Mechanical parking facility

Abstract

To improve power transmission efficiency in a mechanical parking facility that can be charged using a non-contact power transmission system.SOLUTION: A mechanical parking facility comprises a pallet 32 on which a vehicle 20 is mounted, and a charging device 40 that is capable of moving a power transmission coil 46 to a position opposite a power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 20 mounted on the pallet 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical parking lot. [Background technology]

[0002] Mechanical parking lots are generally known as parking lots that can efficiently park many vehicles in a small space. Various structures are provided for mechanical parking lots, one of which is a pallet-type mechanical parking lot, in which vehicles are placed on a pallet and the pallet is moved vertically and horizontally using rails and grooves to transport the vehicle to an available parking space. In addition, a mechanical parking lot that improves parking efficiency by combining a lift (elevation mechanism) and a multi-level parking layer with this pallet-type mechanical parking lot is also provided (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, low-noise, clean electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (hereinafter collectively referred to as EVs) have begun to become popular. EVs are powered by electricity from secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries mounted on the vehicles. Currently, it takes several tens of minutes to several hours to charge these secondary batteries. Therefore, a technology has been proposed in which an outlet is provided on a pallet, and the secondary battery of the EV is charged while the EV is parked in a parking lot (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] Furthermore, a mechanical parking lot has also been proposed in which a power transmission coil is placed in a parking space and power can be transmitted contactlessly to a power receiving coil on the vehicle side through an opening in a pallet (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-197417 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-107447 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2015-165090 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with a contactless power transmission method, for example, if a vehicle is parked offset within a pallet, the position of the power receiving coil on the vehicle side may be offset relative to the power transmitting coil on the parking space side, which may result in reduced power transmission efficiency.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that improves power transmission efficiency in mechanical parking lots that allow charging using a contactless power transmission method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of a mechanical parking lot of the present invention comprises a pallet on which a vehicle is mounted, and a charging device capable of moving a transmitting coil to a position opposite the receiving coil of the vehicle mounted on the pallet.

[0009] Any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also valid aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the power transmission efficiency in a mechanical parking lot where charging is possible using a non-contact power transmission method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mechanical parking lot according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the B1F parking space in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a charging device in a mechanical parking lot according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams for explaining the procedure of charging in the mechanical parking lot according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the charging device. [Figure 6] 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams for explaining a charging device for a mechanical parking lot according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams for explaining a charging device for a mechanical parking lot according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a charging device for a mechanical parking lot in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining electrical equipment that can be used in a flat parking lot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components and members shown in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted as appropriate. Also, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding. Also, some of the members that are not important for explaining the embodiment are omitted in each drawing.

[0013] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mechanical parking lot 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the B1F parking space 14 in Fig. 1. Note that the B2F parking space 16 and the B3F parking space 18 are configured in the same manner as the B1F parking space 14.

[0014] The mechanical parking lot 10 is a so-called underground mechanical parking lot that is provided up to three basement floors below a building 104 provided above ground. Note that the mechanical parking lot 10 may be an above-ground mechanical parking lot provided within a building on the ground.

[0015] The mechanical parking lot 10 includes a boarding / deboarding room 12, a parking room for storing vehicles moved from the boarding / deboarding room 12, a plurality of pallets 32, a first transfer device 56, a plurality of second transfer devices 58, a lift frame 88, an elevator 96, and a lifting device 94. The parking rooms include a B1F parking room 14 on the first basement floor, a B2F parking room 16 on the second basement floor, and a B3F parking room 18 on the third basement floor.

[0016] The boarding / deboarding room 12 is used for loading and unloading vehicles into and from the mechanical parking lot 10, and is provided within a building 104. The boarding / deboarding room 12 is provided at the upper end of the elevator shaft 96. The boarding / deboarding room 12 is provided with a pallet opening 100 that is substantially rectangular in plan view and communicates between the boarding / deboarding room 12 and the elevator shaft 96.

[0017] The pallet 32 ​​is a flat member, and the upper surface on which the vehicle is mounted, i.e., the vehicle mounting surface 32a, is substantially rectangular. The mechanical parking lot 10 is a pallet-type parking lot that uses the pallet 32. This pallet-type mechanical parking lot 10 is configured to park the vehicle 20 in the parking space by using the lifting device 94 to raise and lower the pallet 32 ​​on which the vehicle 20 is mounted, or by using the first transfer device 56 and the second transfer device 58 to move the pallet 32 ​​two-dimensionally in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0018] B1F parking space 14, B2F parking space 16, and B3F parking space 18 each include ten parking spaces 98. The ten parking spaces 98 are arranged in a matrix shape with five rows in the vertical direction (x direction in the figure) and two columns in the horizontal direction (y direction in the figure) substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction when viewed in a plan view. Of course, the arrangement of the parking spaces 98 is not limited to this. Each parking space 98 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is configured to be able to accommodate a pallet 32. The parking space 98, together with the pallet 32, is one parking area (one unit of parking) in the parking room where a vehicle 20 can be parked.

[0019] The elevator shaft 96 is provided along the vertical direction (z direction). The elevator shaft 96 communicates with each of the B1F parking spaces 14, the B2F parking spaces 16, and the B3F parking spaces 18. At the lower end of the elevator shaft 96, an elevator device 94 is installed that raises and lowers the lift frame 88. At the corners of the elevator shaft 96, a mast 89 is installed as a support.

[0020] The lift frame 88 is supported by a mast 89 so as to be freely raised and lowered, and is raised and lowered along a hoistway 96 by a lifting device 94. A first transfer device 56 is provided on the upper part of the lift frame 88. Note that the lift frame, mast, and lifting device described in JP 2009-197417 A, previously filed by the applicant, can be respectively applied to the lift frame 88, mast 89, and lifting device 94.

[0021] The pallet 32 ​​is mounted on the top of the first transfer device 56. The first transfer device 56 is configured to be able to move the pallet 32 ​​in one direction in a plane (the x direction in the figure). The second transfer device 58 is provided in each parking space 98 and moves the pallet 32 ​​in the x direction and the y direction across the parking space 98. The y direction is a direction perpendicular to both the x direction and the z direction. The first transfer device 56 and the second transfer device 58 can be applied to the conveying device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-29681, which was previously filed by the applicant. As shown in FIG. 2, anti-tip rollers 38 are installed between the parking spaces 98 to support the pallet 32 ​​when it moves across the parking spaces 98.

[0022] The mechanical parking lot 10 according to this embodiment can charge the secondary battery of an EV while it is parked. The vehicle that can be charged while parked in the mechanical parking lot 10 according to this embodiment is an EV that is equipped with a power receiving coil and can be charged by a non-contact power transmission method.

[0023] 2, in the mechanical parking lot 10 according to this embodiment, one of the ten parking spaces 98 is set as a charging space 98A and is provided with a charging device 40. In another embodiment, a plurality of parking spaces 98 may be set as the charging space 98A.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the charging device in the mechanical parking lot according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the pallet 32 ​​carrying the vehicle 20 has been transferred to the charging space 98A. The pallet 32 ​​is transferred to the charging space 98A by the second transfer device 58.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 20 includes a power receiving coil 22 provided on a lower surface 21a of the vehicle body 21, and a secondary battery 23 that receives electric power from the power receiving coil 22 and is charged therein.

[0026] The charging device 40 includes a charger 42 installed in the charging space 98A, a support member 44 extending from the charger 42, and a power transmission coil 46 configured to be capable of moving on the support member 44 by itself.

[0027] The charger 42 is a charger that supplies power to the power transmitting coil 46. The support member 44 extends from the charger 42 over the charging space 98A. The support member 44 is installed at a height that allows the support member 44 to enter the gap between the lower surface 21a of the vehicle 20 and the vehicle mounting surface 32a of the pallet 32 ​​when the pallet 32 ​​is transferred. The charger 42 may have a communication device that communicates with the vehicle 20. The communication method may be wireless communication using Wi-Fi or the like. The charger 42 may control charging (starting and stopping charging, adjusting output) through communication, and may exchange information such as the remaining battery level of the vehicle 20, installation location information of the power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 20, and information for adjusting the positions of the power receiving coil 22 and the power transmitting coil 46.

[0028] The power transmitting coil 46 is disposed opposite the power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 20, thereby enabling contactless power supply between the power transmitting coil 46 and the power receiving coil 22. The contactless power transmission method may be an electromagnetic induction method or a magnetic field resonance method.

[0029] The power transmitting coil 46 is configured to be self-moving on the support member 44. For example, the support member 44 may be formed in a rail shape, and wheels may be provided on the coil to configure the power transmitting coil 46. Since the support member 44 extends between the pallet 32 ​​and the vehicle 20, the power transmitting coil 46 is movable between the pallet 32 ​​and the vehicle 20.

[0030] The power transmitting coil 46 may be configured to be able to detect the position of the power receiving coil 22 provided on the underside 21a of the vehicle 20. For example, the position where the power transmission efficiency is highest may be detected while traveling, or the position of the power receiving coil 22 may be detected by image recognition. The power transmitting coil 46 moves by itself on the support member 44, and adjusts its position so as to face the detected power receiving coil 22. After the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed, power from the charger 42 is transmitted from the power transmitting coil 46 to the power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side. The power received by the power receiving coil 22 is charged into the secondary battery 23.

[0031] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams for explaining the procedure for charging in the mechanical parking lot 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 4(a) shows how the pallet 32 ​​on which the vehicle 20 is mounted is transferred to the charging space 98A by the second transfer device 58. At this time, the support member 44, which always extends over the charging space 98A, is inserted between the pallet 32 ​​and the vehicle 20. In order to prevent the support member 44 from colliding with the vehicle 20 or the pallet 32, it is desirable that the pallet 32 ​​be transferred to the charging space 98A at a speed equal to or slower than a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed is determined by the vibration of the pallet 32 ​​during transfer, the distance between the support member 44 and the pallet 32, and the like. During the transfer of the pallet 32, the power transmission coil 46 remains in the vicinity of the charger 42.

[0033] 4(b) shows the state where the transfer of the pallet 32 ​​is completed. When the transfer of the pallet 32 ​​to the charging space 98A is completed, the power transmitting coil 46 travels on the support member 44 and adjusts its position so as to face the power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 20.

[0034] 4(c) shows a state in which the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed. When the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed and the power receiving coil 22 and the power transmitting coil 46 face each other, power is supplied from the charger 42 to the power transmitting coil 46, and contactless power transmission from the power transmitting coil 46 to the power receiving coil 22 begins. The power received by the power receiving coil 22 is charged into the secondary battery 23.

[0035] As described above, according to the charging device 40 of the first embodiment, the position of the transmitting coil 46 is adjusted so as to face the receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side, so that the power transmission efficiency can be improved even if, for example, the vehicle 20 is parked offset within the pallet 32.

[0036] The charging device 40 of the first embodiment can be relatively easily retrofitted to existing mechanical parking lots, since it only requires installing the charger 42, support member 44 and power transmission coil 46 in the charging space 98A, without having to modify the pallet 32, etc.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the charging device. In the charging device 50 shown in Fig. 5, the power transmitting coil 46 does not move on the support member 44, but a plurality of power transmitting coils 46 are arranged in advance on the support member 44. The power transmitting coil 46 facing the power receiving coil 22 is selected, and the selected power transmitting coil 46 can transmit power to the power receiving coil 22 in a non-contact manner.

[0038] Second embodiment 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams for explaining a charging device 60 for a mechanical parking lot according to a second embodiment. The charging device 60 of this embodiment includes a charger 42, a support member 64 configured to be extendable and retractable from the charger 42, and a power transmission coil 46 provided on the support member 64 and transmitting power from the charger 42 to the power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side. The support member 64 can be in a contracted state near the charger 42 and in an extended state above the charging space 98A. The extension structure of the support member 64 is not particularly limited, and a known extension structure such as a telescopic structure or a lattice structure can be used. The power transmission coil 46 is fixed to the tip of the support member 64.

[0039] 6(a) shows how the pallet 32 ​​on which the vehicle 20 is mounted is transferred to the charging space 98A by the second transfer device 58. During the transfer of the pallet 32, the support member 64 is in a contracted state, and the charging device 60 remains in the vicinity of the charger 42.

[0040] 6(b) shows the state where the transfer of the pallet 32 ​​is completed. When the transfer of the pallet 32 ​​to the charging space 98A is completed, the support member 64 starts to extend, and the position of the power transmitting coil 46 is adjusted so that the power transmitting coil 46 and the power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side face each other.

[0041] 6(c) shows a state in which the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed. When the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed and the power receiving coil 22 and the power transmitting coil 46 face each other, power is supplied from the charger 42 to the power transmitting coil 46, and contactless power transmission from the power transmitting coil 46 to the power receiving coil 22 begins. The power received by the power receiving coil 22 is charged into the secondary battery 23.

[0042] As described above, the charging device 60 of the second embodiment also adjusts the position of the transmitting coil 46 so that it faces the receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side, thereby improving power transmission efficiency even when the vehicle 20 is parked offset within the pallet 32, for example.

[0043] The charging device 60 of the second embodiment can also be relatively easily retrofitted to existing mechanical parking lots without having to modify the pallet 32, etc., since it is only necessary to install the charger 42, support member 64, and power transmission coil 46 in the charging space 98A.

[0044] Third embodiment 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams illustrating a charging device 70 for a mechanical parking lot according to a third embodiment. The charging device 70 of this embodiment includes a charger 42, a self-propelled robot 72 configured to be capable of self-propelling on a pallet 32, and a power transmission coil 46 that is mounted on the self-propelled robot 72 and transmits power from the charger 42 to a power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side.

[0045] 7(a) shows the state after second transfer device 58 has completed the transfer of pallet 32 ​​to charging space 98A. Self-propelled robot 72 remains near charger 42 until the transfer of pallet 32 ​​is complete. Once the transfer of pallet 32 ​​to charging space 98A is complete, self-propelled robot 72 equipped with power transmission coil 46 begins to move by itself on pallet 32, and adjusts the position of power transmission coil 46 so that power transmission coil 46 faces power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side.

[0046] 7(b) shows a state in which the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed. When the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed and the power receiving coil 22 and the power transmitting coil 46 face each other, power is supplied from the charger 42 to the power transmitting coil 46, and contactless power transmission from the power transmitting coil 46 to the power receiving coil 22 begins. The power received by the power receiving coil 22 is charged into the secondary battery 23.

[0047] As described above, the charging device 70 of the third embodiment also adjusts the position of the transmission coil 46 so that it faces the receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side, thereby improving power transmission efficiency even when the vehicle 20 is parked offset within the pallet 32, for example.

[0048] The charging device 70 of the third embodiment can be relatively easily retrofitted to existing mechanical parking lots without having to modify the pallet 32, since it only requires installing the charger 42, the self-propelled robot 72, and the power transmission coil 46 in the charging space 98A. (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a charging device 80 for a mechanical parking lot according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the pallet 32 ​​carrying the vehicle 20 has been transferred to the charging space 98A.

[0049] The charging device 80 of the present embodiment includes a charger 42, a support member 84 extending from the charger 42, and a power transmitting coil 46 configured to be self-movable on the support member 84. In the charging device 40 described in FIG. 3, the support member 44 extends above the pallet 32, and the power transmitting coil 46 is movable above the pallet 32. In the charging device 80 of the present embodiment, the support member 84 extends below the pallet 32, and the power transmitting coil 46 is movable below the pallet 32. In other words, the power transmitting coil 46 is movable between the charging space 98A and the pallet 32.

[0050] In this embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiment, a pallet 32 ​​is present between the power transmitting coil 46 and the power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side. Normally, the pallet 32 ​​is made of metal and blocks the magnetic field. Therefore, in this embodiment, an opening 32b is provided in the pallet 32 ​​so as not to block the magnetic field emitted from the power transmitting coil 46. A magnetic field permeable material may be embedded in this opening 32b.

[0051] When the transfer of the pallet 32 ​​to the charging space 98A is completed, the power transmitting coil 46 travels on the support member 84 and adjusts its position so as to face the power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 20. When the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed and the power receiving coil 22 and the power transmitting coil 46 face each other, power is supplied from the charger 42 to the power transmitting coil 46, and contactless power transmission from the power transmitting coil 46 to the power receiving coil 22 begins through the opening 32b. The power received by the power receiving coil 22 is charged into the secondary battery 23.

[0052] As described above, the charging device 70 of the fourth embodiment also adjusts the position of the transmission coil 46 so that it faces the receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side, thereby improving power transmission efficiency even when the vehicle 20 is parked offset within the pallet 32, for example.

[0053] 9 is a diagram for explaining a charging device 90 that can be used in a flat parking lot. In the flat parking lot shown in FIG.

[0054] The charging device 90 includes a charger 42, a self-propelled robot 72 configured to be capable of self-propelling within a charging space 92, and a power transmission coil 46 mounted on the self-propelled robot 72 and transmitting power from the charger 42 to a power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side.

[0055] Self-propelled robot 72 remains near charger 42 until vehicle 20 has stopped at charging space 92. Once vehicle 20 has stopped at charging space 92, self-propelled robot 72 equipped with power transmitting coil 46 begins to move by itself over charging space 92, and adjusts the position of power transmitting coil 46 so that power transmitting coil 46 faces power receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side.

[0056] When the position adjustment of the power transmitting coil 46 is completed and the power receiving coil 22 and the power transmitting coil 46 face each other, power is supplied from the charger 42 to the power transmitting coil 46, and contactless power transmission from the power transmitting coil 46 to the power receiving coil 22 begins. The power received by the power receiving coil 22 is charged into the secondary battery 23.

[0057] As described above, according to the charging device 90, the position of the transmitting coil 46 is adjusted so as to face the receiving coil 22 on the vehicle 20 side. Therefore, even if the vehicle 20 is parked offset within the charging space 92, for example, the power transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0058] The charging device 90 shown in FIG. 9 requires only installation of the charger 42, the self-propelled robot 72, and the power transmission coil 46 in the charging space 92, and can therefore be retrofitted relatively easily to an existing flat parking lot.

[0059] If a plurality of charging spaces 92 are provided in a flat parking lot, one self-propelled robot 72 may be moved between a plurality of vehicles 20 to charge the plurality of vehicles 20.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the receiving coil 22 is provided on the underside 21a of the vehicle body 21. However, even if the receiving coil 22 is provided at a location other than the underside 21a of the vehicle body 21, such as the front, rear or ceiling of the vehicle body 21, the power transmission efficiency can be improved by moving the transmitting coil 46 to a position opposite the receiving coil 22 using an appropriate moving means.

[0061] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 mechanical parking lot, 12 boarding and disembarking compartment, 20 vehicle, 32 pallet, 98 parking space, 22 receiving coil, 23 secondary battery, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90 charging device, 42 charger, 44, 64, 84 support member, 46 transmitting coil, first transfer device 56, 58 second transfer device, 72 self-propelled robot, 98 parking space 98, 98A charging space.

Claims

1. A pallet on which the vehicle is mounted; a charging device capable of moving a power transmitting coil to a position facing a power receiving coil of the vehicle mounted on the pallet; A mechanical parking lot equipped with

2. The mechanical parking lot according to claim 1 , wherein the charging device is configured to be able to move the power transmission coil above the pallet.

3. The mechanical parking lot according to claim 1 , wherein the charging device is configured to be able to move the power transmission coil between the pallet and the vehicle.

4. The mechanical parking lot described in claim 1, wherein the charging device comprises a charger, a support member extending from the charger, and the power transmission coil configured to be self-propelled on the support member.

5. The mechanical parking lot according to claim 4, wherein when the pallet is transferred to the charging space in which the charging device is installed, the pallet is transferred at a speed equal to or slower than a predetermined speed.

6. The mechanical parking lot described in claim 1, wherein the charging device comprises a charger, a support member configured to be extendable and retractable from the charger, and a transmitting coil provided on the support member and transmitting power from the charger to the receiving coil.

7. The mechanical parking lot described in claim 1, wherein the charging device comprises a charger, a support member configured to be extendable and retractable from the charger, and a transmitting coil provided on the support member and transmitting power from the charger to the receiving coil.

8. 2. The mechanical parking lot described in claim 1, wherein the charging device comprises a charger, a self-propelled robot configured to be self-propelled on the pallet, and a power transmission coil mounted on the self-propelled robot and transmitting power from the charger to the power transmission coil.

Images