member 94 is arranged is minimized. As a comparative example, the first electric wire 63 is inserted into the third outer member 91, and another part of the first electric wire 63 is inserted into the fourth outer member 94. In this case, the curved portion 96 of the fourth outer member 94 must have the inner diameter R. In contrast, in a case where the electric wire 95 inserted into the fourth outer member 94 is the second electric wire 64, it is sufficient that the curved portion 96 has the inner diameter r.

[0050] The vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment has a load-bearing structure as described below because the vehicle charger 1 is arranged in a stopping space of the vehicle 200. The load-bearing structure of the present embodiment can both reduce the frictional resistance generated when the first sliding body 3A and the second sliding body 3B move and ensure resistance to the load of the vehicle 200.

[0051] As in Fig. 11, a load-bearing structure 300 includes a first support 310, a second support 320, a third support 330, a first buffer member 340, and a second buffer member 350. The first support 310, the second support 320, and the third support 330 are supports that support a load Ld in the vertical direction Z and are members made of, for example, metal. The first buffer member 340 and the second buffer member 350 are arranged in a gap between two members. The first buffer member 340 and the second buffer member 350 are rigid enough to support the load Ld. The first buffer member 340 and the second buffer member 350 preferably have a small coefficient of friction. The first buffer member 340 and the second buffer member 350 are made of, for example, a synthetic resin or metal.

[0052] The first support 310 is arranged between the base body 2c and a cover 2d of the housing 2. The cover 2d is a member that covers the base body 2c from above. The cover 2d is arranged closer to the top than the first sliding body 3A and the second sliding body 3B and covers the first sliding body 3A and the second sliding body 3B. The first support 310 is attached, for example, to the cover 2d or to the base unit 2c. The base unit 2c supports the first support 310 and the cover 2d from below against the load Ld.

[0053] The second support 320 is arranged between the cover 2d and the first sliding body 3A. The second support 320 is fixed, for example, either to the cover 2d or to the first sliding body 3A. The first buffer element 340 is plate-shaped and is arranged between the base unit 2c and the first sliding body 3A. The first buffer element 340 is arranged on the opposite side of the second support 320, with the first sliding body 3A in between. In other words, the base unit 2c supports the first buffer element 340 and the first sliding body 3A from below against the load Ld. The first sliding body 3A supports the second support 320 and the cover 2d from below against the load Ld.

[0054] The third support 330 is arranged between the cover 2d and the second slide body 3B. The third support 330 is fixed, for example, either to the cover 2d or to the second slide body 3B. The second buffer member 350 is plate-shaped and arranged between the first slide body 3A and the second slide body 3B. The second buffer member 350 is arranged on the opposite side of the third support 330, with the second slide body 3B interposed. The first buffer member 340 is arranged on the opposite side of the second buffer member 350, with the first slide body 3A interposed therebetween. The first slide body 3A supports the second buffer member 350, the second slide body 3B, the third support 330, and the cover 2d from below against the load Ld.

[0055] Thus, the load-bearing structure 300 supports the load Ld at a plurality of locations through a plurality of supports 310, 320, and 330 and a plurality of buffer members 340 and 350. In other words, the load-bearing structure 300 enables the distribution of the load Ld between the cover 2d and the base unit 2c via the transmission path. Therefore, the load-bearing performance in the vehicle charger 1 is improved.

[0056] As in Fig. 12, the second supports 320 are arranged at a plurality of locations along the second direction W. The second supports 320 may be arranged at both end portions of the first slide body 3A in the second direction W.

[0057] For example, the first buffer member 340 is disposed on the base unit 2c and supported by the base unit 2c. The base unit 2c may have a recessed portion for supporting the first buffer member 340. In a case where the first buffer member 340 is supported by the base unit 2c, the first buffer member 340 extends into the range where the second support 320 is movable in the second direction W. The exemplary first buffer member 340 is constantly disposed on the opposite side of the second support 320 in a case where the second support 320 moves together with the first slider 3A in the second direction W. Therefore, the load-bearing structure 300 of the present embodiment can stably support the load Ld acting on the second support 320.

[0058] The first buffer element 340 may be arranged on the underside of the first sliding body 3A and fixed to the first sliding body 3A. In this case, the load-bearing structure 300 may be configured such that both the first buffer element 340 and the second support 320 move with the first sliding body 3A.

[0059] The second buffer element 350 may be arranged on the underside of the second sliding body 3B and fixed to the second sliding body 3B. In this case, the load-bearing structure 300 may be configured such that both the second buffer element 350 and the third support 330 move with the second sliding body 3B.

[0060] The second buffer element 350 can be arranged on the first sliding body 3A and held by the first sliding body 3A. The first sliding body 3A can have a recessed portion to hold the second buffer element 350. When the second buffer element 350 is held by the first sliding body 3A, the second buffer element 350 extends to the area in which the third support 330 can move in the first direction L, as shown in Fig. 13. The Fig. The second buffer element 350 shown in Fig. 13 is always arranged on the side opposite to the third support 330 in a case where the third support 330 moves together with the second sliding body 3B in the first direction L. Therefore, the load-bearing structure 300 can be Fig. 13 stably support the load acting on the third support 330. A plurality of the first buffer elements 340 may be arranged with respect to the second buffer element 350. As shown in Fig. 13, the first buffer elements 340 may be arranged, for example, at both end portions of the second buffer element 350 in the first direction L.

[0061] As explained above, the vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment includes the base unit 2c, the sliding body 3, and the first guide structure 60A. The base unit 2c is fixed to the floor unit 100. The sliding body 3 accommodates the connector 5 configured to fit the inlet 210 disposed in the vehicle 200 and is slidably supported by the base unit 2c. The first guide structure 60A is guided between the base unit 2c and the first sliding body 3A. The first guide structure 60A has the curved portion 66 bent into a U-shape and follows the movement of the first sliding body 3A while changing the position of the curved portion 66. Since the first guide structure 60A of the present embodiment follows the movement of the first sliding body 3A while changing the position of the U-shaped curved portion 66, the space for the guide structure can be reduced.For example, it is possible to minimize the space required to accommodate the excess length.

[0062] The first guide structure 60A of the present embodiment includes the first outer member 61, the first electrical wire 63, the second outer member 62, and the second electrical wire 64. The first electrical wire 63 is inserted into the first outer member 61, and the second electrical wire 64 is inserted into the second guide structure 60B. The outer diameter D2 of the second electrical wire 64 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the first electrical wire 63. The second outer member 62 is arranged adjacent to the first outer member 61 such that the second outer member 62 is positioned radially inward relative to the first outer member 61 at the curved portion 66.In the vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment, the second outer member 62 is arranged radially inward from the first outer member 61 by utilizing the difference between the inner diameter R required for the first outer member 61 and the inner diameter r required for the second outer member 62. Therefore, the space required for routing the electrical wires 63 and 64 can be reduced.

[0063] The cross-sectional shape of the second outer member 62 of the present embodiment is rectangular, with the width Wd1 along the axial direction of the curved portion 66 being larger than the width Wd2 in the radial direction. At the curved portion 66, the outer surface of the second outer member 62 is regulated by the inner diameter R of the first outer member 61. Moreover, the second outer member 62 is adjusted to the inner diameter r at the curved portion 66. The second outer member 62 of the present embodiment meets the dimensional requirements in the radial direction by having the above-described elongated rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0064] The cross-sectional shape of the first outer member 61 of the present embodiment is rectangular, with the width Wd3 along the axial direction of the curved portion 66 being wider than the width Wd4 in the radial direction. The flattened portion F2 of the second outer member 62 is larger than the flattened portion F1 of the first outer member 61. The second electric wire 64, which has a relatively small diameter, is inserted into the second outer member 62 to achieve the above flattened relationship. The vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the space required for routing the electric wires 63 and 64.

[0065] The vehicle charger 1 of the present embodiment includes the cover 2d covering the base unit 2c and the load-bearing structure 300. The load-bearing structure 300 is disposed between the base unit 2c and the cover 2d. The slide body 3 includes the first slide body 3A and the second slide body 3B. The first slide body 3A is supported by the base unit 2c and slides in the second direction W with respect to the base unit 2c. The second slide body 3B rests on the first slide body 3A and slides in the first direction L with respect to the first slide body 3A.

[0066] The load-bearing structure 300 includes the second support 320, the third support 330, the first buffer member 340, and the second buffer member 350. The second support 320 is arranged between the cover 2d and the first slider 3A. The third support 330 is arranged between the cover 2d and the second slider 3B. The first buffer member 340 is arranged between the first slider 3A and the base unit 2c. The second buffer member 350 is arranged between the second slider 3B and the first slider 3A. The load-bearing structure 300 can well bear the load Ld exerted by the supports on the cover 2d.

[0067] The number, arrangement, and angle of the sensors 4 in the vehicle charger 1 are not limited to the number, arrangement, and angle shown as examples. For example, the vehicle charger 1 can detect the position of a protrusion (not shown) and the yaw angle α, roll angle γ, and pitch angle β of the inlet 210 using at least one sensor 4.

[0068] In the housing 2, the cover 2b shown above covers the base unit 2c on the vehicle entrance side (ie, the vehicle entrance side that is the entry point of the vehicle 200 entering in the first direction L) of the vehicle charger 1. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the housing 2 is provided with a pair of side covers 2e spaced apart from each other in the second direction W and attached to the base unit 2c on the vehicle entry point side. The cover 2b is arranged to be sandwiched between the two side covers 2e.

[0069] In the vehicle charger 1, the second sliding body 3B is arranged in the space surrounded by the base unit 2c, the cover 2b, and the pair of side covers 2e. The second sliding body 3B slides in the first direction L between a receiving position in which the second sliding body 3B is received between the pair of side covers 2e and a retracted position in which the second sliding body 3B is retracted between the pair of side covers 2e. The cover 2b covers the second sliding body 3B and the base unit 2c together in the receiving position. The exemplary second sliding body 3B on the vehicle entry side is arranged in the receiving position in the space surrounded by the base unit 2c, the cover 2b, and the pair of side covers 2e, and this vehicle entry side is retracted from the receiving position to the retracted position.The exemplary cover 2b then covers the second sliding body 3B on the vehicle entry side in the receiving position. Furthermore, the pair of side covers 2e covers the second sliding body 3B on the vehicle entry side in the receiving position, with the second sliding body 3B clamped on the vehicle entry side.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 14, the second sliding body 3B has a front end cover 3b at the front end portion of the vehicle entrance side. The front end cover 3b includes a cover main body 3b1 that covers the front end portion of the second sliding body 3B on the vehicle entrance side, and a pair of protruding portions 3b2, each of which protrudes from each end of the cover main body 3b1 in the second direction W and covers each end portion 2e1 of the pair of side covers 2e on the vehicle entrance side at the receiving position from the outside.

[0071] The cover main body 3b1 covers the front end portion of the second sliding body 3b on the vehicle entry point side at the receiving position from the first direction L and the third direction Z. The protruding portions 3b2 cover the end portions 2e1 of the side covers 2e at the receiving position from the first direction L and above, and enable the end portions 2e1 of the side covers 2e to receive the external load applied to the cover main body 3b1 at the receiving position. For example, in the vehicle charger 1, when the vehicle 200 enters from the vehicle entry point side while moving forward or backward, a wheel Ty from the vehicle entry point side may be brought into contact with the front end cover 3b due to misalignment of the vehicle 200, and the wheel Ty may then rise onto the top of the cover 2b.Therefore, in the vehicle charger 1, it is necessary not only to reduce the space for the guide structure as shown above, but also to improve durability by implementing a load-bearing function to withstand the external load from the wheel Ty due to contact with or ascending of the wheel Ty. In the vehicle charger 1, in a case where the wheel Ty is brought into contact with the front end cover 3b (e.g., the cover main body 3b1) in the receiving position, the external load from the wheel is transmitted from the pair of protruding portions 3b2 to the end portions 2e1 of the pair of side covers 2e. In the vehicle charger 1, the pair of side covers 2e is fixed to the base unit 2c, so that the external load of the wheel can be absorbed by the end portions 2e1 of the pair of side covers 2e. Therefore, the durability of the vehicle charger 1 can be improved.

[0072] In the vehicle charger 1, since the above-described load-bearing structure (hereinafter referred to as “first load-bearing structure”) 300 is provided between the base unit 2c and the cover 2b, the two load-bearing structures (second load-bearing structure) 400 formed with the projecting portions 3b2 of the front end cover 3b, the end portions 2e1 of the side covers 2e, and the base unit 2c ensure the load-bearing function when the wheel Ty is brought into contact with the front end cover 3b in the receiving position, and the first load-bearing structure 300 ensures the load-bearing function when the wheel Ty climbs over the front end cover 3b and rides over the cover 2b.

[0073] The contents described in the above embodiment can be combined and implemented as desired.

[0074] The vehicle charger according to the present embodiment has the guide structure including the curved portion curved in a U-shape and follows the movement of the slider while changing the position of the curved portion. Thus, the vehicle charger according to the present invention has the effect of reducing the space for the guide structure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-26379 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] A vehicle charger (1) comprising: a base unit (2c) attached to a ground unit (100); a sliding body (3) on which a connector (5) is arranged, the connector (5) being configured to fit an inlet (210) arranged in a vehicle (200), and the sliding body (3) being slidably supported by the base unit (2c); and a guide structure (60A) guided between the base unit (2c) and the slide body (3), having a curved portion (66) curved in a U-shape, and configured to follow a movement of the slide body (3) while changing a position of the curved portion (66). [2] The vehicle charger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide structure (60A) comprises a first outer member (61), a first electrical wire (63) inserted into the first outer member (61), a second outer member (62) and a second electrical wire (64) inserted into the second outer member (62), an outer diameter of the second electrical wire (64) is smaller than an outer diameter of the first electrical wire (63), and the second outer member (62) is arranged along the first outer member (61) such that the second outer member (62) is positioned radially inwardly relative to the first outer member (61) at the curved portion (66). [3] The vehicle charger (1) according to claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the second outer member (62) is rectangular, wherein a width along an axial direction of the curved portion (66) is wider than a width in a radial direction. [4] The vehicle charger (1) according to claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the first outer member (61) is rectangular, wherein a width along the axial direction of the curved portion (66) is wider than a width in the radial direction, and a flattening (F2) of the second outer element (62) is greater than a flattening (F1) of the first outer element (61). [5] The vehicle charger (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover (2d) covering the base unit (2c); and a load-bearing structure (300) arranged between the base unit (2c) and the cover (2d), wherein the sliding body (3) comprises a first sliding body (3A) and a second sliding body (3B), the first sliding body (3A) is carried by the base unit (2c) and is configured to slide in a second direction (W) with respect to the base unit (2c), the second sliding body (3B) is carried by the first sliding body (3A) and is configured to slide in a first direction (L) with respect to the first sliding body (3A), and the load-bearing structure (300) comprises a support (320) arranged between the cover (2d) and the first sliding body (3A), a support (330) arranged between the cover (2d) and the second sliding body (3B), a buffer element (340) arranged between the first sliding body (3A) and the base unit (2c), and a buffer element (350) arranged between the second sliding body (3B) and the first sliding body (3A). [6] The vehicle charger (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover (2b) covering the base unit (2c) on a vehicle entry point side as an entry point of a vehicle (200) entering along a first direction (L); and a pair of side covers (2e) fixed to the base unit (2c) and spaced apart from each other in a second direction (W) on the vehicle entry point side, wherein the sliding body (3) comprises a first sliding body (3A) supported by the base unit (2c) and configured to slide in the second direction (W) with respect to the base unit (2c), and a second sliding body (3B) supported by the first sliding body (3A) and configured to slide between a receiving position in which the second sliding body (3B) is accommodated between the pair of side covers (2e) and a pulled-out position in which the second sliding body (3B) is pulled out between the pair of side covers (2e) in the first direction (L) with respect to the first sliding body (3A), the cover (2b) covers the second sliding body (3B) and the base unit (2c) together in the receiving position, the second sliding body (3B) includes a front end cover provided with a cover main body (3b1) covering a front end portion of the second sliding body (3B) on the vehicle entry point side, and a pair of projecting portions (3b2), each of which projects from each end of the cover main body (3b1) in the second direction (W) toward the second direction (W) and covers each end portion (2e1) of the pair of side covers (2e) on the vehicle entry point side at the receiving position from the outside, and the projecting portions (3b2) enable the end portions (2e1) of the side covers (2e) to receive an external load exerted on the cover main body (3b1) in the receiving position.

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