Parking equipment and programs

Abstract

To prevent a failure of a parking device due to disconnection of a charging cable and hooking of the charging cable when charging an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A charging device includes: a charging connector to be connected to a vehicle for charging; a connector holder for locking the charging connector; a cable for electrically connecting the charging connector to a power source; and a detection section for detecting a state where the charging connector is locked by the connector holder and a state where the charging connector is connected to the vehicle. The detection section includes: a first sensor arranged in the charging connector; and a second sensor arranged in the connector holder. The first sensor detects a state where the charging connector is connected to the vehicle. The second sensor detects the state where the charging connector is locked by the connector holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device for an electric vehicle and a parking device equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to secure parking space, two-level parking devices that park vehicles in a multi-level manner have become widespread. The two-level parking system is made up of a pallet on which the car is placed and a carrier that raises and lowers the pallet. The vehicle is parked on a pallet and, when necessary, is picked up by the conveyor. In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles, parking for electric vehicles in a two-level parking system has become Electric vehicles require charging while parked, so two-tiered parking structures are required. It is necessary to charge electric vehicles using the equipment.

[0003] Unlike flat parking lots, two-level parking systems use the same electric power source to charge electric vehicles. In some cases, the pallet carrying the electric vehicle may need to be lifted or moved sideways. A charging cable is required to charge the pallet, but when the pallet is moved, the charging connector is placed on the pallet. If a charging gun or charging cable is placed on the pallet, the charging cable may protrude from the pallet. The charging cable may get caught in the transport device, causing the charging cable to break or the transport device to malfunction. There are concerns.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cover for a socket box that can store a charging cable. Technology that detects when the cover is open and prevents the pallet from moving when the cover is open has been disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-080264 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the cover of the outlet box is detected to be open or closed. It does not detect whether a charging connector or charging cable is placed on the charging pad.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for preventing a charging cable from being broken or pulled during charging of an electric vehicle. One of the objectives is to prevent malfunction of the parking device due to getting stuck. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a charging connector that is connected to a vehicle for charging. a connector holder capable of engaging the charging connector; and a connector holder electrically connecting the charging connector to a power source. a state in which the charging connector is engaged with the connector holder; and a detection unit that detects a state in which the charging connector is connected to the vehicle. The detection unit includes a first sensor provided in the charging connector and a second sensor provided in the connector holder. and a second sensor connected to the charging connector, the first sensor detecting a detection signal when the charging connector is connected to the vehicle. The second sensor detects a state in which the charging connector is engaged with the connector holder. Detects the state in which the

[0009] The parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pallet on which a vehicle can be placed, the charging device, and A control device for controlling the movement of the pallet based on a detection signal output from the detection unit. And, it is equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the charging cable is prevented from being broken or getting caught when charging an electric vehicle. This can prevent malfunctions of the parking device caused by the parking lot being parked. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the parking device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the charging connector shown in FIG. 4 is connected to a vehicle. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of a control flow executed by a control unit of the control device. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an external appearance of a connector holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a charging connector is held in the connector holder shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a charging connector according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a charging connector according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a charging connector according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the charging connector shown in FIG. 12 is held by a connector holder. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The above embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. do not have.

[0013] In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or configurations having similar functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A symbol or a similar symbol (a symbol with A, B, etc. added after the number) is added. For components having similar functions, duplicated explanations may be omitted. For the sake of convenience, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in this specification may be used interchangeably. The ordinal numbers are used for ease of explanation only and should not be construed as limiting. .

[0014] First Embodiment [Parking equipment] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a parking device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the main configuration of a parking device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the parking device 1000. A certain side will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the back side. 1, or from the rear of the parking device 1000 to the front (i.e., the direction of the vehicle V In the following description, the direction in which a vehicle enters and exits the parking device 1000 is defined as the front-rear direction.

[0015] The parking device 1000 is a multi-story parking device that can park multiple vehicles V. 000 is mainly composed of pillars 1102 and beams 1103 installed between the pillars 1102. The vehicle has a frame structure that can accommodate one vehicle V, and has multiple compartmented vehicle storage areas. The parking device 1000 is provided with a pallet 1001 on which a vehicle V is placed.

[0016] The pallet 1001 is arranged so as to be movable up and down along the support 1102 by the elevator 1106. The pallet 1001 is moved along the lateral direction of the vehicle body (the depth direction in FIG. 1). It may be movable.

[0017] In the main structure, the pallet 1001 is a structure in which, when multiple vehicles V are stacked vertically, the vehicles are stacked together. The support pillars 1102 are spaced apart so that they do not interfere with each other. The main structure is stacked vertically in multiple tiers to form a parking space.

[0018] The parking device 1000 is operated by an operation panel 1112 via a control device 1100. The worktable 1112 is provided outside the parking device 1000. In FIG. An operation panel 1112 is attached to a support 1102 near the entrance / exit gate of 1000 (lower right side of the figure). The following shows an example of how this is being done.

[0019] The user operates the operation panel 1112 from outside the parking device 1000 to control the control device 1100. By this command, the control device 1100 moves the desired pallet 1001 to the loading / unloading gate. It is possible to do so.

[0020] The gate 1108 installed at the entrance and exit of the parking device 1000 is operated by operating an operation panel 1112. The opening and closing can be controlled by the control device 1100 through the door.

[0021] Gate 1108 is kept closed except when it is opened to allow vehicle V to enter or leave the facility. Therefore, when the pallet 1001 moves, the gate 1108 is in a closed state. Since the gate 1108 is closed, the parking device 1000 is normally in a parking state. It is designed to prevent people from entering the device.

[0022] Although not shown in the figure, in order to ensure safety when closing the gate 1108, A sensor may be attached to detect an object (person or object) in a predetermined area in the closing direction of the door. The sensor may be, for example, a support 1102 near the entrance or exit of the parking device 1000 or a gate 1102. 08, but is not limited to these.

[0023] The parking space is stacked vertically in multiple layers, allowing the vehicle V to be stored and parked three-dimensionally. In the parking device 1000, the pallet 1001 moves up and down to allow the desired pallet 1001 to be parked. The vehicle is then moved to the entrance / exit where it can be loaded or unloaded.

[0024] There are several methods for moving the desired pallet 1001 to the loading / unloading gate. For example, in order to remove a vehicle parked on the upper pallet 1001, the lower pallet 100 1 is sunk into an underground pit, and the lower or upper pallet 1001 is sunk in the lateral direction of the vehicle body (Fig. 1) to slide the upper pallet 1001 to the lower pallet 100 A method of descending into a space where 1 does not exist, or a combination of these methods are adopted. It is being done.

[0025] In Figure 1, parking spaces PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 are provided from the first floor to the upper floors. In addition, the parking space PS1 shown in FIG. S5 is provided, and further to the side thereof is a parking space PS9.

[0026] In the parking spaces PS1 to PS9, pallets 1001 with pallet numbers P1 to P9 are placed. At this time, the pallet 1001 in the upper parking space PS4 is lowered. To allow vehicle V to enter and leave the parking space, pallets 100 in the lower parking spaces PS1, PS2, and PS3 are used. In this case, pallet 1001 in parking space PS9 is an obstacle. The parking spaces PS1 to PS3 and the parking spaces PS5 to PS When the pallet 1001 with 7 is slid sideways, the obstacle disappears and the parking space It becomes possible to lower the PS4 pallet 1001 to the loading / unloading gate.

[0027] [Charging device] A charging device 100 is installed on each pallet 1001 of the parking device 1000. The charging device 100 is capable of charging a vehicle V placed on a pallet 1001.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charging device 100. The charging device 100 includes a housing 101, A charging connector 102, a cable 103, a connector holder 104, a cable holder 105, It may have an opening 106, an indicator light 107, and an operating portion 108.

[0029] The housing 101 includes a control unit 109, a power supply (not shown), and the like. The control unit 109 may be installed not only inside the housing 101 but also outside the housing 101. may be placed in

[0030] The control unit 109 includes a charging control circuit that controls charging from the charging device 100 to the vehicle V. The charging control circuit is connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle V via a wired or wireless connection. The charging device 100 communicates with the vehicle V via a CPLT (Control Unit) to establish a connection between the charging device 100 and the vehicle V. The charging control circuit is connected to a power source. The charging device 100 according to the present invention is equipped with a charging control circuit (control unit 109) and is compliant with the international standard IEC:6 This charging device is compatible with Mode 3 as specified in IEC 61851-1. The charging device is usually It operates in mode 3, but may be capable of supporting modes 1 and 2.

[0031] The charging connector 102 is electrically connected to a control unit 109 via a cable 103. The charging connector 102 is inserted into a charging port of the vehicle V when the vehicle V is to be charged. When the vehicle V is not being charged, the charging connector 102 is The connector is inserted into and held in the connector holder 104.

[0032] The cable 103 electrically connects the charging connector 102 and the control unit 109. The cable 103 is pulled from inside the housing 101 to the outside through an opening 106 provided in the housing 101. The cable 103 includes a power line and a data communication signal line. The power supply line is connected to the power supply 103 for charging the vehicle V. The data communication signal line is used for communication between the vehicle V and the control unit 109 of the charging device 100, etc. A plurality of power supply lines and data communication signal lines may be provided. For example, may include a power supply line to which a predetermined voltage is applied and a ground line.

[0033] The connector holder 104 is capable of retaining the charging connector 102. The connector holder holds the charging connector 102 while it is not being used to charge the vehicle V. 104 is a locking mechanism for preventing the movement of the charging connector 102 while the charging connector 102 is inserted. In this case, in order to charge the vehicle V, When removing the charging connector 102 from the connector holder 104, press the lock release button. The charging connector 102 is then removed from the connector holder 104. The charging connector 102 may be provided with the connector holder 104. The shape of the connector holder 104 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be, for example, a hook shape. The connector holder 104 is attached to a cable holder 105, which will be described later. It may be integral with the cable holder 105 .

[0034] The cable holder 105 holds the cable 103 that is pulled out to the outside of the housing 101. The cable holder 105 may be in the form of a hook. As shown in FIG. The charging connector 102 is wound around and held by a cable holder 105. When the device is to be charged, the user removes the cable 103 from the cable holder 105. Extend the charging connector 102 until it reaches the charging port of the vehicle V.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the connector holder 104 is attached to a cable holder 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector holder 104 and the case may be integrated. The bull holders 105 may be attached to the housing 101 separately.

[0036] The indicator light 107 indicates the state of the charging device 100. For example, the charging device 100 may include at least one LED that indicates the state of the charging device 100 when the vehicle V is being charged. When the charging device is in the charging mode, the indicator lamp 107 may light up an LED indicating that charging is in progress. When the battery 100 is not being used to charge a vehicle V, the indicator light 107 is illuminated with a L The ED may be turned on. Also, the charging connector 102 is engaged with the connector holder 104. If the pallet 1001 is not connected to the vehicle V, the indicator light 107 An LED may be lit to indicate that movement is prohibited. (Pallet 1001 movement is prohibited) The states in which the battery is charged will be described later.) An LED indicates a charging state, and an LED indicates an unused state. , may be a different color from the LED indicating a state in which movement of the pallet 1001 is prohibited. In addition, the indicator lamp 107 lights up an LED to indicate a charging error or a charging failure of the charging device 100. The indicator light 107 can indicate the charging device 10's status by a single LED. 0 or more, and multiple LEDs may indicate multiple states of charging device 100. may be shown respectively.

[0037] The operation unit 108 receives input from the user of the charging device 100. The operation unit 108 is a touch panel. The user can operate the operation unit 108 by using a touch panel or a push button. For example, when charging a vehicle V in mode 1, The user can set the charging mode to mode 1 via the operation unit 108. The user can set the charging time by operating the operation unit 108. For example, The user selects a desired charging time from among a plurality of charging time options displayed on the operation unit 108. The user can select the charging time and set the charging time for the vehicle V. The operation unit 108 is omitted. This may also be the case.

[0038] The charging device 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a charging connector 102 and and cable 103 are one.

[0039] [Charging connector] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charging connector 102. The charging connector 102 is 401, power supply connector portion 403, cover 405, claw portion 407, lock release button 409, 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the charging connector 102 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the

[0040] The main body 401 has a hollow space therein. The cable 103 is introduced into the hollow space. The body 401 is provided with a grip 402 that a user holds when using the charging connector 102. can be.

[0041] A power supply connector 403 is provided at the tip of the main body 401. , a plurality of terminals 404, and a cover 405 provided around the plurality of terminals 404. The terminals 404 are connected to the power supply line and the data communication signal line in the cable 103, respectively. The cover 405 is made of insulating resin or the like and is attached to the main body 401. The terminal 403 is inserted into a charging port 501 of the vehicle V. The terminal (not shown) of the power receiving connector part provided in the charging port 501 is electrically connected to the do.

[0042] The power supply connector 403 shown in FIG. 4 is an example. The shape of the power supply connector portion 403 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure. The shape may be based on the standard specifications promoted by the Japan Electric Vehicle Association. It is also preferable to have such a configuration in order to ensure compatibility.

[0043] When the power supply connector 403 is inserted into the charging port 501 of the vehicle V, the claw portion 407 4, the claw portion 407 engages with the locking portion 503 of the vehicle V. This limits the movement of the power supply connector unit 403 relative to the vehicle V, and prevents the vehicle V from being charged. The connector 102 is prevented from coming off the charging port 501 of the vehicle V.

[0044] The unlock button 409 is a button for releasing the claw portion 407 from the locking portion of the vehicle V. When removing the power supply connector unit 403 from the charging port 501 of the vehicle V, the user While pressing the unlock button 409, pull out the main body 401 from the charging port 501 of the vehicle V. The lock release button 409 is pressed easily when the user grips the grip 402 of the main body 401. It is preferable that the sensor be provided at a convenient position.

[0045] The detection unit 410 detects the state of the charging connector 102. Specifically, the detection unit 410 , the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V, and the charging connector 102 is The detection unit 410 detects the state in which the power supply connector 403 is engaged with the power supply holder 104. The sensor 411 is provided around the sensor 411 .

[0046] The first sensor 411 detects a state in which the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V and The state in which the connector 102 is locked in the connector holder 104 may be detected mechanically. For example, the first sensor 411 is connected to the charging port 501 of the vehicle V or the vicinity of the charging port 501. It may be a button-type push switch having a displacement portion that is displaced by contact. As shown, when the power supply connector unit 403 is inserted into the charging port 501 of the vehicle V, The first sensor 411, specifically, a button portion (displacement portion) of the first sensor 411 is The first sensor 411 comes into contact with the charging port 501 or the periphery of the charging port 501 and is pressed. When the charging port 501 of the vehicle V or the periphery of the charging port 501 is contacted and pressed, the charging port 501 is turned on. When the pressure sensor is not pressed by contact with another member, the detection signal indicating the OFF state is output. The detection signal output from the first sensor 411 is transmitted through the cable 103. The data may be transmitted to the control unit 109 of the charging device 100 via the data communication signal line. The main body 401 is equipped with an MCU (Micro Controller) with built-in wireless communication function. In this case, the detection signal output from the first sensor 411 may be a The signal is transmitted to the MCU via a wire and then wirelessly transmitted to the control unit 109 of the charging device 100. The first sensor 411 may be connected to the charging port 501 of the vehicle V or When it comes into contact with the periphery of the switch and is pressed, it outputs a detection signal indicating the OFF state, and when it comes into contact with other components and is pressed, If not, a detection signal indicating an ON state may be output.

[0047] In addition, the first sensor 411 detects whether the power supply connector 403 is inserted into the charging port 501 of the vehicle V. In addition to the case where the charging connector 102 is inserted into the connector holder 104 of the charging device 100, Even when the connector is engaged and held by the connector holder 104, the connector is in contact with the connector holder 104 and is pressed. The first sensor 411, which is in contact with and pressed by the connector holder 104, outputs a detection signal indicating an ON state. The first sensor 411 may be pressed by contacting the connector holder 104. The switch may output a detection signal indicating the off state.

[0048] The control unit 109 detects the charging connector 10 based on the detection signal received from the first sensor 411. 2 and transmits the status signal to the control device 1100. The status signal indicates whether the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V or 102 is held by the connector holder 104, or the charging connector 10 2 is not connected to the vehicle V and is not held by the connector holder 104. The status signal is transmitted wirelessly from the control unit 109 to the control device 1100. may be sent to

[0049] [Control device] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device 1100 according to this embodiment. 1100 includes a memory unit 1110 and a control unit 1120.

[0050] The storage unit 1110 is a logical storage area, and may be a storage area within the CPU, a main storage device, a secondary storage device, The storage unit 1110 includes a storage device such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 1110 stores programs and the like that cause the control device 1100 to realize various functions. do.

[0051] The control unit 1120 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 1120 executes the program stored in the storage unit 1110 by using a CPU. The various functions are realized in the control device 1100. The program may be stored on a computer, such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Each program may be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. may be downloaded over a network.

[0052] The control unit 1120 controls the pallet driving device 1201 and the gate driving device 1202. It transmits instruction signals for driving the reed 1001 and the gate 1108. When the user operates the operation panel 1112, the Based on this, an instruction signal for driving the pallet 1201 and the gate 1202 is sent to the pallet driving device. 1201 and the gate driver 1202.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first sensor 411 detects whether the charging connector 102 is connected to the charging port of the vehicle V. 501 and the charging connector 102 is held by the connector holder 104. In other words, when the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle Detects a state where the connector is not connected to V and is not held by the connector holder 104 When the charging connector 102 is not connected to the vehicle V and the connector holder When the charging connector 102 is not held by the charger 104, the charging connector 102 It is assumed that the container is left on the pallet 1001 or outside the pallet 1001. It is determined.

[0054] The charging connector 102 is left on the pallet 1001 of the parking device 1000, and When the charging connector 102 is left outside the pallet 1001, the cable 103 may The charging connector 102 and the cable 103 may be left in the vicinity. When left on Pallet 1001 or outside Pallet 1001, When the pallet 1001 of the vehicle device 1000 is raised or lowered or moved laterally along the vehicle body, the cable 10 There is a risk of wire breakage in 3, damage to the vehicle V, and malfunction of the parking device 1000.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 1120 controls the charging device installed on each pallet 1001. and receiving a status signal from the pallet 1001 and the pallet 1002 based on the status signal. Specifically, the charging connector 102 transmits an instruction signal regarding the operation of the charging gate 1108. is connected to the vehicle V or held by the connector holder 104. Then, the control unit 1120 transmits a signal to the pallet driving device 1201 to allow driving. For example, when the driving of the pallet driving device 1201 is permitted, the control unit 1120 outputs a high level The charging connector 102 may generate a driving signal and output it to the pallet driving device 1201. When the control The control unit 1120 may send a drive signal to the gate driver 1202 to enable driving.

[0056] On the other hand, when the charging connector 102 is not connected to the vehicle V and the connector holder 104 is If the signal is not held by the pallet 1001, the control unit 1120 outputs a signal to prohibit the movement of the pallet 1001. For example, to prohibit the movement of the pallet 1001, In this case, the control unit 1120 generates a low-level drive signal to the pallet driving device 1201. If the charging connector 102 is not connected to the vehicle V and the connector holder If the gate driver 1202 is not held by the control circuit 1120, the control circuit 1120 Movement may be prohibited.

[0057] The control unit 1120 of the control device 1100 controls the charging device 10 installed on each pallet 1001. 0, the charging connector 102 is not connected to the vehicle V, and When a status signal is received indicating that the pallet is not being held by the pallet holder 104, In this case, the user of the parking device 1000 operates the operation panel 11 Even if an instruction to move the pallet 1001 is received via the control unit 1120, , the pallet driving device 1201 is prohibited from driving.

[0058] The control unit 1120 receives a status signal from the control unit 109 of the charging device 100 at a predetermined interval. The status signal may be received automatically, or may be received constantly from the control unit 109 . The control unit 1120 also controls a relay to request a status signal from each charging device 100 at a predetermined interval. The control unit 109 of the charging device 100 transmits a request to the charging device 100. The control unit 1120 may receive a parking status signal via the operation panel 1112. When a user of the vehicle device 1000 instructs the movement of the pallets 1001, A request to start transmitting a status signal to each charging device 100 installed in the charging station 1101 is sent. A strike may be sent.

[0059] [Control Flow] FIG. 7 shows an example of a control flow executed by the control unit 1120 of the control device 1100. In FIG. 7, as an example, the control unit 1120 constantly receives a A case where a status signal is received automatically will be described.

[0060] The control unit 1120 receives a status signal from the charging device 100 installed on each pallet 1001. The control unit 1120 receives a status signal (S701). The charging connector 1 is not connected to the V and is not held by the connector holder 104. It is determined whether 02 is present (S702).

[0061] A charging connector that is not connected to the vehicle V and is not held by the connector holder 104 If the controller 102 is present (S702; YES), the control unit 1120 The controller 1202 transmits a signal to the pallet drive unit 1201 and the gate drive unit 1202 to prohibit the movement of the pallet.

[0062] On the other hand, a charging device that is not connected to the vehicle V and is not held by the connector holder 104 If there is no charging connector 102, that is, if all the charging connectors 102 are connected to the vehicle V or is held by the connector holder 104 (S 702; NO), the control unit 1120 sends a signal to the pallet 1001 to permit the pallet 1001 to move. The control unit 1120 then transmits the information to the driving device 1201. After that, the process by the control unit 1120 returns to S701.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the charging connector 102 is provided with a sensor (first sensor 41 1), and a charging connector 102 is connected to a vehicle V placed on a pallet 1001. The state in which the connector is being held by the connector holder 104 can be detected. In other words, the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V placed on the pallet 1001. Detecting a state in which the connector is not attached and is not held by the connector holder 104 The charging connector 102 is connected to a vehicle V placed on a pallet 1001. When the parking device 1000 is not in a position where it is in a position where it is not held by the connector holder 104, If the pallet 1001 is moved, the cable 103 may be broken, the vehicle V may be damaged, and the parking device Therefore, in this embodiment, the charging connector 102 is The vehicle V is not connected to the pallet 1001, and the connector holder 104 When it is detected that the pallet 1001 is not being held by the This prevents the cable 103 from being broken, the vehicle V from being damaged, and the parking device 1000 from breaking down. It is possible.

[0064] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the first sensor 411 provided in the charging connector 102 Then, the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V, and the charging connector 102 is connected to the connector holder 1 04. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 410 detects the connection between the charging connector 102 and the vehicle V by using a first sensor 4 11, the connector holder 104 and the charging connector 102 are in contact with each other, i.e., the charging A second sensor is included for detecting a state in which the connector 102 is held by the connector holder 104. That's fine.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the connector holder 104. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the charging connector 102 is held in the connector holder 104. It is.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the connector holder 104 has a differential for holding the charging connector 102. The receptacle 601 has a shape similar to that of the power supply connector portion 403 of the charging connector 102. It is preferable that the second sensor 603 is shaped to conform to the shape of the plug 601. will be established.

[0067] The second sensor 603 detects the charging connector 102 when the charging connector 102 is engaged with the connector holder 104. For example, the second sensor 603 may be a part of the charging connector 102. The switch may be a button-type push switch having a displacement portion that is displaced by contact with the switch. As shown in FIG. 1, the button portion (displacement portion) of the second sensor 603 is inserted into the power supply connector portion 103. The charging connector 102 is inserted into the connector holder 104 and held in place. When the power supply connector 103 is inserted into the power supply port 104, the power supply connector 103 comes into contact with the tip of the power supply connector 103 and is pressed against the tip of the power supply connector 103. The second sensor 603 that comes into contact with the tip of 103 is turned on, and A detection signal indicating the ON state is output to the control unit 109.

[0068] In this manner, the charging connector 102 is held in the connector holder 104 of the charging device 100. The state where the power supply connector unit 403 is inserted into the charging port 501 of the vehicle V is the same as the state where the power supply connector unit 403 is inserted into the charging port 501 of the vehicle V. The state may be detected by a second sensor 603 different from the first sensor 411 that detects the state. The location of the second sensor 603 is not limited to the inside of the socket 601. The second sensor 603 is disposed at a position where the charging connector 102 is in contact with the connector holder 104. a position where the charging connector 102 is pressed by at least a part of the charging connector 102 when the charging connector 102 is held in the charging position That's fine.

[0069] The control unit 109 controls the detection signal (first detection signal) output from the first sensor 411 and the second detection signal (second detection signal) output from the second sensor 412. Based on the detection signal (second detection signal) output from the sensor 603, the control device 1100 , sending a status signal.

[0070] For example, a signal line in the cable 103 to which the charging connector 102 is connected may be broken, or the charging connector For example, a problem occurs in the wireless communication function of the MCU installed inside the main body 401 of the printer 102. When a failure occurs in the charging device 100, the first sensor 411 provided in the charging connector 102 The detection signal output from the charging device 100 is transmitted to the control unit 109 of the charging device 100 by wire or wirelessly. stomach.

[0071] Based on the detection signal output from the first sensor 411, the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V. When detecting the state in which the battery is connected to the connector holder 104 and the state in which the battery is held by the connector holder 104, When the power supply device 100 fails, a detection signal output from the first sensor 411 is transmitted to the control unit 109. When the charging connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V or If the controller 1100 detects that the pallet is not held by the pallet holder 104, Therefore, when a malfunction occurs in the charging device 100, the charging connector 1001 is prohibited from being moved. Even if the connector 102 is held by the connector holder 104, the pallet 1001 cannot be moved. It is not possible to do so.

[0072] In this embodiment, the second sensor 603 is provided on the charging device 100 side, so that the MCU If a problem occurs in the charging device 100, such as a problem with the cable 103, Even if the charging connector 102 is not held by the connector holder 104, the charging connector 102 is detected. It can be detected that the charging connector 102 is held in the connector holder 104. If so, the control device 1100 sends a signal to the pallet 12 to permit the pallet 1001 to move. 01 to the driving device 1201. Also, if a failure occurs in the charging device 100, the control unit 109 In consideration of the case where the status signal cannot be transmitted from the second sensor 603, An MCU having a built-in wireless communication function for transmitting a signal to the control device 1100 is provided in one of the charging devices 100. Such an MCU may be provided in, for example, the connector holder 104. If the control unit 109 cannot transmit a status signal, the control device 11 00 indicates that the charging connector 102 is connected based on a detection signal output from the second sensor 603. Alternatively, it may be possible to detect whether the electronic device is held in the electronic device holder 104 or not.

[0073] In this way, by providing the second sensor 603 on the charging device 100 side, If 102 is held in the connector holder 104, there is no problem with the cable 103 or the MCU. Even if a problem occurs, the pallet 1001 can be moved. 1000 will be more convenient.

[0074] [Variations] Modifications of the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0075] (Variation 1) In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the first sensor 4 provided in the charging connector 102 11 is provided around the power supply connector 403. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first sensor 411 may be provided inside the power supply connector 403. This may also be done.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a charging connector in which a first sensor 411 is provided inside a power supply connector 403. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a power supply connector 403 and a power supply connector 102A. As a result, the first sensor 411 is connected to the charging port 501 and the connector holder 104 of the vehicle. The first sensor 411 is pressed only when the first sensor 411 is inserted into the 5. The charging port 501 and the connector holder 104 are prevented from coming into contact with and being pressed against anything other than the charging port 501 and the connector holder 104. It is possible.

[0077] (Variation 2) In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the single first sensor 411 is connected to the charging connector 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple, One sensor 411 may be provided in the charging connector 102 .

[0078] FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which two first sensors 411a and 411b are provided around a power supply connector 403. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a charging connector 102B in which two first sensors 411a and 411b are connected. When the charging connector 102 is provided with the first and second terminals 104 and 106, the control unit 109 of the charging device 100 Based on the detection signals output from the first sensors 411a and 411b, A status signal indicating the state may be generated and output. When both of the buttons 411b and 411c are pressed, the control unit 109 of the charging device 100 The state in which the connector 102 is connected to the vehicle V or held by the connector holder 104 is In this case, the first sensor 411a or 411b outputs a status signal indicating that the first sensor 411a or 411b is full. When the power supply port 501 and the connector holder 104 are accidentally pressed by contacting them, If the remaining first sensor 411b or 411a is not pressed, the control unit 10 9 is a state in which the charging connector 102 is not connected to the vehicle V and is held in the connector holder 104. The charge controller can output a status signal indicating that the charger is not being held. This can further improve the accuracy of detecting the state of the connector 102.

[0079] Furthermore, when the two first sensors 411a and 411b are provided on the charging connector 102, The first sensor 411a or 411b is connected to the charging connector 102 of the vehicle V. The remaining first sensor 411b or 411a is for detecting whether the charging connector 102 is held by the connector holder 104 or not. In this case, the charging connector 102 may be used as a sensor for detecting the temperature of the vehicle V. The first sensor 411a or 411b for detecting whether the charging connector 1 is connected to the charging When the vehicle V is charged, the charging port 501 or the charging point 502 is inserted into the charging port 501. The charging connector 102 is disposed in a position where it comes into contact with and is pressed against the periphery of the charging port 501. a first sensor 411b for detecting whether the connector is held in the connector holder 104; When the charging connector 102 is held by the connector holder 104, the connector 411a is The connector holder 104 is installed at a position where it comes into contact with and is pressed against the periphery of the connector holder 104. do.

[0080] Furthermore, when the two first sensors 411a and 411b are provided on the charging connector 102, It is possible to accommodate more vehicle models. For example, the charging port 501 and the charging port 50 The shape of the periphery of the first sensor 411 may differ depending on the vehicle model. In this case, when the charging connector 102 is inserted into the charging port 501, depending on the vehicle model, Therefore, the first sensor 411 may not come into contact with the vehicle V. By providing two first sensors, when at least one of the first sensors 411 is pressed, The control unit 109 of the charging connector 100 is A status signal indicating the state of being held in the holder 104 can be output.

[0081] (Variation 3) 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing a charging connector 102C according to a fourth modification. As shown in FIG. 2, the charging connector 102C includes a charging port 510 or a periphery 5 01, or the contact portion 411c of the first sensor 411 that contacts the connector holder 104 is retracted. A storage section 413 may be provided for storing the same.

[0082] For example, when the power supply connector portion 403 of the charging connector 102 is plugged into the charging port 501 of the vehicle V, When the sensor 411 is pushed in, as shown in FIG. 13, the first sensor 411 is pressed and the contact portion 411c The contact portion 411c is stored in the storage portion 413. In this manner, the storage portion 413 in which the contact portion 411c is stored is provided. By doing so, the charging connector 102c is pushed against the charging port 501 with a stronger force by the user. Even if the first sensor 411 is tucked in the container, damage to the first sensor 411 can be prevented.

[0083] (Variation 4) In the above-described embodiment and modification, the first sensor 411, which is a push switch, is used. The connection between the charging connector 102 and the vehicle V is detected by the charging connector 102. The sensor that detects the connection between the vehicle V and the vehicle 02 is a first sensor 41 which is a button-type push switch. For example, the power supply connector portion 403 of the charging connector 102 may be a While plugged into port 501, the power connector The voltage between the multiple terminals 404 provided in the unit 403 changes. By detecting the connection state between the charging connector 102 and the vehicle V, the connection state between the charging connector 102 and the vehicle V may be detected. In addition, the second sensor 603 is also in a state where the charging connector 102 is engaged with the connector holder 104. The present invention is not limited to sensors that mechanically detect the state.

[0084] (Variation 5) In the above-described embodiment, based on the detection signal of the first sensor 411 or the second sensor 603, The control device 1100 controls the movement of the pallet 1001. However, the first sensor The detection signal output from the first sensor 411 or the second sensor 603 is used to control the movement of the pallet 1001. In addition, it may be used for controlling charging of the vehicle V by the charging device 100.

[0085] For example, in the control device 1100, The programs for implementing the various functions include: The charging start date and time is set, and when the set charging start time is reached, the specified palette A program for starting charging of a vehicle V by a charging device 100 provided in a charging station 1001. The user may use a web terminal, including a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. At the end of the day, an application for reserving charging of the vehicle V is downloaded in advance, and the application Using the application, an external server can receive the charging device 100 installed on a desired pallet 1001. You can reserve charging via the smartphone and set the date and time when charging will begin.

[0086] When the user sets the charging start time for the vehicle V, the charging start time is determined based on the instruction from the external server. At this time, the control unit 1120 of the control device 1100 starts charging a predetermined time before the set charging start time. The control unit 102 requests the charging device 100 to notify the status of the charging connector 102. The device 1100 selects one of the multiple pallets 1001 of the parking device 1000 designated by the user. The charging device 100 is provided on a pallet 1001 and the charging connector 102 is informed of the state of the charging device 100. Request to be informed.

[0087] The control unit 109 of the charging device 100 that has received the request from the control device 1100 A status signal is generated based on the detection signal from the sensor 411 and / or the second sensor 603. The control unit 1120 generates and transmits the status signal to the control device 1100. Based on the result, the state of the charging connector 102 is determined. When the charging device 100 is connected to the vehicle V, charging of the vehicle V by the charging device 100 starts at the charging start time. do.

[0088] On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that the charging connector 102 is not connected to the vehicle V, the control unit 11 20 determines that the vehicle V cannot be charged by the charging device 100. In this case, The control unit 1120 provides the user who has made a reservation for charging the vehicle V with a Web page used by the user. The control unit 11 notifies the terminal that the vehicle V cannot be charged. 20 determines the state of the charging connector 102, specifically, The charging connector 102 is held by the connector 104 or the charging connector 102 is not held by the connector 104 and is not connected to the vehicle V. Here, the charging connector 102 is not held in the connector 104 and The state where the charging connector 102 or the charging device 100 is not connected to the vehicle V is, for example, When a malfunction occurs in the charging connector 102, or when the charging connector 102 is disconnected from the vehicle due to human or environmental factors, This may be due to it coming off the V.

[0089] The user receives the notification from the control unit 1120 and checks the state of the charging connector 102. The user may connect the charging connector 102 to the vehicle V as necessary. good.

[0090] Moreover, the detection result by the detection unit 410 including the first sensor 411 or the second sensor 603 is For purposes other than controlling the movement of the pallet 1001 and controlling the charging of the vehicle V by the charging device 100 For example, a user may input a number of parameters to a specific palette 1001 via an external server. The vehicle V may request to be notified of the status of the vehicle V placed on the vehicle V via an external server. The control device 1100 that has received the request from the user causes the control unit 109 of the charging device 100 to Request a status signal, determine the status of the vehicle V and the charging connector 102, and notify the user may be notified to.

[0091] The embodiment and the modifications described above as one embodiment of the present invention may be used together as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. In addition, based on the configuration shown in the embodiment, Those in the art who have appropriately added, deleted or modified components or added steps The scope of the invention includes those in which the invention has been modified, omitted, or conditions have been changed, as long as they include the gist of the invention. Included.

[0092] The above-described embodiments provide other advantageous effects. However, the above-mentioned invention will be apparent from the description of the present specification, or will be easily predicted by those skilled in the art. It is understood that the above is naturally provided by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100: charging device, 101: housing, 102, 102A, 102B, 102C: Charging connector, 103... cable, 104... connector holder, 105... cable holder, 108...operation unit, 109...control unit, 401...main body, 402... Grip, 403, power supply connector, 404, terminal, 405, cover, 4 07...claw part, 409...unlock button, 411...first sensor, 413... Storage section, 501, charging port, 601, socket, 603, second sensor, 1 000...Parking device, 1001...Pallet, 1100...Control device, 1102... ··Support column, 1103··Beam, 1108··Gate, 1110··Memory unit, 1112 Operation panel, 1120, control unit, 1201, pallet drive device, 1202, Gate driver

Claims

1. a charging connector that is connected to the vehicle for charging; a connector holder capable of locking the charging connector; a cable that electrically connects the charging connector to a power source; a detection unit that detects whether the charging connector is connected to the vehicle; a charging device comprising: a control device that notifies the user that charging of the vehicle is not possible when the charging connector is not connected to the vehicle a predetermined time before a charging start time of the vehicle; 1. A parking device comprising:

2. A parking device as described in claim 1, wherein the control device requests the charging device to notify the status of the charging connector a predetermined time before the charging start time of the vehicle.

3. A parking device as described in claim 1, wherein when the charging connector is connected to the vehicle, the charging device starts charging the vehicle.

4. The detection unit detects whether the charging connector is engaged with the connector holder, 2. The parking device of claim 1, wherein the notification includes information indicating that the charging connector is held by the connector holder, or information indicating that the charging connector is not held by the connector holder and is not connected to the vehicle.

5. A program executed by a control device that communicates with a charging device that includes a charging connector that is connected to a vehicle for charging, a connector holder that can engage the charging connector, a cable that electrically connects the charging connector to a power source, and a detection unit that detects whether the charging connector is connected to the vehicle, requesting the charging device to notify the status of the charging connector a predetermined time before the charging start time of the vehicle; When it is determined based on the notification result that the charging connector is not connected to the vehicle, notifying the user that the vehicle cannot be charged; A program causing the control device to execute the above.

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