Ev charging cable protector

Abstract

To provide an EV charging cable protector with which hands of a worker are hard to get dirty during charging work of an electric vehicle or subsequent cleaning-up and which is lightweight, compact and also easy to be handled in the case of storage.SOLUTION: An EV charging cable protector T consists of a pair of base members 1 each including a cable insertion hole 11, and a grip part H can be formed between the base members 1 by inserting and fixing an EV charging cable A through the cable insertion holes 11 of the base members 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an EV charging cable protector for protecting the gripping portion of an EV charging cable. [Background technology]

[0002] When charging an electric vehicle using a household power source in a typical home, a charging facility equipped with an EV charging cable is used to connect the power source to the electric vehicle. This EV charging cable is used by running it along the ground between the charging facility and the vehicle during charging, but if the charging cable comes into direct contact with the ground, dirt such as mud and dust will accumulate on the surface of the charging cable.

[0003] Therefore, when a worker holds the dirty charging cable by hand to retrieve it after charging is complete, their hands also become dirty, which is not only unpleasant for the worker but also unhygienic. Furthermore, since they have to wash their dirty hands after retrieving the charging cable, not only does it take time to get ready when they are in a hurry to leave the car, but in winter, washing their hands with cold water can be stressful for the worker.

[0004] To address this issue, handle members that can be attached to the middle of the EV charging cable have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). However, because these conventional handle members are designed so that workers grasp the handle member rather than the charging cable, the size and weight of the handle members tend to be large and the shape and structure tend to be complex. Furthermore, the large size and weight of the handle members make them inconvenient to handle when storing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-179756 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-25059 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5392327 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above. In summary, the object of the present invention is to provide an EV charging cable protector that prevents workers' hands from getting dirty when charging an electric vehicle or when cleaning up afterwards, is lightweight and compact, and is easy to handle when stored. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a means of solving the above problem, the inventor constructed an EV charging cable protector from a pair of base members 1 each having a cable insertion hole 11, and configured it so that an EV charging cable A can be inserted and fixed into the cable insertion hole 11 of each base member 1 to form a gripping portion H between the base members 1 (the effect will be described later).

[0008] In the present invention, the overall shape of the base member 1 can also be spherical or circular ring-shaped. In this case, the base member 1 rotates in response to the twisting of the EV charging cable A, which makes it less likely that the inner wall of the insertion hole 11 will be worn down by the load in the torsional direction, and also makes it less likely that localized twisting of the EV charging cable A will occur.

[0009] The present invention can also form an opening 16 on a part of the outer surface of the base member 1, which is connected to the cable insertion hole 11 and has a shape that narrows from the outer surface towards the insertion hole 11.When the EV charging cable A is inserted into this opening 16 up to the cable insertion hole 11, the inner wall of the cable insertion hole 11, which has expanded due to elastic deformation, comes into close contact with the EV charging cable A, so that the EV charging cable A can be easily attached and fixed to the base member 1.

[0010] In the present invention, the base member 1 is made of a hollow or lightened resin molded body, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight and cost of the base member 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In this invention, the EV charging cable protector is composed of a pair of base members each having a cable insertion hole, so that the EV charging cable can be inserted and fixed into each base member, and a gripping portion for the operator to hold the cable with their hand can be formed between the base members. Furthermore, by raising the gripping portion formed in the middle of the cable above the ground (including the floor), not only can the operator insert their fingers to easily grasp the cable, but also dirt such as mud and dust can be prevented from adhering to the cable.

[0012] By preventing the adhesion of dirt, when an operator picks up the charging cable after charging is complete, their hands are less likely to get dirty, making the collection process hygienic and less stressful for the operator. Furthermore, because the base member is not designed to be held by hand, it can be lightweight and simple, and its compact design reduces the problem of the cable becoming bulky when stored. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing an EV charging cable protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view showing a state in which a cable has been inserted, and (b) is a side view of a base member. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory side view showing the EV charging cable protector of the first embodiment of the present invention in use. FIG. [Figure 3] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating a modified example of the EV charging cable storage structure of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view in a state in which the cable is inserted, and (b) is a side view of the base member. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory side view showing a state in use of a modified example of the EV charging cable protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an EV charging cable protector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a state in which a cable has been inserted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] "First embodiment" A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the figures, the reference symbol A denotes an EV charging cable, and the reference symbol T denotes a protector for an EV charging cable. The reference symbol 1 denotes a base member that constitutes the protector for an EV charging cable, and the reference symbol T denotes a grip portion formed by the protector for an EV charging cable.

[0015] "Configuration of EV charging cable protector" [1] Basic structure of EV charging cable protectors The basic configuration of the EV charging cable protector T of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the EV charging cable protector T of this embodiment is composed of a pair of base members 1 each having a cable insertion hole 11, and by inserting and fixing an EV charging cable A into the cable insertion hole 11 of each base member 1, a gripping portion H can be formed between the base members 1. The gripping portion H formed between the base members 1 is positioned in a dumbbell-like manner so that it is raised above the ground G (including the floor), and the EV charging cable A can be easily lifted by inserting a finger between the gripping portion H and the ground G and grasping it with the hand as shown in Figure 2.

[0016] Furthermore, by using the EV charging cable protector T, the gripping portion H of the middle portion of the EV charging cable A can be raised above the ground G while the cable is laid on the ground G, preventing the problem of the gripping portion H touching the ground G and getting dirty. This allows for hygienic work without getting your hands dirty when using or putting away the EV charging cable A. Furthermore, the EV charging cable A can be rolled up into a loop with the EV charging cable protector T still attached, and the gripping portion H can be hung on a hook for storage, so the EV charging cable protector T does not get in the way when storing the cable.

[0017] [2] About the base material [2-1] Overall shape of the base Next, we will explain the base member 1 of the EV charging cable protector T. In this embodiment, the overall shape of the base member 1 is a circular ring (annular shape) with a cable insertion hole 11 at its center when viewed from the side, as shown in Figure 1(b). This is to allow the base member 1 to easily rotate in response to twisting of the EV charging cable A when it is twisted in the state shown in Figure 1(a). This makes it less likely that the inner wall of the cable insertion hole 11 will wear out, and also makes it less likely that localized twisting of the EV charging cable A will occur.

[0018] The diameter of the base member 1 is preferably large enough to leave at least enough space for a finger to fit between the EV charging cable A and the ground G, as shown in Figure 2. If the diameter of the base member 1 is too large, not only will it be less stable when placed on the ground G, but the base member 1 will also be bulky when stored. Conversely, if the diameter of the base member 1 is too small, not only will it be difficult to fit a finger between the base member 1 and the ground G, but the gripping portion G (cable) will also be easily soiled by contact with the ground G when it bends.

[0019] The width of the base member 1 is preferably wide enough to prevent the base member 1 from collapsing when the EV charging cable A is pulled in the lengthwise direction in the state shown in Fig. 1(a). Increasing the width of the base member 1 and forming it into a cylindrical shape can increase stability when placed on the ground G, but the size of the base member 1 increases, making it bulky when stored. In addition, in this embodiment, the corners on both sides in the width direction shown in Fig. 1(a) are rounded to ensure safety when the base member 1 is in use.

[0020] [2-2] Example of changing the overall shape of the base member The overall shape of the base member 1 can be not only a circular ring shape in side view, but also a square ring shape in side view as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) or another polygonal (e.g., triangular or octagonal) ring shape. In that case, when the base member 1 is placed on the ground G, the surface of the base member 1 comes into contact with the ground G, making it less likely for the base member 1 to rotate when the EV charging cable A is twisted, improving stability. Furthermore, when the base member 1 is polygonal, the ease of rolling and stability can be adjusted by rounding each corner. Furthermore, the base member 1 can be made easier to roll by increasing the number of corners when it is a regular polygon.

[0021] [2-3] Cable insertion hole in base member The cable insertion hole 11 of the base member 1 is preferably formed at the center of the base member 1 when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 1(b) or Figure 3(b), so that the distance between the gripping portion H (cable) and the ground G can be maintained constant even when the base member 1 rotates. Furthermore, the diameter of the cable insertion hole 11 before the cable is attached is preferably formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the EV charging cable A so that the inner wall of the cable insertion hole 11 fits tightly against the EV charging cable A when attached.

[0022] [2-4] Hollowed-out shape of base material In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(b) and 2(b), the base member 1 has a shape including a central portion 12 that forms the inner wall of the cable insertion hole 11, an outer peripheral portion 13 that comes into contact with the ground G, and spoke portions 14 that radially connect the central portion 12 and the outer peripheral portion 13. This forms hollow portions 15 between the spoke portions 14, thereby reducing the weight of the base member 1. In this specification, the term "spoke portion" refers to a plate-like or rod-like portion that radially connects the annular central portion and outer peripheral portion.

[0023] 1(b) and 2(b), fan-shaped, trapezoidal, or triangular cavities 15 are formed in the base member 1, but the number, shape, and arrangement of the spokes 14 and cavities 15 of the base member 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the strength required of the base member 1. In this embodiment, the center portion 12, outer periphery 13, and spokes 14 are formed to have approximately the same thickness, but the balance of these thicknesses can also be changed as appropriate as necessary. In addition, means for reducing the weight of the base member 1 are not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and other means can be used, such as forming recesses in the side or outer periphery of the base member 1 to remove weight, or making the base member 1 hollow.

[0024] [2-5] Opening of base member 1(b) and 2(b), an opening 16 is formed on part of the outer circumferential surface of the base member 1. The opening 16 is connected to the cable insertion hole 11 and narrows from the outer circumferential surface toward the cable insertion hole 11. This allows the base member 1 to be C-shaped, making it easy to attach the EV charging cable A from the outside. When the EV charging cable A is inserted from the opening 16 to the insertion hole 11, the inner wall of the insertion hole 11 expands due to elastic deformation and comes into close contact with the EV charging cable A, allowing the EV charging cable A to be firmly fixed to the base member 1.

[0025] 1(b) and 2(b), openings 16 are formed between spokes 14' that radially connect the center 12 and outer periphery 13 of the base member 1. Furthermore, by making the width of the openings 16 on the outer periphery 13 side the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the cable insertion hole 11, it becomes easier to insert the EV charging cable A into the openings 16, and by making the width of the openings 16 on the center 12 side smaller than the diameter of the cable insertion hole 11, it becomes possible to prevent the EV charging cable A attached to the cable insertion hole 11 from easily coming loose.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base member 1 has a hollowed-out shape with spokes 14 and hollows 15, which makes it easier for the base member 1 to elastically deform when the EV charging cable A is inserted into the opening 16. The ease with which the base member 1 elastically deforms when the EV charging cable A is inserted into the opening 16 can be adjusted appropriately by changing the material used for the base member 1 and the overall shape of the base member 1. Furthermore, the EV charging cable A can be inserted into the cable insertion hole 11 by elastically deforming the rubber covering material of the EV charging cable A without elastically deforming the base member 1.

[0027] [2-6] Materials for base components In this embodiment, the base member 1 is made of a lightweight, easily moldable plastic material, but other plastic materials can be used, such as thermoplastic resins (polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide resin, thermoplastic elastomer, FRP, etc.), thermosetting resins (phenolic resin, silicone rubber, etc.), or synthetic rubber. The base member 1 can also be made of a metal material (aluminum, iron, stainless steel, etc.), or a combination of plastic, rubber, and metal materials (for example, using an elastomer that is easily elastically deformed and has high frictional force for the cable insertion hole 11 and the opening 16).

[0028] [3] How to use EV charging cable protectors In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 2(a), a pair of base members 1 are attached at a distance that prevents the gripping portion H of the EV charging cable A from bending. This distance varies depending on how easily the EV charging cable A bends; if the cable is easily bent, the distance between the base members 1 can be made smaller; if the cable is not easily bent, the distance between the base members 1 can be made larger.

[0029] Furthermore, by attaching multiple sets of the pair of base members 1 at a predetermined interval to the middle portion of the EV charging cable A, multiple gripping portions H can be formed at intervals on the cable. Furthermore, while at least one pair (two) of the base members 1 must be used, three or more can also be attached to the EV charging cable A in a line, in which case multiple gripping portions H can be formed continuously.

[0030] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the overall shape of the base member 1 having the cable insertion hole 11 is spherical. This makes it easier for the base member 1 to rotate in response to the twisting of the EV charging cable A. In this embodiment, the spherical base member 1 is made up of multiple parts that can be disassembled and assembled, and the EV charging cable A is sandwiched between the two parts divided in the middle to integrate the two parts, allowing the EV charging cable A to be attached to the cable insertion hole 11. Note that an opening like that in the first embodiment can also be formed on the outer periphery.

[0031] The structure for integrating the divided base members 1 can be appropriately selected from structures such as fitting with recesses and protrusions, engagement with claws, fastening with screws, etc. The shape of the base member 1 can be suitably selected from the spherical shape of this embodiment and the ring shape (including cylindrical shape) of the first embodiment, but is not limited to these shapes and can also be selected from other shapes that can hold the EV charging cable A at a predetermined height. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1 Base member 11 Cable insertion hole 12 Center 13 Outer periphery 14 spokes 15 Cavity 16 Opening T EV charging cable protector A EV charging cable H grip part

Claims

1. This protector for an EV charging cable is composed of a pair of base members each having a cable insertion hole, and a gripping portion can be formed between the base members by inserting and fixing the EV charging cable into the cable insertion hole of each base member.

2. The EV charging cable protector according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the base member is a spherical or circular ring shape.

3. 3. The EV charging cable protector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an opening that communicates with the cable insertion hole and that narrows from the outer peripheral surface toward the cable insertion hole is formed in a part of the outer peripheral surface of the base member, and when the EV charging cable is inserted into this opening up to the cable insertion hole, an inner wall of the cable insertion hole that expands due to elastic deformation comes into close contact with the EV charging cable.

4. The EV charging cable protector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base member is a hollow or lightened resin molded body.

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