Electric vehicle charger and charging cable support structure

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle charger which enables reduction of a load associated with arrangement work of a charging cable, and to provide a charging cable support structure.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle charger 1 includes: a charging unit which converts electric power input from an external power source into electric power for charging an electric vehicle; a housing 2 which houses the charging unit therein; a charging cable 6 extending from the housing 2; and a charging cable support structure 40 provided at the housing 2 and supporting the charging cable 6. The charging cable support structure 40 has a first support member 52 and a second support member 54 which are arranged spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a direction in which the charging cable 6 is pulled out. The charging cable 6 is wound spanning the first support member 52 and the second support member 54.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device for an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle charging device capable of charging electric vehicles. This vehicle charging device has a structure that holds the connector of the charging cable pulled out of the housing so that the connection surface at the end of the connector faces a side different from the back of the housing. This makes it less likely for the cable to become twisted, reducing the strain associated with pulling the charging cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-205312 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In electric vehicle charging devices, the required length of the charging cable may vary depending on the installation environment of the device and the vehicle model. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure a sufficient cable length extending from the housing so that it can be used in various environments. However, if the cable length is set long, the charging cable will be dragged on the ground surface when it is routed, increasing frictional resistance and increasing the burden on the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a charging device for an electric vehicle and a charging cable support structure that can reduce the burden on users associated with the task of pulling a charging cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A charging device for an electric vehicle according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a charging unit that converts power input from an external power source into power for charging an electric vehicle, a housing that houses the charging unit, a charging cable extending from the housing, and a charging cable support structure that is provided in the housing and supports the charging cable, wherein the charging cable support structure has a first support member and a second support member that are arranged at a predetermined interval in the direction in which the charging cable is pulled out, and the charging cable is wound across and suspended between the first support member and the second support member.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention provides a charging cable support structure for an electric vehicle charging device comprising a charging unit that converts power input from an external power source into power for charging an electric vehicle, a housing that houses the charging unit, and a charging cable extending from the housing.The charging cable support structure is provided on the housing and supports the charging cable, and has a first support member and a second support member arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction in which the charging cable is pulled out, and the charging cable is wound around and spanned between the first support member and the second support member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the electric vehicle charging device according to the present invention, a charging cable extending from a housing is supported by a charging cable support structure provided on the housing. The charging cable support structure has a first support member and a second support member arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction in which the charging cable is pulled out, and the charging cable is wound around and spanned between the first support member and the second support member. As a result, the charging cable is supported by folding back in the height direction of the housing and pulled out from the top of the housing, so that even if the cable is relatively long, it can be supported in a state where it is raised above the ground surface. Furthermore, when the cable is pulled out from the top of the housing, the pulled-out portion can be raised above the ground surface. In this way, the electric vehicle charging device can prevent the charging cable from being dragged on the ground surface and reduce the burden on the user associated with the task of pulling the charging cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of an electric vehicle charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a side view of an electric vehicle charging device according to an embodiment, viewed from the left side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the charging cable support structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a usage state of an electric vehicle charging device according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of an electric vehicle charging device according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main portion illustrating a modified example of the charging cable support structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of a charging device for an electric vehicle according to a modified example, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view seen from the left side of the electric vehicle charging device according to the modified example, showing a state in which the charging cable is pulled out. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electric vehicle charging device according to another modified example, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view seen from the left side, showing a state in which a charging cable is pulled out in an electric vehicle charging device according to another modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electric vehicle charging device according to yet another modified example, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 12] 10 is a side view seen from the left side of an electric vehicle charging device according to yet another modified example, showing a state in which a charging cable is pulled out. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An electric vehicle charging device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "charging device 1") according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. For ease of explanation, the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom directions indicated appropriately in each figure will be defined as the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom directions of the charging device 1, and the positions and orientations of the components will be described. Also, in each figure, some reference numerals may be omitted to make the drawings easier to understand.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the front side (forward side) of a charging device 1 according to this embodiment. The charging device 1 is a device for charging electric vehicles such as electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The charging device 1 is a charger that is installed, for example, in a private facility or public facility along a public road and used by users. As an example, the charging device 1 is a two-vehicle charging type that can charge two electric vehicles simultaneously. The charging method used for the charging device 1 is a rapid charging method. However, if the charging device 1 is installed, for example, in a parking lot of an apartment building, it may be configured to use a normal charging method. Furthermore, the electric vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be a motorcycle.

[0012] This charging device 1 includes a housing 2 that houses multiple charging units 30 that convert power input from an AC power supply 200 (see FIG. 5), which is an external power supply, into power for charging an electric vehicle. The housing 2 is shaped like a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box. Inside this housing 2, electrical equipment required for charging the electric vehicle is housed.

[0013] The front panel 20, which constitutes the front wall of the housing 2, is provided with a display panel H1 (touch panel) that displays the usage status and operation buttons of the charging device 1, an illustration display H2 that shows the operation procedures of the charging device 1, a card reader H3 for authentication, etc. Furthermore, box-shaped holders 7 that hold charging connectors 5 are attached to the front sides of both left and right sides of the housing 2. One end of a charging cable 6 is connected to the left and right charging connectors 5, and the other end of the charging cable 6 is connected to the upper part of side panels 24 that constitute the left and right wall parts of the housing 2, respectively.

[0014] Here, the main configuration of the charging device 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 5. As an example, the charging device 1 is a charger that charges an electric vehicle using a rapid charging method, and has a power conversion unit 3 that converts AC power input from an AC power source 200 such as a commercial power source into high-output DC power. The charging device 1 supplies the high-output DC power output from the power conversion unit 3 to a battery (not shown) mounted on the electric vehicle via a charging cable 6 and a charging connector 5. As a result, the charging device 1 is configured to be able to shorten the charging time compared to a normal charging method that charges at the same output as a commercial power source or the like.

[0015] The power conversion unit 3 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of charging units 30 connected in parallel. Each charging unit 30 has a rectifier circuit 30A, a boost circuit 30B, and a converter circuit 30C. The rectifier circuit 30A rectifies and outputs AC power supplied from the AC power supply 200. The boost circuit 30B boosts and outputs the power output from the rectifier circuit 30A. The converter circuit 30C converts the power output from the boost circuit 30B into a charging voltage and controls the voltage. In this way, each charging unit 30 converts the power input from the input side into DC power.

[0016] The charging device 1 includes a relay unit 12 that switches whether the power output from the multiple charging units 30 is supplied to the left or right charging cable 6 or charging connector 5, a relay control unit 8 that controls the relay unit 12, DB units 11 that are provided between the left or right charging cable 6 and the charging connector 5 and the relay unit 12, respectively, and a charging control unit 9 that controls the power (charging power) supplied from the multiple charging units 30 to the electric vehicle. These control units 8, 9 have control devices with at least one processor (CPU), and are configured to be able to communicate with each other using a predetermined communication standard such as CAN communication.

[0017] A control device that controls the power supplied (input) from the AC power source 200 is connected to the input side of the multiple charging units 30 in a broad sense. As an example, a leakage current shielding unit 10A is provided between the AC power source 200 and the multiple charging units 30. The leakage current shielding unit 10A is configured as a known leakage current shield. The leakage current shielding unit 10A is normally in an ON state that opens the primary side circuit, but has the function of switching to an OFF state and closing the primary side circuit when an overcurrent or leakage current is detected in the primary side circuit. A noise-reducing capacitor (not shown) is connected between the AC power source 200 and the leakage current shielding unit 10A. Furthermore, a filter device 10B composed of a choke coil or an LC circuit for removing noise is connected between the leakage current shielding unit 10A and the multiple charging units 30.

[0018] The DB unit 11 is connected on the output side (secondary side) of each of the charging units 30 between the charging unit 30 and the charging cable 6 and charging connector 5. The DB unit 11 is configured with a backflow prevention circuit including multiple diodes, and has the function of preventing current from flowing backward between the charging units 30 and the battery of the electric vehicle.

[0019] The relay unit 12 has a relay circuit provided for each of the multiple charging units 30, and each relay circuit switches whether the output power of the charging unit 30 is supplied to the left or right charging cable 6 or the charging connector 5. The relay control unit 8 controls the above switching by the relay unit 12 (each relay circuit) based on a signal from the charging control unit 9, which has received a signal from the electric vehicle.

[0020] The power output from the multiple charging units 30 is supplied to the left and right charging cables 6 and the charging connector 5 via the charging control unit 9. The charging control unit 9 is configured to be able to communicate with the electric vehicle using a predetermined communication means such as CAN communication. The charging control unit 9 receives control signals from the electric vehicle via the charging connector 5 connected to the charging plug of the electric vehicle. The signals received from the electric vehicle include a command value for the charging current and signals related to the start or end of charging. The charging control unit 9 receives the signals transmitted from the electric vehicle, determines the power output from the charging device 1 based on the received signals, and controls the start and end of charging.

[0021] 1 and 2, the housing 2 has a front panel 20 that forms the front wall of the housing 2, a rear panel 22 that forms the rear wall of the housing 2, and side panel sections 24 that form the left and right walls of the housing 2. These panels 20, 22, and 24 are erected on a base 26 that forms the bottom wall of the housing 2 and are fixed, for example, with screws to a framework (not shown) that includes the base 26. An upper opening of the housing 2 formed by the front panel 20, the rear panel 22, and the left and right side panel sections 24 is closed by a ceiling panel 28. In this way, the housing 2 has a substantially rectangular box shape.

[0022] As described above, in the left and right side panel portions 24 of the housing 2, the charging cable 6 extends from the connection ports 32 provided at the top of the side panels 24. In addition, a charging cable support structure 40 that supports the charging cable 6 is provided above the connection ports 32. Specifically, the charging cable 6 hangs downward from the connection ports 32, and the middle portion is folded back upward. Thereafter, at the top of the housing 2, the charging cable 6 is wrapped around the charging cable support structure 40 from the rear side to the front side. The tip end of the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40 to the front side.

[0023] (Charging cable support structure 40) 3 shows an exploded view of the charging cable support structure 40 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the charging cable support structure 40 has a pair of cover plates 42, 44 attached to the upper part of the housing 2, and a first support member 52 to a fourth support member 58 arranged inside the pair of cover plates 42, 44.

[0024] The pair of cover plates 42 , 44 includes a first cover plate 42 fixed to the upper part of the side panel 24 of the housing 2 and a second cover plate 44 disposed outside the first cover plate 42 .

[0025] The first cover plate 42 is a long, plate-like member made of sheet metal, and is disposed in a position in which the longitudinal direction is the front-to-rear direction of the housing 2. A fixing portion 46 that fixes the first cover plate 42 to the side panel 24 of the housing 2 is provided in the center of the first cover plate 42. The fixing portion 46 has a plurality of through holes 46A that are formed through the first cover plate 42. A bolt 50 that penetrates the side panel 24 of the housing 2 is inserted into each through hole 46A, and a fastening nut (not shown) is screwed onto the bolt 50.

[0026] The fixing portion 46 is surrounded from above by an enclosing wall portion 48 erected from the side of the first cover plate 42 toward the second cover plate 44, and the enclosing wall portion 48 protects the fixing portion 46 from rainwater, dust, etc.

[0027] The first cover plate 42 has a first support member 52 and a second support member 54 arranged at a predetermined distance on both the front and rear sides of the surrounding wall portion 48. The first and second support members 52, 54 include a cylindrical base body 60 extending from the first cover plate 42 toward the second cover plate 44, and a cylindrical rotating body 62 mounted to be rotatable relative to the base body 60.

[0028] The base 60 is a cylindrical member extending axially in the left-right direction of the housing 2 and is formed integrally with the first cover plate 42. A screw hole 60A is formed at the axial center of the base 60. The screw hole 60A is formed to correspond to the through hole 64 of the second cover plate 44. A bolt 51 is inserted into the through hole 64 from the outside of the second cover plate 44 and threaded into the screw hole 60A. In other words, the first cover plate 42 and the second cover plate 44 are fixed via the base 60. A protrusion 41 bent toward the first cover plate 42 is provided at the center of the upper end of the second cover plate 44, and two pins 41A extending downward are formed on the lower surface of this protrusion 41. These pins 41A are adapted to be inserted into insertion holes 49 formed in the upper surface of the surrounding wall portion 48 of the first cover plate 42 when the second cover plate 44 is fixed to the first cover plate 42. These pin portions 41A and insertion holes 49 prevent the second cover plate 44 from falling off when the bolts 51 are removed. The base body 60 may be manufactured separately from the first cover plate 42 and then integrated with the first cover plate 42 by screwing or welding.

[0029] The rotating body 62 is attached to the outer periphery of the base body 60 so as to be rotatable relative to the base body 60 . Furthermore, the rotor 62 is configured to be detachable from the base body 60 by removing the bolts 51 and separating the first cover plate 42 and the second cover plate 44. The material constituting the rotor 62 is not particularly limited, but in one example of this embodiment, the rotor 62 is configured as a corrugated tube made of resin. The corrugated tube is a cylindrical member having a wavy pattern in cross section along the axial direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 3 ). The corrugated tube can reduce frictional resistance by reducing the contact area with the outer circumferential surface of the base body 60.

[0030] The frictional resistance of the rotor 62 when it rotates relative to the base 60 can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the inner diameter and material.

[0031] In this embodiment, a first support member 52 is disposed on the front side of the housing 2, and a second support member 54 is disposed on the rear side of the first support member 52. The first support member 52 and the second support member 54 are disposed along the direction in which the charging cable 6 is pulled out, and the charging cable 6 is wound around the first and second support members 52, 54.

[0032] A third support member 56 and a fourth support member 58 are provided in front of and behind the first and second support members 52, 54. The third and fourth support members 56, 58 are arranged at a predetermined distance from the first and second support members 52, 54 in the direction in which the charging cable 6 is pulled out. The third support member 56 has a configuration similar to that of the first and second support members 52, 54. That is, the third support member 56 has a base body 60 extending from the first cover plate 42 and a rotating body 62 mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the base body 60. Unlike the first support member 52 and the like, the fourth support member 58 does not have the rotating body 62, but is composed of the base body 60 extending from the first cover plate 42. The fourth support member 58 does not have the rotating body 62 because the charging cable 6 does not come into contact with the fourth support member 58 during normal routing of the charging cable 6, which will be described later. However, if the arrangement intervals of the support members are changed so that the charging cable 6 also comes into contact with the fourth support member 58, the fourth support member 58 may also have a rotating body 62.

[0033] The charging cable 6 passes between the first support member 52 and the third support member 56 and between the second support member 54 and the fourth support member 58, and extends downward from both the front and rear sides of the charging cable support structure 40.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the charging cable 6 is pulled forward by removing the charging connector 5 from the holder 7 and pulling the tip end extending from the first support member 52. At this time, the rotating bodies 62 of the first support member 52 and the second support member 54 rotate (relatively rotate with respect to the base body 60) in response to the pulling out of the charging cable 6, allowing the charging cable 6 to be pulled out smoothly. In addition, as the charging cable 6 is pulled out forward, the portion of the charging cable 6 that is folded back in the height direction between the connection port 32 on the side surface of the housing 2 and the second support member 54 (excess cable length portion) is raised (see the cable position indicated by the solid line in Fig. 4). The charging cable 6 is rewound by grasping and pulling down the portion hanging down from the rear of the second support member 54. This causes the excess portion of the cable that was raised to descend again, and the cable that was pulled out to the front side is rewound.

[0035] That is, the charging cable 6 is wound around the first and second support members 52, 54, and is thereby supported at the front and rear of the charging cable support structure 40. The rotating body 62 rotates (relatively to the base body 60) in response to the pulling out and rewinding of the charging cable 6, and the first and second support members 52, 54 function as movable pulleys. This reduces the tensile load required to pull out and rewind the charging cable 6, thereby reducing the burden on the user associated with the pulling and rewinding operations.

[0036] The tip end of the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the top of the housing 2, so that the charging connector 5 at the tip end can be extended to the charging port of the electric vehicle 300 while the charging cable 6 is kept above the ground surface.

[0037] The third and fourth support members 56, 58 are arranged in front of and behind the first and second support members 52, 54 so as to sandwich the charging cable 6, and therefore function as retainers that prevent the cable from swinging when the charging cable 6 is pulled out and rewound. When the charging cable 6 comes into contact with the third support member 56 during pulling out, the rotating body 62 rotates following the charging cable 6, thereby reducing the frictional resistance between the charging cable 6 and the third support member 56.

[0038] The portion of the charging cable 6 that is wound around the first and second support members 52, 54 passes between a pair of cover plates 42, 44 that are arranged on either side of the first and second support members 52, 54, and the apex of the arc-shaped curved portion protrudes above the pair of cover plates 42, 44. In this way, in the charging cable support structure 40 according to this embodiment, the space inside the pair of cover plates 42, 44 is open upward, so that tension is less likely to be applied to the wound portion of the charging cable 6, and the load on the charging cable 6 can be reduced.

[0039] (Action and effect) As described above, in the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, the charging cable 6 extending from the housing 2 is supported by the charging cable support structure 40 provided on the housing 2. The charging cable support structure 40 has a first support member 52 and a second support member 54 arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction in which the charging cable 6 is pulled out, and the charging cable 6 is wound around and spanned between the first support member 52 and the second support member 54. As a result, the charging cable 6 is supported by being folded back in the height direction of the housing 2 and pulled out from the top of the housing 2, so that even if the overall length of the cable is relatively long, it can be supported in a state where it is raised above the ground surface. Furthermore, when in use, the portion pulled out from the top of the housing 2 can be raised above the ground surface. In this way, the charging device 1 can prevent the charging cable from being dragged on the ground surface, and reduce the burden on the user associated with the task of laying the cable.

[0040] 3, the first and second support members 52, 54 have a rotor 62 that rotates in response to the unwinding and rewinding of the charging cable 6. This allows the two support members 52, 54 to function as a movable pulley, reducing the tensile load required for the unwinding and rewinding of the charging cable 6 and further reducing the burden on the user.

[0041] The first and second support members 52, 54 function as a movable pulley with a simple configuration in which a cylindrical rotor 62 is attached to a cylindrical base 60. This facilitates design and mass production. Furthermore, the rotor 62, which is subject to wear due to the charging cable during use, can be easily replaced or maintained.

[0042] Furthermore, because the material of the rotating body 62 of the first and second support members 52, 54 can be appropriately set separately from the base body 60, it is easy to adjust the frictional resistance when the charging cable 6 is pulled out and rewound. Therefore, although it is conceivable that the cable may move excessively when the charging cable 6 is pulled out, causing the pulled cable to come into contact with the user, this can be avoided by adjusting the frictional resistance. In this way, operability during pulling out and rewinding can be improved.

[0043] The charging cable support structure 40 has a third support member 56 and a fourth support member 58 that are arranged at a predetermined distance from the first and second support members 52, 54 along the unwinding direction of the charging cable 6. The charging cable 6 is wound across the first support member 52 and the second support member 54, and extends downward between the first support member 52 and the third support member 56 and between the second support member 54 and the fourth support member 58. As a result, the third and fourth support members 56, 58 function as retainers that prevent the charging cable 6 from swinging when being unwound and rewound, thereby preventing the charging cable 6 from falling off.

[0044] The charging cable support structure 40 has a pair of cover plates 42, 44 provided on both sides of the first and second support members 52, 54. This allows the pair of cover plates 42, 44 and the first and second support members 52, 54 to be managed in an assembled state, which makes it easier to attach the cover plates 42, 44 to the housing 2, later install them, and to perform maintenance on the support members 52, 54, 56, 58.

[0045] (Modification of charging cable support structure) A charging cable support structure 70 according to a modified example will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same numbers and their description will be omitted. In this modified example, the first support member 72 and the second support member 74 are configured with known casters. The rest is the same as the above embodiment.

[0046] 6, the first and second support members 72, 74 include a rotor 78 that is supported on the bolt 51 as a rotation axis so as to be rotatable relative to the first and second cover plates 42, 44. The rotor 78 is formed of a disk-shaped wheel, and has a guide groove 80 formed on the outer periphery to guide the charging cable 6.

[0047] In the above modification, the third and fourth support members 56, 58 are configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment, but may be configured with known casters, similar to the first and second support members 72, 74.

[0048] (Modification of the electric vehicle charging device) An electric vehicle charging device 1A according to a modified example will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 12. Note that components that are the same as those in the above embodiment are given the same numbers and their description will be omitted. In this modified example, an assist mechanism 100 that assists in rewinding the charging cable 6 from the charging cable support structure 40 is added to the above embodiment. In the following description, the assist mechanism 100 is added to all of the downstream charging cable 6, the upstream charging cable 6, and the charging cable support structure 40, but it may also be added to any one of the downstream charging cable 6, the upstream charging cable 6, and the charging cable support structure 40.

[0049] The assist mechanism 100 has a rotating body 102 that is configured to be rotatable and that holds a linear member 101 wound therearound, and a tip 101A of the linear member 101 is fixed to the charging cable 6, and a predetermined force, more specifically, a biasing force is applied to the rotating body 102 in the rotation of the unwinding side of the linear member 101 (the rotating body 102 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing on the side where the charging cable 6 is pulled out, and rotates clockwise on the unwinding side). The biasing force is provided, for example, by the driving force of a motor provided in the rotating body 102.

[0050] In other words, when the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40, it is pulled out against a force, more specifically, a biasing force, and when the charging cable 6 is rewound from the charging cable support structure 40, it is rewound with a biasing force, more specifically, a force, being applied.

[0051] This allows the charging cable 6 to be pulled out while being prevented from being pulled out, and when rewinding the charging cable 6, the rewinding force of the assist mechanism 100 assists in the rewinding of the charging cable 6, reducing the chance of the charging cable 6 being left abandoned in a parking lot or on the road.

[0052] More specifically, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the assist mechanism 100 is provided with a downstream assist mechanism 110 as the assist mechanism 100 that assists in rewinding the charging cable 6 from the charging cable support structure 40 on the path 6A for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable 6 downstream of the charging cable support structure 40 (the rotating body 112 of the downstream assist mechanism 110 rotates counterclockwise in the figure on the pulling-out side of the charging cable 6 and rotates clockwise on the rewinding side).

[0053] The downstream assist mechanism 110 has a rotating body 112 that is rotatably configured and that winds and holds the linear member 111, and the tip 111A side of the linear member 111 is fixed to the charging cable 6 on the path 6A for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable 6 downstream of the charging cable support structure 40, and the rotating body 112 is applied with a predetermined first force against the rotation of the rewinding side of the linear member 111.

[0054] When the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40, it is pulled out against a first force, and when the charging cable 6 is unwound from the charging cable support structure 40, the first force is applied to unwound it.

[0055] Here, in this embodiment, the pull-out or rewinding path 6A of the charging cable 6 from the charging cable support structure 40 and the pull-out or rewinding path 111' of the linear member 111 from the downstream assist mechanism 110 are configured to follow each other.

[0056] That is, the downstream assist mechanism 110 is installed at a predetermined position near the charging cable support structure 40.

[0057] In other words, the charging cable support structure 40 is provided on the upper side of the housing 2, the downstream assist mechanism 110 is arranged below the charging cable support structure 40, and the pull-out position 6' of the charging cable 6 from the charging cable support mechanism 40 is located above the pull-out position 111' of the linear member 111 from the downstream assist mechanism 110.

[0058] As a result, the charging cable 6 drawn out from the charging cable support structure 40 and the linear member 111 drawn out from the downstream-side assist mechanism 110 intersect when viewed from the side.

[0059] That is, the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support mechanism 40 in a slackened manner downward, and the intersection occurs when the slack in the charging cable 6 reverses the vertical positional relationship between the charging cable 6 and the linear member 111 before and after the intersection position 130.

[0060] In this way, by providing the charging cable support structure 40 on the upper side of the housing 2, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of the charging cable 6 being rewound to the upper side and being left in a parking lot or on the road.

[0061] Furthermore, by configuring the charging cable 6 pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40 and the linear member 111 pulled out from the assist mechanism 100 to intersect when viewed from the side, the force for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable 6 is more easily transmitted via the linear member 111, thereby enabling smooth pulling out and rewinding of the charging cable 6.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a predetermined second force is applied along the path 6A of the unwinding or rewinding of the charging cable 6 and in addition to the first force when the charging cable 6 is rewound.

[0063] That is, when the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40, the weight of the charging cable 6 acts in the direction encouraging the pulling out, and the pulling out is first performed against one of the first force and the second force, followed by the pulling out against the other of the first force and the second force.

[0064] Furthermore, when the charging cable 6 is unwound from the charging cable support structure 40, unwounding with the other of the first force and the second force is performed, followed by unwounding with either the first force or the second force.

[0065] More specifically, in this embodiment, a predetermined second force is applied along the path 6A of the unwinding or rewinding of the charging cable 6 and in addition to the first force when rewinding the charging cable 6.

[0066] The first force is set to be smaller than the second force, and when the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40, the weight of the charging cable 6 acts in the direction encouraging the pulling out, causing the cable to be pulled out against the first force followed by the second force, and when the charging cable 6 is rewound from the charging cable support structure 40, the cable is rewound with the second force applied followed by the first force applied.

[0067] When pulling out the charging cable 6 from the charging cable support structure 40, it is necessary to pull out the charging cable 6 against the first and second forces, but since the weight of the charging cable 6 acts in the direction that encourages the pulling out, it can be pulled out with little force.

[0068] Furthermore, since two levels of force, a first force and a second force, are set on the rewinding side of the charging cable 6, the first force can be set smaller than if only the first force were used, and when the charging cable 6 is pulled out against the first force, it can be pulled out with even less force.

[0069] Furthermore, if the charging cable 6 is pulled out by more than a predetermined amount, a large amount of slack will occur downward, and there is a risk that the downstream assist mechanism 110 will rewind the charging cable 6 without this slack being eliminated. However, by applying a second force, the charging cable 6 can be rewound while the slack is eliminated.

[0070] A predetermined weight 140 serving as an assist mechanism 100 is provided on the charging cable 6 on the path 6A for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable 6 upstream of the charging cable support structure 40, and the predetermined weight 140 can apply the above-mentioned predetermined second force.

[0071] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, instead of the specified weight 140, an upstream assist mechanism 120 may be provided as an assist mechanism 100 that assists in rewinding the charging cable 6 from the charging cable support structure 40 on the path 6A for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable 6 upstream of the charging cable support structure 40 (the rotating body 122 of the upstream assist mechanism 120 rotates counterclockwise in the figure on the pulling-out side of the charging cable 6 and rotates clockwise on the rewinding side).

[0072] That is, the upstream assist mechanism 120 has a rotating body 122 that is configured to be rotatable and that winds and holds the linear member 121, and the tip 121A side of the linear member 121 is fixed to the charging cable 6 on the path 6A for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable 6 upstream of the charging cable support structure 40, and the rotating body 122 is applied with a predetermined second force against the rotation of the rewinding side of the linear member 121, so that when the charging cable 6 is pulled out from the charging cable support structure 40, it is pulled out against the second force, and when the charging cable 6 is rewinded from the charging cable support structure 40, the second force is applied and the charging cable 6 is rewinded.

[0073] Furthermore, the first support member 52 and the second support member 54 in the charging cable support structure 40 may have a rotating body 62 that rotates in response to the unwinding and rewinding of the charging cable 6, and the rotating body 62 may further apply a predetermined biasing force that serves as a predetermined third force to the rotation of the linear member 101 on the rewinding side. The biasing force is brought about, for example, by the driving force of a motor provided in the rotating body 62.

[0074] By applying this third force, three levels of force, namely the first force, the second force, and the third force, are set on the unwinding side of the charging cable 6, so that the first force can be set smaller than if only the first force were used, and when the charging cable 6 is pulled out against the first force, it can be pulled out with even less force.

[0075] The required effect can also be achieved by using the third force as the second force. That is, as a configuration in place of the above-described predetermined weight 140 and upstream assist mechanism 120, the first support member 52 and the second support member 54 in the charging cable support structure 40 have a rotating body 62 that rotates in response to the unwinding and rewinding of the charging cable 6, and the rotating body 62 applies a predetermined biasing force that becomes the predetermined second force to the rotation of the charging cable 6 on the rewinding side, which can also achieve the required effect.

[0076] Although the charging device according to the embodiment and the modified examples has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the charging cable support structure 40 is configured to be provided on the left and right side surfaces of the housing 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the charging cable support structure 40 may be configured to be provided on the front or back surface of the housing 2.

[0077] In the charging cable support structures 40, 70 according to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the first cover plate 42 is provided separately from the housing 2 and attached to the side panel 24, but this is not limiting. The first cover plate 42 may be the side panel 24. Furthermore, the charging cable support structures 40, 70 may be provided inside the housing 2, or may be covered from above by the housing 2.

[0078] In the charging cable support structures 40, 70 according to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, two support members are arranged at a predetermined distance in the cable pull-out direction, and the charging cable 6 is wound around the two support members, but this is not limiting. For example, the charging cable 6 may be wound around one support member, or may be wound around three or more support members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Charging equipment for electric vehicles (charging equipment) 1A Electric Vehicle Charging Device (Charging Device) 2. Case 6 charging cables Route 6A 6´ Drawer Position 30 Charging Unit 40 Charging cable support structure 42 First cover plate (cover plate) 44 Second cover plate (cover plate) 52 first support member 54 Second support member 56 Third support member 58 Fourth support member 60 Substrate 62 Rotating Body 70 Charging cable support structure 72 first support member 74 Second support member 100 Assist mechanism 101 Linear members 102 Rotating Body 101A Tip 110 Downstream assist mechanism 111 Linear members 111A Tip 111´ Drawer position 112 Rotating Body 120 Upstream assist mechanism 121 Linear members 121A Tip 122 Rotating Body 130 Intersection 140 weight 300 Electric Vehicles 200 AC power supply (external power supply)

Claims

1. a charging unit that converts power input from an external power source into power for charging an electric vehicle; a housing that houses the charging unit; a charging cable extending from the housing; a charging cable support structure provided in the housing and supporting the charging cable, the charging cable support structure includes a first support member and a second support member arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction in which the charging cable is pulled out, The charging device for an electric vehicle, wherein the charging cable is wound around and spans the first support member and the second support member.

2. 2. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 1, further comprising an assist mechanism that assists in unwinding the charging cable from the charging cable support structure.

3. the assist mechanism has a rotating body that is configured to be rotatable and that winds and holds a linear member, and a tip side of the linear member is fixed to the charging cable, and a predetermined force is applied to the rotating body against rotation of an unwinding side of the linear member, 3. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 2, wherein when the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is pulled out against the force, and when the charging cable is unwound from the charging cable support structure, the force is applied to the charging cable.

4. a downstream assist mechanism that assists in rewinding the charging cable from the charging cable support structure, the downstream assist mechanism being located on a path for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable from the charging cable support structure; the downstream-side assist mechanism has a rotating body that is configured to be rotatable and that winds and holds a linear member, and a tip side of the linear member is fixed to the charging cable on a path for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable downstream of the charging-cable support structure, and a predetermined first force is applied to the rotating body with respect to rotation of the rewinding side of the linear member, 3. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 2, wherein when the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is pulled out against the first force, and when the charging cable is unwound from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is unwound while the first force is applied.

5. 5. The charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a path for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable from the charging cable support structure and a path for pulling out or rewinding the linear member from the downstream assist mechanism are configured to follow each other.

6. 5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 4, wherein the downstream assist mechanism is installed at a predetermined position near the charging cable support structure.

7. 5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 4, wherein the charging cable support structure is provided on the upper side of the housing, the downstream assist mechanism is disposed below the charging cable support structure, the position at which the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support mechanism is located higher than the position at which a linear member is pulled out from the downstream assist mechanism, and the charging cable pulled out from the charging cable support structure and the linear member pulled out from the downstream assist mechanism intersect when viewed from the side.

8. 8. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 7, wherein the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support mechanism in a slackened manner downward, and the crossing occurs when the vertical positional relationship between the charging cable and the linear member is reversed before and after the crossing position due to the slack of the charging cable.

9. a predetermined second force is applied along a path of withdrawal or retraction of the charging cable and in addition to the first force against the retraction of the charging cable; 5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 4, wherein when the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is first pulled out against one of the first force and the second force, followed by the other of the first force and the second force, while the weight of the charging cable acts in the direction that encourages the pulling out; and when the charging cable is unwound from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is first unwound with the other of the first force and the second force applied, followed by the other of the first force and the second force applied.

10. a predetermined second force is applied along a path of the charging cable being pulled out or rewound and in addition to the first force with respect to the rewinding of the charging cable, the first force being set smaller than the second force; 5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 4, wherein when the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is first pulled out against the first force and then pulled out against the second force while the weight of the charging cable acts in the direction that encourages the pulling out, and when the charging cable is unwound from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is first unwound with the second force applied and then unwound with the first force applied.

11. 5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 4, wherein a predetermined weight is provided on the charging cable on a path for pulling or rewinding the charging cable upstream of the charging cable support structure, and the predetermined second force is applied by the predetermined weight.

12. an upstream assist mechanism that assists in rewinding the charging cable from the charging cable support structure, the upstream assist mechanism being located on a path for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable from the charging cable support structure; the upstream-side assist mechanism has a rotating body that is configured to be rotatable and that winds and holds a linear member, and a tip side of the linear member is fixed to the charging cable on a path for pulling out or rewinding the charging cable upstream of the charging-cable support structure, and a predetermined second force is applied to the rotating body against rotation of the rewinding side of the linear member, 5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 4, wherein when the charging cable is pulled out from the charging cable support structure, the charging cable is pulled out against the second force, and when the charging cable is unwound from the charging cable support structure, the second force is applied to the charging cable.

13. 5. The charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the first support member and the second support member in the charging cable support structure have a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the unwinding and rewinding of the charging cable, and the rotating body is imparted with a predetermined biasing force that becomes the predetermined second force against the rotation of the unwinding side of the linear member.

14. 10. The charging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the first support member and the second support member in the charging cable support structure have a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the pulling out and rewinding of the charging cable, and the rotating body is imparted with a predetermined biasing force that becomes the predetermined third force against the rotation of the rewinding side of the linear member.

15. In a charging device for an electric vehicle, the charging device includes a charging unit that converts power input from an external power source into power for charging an electric vehicle, a housing that houses the charging unit, and a charging cable that extends from the housing. The charging cable support structure is provided on an upper portion of the housing and supports the charging cable, a first support member and a second support member arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction in which the charging cable is drawn out; The charging cable support structure is configured such that the charging cable is wound across the first support member and the second support member.

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