Charging device and charging facility

Abstract

To provide a charging device that can suppress failures and damage to a charging plug.SOLUTION: A charging device A1 charges a storage battery 91 of an electric vehicle 9 which moves by driving a motor with power of the storage battery 91. The charging device A1 includes: a power supply unit 11 that outputs charging power of the storage battery 91; a charging plug 13 which is connected to the electric vehicle 9 to supply the charging power to the electric vehicle 9; a charging cable 12 which supplies power output from the power supply unit 11 to the charging plug 13; a plug holder which can store the charging plug 13 when the charging plug 13 is not used; a determination unit 31 which determines whether or not the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder; and an output unit 33 which outputs the determination result to a processing device (movement restriction facility B1) that performs a predefined function according to the determination result of the determination unit 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric vehicle and a charging facility including the charging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the widespread use of electric vehicles and other electric mobile bodies, charging devices for charging storage batteries of electric mobile bodies have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional charging device. In the charging device described in Patent Document 1, when charging the secondary battery (storage battery) of the electric vehicle, a charging connector (charging plug) at the end of a charging cable is connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle. On the other hand, when the secondary battery of the electric vehicle is not being charged, the charging connector (charging plug) and the charging cable are held by a connector holding device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-244802 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional charging devices, the user of the charging device is responsible for putting away the charging plug and charging cable after charging of the electric vehicle is complete. Therefore, if the user neglects to put them away, the charging plug and charging cable may not be returned to their pre-charging state and may end up in a state of contact with the ground. If the charging plug is left on the ground in this way without being returned to a designated position on the charging device, there is a risk that the charging plug will become submerged in water, which may cause the charging plug to break down. In addition, there is a risk that the charging plug will be run over by an electric vehicle or stepped on by a person, which may cause the charging plug to be damaged.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a charging device capable of suppressing failure and damage to a charging plug, and another object to provide a charging facility capable of suppressing failure and damage to a charging plug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A charging device provided by a first aspect of the present disclosure is a charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric vehicle that moves by driving a prime mover with power from the storage battery, and includes a power supply unit that outputs power for charging the storage battery, a charging plug connected to the electric vehicle and supplying the power output by the power supply unit to the electric vehicle, a charging cable that supplies the power output by the power supply unit to the charging plug, a plug holder in which the charging plug can be stored when the charging plug is not in use, a determination unit that determines whether the charging plug is stored in the plug holder, and an output unit that outputs the determination result to a processing device that performs a specified function depending on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the charging device, the charging device further includes a housing that accommodates the power supply unit, and the plug holder includes an insertion recess into which at least a portion of the charging plug can be inserted, and a latch portion that holds the charging plug in a state in which the charging plug is inserted into the insertion recess, and the determination unit determines whether or not the charging plug is stored based on the state of the latch portion.

[0008] A charging facility provided by a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the charging device provided by the first aspect and the processing device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the charging equipment, the processing device is a movement limiting device that limits the movement of the electric mobile object from a specified area, and when a determination result that the charging plug is not stored is input from the output unit, the movement limiting device limits the movement of the electric mobile object from the area.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the charging equipment, the area is a parking space for parking the electric mobile body, and the movement restriction device has a locking plate that restricts the movement of the tires of the electric mobile body, and switches between a state in which the restriction by the locking plate is effective and a state in which the restriction by the locking plate is released. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the charging device of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent breakdowns and damage to the charging plug. Also, according to the charging equipment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent breakdowns and damage to the charging plug. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a charging facility according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a charging facility according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is an external view showing a charging device of a charging facility according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the movement restriction device for the charging facility according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side view showing another configuration example of the movement restriction device for the charging facility according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a charging facility according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a charging facility according to another modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a charging facility according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a charging facility according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a charging facility according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a charging facility according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an external view showing a charging device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the charging device and charging facility of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0014] 1 and 2 show a charging facility S1 according to a first embodiment. The charging facility S1 is a facility for charging an electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 is an automobile equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery 91 that supplies power to the electric motor, and includes not only so-called electric vehicles that are powered only by an electric motor, but also hybrid vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine. Note that the object to be charged by the charging facility S1 is not limited to automobiles, and may be other electric mobile objects equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery that supplies power to the electric motor.

[0015] The charging facility S1 includes a charging device A1 and a movement limiting device B1. In this embodiment, the charging device A1 and the movement limiting device B1 are provided in a parking space P1 in a parking lot of a facility. The charging device A1 and the movement limiting device B1 are each installed on the ground.

[0016] The charging device A1 supplies charging power to the electric vehicle 9. The charging device A1 is disposed outside the parking space P1, and in the example shown in Fig. 1, behind the parking space P1. Note that the arrangement of the charging device A1 relative to the parking space P1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0017] 2, the charging device A1 includes a main body 1, a processing unit 3, a display device 4, and a communication line 7. The main body 1, the processing unit 3, and the display device 4 communicate with each other via the communication line 7. The standard of the communication via the communication line 7 is not limited in any way, but may be, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) communication.

[0018] The main body unit 1 supplies charging power to the electric vehicle 9 and charges the storage battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9. The charging power is, for example, DC power. The main body unit 1 includes a power supply unit 11, a charging cable 12, a charging plug 13, a control unit 14, a main breaker 151, and a control breaker 152. Although not shown in the figure, the main body unit 1 also includes a vehicle communication unit that communicates with the electric vehicle 9, in addition to the above.

[0019] The power supply unit 11 outputs charging power in response to a command from the control unit 14. The charging power is, for example, DC power, and the power supply unit 11 converts AC power input from the power system K via the main breaker 151 into DC power and outputs it. The power supply unit 11 includes, for example, a converter and a smoothing circuit. The converter converts AC power input from the power system K into DC power in response to a command from the control unit 14. The smoothing circuit smoothes the DC power output by the converter and outputs it. Note that the specific configuration of the power supply unit 11 is not limited as long as it can output charging power (DC power in this embodiment). For example, the power supply unit 11 may include a transformer that boosts the AC voltage input from the power system K. The power supply unit 11 is housed in a housing 80 (described later) of the charging device A1.

[0020] Power lines and signal lines are arranged inside the charging cable 12. The power lines inside the charging cable 12 are connected to the power supply unit 11. The charging cable 12 extends from a housing 80 of the charging device A1.

[0021] The charging plug 13 is attached to the tip of the charging cable 12. Charging power is supplied from the power source unit 11 to the charging plug 13 via the charging cable 12. The charging plug 13 includes a main body and a connector. The main body of the charging plug 13 is a portion that is held by the user, and a handle is formed therein. Inside the main body of the charging plug 13, a power line connected to the power line in the charging cable 12 and a signal line connected to the signal line in the charging cable 12 are arranged. The connector of the charging plug 13 is, for example, a cylindrical member made of metal and arranged at the tip of the main body, and is a portion that is connected to a plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9. Inside the connector of the charging plug 13, a power terminal that is conductive to the power line in the main body, and a signal terminal that is conductive to the signal line in the main body are arranged. In addition to the main body and the connector, the charging plug 13 includes a mechanism for locking the charging plug 13 to the plug-in connector 92, a button for removing the charging plug 13, and the like. Note that the configuration of the charging plug 13 is not limited thereto.

[0022] The control unit 14 is configured to control the charging device A1, and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 14 controls the output power of the power supply unit 11. The control unit 14 receives AC power from the power system K via a control breaker 152. For example, the control unit 14 converts the input AC power into DC power and operates using the DC power.

[0023] The main body unit 1 is connected to the electric vehicle 9 by connecting the charging plug 13 to a plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9. Then, in the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging plug 13 is connected, the storage battery 91 is charged by charging power supplied from the power supply unit 11. In addition, the main body unit 1 (the above-mentioned vehicle communication unit) communicates with the electric vehicle 9 via a signal line in the charging cable 12 and a signal line in the charging plug 13. The main body unit 1 receives information from the electric vehicle 9, such as the capacity of the storage battery 91, the current charging rate (SoC: State of Charge), and a required power value. The required power value is a power value that the electric vehicle 9 requests of the charging device A1 in order to charge the storage battery 91. Note that the information transmitted and received between the main body unit 1 and each electric vehicle 9 is not limited.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the appearance of the charging device A1, Fig. 3(a) is a front view of the charging device A1, and Fig. 3(b) is a side view of the charging device A1. As shown in Fig. 3, the charging device A1 includes a housing 80, a plug holder 81, and a holder 82.

[0025] The housing 80 accommodates part of the main body 1 (the power supply unit 11, part of the charging cable 12, the control unit 14, the main breaker 151, and the control breaker 152), the processing unit 3, and part of the display device 4. The housing 80 is made of, for example, metal.

[0026] The plug holder 81 is a portion that stores and holds the charging plug 13. In the illustrated example, the plug holder 81 protrudes from the front surface of the housing 80. When the charging plug 13 is not in use, the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81. The plug holder 81 includes a fitting recess 811 and a latch portion 812.

[0027] At least a portion (the tip portion) of the charging plug 13 can be fitted into the fitting recess 811. When the charging plug 13 is not in use, the charging plug 13 is fitted into the fitting recess 811. In this embodiment, the plug holder 81 protrudes from the front surface of the housing 80, and the fitting recess 811 is recessed from the front surface of the plug holder 81. Unlike this example, the plug holder 81 may be embedded in the housing 80, and the fitting recess 811 may be recessed from the front surface of the housing 80. The charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81 by being fitted into the fitting recess 811.

[0028] The latch portion 812 holds the charging plug 13 in a state where the charging plug 13 is fitted into the fitting recess 811. The latch portion 812 has an internal spring. The elastic force of the spring urges the latch portion 812 to protrude from the inner surface of the fitting recess 811. When the charging plug 13 is inserted into the plug holder 81 (fitting recess 811), the latch portion 812 is pressed by the body of the charging plug 13 and engages with a recess formed on the side of the body. This allows the charging plug 13 to be held in the plug holder 81. When the latch portion 812 engages with the recess of the body of the charging plug 13, the tip of the latch portion 812 (the end on the inner side of the fitting recess 811) is pressed in further than when the charging plug 13 is not housed in the plug holder 81. In other words, when the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81, the latch portion 812 protrudes further inward into the fitting recess 811 than when the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81. For ease of explanation, the position of the latch portion 812 when the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81 is referred to as the "plug unstored position," and the position of the latch portion 812 when the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81 is referred to as the "plug stored position."

[0029] The holder 82 is a portion that stores and holds the charging cable 12. The holder 82 is, for example, a hook, and in the example shown in FIG. 3, protrudes from a side surface of the housing 80. The holder 82 holds the charging cable 12 in a state in which the charging cable 12 (charging plug 13) is wound in a ring shape when the charging cable 12 is not in use. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a state in which the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82. As shown in FIG. 3, when the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82, the charging cable 12 is completely floating above the ground GD. On the other hand, when the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in the holder 82, a part of the charging cable 12 is in contact with the ground GD. The holder 82 is not limited to the hook described above, as long as it can hold the charging cable 12 in a state in which the charging cable 12 is completely floating above the ground GD.

[0030] The processing unit 3 determines the storage state of the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12, and outputs the determination result of the storage state. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The determination unit 31 determines whether the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81. The determination unit 31 includes a latch detection unit 311 that detects the state of the latch unit 812. The determination unit 31 determines whether the charging plug 13 is properly stored based on a detection result of the latch detection unit 311. The latch detection unit 311 detects whether the latch unit 812 is in the plug stored position or the plug unstored position. When the detection result of the latch detection unit 311 is the plug stored position, the determination unit 31 determines that the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81, and when the detection result of the latch detection unit 311 is the plug unstored position, the determination unit 31 determines that the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81. For ease of explanation, the determination result of the determination unit 31 is referred to as a "plug storage determination result." In addition, in the plug storage determination result, a determination that charging plug 13 is stored in plug holder 81 is referred to as a “storage determination,” and a determination that charging plug 13 is not stored in plug holder 81 is referred to as a “non-storage determination.” Determination unit 31 is an example of a “determination unit” described in the claims.

[0032] The determination unit 32 determines whether the charging cable 12 is stored in the holder 82. The determination unit 32 includes a load detection unit 321 that detects a load from the charging cable 12. The determination unit 32 determines whether the charging cable 12 is stored properly and is in an appropriate held state, based on a detection result from the load detection unit 321. In this embodiment, the load detection unit 321 is a load sensor and detects a load applied to the holder 82 (hook). When the charging cable 12 is hooked on the holder 82, the load of the charging cable 12 is applied to the holder 82. At this time, when a part of the charging cable 12 is in contact with the ground GD, the load applied to the holder 82 is reduced compared to when the charging cable 12 is completely floating above the ground GD. Based on the detection result of the load detection unit 321, when the load applied to the holder 82 is less than a preset determination threshold, the determination unit 32 determines that the charging cable 12 is not stored correctly (i.e., not in a properly held state), and when the load is equal to or greater than the preset determination threshold, the determination unit 32 determines that the charging cable 12 is stored correctly (i.e., in a properly held state). The above-mentioned determination threshold is set, for example, based on the load when the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82 and is floating above the ground GD (proper state). In one example, a value that is 50% of the load in the proper state is set as the determination threshold. For convenience of explanation, the determination result of the determination unit 32 is referred to as a "cable storage determination result." In addition, in the cable storage determination result, a determination that charging cable 12 is stored correctly and completely floating above the ground GD (determination that charging cable 12 is in an appropriate held state) is referred to as a "storage determination", and a determination that charging cable 12 is not stored correctly and does not completely float above the ground GD (determination that charging cable 12 is not in an appropriate held state) is referred to as an "unstorage determination". The determination unit 32 is not limited to the above example, and may determine the cable storage determination result as a "storage determination" when the load applied to holder 82 is within a predetermined range. Furthermore, determination unit 32 may store the load applied to holder 82 each time before charging cable 12 is pulled out to charge electric vehicle 9, and may determine the load as the load in the appropriate state.

[0033] The output unit 33 outputs each of the judgment results (plug storage judgment result and cable storage judgment result) of the two judgment units 31, 32. In this embodiment, the output unit 33 can communicate with the movement restriction device B1 via the communication network NW, and outputs each of the judgment results of the two judgment units 31, 32 to the movement restriction device B1 by communicating with the movement restriction device B1 via the communication network NW. In the following description, output via the communication network NW may be referred to as "transmission". The output unit 33 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may also perform wired communication. At this time, the output unit 33 may output each of the judgment results (plug storage judgment result and cable storage judgment result) of the two judgment units 31, 32 to the display device 4.

[0034] The display device 4 includes a display 41. For example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display is used for the display 41, but the type of the display 41 is not limited. The display device 4 displays the supply status of the charging power on the display 41. The supply status of the charging power may be, for example, whether it is on standby for supply (on standby for charging), whether it is in execution of supply (in execution of charging), or whether it is complete (completion of charging). For the status of in execution of supply, for example, in addition to the fact that supply is in execution, the charge rate of the electric vehicle 9 (storage battery 91), the elapsed time from the start of charging (charging time), the expected time (remaining time) until charging is complete, and the charging fee are displayed. When the respective determination results (plug storage determination result and cable storage determination result) of the two determination units 31 and 32 are output from the output unit 33 to the display device 4, the display device 4 may display the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result on the display 41.

[0035] The movement limiting device B1 limits the movement of the electric vehicle 9 from a predetermined area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the predetermined area is a parking stall P1. The movement limiting device B1 limits the movement of the electric vehicle 9 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition in this embodiment is that at least one of the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in a predetermined storage location. In other words, the movement limiting device B1 limits the movement of the electric vehicle 9 from the parking stall P1 when the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81 or the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in the holder 82. In this embodiment, the movement limiting device B1 is an example of a "processing device" as described in the claims.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the movement restriction device B1. Fig. 4(a) shows a state in which the movement of the electric vehicle 9 is restricted by the movement restriction device B1, and Fig. 4(b) shows a state in which the restriction on the movement of the electric vehicle 9 by the movement restriction device B1 is released. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the movement restriction device B1 has a lock plate 71 and an execution unit 72.

[0037] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lock plate 71 is installed between the front wheel 931 and the rear wheel 932 of the electric vehicle 9. Unlike this example, the lock plate 71 may be installed in front of the parking stall P1. The lock plate 71 transitions between an upright state and a lying state. The movement restriction device B1 has a mechanism such as a motor that moves the lock plate 71. As shown in FIG. 4(a), when the lock plate 71 is upright (i.e., when locked by the lock plate 71), the rotation of the tires (front wheel 931 and rear wheel 932) of the electric vehicle 9 (movement of the electric vehicle 9) is restricted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the lock plate 71 is lying down (i.e., when the lock by the lock plate 71 is released), the restriction on the rotation of the tires of the electric vehicle 9 (restriction on the movement of the electric vehicle 9) is released.

[0038] Unlike the example shown in FIG. 4, the lock plate 71 of the movement restriction device B1 may be of a lifting type, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the movement of the electric vehicle 9 is restricted by the movement restriction device B1 according to the modified example, and FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which the restriction on the movement of the electric vehicle 9 by the movement restriction device B1 according to the modified example is released. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the lock plate 71 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction while lying down. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the lock plate 71 is disposed upward, so that the rotation of the tires of the electric vehicle 9 (the movement of the electric vehicle 9) is restricted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the lock plate 71 is disposed downward, so that the restriction on the rotation of the tires of the electric vehicle 9 (the restriction on the movement of the electric vehicle 9) is released.

[0039] The execution unit 72 controls the operation of the lock plate 71. The execution unit 72 can communicate with the communication network NW, and receives the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result from the charging device A1 (output unit 33) via the communication network NW. The execution unit 72 controls the operation of the lock plate 71 based on each received determination result. When either the plug storage determination result is "not stored" or the cable storage determination result is "not stored", the execution unit 72 raises the lock plate 71 (sets it in an upright position). When the plug storage determination result is "stored" and the cable storage determination result is "stored", the execution unit 72 lowers the lock plate 71 (sets it in a lying position). As a result, when either the charging plug 13 or the charging cable 12 is not stored, the electric vehicle 9 is restricted from moving from the parking stall P1 by the lock plate 71. When charging the electric vehicle 9, at least the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81, so the plug storage determination result is “not stored determination”, and the execution unit 72 raises the lock plate 71 to restrict the movement of the electric vehicle 9. On the other hand, if both the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12 are properly stored, the lock plate 71 is lowered, the electric vehicle 9 is released from the lock plate 71, and the electric vehicle 9 can move from the parking stall P1.

[0040] The functions and effects of the charging device A1 and the charging facility S1 are as follows.

[0041] The charging device A1 includes a determination unit 31 that determines whether the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81, and an output unit 33 that outputs the determination result of the determination unit 31 (plug storage determination result). In this embodiment, the determination result of the determination unit 31 is output to the movement restriction device B1, and the movement restriction device B1 restricts the movement of the electric vehicle 9 according to the determination result (plug storage determination result) input from the output unit 33. With this configuration, the movement restriction device B1 can restrict the movement of the electric vehicle 9 if the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81. Therefore, the charging facility S1 can prompt the user of the charging device A1 to store the charging plug 13 in its original position, and can prevent the charging plug 13 from being left on the ground GD. In other words, in the charging equipment S1, the charging device A1 outputs a plug storage determination result as to whether or not the charging plug 13 is properly stored in the plug holder 81 to the movement restriction device B1, and if the plug storage determination result is "not stored," the movement restriction device B1 restricts the movement of the electric vehicle 9, thereby preventing failure and damage to the charging plug 13.

[0042] In the charging device A1, the plug holder 81 includes an insertion recess 811 into which at least a portion of the charging plug 13 can be inserted, and a latch portion 812 that holds the charging plug 13 in a state in which the charging plug 13 is inserted into the insertion recess 811. The determination unit 31 determines whether or not the charging plug 13 is stored based on the state of the latch portion 812. With this configuration, the charging device A1 can determine whether or not the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81 by the determination unit 31.

[0043] The charging device A1 includes a determination unit 32 that determines whether the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82 and is in an appropriate holding state, and an output unit 33 that outputs the determination result of the determination unit 32. In this embodiment, the determination result of the determination unit 32 is output to the movement restriction device B1, which restricts the movement of the electric vehicle 9 according to the determination result (cable storage determination result) input from the output unit 33. With this configuration, the movement restriction device B1 can restrict the movement of the electric vehicle 9 when the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in the holder 82 (not in an appropriate holding state). Therefore, the charging equipment S1 can prompt the user of the charging device A1 to store the charging cable 12 in its original position, and prevent the charging cable 12 from coming into contact with the ground GD. In other words, in the charging equipment S1, the charging device A1 outputs a cable storage determination result as to whether or not the charging cable 12 is properly held to the movement restriction device B1, and if the cable storage determination result is "not stored," the movement restriction device B1 restricts the movement of the electric vehicle 9, thereby preventing disconnection and damage to the charging cable 12.

[0044] In the charging device A1, the holder 82 is a hook, and the load detection unit 321 detects the load acting on the hook. When the load detected by the load detection unit 321 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, the determination unit 32 determines that the charging cable 12 is completely floating above the ground GD (i.e., determines that the charging cable 12 is in an appropriate holding state). As described above, the determination threshold is set based on the load when the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82 and floating above the ground GD. With this configuration, the charging device A1 can determine, by the determination unit 32, whether the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82 and in an appropriate holding state.

[0045] In charging device A1, output unit 33 outputs each of the determination results (plug storage determination result and cable storage determination result) of two determination units 31, 32. According to this configuration, movement restriction device B1 restricts the movement of electric vehicle 9 when either the charging plug 13 is not properly stored in plug holder 81 or the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in holder 82 is met. Therefore, charging equipment S1 can prompt the user of charging device A1 to store both charging plug 13 and charging cable 12, and therefore damage to both charging plug 13 and charging cable 12 can be suppressed.

[0046] In the charging facility S1, the movement restriction device B1 has a lock plate 71, and switches between a state in which the restriction by the lock plate 71 is effective and a state in which the restriction by the lock plate 71 is released. According to this configuration, the lock plate 71 can restrict the rotation of the tires (front wheels 931 or rear wheels 932) of the electric vehicle 9, so that the movement restriction device B1 can restrict the movement of the electric vehicle 9 from the parking stall P1.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the movement limiting device B1 restricts movement from the parking space P1, but may restrict movement from a parking lot. That is, the above-mentioned predetermined area is not limited to the parking space P1, and may be a parking lot where the charging device A1 is installed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the movement limiting device B1 has an exit gate 73 arranged at the exit of the parking lot P0, for example, instead of the lock plate 71. FIG. 6 shows a state in which a user of an electric vehicle 9 that was charging at a parking space P11 proceeds to the exit of the parking lot P0 without storing the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12 after charging the electric vehicle 9. At this time, the charging device A1 for the parking space P11 outputs (transmits) to the movement limiting device B1 a plug storage determination result and a cable storage determination result of "not stored" respectively. The movement limiting device B1 does not open the exit gate 73 due to the respective determination results of "not stored". For this reason, unless the user of the electric vehicle 9 correctly stores the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12, the user of the electric vehicle 9 cannot exit the parking lot P0, so the user of the electric vehicle 9 can be urged to correctly store the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12. In this way, the charging facility of the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration that restricts the movement of the electric vehicle 9 from the parking space P1, and may restrict the movement of the electric vehicle 9 from the parking lot P0. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the movement restriction device B1 preferably has a display or speaker (not shown) and notifies the user that the charging plug 13 or the charging cable 12 is not stored from the display or speaker. This makes it possible to inform a user who has come close to the exit gate 73 of the reason why the exit gate 73 does not open. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result, it is preferable to output (transmit) a camera image of the electric vehicle 9 using the charging device A1 from the charging device A1 to the movement restriction device B1. This allows the movement restriction device B1 to identify the user (electric vehicle 9) who has not properly stored the charging plug 13 or charging cable 12, and to control the opening and closing of the exit gate 73.

[0048] In the first embodiment, an example in which one movement limiting device B1 is provided for one parking stall P1 has been shown. Unlike this example, one movement limiting device B1 may be provided for multiple parking stalls P1. FIG. 7 shows a charging facility according to such a modification. In the modification shown in FIG. 7, the movement limiting device B1 has multiple locking plates 71 and one execution unit 72. The multiple locking plates 71 are individually installed for the multiple parking stalls P1. The execution unit 72 can communicate with each of the multiple locking plates 71 and each of the multiple charging devices A1. The execution unit 72 controls the operation of each of the multiple locking plates 71. The execution unit 72 functions as a management device for the multiple locking plates 71. The execution unit 72 receives (receives) the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result from each charging device A1, and restricts the movement of the electric vehicle 9 by the corresponding locking plate 71 according to the input plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result. In this way, the charging facility of the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration in which one movement limiting device B1 is provided for one parking stall P1, and one movement limiting device B1 may be provided for a plurality of parking stalls P1.

[0049] 8 shows a charging facility S2 according to the second embodiment. The charging facility S2 includes an alarm device B2 instead of a movement restriction device B1. In this embodiment, the alarm device B2 is an example of the "processing device" described in the claims.

[0050] The alarm device B2 can communicate with the charging device A1 via the communication network NW. The alarm device B2 includes an execution unit 75 and a speaker 76. The execution unit 75 outputs an alarm sound or a voice via the speaker 76. The execution unit 75 receives the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result from the charging device A1 (output unit 33) via the communication network NW, similar to the execution unit 72. Then, the execution unit 75 outputs an alarm sound or a voice from the speaker 76 according to each received determination result. When the plug storage determination result is "not stored", the execution unit 75 outputs an alarm sound (beep sound) or a voice message such as "Please store the charging plug" from the speaker 76, and when the cable storage determination result is "not stored", the execution unit 75 outputs an alarm sound (beep sound) or a voice message such as "Please store the charging cable correctly" from the speaker 76. As a result, when either the charging plug 13 or the charging cable 12 is not stored, the fact is notified via the speaker 76. On the other hand, when the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result are both "storage determination", execution unit 75 does not output an alarm sound or voice. Alternatively, when the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result are both "storage determination", execution unit 75 may output a voice message such as a message of thanks for storing charging plug 13 and charging cable 12 from speaker 76.

[0051] In charging equipment S2, the determination result of determination unit 31 is output to alarm device B2, and alarm device B2 outputs an alarm sound or voice from speaker 76 according to the determination result of determination unit 31 (plug storage determination result) input from output unit 33. With this configuration, when charging plug 13 is not stored in plug holder 81, alarm device B2 can output an alarm sound or voice from speaker 76 to notify the user of charging equipment A1 of this fact. Therefore, charging equipment S2 can prompt the user of charging equipment A1 to store charging plug 13 in its original position, and can prevent charging plug 13 from being left on the ground GD. In other words, charging equipment S2 can prevent breakdown and damage of charging plug 13, similar to charging equipment S1.

[0052] In charging equipment S2, the determination result of determination unit 32 is output to alarm device B2, and alarm device B2 outputs an alarm sound or voice from speaker 76 according to the determination result of determination unit 32 (cable storage determination result) input from output unit 33. With this configuration, when charging cable 12 is not properly stored in holder 82, alarm device B2 can output an alarm sound or voice from speaker 76 to notify the user of charging equipment A1 of this fact. Therefore, charging equipment S2 can prompt the user of charging equipment A1 to store charging cable 12 in its original position, and can prevent charging cable 12 from being left on the ground GD. That is, charging equipment S2 can prevent disconnection and damage of charging cable 12, similar to charging equipment S1.

[0053] In addition, the charging facility S2 has a common configuration with the charging facility S1 and thus provides the same effects as the charging facility S1.

[0054] In the above second embodiment, an example has been described in which the alarm device B2 is provided outside the charging device A1, but the alarm device B2 may be provided inside the charging device A1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 9, the alarm device B2 is connected to a communication line 7, and the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result are input from the output unit 33 via the communication line 7. In this way, in the charging equipment S2, there is no limitation as to whether the alarm device B2 is provided outside the charging device A1 or inside the charging device A1.

[0055] 10 shows a charging facility S3 according to a third embodiment. The charging facility S3 includes a display device B3 instead of the movement limiting device B1 or the alarm device B2. In this embodiment, the display device B3 is an example of the "processing device" described in the claims.

[0056] The display device B3 can communicate with the charging device A1 via the communication network NW. The display device B3 includes an execution unit 78 and a display 79. The execution unit 78 causes the display 79 to display a predetermined image. As with the display 41, the display 79 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The type of the display 79 is not limited, and may be, for example, a light-emitting device such as a light bulb. As with the execution unit 72, the execution unit 78 receives the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result from the charging device A1 (output unit 33) via the communication network NW. Then, the execution unit 78 causes the display 79 to display a predetermined image according to each received determination result. When the plug storage determination result is "storage determination" and the cable storage determination result is "storage determination," the execution unit 78 causes the display 79 to display a coupon such as a discount coupon for the charging fee or a discount coupon for the facility where the charging device A1 is installed, or instead of this (or in addition to this), causes the display 79 to display a message of thanks for storing the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12. On the other hand, when the plug storage determination result is "not stored determination," the execution unit 78 causes the display 79 to display a message such as "Please store the charging plug," and when the cable storage determination result is "not stored determination," causes the display 79 to display a message such as "Please properly store the charging cable."

[0057] In the charging equipment S3, the determination result of the determination unit 31 is output to the display device B3, and the display device B3 displays a predetermined image on the display 79 according to the determination result (plug storage determination result) of the determination unit 31 input from the output unit 33. According to this configuration, when the charging plug 13 is not stored in the plug holder 81, the display device B3 can display a message on the display 79 informing the user of the charging equipment A1 of the fact. Alternatively, when the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81, the display device B3 can display the above-mentioned coupon or the above-mentioned thank-you message on the display 79 for the charging equipment A1. Therefore, the charging equipment S3 can prompt the user of the charging equipment A1 to store the charging plug 13 in its original position, and can prevent the charging plug 13 from being left on the ground GD. That is, the charging equipment S3 can prevent the charging plug 13 from breaking down and being damaged, similar to each of the charging equipment S1 and S2.

[0058] In the charging equipment S3, the determination result of the determination unit 32 is output to the display device B3, and the display device B3 displays a predetermined image on the display 79 according to the determination result (cable storage determination result) of the determination unit 32 input from the output unit 33. According to this configuration, when the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in the holder 82, the display device B3 can display a message on the display 79 informing the user of the charging equipment A1 of the fact. Alternatively, when the charging cable 12 is properly stored in the holder 82, the display device B3 can display the above-mentioned coupon or the above-mentioned thank-you message on the display 79 for the charging equipment A1. Therefore, the charging equipment S3 can prompt the user of the charging equipment A1 to store the charging cable 12 in its original position, and can prevent the charging cable 12 from being left on the ground GD. That is, the charging equipment S3 can prevent the charging cable 12 from being disconnected and damaged, similar to each of the charging equipment S1 and S2.

[0059] In addition, the charging facility S3 has a configuration in common with the charging facilities S1 and S2, and thus has the same effects as the charging facilities S1 and S2.

[0060] In the third embodiment, the display device B3 is provided outside the charging device A1. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the display device 4 inside the charging device A1 may be used as the display device B3. In this case, the display device 4 has an execution unit 78, and the execution unit 78 receives the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result from the output unit 33. The execution unit 78 of the display device 4 displays the coupon and the thank-you message on the display device 41 instead of the display device 79. In this way, the charging facility S3 is not limited in any way to whether the display device B3 is provided outside the charging device A1 or the display device 4 of the charging device A1 is used as the display device B3. Alternatively, the display device B3 may be provided inside the charging device A1 separately from the display device 4.

[0061] As can be understood from the above first to third embodiments (including their modified examples), in the charging equipment of the present disclosure, the output destination of the plug storage determination result and the cable storage determination result may be any processing device that performs the following function: That is, any processing device that performs the function of prompting the user of the charging device A1 to store the charging plug 13 and the charging cable 12 in their original positions.

[0062] In the first to third embodiments (including their modified examples), the plug holder 81 of the charging device A1 may have another sensor capable of detecting an object, instead of the latch unit 812. The sensor may be, for example, a sensor using an optical element such as a photoelectric sensor or a laser sensor, or may be an image sensor using a camera. Even in these cases, the determination unit 31 can determine whether or not the charging plug 13 is stored in the plug holder 81, based on the detection result from the sensor.

[0063] In the first to third embodiments (including the modified examples thereof), the load detection unit 321 of the charging device A1 does not detect a load applied to the holder 82, but may be a weight sensor disposed on the ground GD below the holder 82 of the charging device A1. FIG. 12 shows a charging device A2 according to such a modified example. The charging device A2 is used in place of the charging device A1 in the charging facilities S1 to S3. As shown in FIG. 12, if the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in the holder 82, a part of the charging cable 12 comes into contact with the ground GD. When a part of the charging cable 12 comes into contact with the ground GD in this way, a load is applied to the weight sensor (load detection unit 321) described above. Therefore, the determination unit 32 can determine that the charging cable 12 is not properly stored in the holder 82 (is not in a proper holding state) when a load equal to or greater than a threshold value is applied to the load detection unit 321 according to the detection result of the weight sensor (load detection unit 321) (that is, the cable storage determination result can be determined as "not stored determination"). In this manner, the load detection unit 321 of the charging device of the present disclosure is not limited in any way as long as it is capable of detecting the weight of the charging cable 12.

[0064] In the first to third embodiments (including their modified examples), an example has been shown in which the processing unit 3 of the charging device A1 includes the determination unit 32, but unlike this example, the processing unit 3 may not include the determination unit 32. In this case, the movement restriction device B1, the warning device B2, and the display device B3 each receive (input) the plug storage determination result from the charging device A1, and each restrict the movement of the electric vehicle 9, output the speaker, and display an image according to the plug storage determination result.

[0065] The charging device and charging facility according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment. The specific configurations of the components of the charging device and charging facility according to the present disclosure can be freely designed in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] S1, S2, S3: charging equipment, A1, A2: charging device, B1: movement restriction device, B2: alarm device, B3: display device, NW: communication network, P0: parking lot, P1, P11: parking space, 11: power supply unit, 12: charging cable, 13: charging plug, 31: determination unit, 311: latch detection unit, 32: determination unit, 321: load detection unit, 33: output unit, 4: display device, 41: display unit, 71: lock plate, 72: execution unit, 73: exit gate, 75: execution unit, 76: speaker, 78: execution unit, 79: display unit, 80: housing, 81: plug holder, 811: insertion recess, 812: latch unit, 82: holder, 9: electric vehicle, 91: storage battery, 92: plug-in connector, 931: front wheel, 932: rear wheel

Claims

1. A charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric vehicle that moves by driving a prime mover with electric power from the storage battery, A power supply unit that outputs power for charging the storage battery; a charging plug connected to the electric vehicle and configured to supply the electric power output from the power supply unit to the electric vehicle; a charging cable that supplies the power output from the power supply unit to the charging plug; a plug holder capable of storing the charging plug when the charging plug is not in use; a determination unit that determines whether the charging plug is stored in the plug holder; an output unit that outputs the determination result to a processing device that performs a predetermined function depending on the determination result of the determination unit.

2. Further comprising a housing for accommodating the power supply unit, the plug holder includes a fitting recess into which at least a portion of the charging plug can be fitted, and a latch portion that holds the charging plug in a state in which the charging plug is fitted into the fitting recess, The charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the charging plug is stored or not based on a state of the latch unit.

3. A charging device according to claim 1 or 2, A charging facility comprising the processing device.

4. the processing device is a movement limiting device that limits movement of the electric moving body from a predetermined area, The charging facility according to claim 3 , wherein the movement restriction device restricts movement of the electric mobile object from the area when a determination result indicating that the charging plug is not stored is input from the output unit.

5. the area is a parking space in which the electric vehicle is parked, 5. The charging facility according to claim 4, wherein the movement limiting device has a lock plate that limits movement of a tire of the electric moving body, and switches between a state in which the restriction by the lock plate is effective and a state in which the restriction by the lock plate is released.

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