Charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging system that can charge an electric cargo vehicle even during collection and delivery by the electric cargo vehicle.SOLUTION: A charging system includes a plurality of charging cable take-up devices that are each installed in an area below a platform adjacent to a truck berth and take up a charging cable; and a charger that is connected with the plurality of charging cable take-up devices and selectively charges a storage battery of an electric cargo vehicle stopping in the truck berth through the charging cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electric freight vehicles (also known as EV (Electric Vehicle) trucks), which are powered by electric motors, have become increasingly popular. Because electric freight vehicles are larger than private cars, the charging cables used to charge them can be longer than those used for private cars. When the charging cables are long, storing them can become cumbersome.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a reel device used to store a charging cable for charging an electric vehicle. This reel device includes a winding drum that winds up a wire rope connected to the charging cable, and a pulley that rotates in conjunction with the winding drum to move the charging cable. The reel device is installed on a ceiling or other location above the electric vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, a winding device that winds and stores a charging cable is known (Non-Patent Document 1). This winding device is also installed at a position above the electric vehicle.

[0005] Such a reel device and winding device facilitate the task of storing the charging cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-51056 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Large, specially designed commercial reel (OKS), [online], [searched January 7, 2023], Internet<https: / / www.hataya.jp / products / oksreel / post10090 / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Electric vehicles, including electric freight vehicles, are charged at dedicated charging stations where long-term parking is possible. The reel device and winding device described above are installed at an elevated location in such dedicated charging stations. However, because electric freight vehicles are used for collecting and delivering packages or cargo, there are cases where sufficient time is not available for charging at the dedicated charging station.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a charging system that enables charging of an electric freight vehicle even when the electric freight vehicle is being collected and delivered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A charging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of charging cable winding devices that are each installed in an area below a platform adjacent to a truck berth and that wind up charging cables, and a charging device to which the plurality of charging cable winding devices are connected and that selectively charges storage batteries of electric freight vehicles parked at the truck berth via the charging cables. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a charging system that enables charging of an electric freight vehicle even when the electric freight vehicle is being collected and delivered. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the charging cable winding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the charging cable winding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the charging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the charging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a charging system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The following provides an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure. (1) The charging system of this embodiment includes a plurality of charging cable winding devices that are each installed in an area under a platform adjacent to a truck berth and wind up charging cables, and a charging device to which the plurality of charging cable winding devices are connected and that selectively charges the storage batteries of electric freight vehicles parked at the truck berth via the charging cables.

[0014] Electric freight vehicles may stop at truck berths during cargo collection and delivery, and load and unload cargo on a platform adjacent to the truck berth. In the charging system of this embodiment, the charging cable retractor is installed in the area below the platform, allowing charging of electric freight vehicles stopped (parked) at the truck berth for loading and unloading cargo or luggage. By installing the charging cable retractor in the area below the platform, the charging cable retractor can be installed without interfering with the parking of electric freight vehicles at the truck berth. Installing such a charging cable retractor makes it easy to store the charging cable. Furthermore, the charging device selectively charges the storage batteries of parked electric freight vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to charge the necessary electric freight vehicles without increasing the number of installed charging devices. This prevents interference with the movement of trucks and the like, which would result from increasing the number of installed charging devices, and reduces the amount of space available for storing luggage or cargo.

[0015] (2) In the charging system described in (1) above, the plurality of charging cable winding devices may include a first charging cable winding device and a second charging cable winding device, the first charging cable winding device is installed in an area under a platform adjacent to a first truck berth, the second charging cable winding device is installed in an area under a platform adjacent to a second truck berth, the charging cable of the first charging cable winding device is connected to a first electric freight vehicle parked at the first truck berth, the charging cable of the second charging cable winding device is connected to a second electric freight vehicle parked at the second truck berth, and the charging device may charge a storage battery of either the first electric freight vehicle or the second electric freight vehicle.

[0016] This allows for efficient charging of electric freight vehicles parked at the truck berth for loading and unloading of cargo or luggage.

[0017] (3) In the charging system described in (2) above, the first charging cable winding device may be installed in an area adjacent to the platform at the first truck berth, and the second charging cable winding device may be installed in an area adjacent to the platform at the second truck berth.

[0018] The charging cable retractor is installed in an area adjacent to the platform of the truck berth, so that when an electric freight vehicle is parked at the truck berth, the charging cable retractor moves under the electric freight vehicle, thereby preventing contact between the charging cable retractor and the electric freight vehicle even when the electric freight vehicle is parked at the truck berth.

[0019] (4) In the charging system described in (2) above, at least one of the first charging cable winding device and the second charging cable winding device may be installed in a space provided below a floor surface of the platform.

[0020] This also makes it possible to avoid contact between the charging cable winding device and the electric freight vehicle when the electric freight vehicle is parked in the truck berth.

[0021] (5) In the charging system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the charging device may include a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power, and a switching device that selects one of the plurality of charging cable winding devices to supply the DC power converted by the power conversion device.

[0022] This allows electric freight vehicles to be efficiently charged even during the relatively short time they are parked at a truck berth for loading and unloading cargo.

[0023] (6) In the charging system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the charging cable winding device may include a winding drum for winding the charging cable and a support member for supporting the winding drum so that the charging cable can rotate freely, and the diameter φ of the charging cable may be 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and the allowable bending radius R of the charging cable may be 4 times or more and 10 times or less the diameter φ.

[0024] The diameter of a charging cable for an electric freight vehicle can be between 20 mm and 40 mm. In such cases, a flexible cable with an allowable bending radius of 4 to 10 times the cable diameter can be used to wind the charging cable using a charging cable winder. Installing such a charging cable winder in the area below the platform makes it easy to store the charging cable.

[0025] (7) In the charging system described in (6) above, when the height from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components provided under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle is H, the diameter d of the hoisting drum may be within the range of the following formula (1). 2R≦d≦H-2φ (1)

[0026] Within the range of formula (1), the height of the charging cable retractor can be kept to a height (e.g., 1 m or less) that allows it to be placed in the space under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of the freight vehicle, reducing the risk of the charging cable coming into contact with components under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of the freight vehicle. This allows the charging cable retractor to be placed in a relatively low position, for example, on the ground below the loading platform of an electric freight vehicle. Furthermore, because the diameter d of the retractor drum is at least twice the allowable bending radius R, the charging cable will not be bent at a radius smaller than the allowable bending radius. This reduces the risk of damage to the charging cable.

[0027] (8) In the charging system described in (7) above, the charging cable winding device may further include a pair of side plates provided on both side ends of the winding drum, and the diameter D of the side plates may be within the range of the following formula (2). d+2φ≦D≦H (2)

[0028] This provides the winding drum with a wall of at least height φ, reducing the risk of the wound charging cable coming off the charging cable winding device. By making the diameter D of the side plate equal to or less than the height H from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the freight vehicle, it is possible to reduce the risk of the side plate coming into contact with the component located under the bed of the electric freight vehicle.

[0029] (9) In the charging system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, the charging device may be installed in a location that does not interfere with the movement of the electric freight vehicle parked at the truck berth.

[0030] This reduces the risk of the charging device coming into contact with the electric freight vehicle.

[0031] (10) In the charging system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, the charging device may switch the charging cable winding device that supplies power for charging in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

[0032] This allows electric freight vehicles parked in truck berths to be charged efficiently.

[0033] <Embodiment 1> 1. Details of the First Embodiment of the Present Disclosure Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] [1-1. Charging system configuration] 1 is a schematic view of a charging system 1 including a charging cable winding device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. First, the overall configuration of the charging system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] The charging system 1 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of charging cable winding devices 2 and a charging device 4. The plurality of charging cable winding devices 2 are installed in areas below a platform 3 adjacent to a truck berth 8. The charging cable winding devices 2 wind up charging cables 21. The plurality of charging cable winding devices 2 are connected to the charging device 4. The charging device 4 selectively charges the storage batteries of electric freight vehicles 5 parked at the truck berth 8 via the charging cables 21.

[0036] In the following description, for convenience, the vertical direction of the platform 3 or the ground in Figures 1, 5, and 7 will be referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the electric freight vehicles 5 are arranged will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction in a plan view looking down from above in the up-down direction will be referred to as the front-to-rear direction. In the up-down direction, the direction from the ground to the platform 3 will be referred to as the up direction, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the down direction. In the front-to-rear direction, the direction from the platform 3 to the truck yard (electric freight vehicles 5) will be referred to as the front, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the rear.

[0037] The platform 3 is a raised structure for loading and unloading cargo. It is installed in a place where cargo is loaded and unloaded, such as a warehouse or truck yard. The platform 3 may be installed in a truck yard, for example, or inside a building such as a warehouse, or may be installed outdoors. A truck yard is a place on a premises where cargo is loaded, unloaded, and transshipped from trucks, containers, etc.

[0038] The area in front of the platform 3 is a truck berth 8. The truck berth 8 is a space where freight vehicles are parked for loading and unloading cargo. The truck berth 8 includes a plurality of parking spaces 6. Electric freight vehicles 5 are parked in the parking spaces 6. A charging cable reeling device 2 is installed in each area below the platform 3 adjacent to the truck berth 8. A charging cable reeling device 2 is provided in front of the side surface 3b of the platform 3 for each parking space 6.

[0039] The charging device 4 is installed in a location that does not interfere with the movement of electric freight vehicles 5 parked at the truck berth 8. Examples of locations that do not interfere include beside or on top of the platform 3. In FIG. 1 , the charging device 4 is installed, for example, at the right end of the platform 3. This reduces the risk of the charging device 4 coming into contact with the electric freight vehicles 5. The power cable 7 electrically connects the charging device 4 and the charging cable take-up device 2.

[0040] [1-2. Details of each component] Next, each component of the charging system 1 will be described in detail.

[0041] [1-2-1. Charging cable winding device] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the charging cable winding device 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of the charging cable winding device 2. The charging cable winding device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The charging cable winding device 2 includes a charging cable 21, a winding drum 31, side panels 22, and a support member 23. Electric freight vehicles 5 (EV trucks) often use rapid charging due to their large battery capacities. This results in charging cables that are thick and heavy, making the task of storing the charging cable even more complicated. It is difficult to wind a thick charging cable around the charging cable winding device 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flexibility of the charging cable 21 is improved so that it can be wound around the charging cable winding device 2. This eliminates the complexity of the task of storing the charging cable 21, even if the charging cable is thick and heavy.

[0042] <Charging cable> The charging cable 21 is a cable that includes, for example, a plurality of linear conductors covered with a first insulator, and further includes a bundle of the conductors covered with the first insulator and covered with a second insulator. The material of the first insulator is a rubber-based or vinyl-based resin. Specifically, the material of the first insulator is, for example, natural rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, polyethylene, or PVC (Poly vinyl chloride). The second insulator is also called a sheath, and its material is, for example, natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, or PVC. Vinyl-based materials are more flexible than rubber-based materials. For this reason, the allowable bending radius of a charging cable made of a vinyl-based material is smaller than the allowable bending radius of a charging cable made of a rubber-based material. The allowable bending radius is the minimum bending radius at which the cable can be bent.

[0043] The conductor of the charging cable 21 is, for example, a copper wire made of bundled thin wires. The bundled copper wires are twisted. A charging cable with fewer twists per unit length has a smaller allowable bending radius than a charging cable with more twists. For example, a cable with an allowable bending radius that is between 4 and 10 times the diameter φ of the charging cable is used.

[0044] The total length of the electric freight vehicle 5 is, for example, 10 m, and the length of the charging cable 21, including the length for handling, is, for example, 15 m. The charging cable 21 is configured to allow voltage and current in accordance with, for example, the CHAdeMO (registered trademark) standard. In this case, the diameter φ of the charging cable 21 is, for example, in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0045] A plug 24 is provided at a first end of the charging cable 21. The plug 24 is intended to be connected to a receptacle (not shown) of a power storage device (not shown) provided in the electric freight vehicle 5. The plug and receptacle have shapes that comply with, for example, the CHAdeMO standard.

[0046] <Winding drum> The winding drum 31 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the winding drum 31 is not limited to this. The winding drum 31 may also have, for example, a bobbin shape. A bobbin shape is a shape in which the diameter of the cylinder decreases from both ends of the cylinder toward the inside along the rotation axis direction. The winding drum 31 is made of, for example, metal. In the following description, the winding drum 31 is assumed to have a cylindrical shape with a diameter d and a width W as shown in Figure 3.

[0047] The winding drum 31 winds up the charging cable 21. Therefore, the charging cable 21 is wound around a circle of diameter d of the winding drum 31. In other words, the charging cable 21 is bent at a radius that is half the diameter d. For this reason, it is desirable that the diameter d of the charging cable is at least twice the allowable bending radius R of the charging cable 21. If the diameter d is smaller than twice the radius R, the charging cable 21 will be bent at a radius smaller than the allowable bending radius R, increasing the risk of damage. Therefore, the relationship between the diameter d of the charging cable and the allowable bending radius R of the charging cable 21 is expressed by Equation 1. 2R≦d...(Formula 1)

[0048] The winding drum 31 winds the charging cable 21 in at least one layer. Therefore, the outer diameter S of the charging cable 21 wound around the winding drum 31 is expressed as S = d + 2φ. Furthermore, if the length of the charging cable 21 is L, the winding drum 31 can wind up a length of the charging cable 21 of π × d by rotating the winding drum 31 once. Therefore, the width W of the winding drum is expressed as Equation 2. W=L / (π×d)×φ...(Formula 2)

[0049] The winding drum 31 may include a slip ring (not shown) inside. A slip ring is a rotary connector that can transmit power from an external source to the rotating body. Power is transmitted via a metal ring provided on the rotating body and a brush pressed against the metal ring. A second end of the charging cable 21 is connected to the metal ring. Meanwhile, the brush is connected to a first end of the power cable 7 that connects the charging cable winding device and the charging device 4. Power supplied by the charging device 4 is sent to the charging cable 21 via the slip ring.

[0050] The winding drum 31 may include a spiral spring at one of its ends. When the winding drum 31 includes a spiral spring, the charging cable can be wound up with less force than when there is no spiral spring.

[0051] <Side panel> A pair of side plates 22 are provided on both end portions of the winding drum 31. The side plates 22 have a disk shape with a diameter D. The side plates 22 are made of, for example, metal or synthetic resin. The diameter D of the side plates 22 is equal to or greater than the diameter d of the winding drum 31 plus the diameter φ of two charging cables. This provides radial walls with a height φ at both end portions of the winding drum 31. Even if the charging cable 21 being wound attempts to deviate axially outward from the end of the winding drum 31, the side plates restrict the deviation and push the charging cable 21 back inward. The side plates 22 have a hole or a shaft formed in the center of their disk shape. The support members 23, which will be described later, support the hole or shaft to rotatably support the side plates 22 or the winding drum 31.

[0052] <Supporting member> The support members 23 are provided on the hoisting drum 31 or on both side ends of the hoisting drum 31 and rotatably support the side plates 22. The material of the support members 23 is, for example, metal or resin. The shape of the support members 23 may be a bent stamped metal plate as shown in FIG. 2, or a bent metal pipe. The support members 23 support one or both side ends of the hoisting drum 31.

[0053] Although the above description has been given using the charging cable winding device 2 with a cable used for rapid charging as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. The charging system 1 may be a system that charges with a current smaller than the charging current used in rapid charging. The power of the charging system 1 may be DC power or AC power.

[0054] [1-2-2. Charging device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging device 4 according to the first embodiment. The charging device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The charging device 4 is connected to a plurality of charging cable winding devices 2 and selectively charges the storage batteries of electric freight vehicles 5 parked at a truck berth 8 via charging cables 21. Selective charging can refer to, for example, a configuration in which, when only one electric freight vehicle 5 is parked at the truck berth 8, the storage battery of that electric freight vehicle 5 is charged; a configuration in which, when multiple electric freight vehicles 5 are parked at the truck berth 8, one of the multiple electric freight vehicles 5 is selected and the storage battery of that electric freight vehicle 5 is charged; or a configuration in which, when multiple electric freight vehicles 5 are parked at the truck berth 8, any two or more of the multiple electric freight vehicles 5 are selected and the storage batteries of those electric freight vehicles 5 are charged. This allows charging of the necessary electric freight vehicles 5 without increasing the number of installed charging devices 4. This can prevent the increased number of installed charging devices 4 from interfering with the movement of trucks and reducing the amount of space available for storing luggage or cargo.

[0055] The charging device 4 includes a power converter 41 and a switching device 42. The power converter 41 converts AC power into DC power. In this embodiment, the power converter 41 includes an inverter 4a and a DC / DC converter 4b. The power converter 41 receives power from a power grid 43 and converts the received power into DC power with a voltage and current required by the storage battery of the electric freight vehicle 5. The power grid 43 is an integrated system of power generation, transformation, transmission, and distribution for supplying power to household electrical appliances or factory power receiving equipment. The power converter 41 is connected to the power grid 43 that can receive large amounts of power, making it easy to perform rapid charging. The switching device 42 selects one of the multiple charging cable winding devices 2 to which the power converter 41 supplies the DC power converted by the power converter 41. The switching device 42 connects the output of the power converter 41 to the power cable 7 connected to the selected charging cable winding device 2. This allows the electric freight vehicle 5 to be efficiently charged even during the relatively short time that it is parked at the truck berth 8 for loading and unloading cargo.

[0056] <Inverter> The inverter 4a converts AC power received from the power grid 43 into DC power of a predetermined voltage. The inverter 4a may be a rectifier circuit including a diode bridge, or a switching circuit including a switching element. The switching element may include, for example, a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) or an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).

[0057] <DC / DCコンバータ> The DC / DC converter 4b converts the DC power of a predetermined voltage converted by the inverter 4a into DC power of a voltage and current required by the power storage device of the electric freight vehicle 5. The DC / DC converter 4b is, for example, a switching circuit including a switching element.

[0058] <Switching device> The switching device 42 selects one of the multiple charging cable winding devices 2 to which the DC power converted by the power conversion device 41 is to be supplied. As shown in FIG. 4 , the switching device 42 selects one of the multiple charging cable winding devices 2 and supplies the DC power converted by the DC / DC converter 4b to the selected charging cable winding device 2 via a power cable 7. The switching device 42 includes a switching element, such as an electromagnetic relay, MOSFET, or IGBT. The switching element connects the DC / DC converter 4b to the power cable 7 to which the selected charging cable winding device 2 is connected. This allows the electric freight vehicle 5 to be efficiently charged even during the relatively short time that the vehicle is parked at the truck berth 8 for loading and unloading cargo.

[0059] It is rare for all of the parking spaces 6 to be filled with electric freight vehicles 5. For this reason, it is desirable to selectively connect a DC / DC converter 4b to the charging cable reel device 2 to which the electric freight vehicle 5 is connected. A switching device 42 controlled by a charging control device 44 (described later) connects the DC / DC converter 4b to the charging cable reel device 2 to which the electric freight vehicle 5 is connected.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the multiple charging cable winding devices 2 include a first charging cable winding device 2a and a second charging cable winding device 2b. The first charging cable winding device 2a is installed in an area below the platform 3 adjacent to the first truck berth 8a. The second charging cable winding device 2b is installed in an area below the platform 3 adjacent to the second truck berth 8b. The charging cable 21 of the first charging cable winding device 2a is connected to a first electric freight vehicle 5a parked at the first truck berth 8a. The charging cable 21 of the second charging cable winding device 2b is connected to a second electric freight vehicle 5b parked at the second truck berth 8b. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 , the charging device 4 is connected to either the first charging cable winding device 2a or the second charging cable winding device 2b. As a result, the charging device 4 charges the storage battery of either the first electric freight vehicle 5a or the second electric freight vehicle 5b. This allows efficient charging of the electric freight vehicles 5 parked at the truck berth 8 for loading and unloading of cargo or luggage.

[0061] [1-2-3. Platform] 1, the platform 3 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped structure whose floor is higher than the ground. The platform 3 is, for example, a concrete structure, and another example, a structure in which the floor is provided on steel pillars.

[0062] [1-3. Position and size of charging cable winding device] Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the charging system 1 according to the first embodiment. The position and size of the charging cable winding device 2, and the relationship between the electric freight vehicle 5 arranged around the charging cable winding device 2 and the platform 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. For convenience of explanation, the electric freight vehicle 5 is depicted spaced apart from the platform 3 in Fig. 5. When loading and unloading cargo onto the electric freight vehicle 5, the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked close to the platform 3. This is because a gap between the bed of the electric freight vehicle 5 and the platform 3 would hinder loading and unloading of cargo.

[0063] <Electric freight vehicle> The overall length of the electric freight vehicle 5 is, for example, 10 m, and the overall width is, for example, 2.5 m. The floor of the bed of the electric freight vehicle 5 is at a height Hcb from the ground. The height Hcb is, for example, 1.5 m for a normal type and 1 m for a low-bed type. Multiple components are provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5. These multiple components include, for example, a license plate and a rear bumper. Of the above-mentioned components provided under the bed of the electric freight vehicle, the height from the ground of the component closest to the ground is H. In this case, a space of height H is formed under the floor at the rear of the freight vehicle 5. Behind the rear wheels is the side opposite the side where the front wheels are located, with the rear wheels at the center.

[0064] <Platform> Platform 3 is a raised structure for handling, sorting, and storing cargo loaded onto or unloaded from freight trucks. Therefore, the height Hp from the ground to the floor of platform 3 at the location where freight trucks are parked is approximately the same as the height from the ground to the floor of the bed of electric freight truck 5. This reduces the step between the bed of electric freight truck 5 and platform 3, making it easy to load and unload cargo. As mentioned above, the height Hcb of the floor of the freight truck is 1 m to 1.5 m, so as an example, the height Hp of the platform floor is set to 1.3 m.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 5, a eaves 3c is provided facing forward on the side surface 3b of the platform 3. This leaves a space between the eaves 3c and the ground. In another example, the platform 3 has a floor built on steel pillars that are installed on the ground. In this case as well, a space is left between the floor surface of the platform 3 and the ground.

[0066] <Charging cable winding device> The charging cable take-up device 2 is installed in the area below the platform 3 adjacent to the truck berth 8. In FIG. 1, the area below the platform 3 adjacent to the truck berth 8 corresponds to the front of the side surface 3b. The charging cable take-up device 2 is installed in front of the side surface 3b. When the platform 3 has overhangs 3c as shown in FIG. 5, the space formed between the overhangs 3c and the ground is also the area below the platform 3. The rear portion of the charging cable take-up device 2 is installed in this area.

[0067] An electric freight vehicle 5 may stop at a truck berth 8 during the collection or delivery of freight, and load or unload cargo on a platform 3 adjacent to the truck berth 8. In the charging system 1 of this embodiment, the charging cable reeling device 2 is installed in the area below the platform 3, and therefore can charge an electric freight vehicle 5 stopped (parked) at the truck berth 8 for loading or unloading freight or cargo. By installing the charging cable reeling device 2 in the area below the platform 3, the charging cable reeling device 2 can be installed without interfering with the parking of the electric freight vehicle 5 at the truck berth 8. Installing such a charging cable reeling device 2 makes it easy to store the charging cable 21. As a result, a charging system 1 can be provided that allows the electric freight vehicle 5 to be charged even when the electric freight vehicle 5 is being collected or delivered.

[0068] As described above, when the platform 3 has a floor provided on steel pillars installed in the ground, the charging cable take-up device 2 may be installed in a space provided below the floor of the platform 3. This also makes it possible to avoid contact between the charging cable take-up device 2 and the electric freight vehicle 5 when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked in the truck berth 8.

[0069] In the above, the case where the charging cable take-up device 2 is installed in the space formed between the floor surface 3a of the platform 3 and the ground has been described. However, the area below the platform 3 is not limited to this. The charging cable take-up device 2 may also be installed in an area of ​​the truck berth 8 adjacent to the platform 3. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The front side of the charging cable take-up device 2 is installed in the parking space 6. The parking space 6 is an area adjacent to the platform 3. The parking space 6 is included in the truck berth 8. Therefore, the charging cable take-up device 2 is installed in the area of ​​the truck berth 8 adjacent to the platform 3. In this case, when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked at the truck berth 8, the charging cable take-up device 2 gets under the electric freight vehicle 5. This prevents contact between the charging cable take-up device 2 and the electric freight vehicle 5 even when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked at the truck berth 8.

[0070] As described above, part or all of the charging cable winding device 2 may be located in the space formed between the ground and the eaves 3c or floor 3a of the platform 3. Part or all of the charging cable winding device 2 may be located in the truck berth 8 adjacent to the platform 3.

[0071] The above describes the position of the charging cable winding device 2 when it is installed in the area below the platform 3. Next, the size of the charging cable winding device 2 when it is installed in that position will be described.

[0072] When the side plates 22 are not provided on both end portions of the winding drum 31 of the charging cable winding device 2, the height Hd of the charging cable winding device 2 is expressed by Equation 3. d+2φ≦Hd (Formula 3) When the charging cable 21 is wound in a single layer on the top and bottom of the winding drum 31 having a diameter d, the outer diameter S is S = d + 2φ, and furthermore, the support member 23 needs a certain height to support the winding drum 31.

[0073] Furthermore, when side plates 22 are provided on both end portions of the winding drum 31 of the charging cable winding device 2, the height Hd of the charging cable winding device 2 is expressed by Equation 4. D≦Hd...(Formula 4) This is because the height Hd of the charging cable winding device 2 is the diameter D of the side plate 22 , and furthermore, a predetermined height is required for the support member 23 to support the winding drum 31 .

[0074] As described above, the diameter D of the side plate 22 is equal to or greater than the sum of the diameter d of the hoisting drum 31 and the diameter φ of two charging cables, so Equation 4 can be rewritten as Equation 5. d+2φ≦D≦Hd (Formula 5)

[0075] If part or all of the charging cable winding device 2 is included in the parking space 6 for the electric freight vehicle 5 adjacent to the platform 3, when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked close to the front of the platform 3, the charging cable winding device 2 will enter the space under the cargo bed of the electric freight vehicle 5.

[0076] At this time, if the height Hd of the charging cable reel device 2 is lower than the height H from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5, the charging cable reel device 2 can enter the space under the bed of the electric freight vehicle 5 without coming into contact with the components under the bed, such as the license plate and rear bumper of the electric freight vehicle 5. Therefore, the height Hd of the charging cable reel device 2 is expressed by Equation 6. Hd≦H...(Formula 6)

[0077] The height Hd of the charging cable winding device 2 may be within the range of Equation 7, which is a combination of Equation 3 and Equation 6. d+2φ≦Hd≦H (Formula 7)

[0078] As described above, the diameter d of the hoisting drum 31 has a lower limit expressed by formula 1. Therefore, formulas 1 and 7 can be rewritten as a range of the diameter d to be expressed by formula 8. 2R≦d≦H-2φ...(Formula 8)

[0079] The diameter D of the side plate 22 is expressed by Equation 5. Since Hd can be rewritten as H by Equation 6, the range of the diameter D is expressed by Equation 9. d+2φ≦D≦H (Formula 9)

[0080] As a result, the hoisting drum 31 has walls of at least height φ formed by the side plates 22 at both end portions thereof, which reduces the risk of the wound charging cable 21 coming off the charging cable winding device 2. Furthermore, since the diameter D of the side plates 22 is equal to or less than the height H from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5, the risk of the side plates 22 coming into contact with the components under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5 is reduced.

[0081] Note that when the support member 23 supports the hoisting drum 31 at a distance from the ground, the height Hd of the charging cable take-up device includes the height Hs at which the support member 23 supports the hoisting drum 31 at a distance from the ground. Therefore, H in Equations 8 and 9 is the height obtained by subtracting the height Hs at which the support member supports the hoisting drum 31 at a distance from the ground from the height from the ground to the component provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the truck. On the other hand, when the charging cable take-up device 2 is provided on the side surface 3b of the platform 3, the support member 23 is attached to the side surface 3b, so that the charging cable take-up device 2 can be moved close to the side panel 22 or the like, just before it comes into contact with the ground. Therefore, H in Equations 8 and 9 may be the height from the ground to the component provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the truck that is closest to the ground.

[0082] For example, if the diameter φ of the charging cable is 20 mm and 40 mm, and the allowable bending radius R of the charging cable is 4 φ and 10 φ, and calculations are performed using Equation 8 and Equation 9, the lower limit of the diameter d of the hoisting drum and the lower limit of the diameter D of the side plate are as shown in Table 1.

[0083] [Table 1]

[0084] Therefore, in the case of a low-floor electric freight vehicle 5, the height Hcb of the electric freight vehicle floor is, for example, 1000 mm, so that the charging cable reel device 2 can enter the space under the bed of the electric freight vehicle 5 if the charging cable 21 satisfies conditions 1 to 3. In the case of a normal-type electric freight vehicle 5, the height Hcb of the freight vehicle floor is, for example, 1500 mm, so that the charging cable reel device 2 can enter the space under the bed of the electric freight vehicle 5 even if the charging cable 21 satisfies condition 4. Therefore, even if the charging cable 21 is a thick cable with a diameter of 20 mm to 40 mm, the charging cable 21 can be reeled in by the charging cable reel device 2 by using a flexible cable with an allowable bending radius of 4 to 10 times the cable diameter. Installing such a charging cable reel device 2 in the area below the platform 3 makes it easy to store the charging cable 21.

[0085] Furthermore, within the range of Expression 8, the height of the charging cable retractor 2 can be kept to a height (for example, 1 m or less) that allows it to be placed in the space under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5. This reduces the risk of the charging cable 21 coming into contact with components under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5. This allows the charging cable retractor 2 to be placed in a relatively low position, for example, on the ground below the loading platform of the electric freight vehicle 5.

[0086] If eaves 3c are provided on the side surface 3b of the platform 3 facing forward, a space is formed under the eaves 3c. Alternatively, if the platform 3 has a configuration in which the floor is provided on steel pillars installed on the ground, a space is formed under the floor surface 3a of the platform 3. In this case, part or all of the charging cable winding device 2 may be disposed in the space formed between the floor surface 3a of the platform 3 and the ground.

[0087] As described above, the height Hd of the charging cable winding device 2 is limited to a height that allows it to be placed in the space behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5 and under the loading platform. The height Hp of the platform 3, which is used to load and unload cargo from the loading platform, is matched to the height Hcb of the floor of the electric freight vehicle 5. The vertical thickness of the canopy 3c, or the thickness of the floor, is, for example, 100 mm. This allows the charging cable winding device 2 to be placed in the space below the floor 3a of the platform 3. Therefore, part or all of the charging cable winding device 2 can be provided below the floor 3a of the platform 3. In other words, if the height Hd of the charging cable winding device 2 is smaller than the height of the space formed between the floor 3a of the platform 3 and the ground, the charging cable winding device 2 is provided in the space formed between the floor 3a of the platform 3 and the ground.

[0088] [1-4. Summary] The charging cable reeling device 2 is installed in the area below the platform 3, and can therefore charge electric freight vehicles 5 stopped (parked) at the truck berth 8 for loading and unloading cargo or luggage. By installing the charging cable reeling device 2 in the area below the platform 3, the charging cable reeling device 2 can be installed without interfering with the stopping of electric freight vehicles 5 at the truck berth 8. Installing such a charging cable reeling device 2 makes it easy to store the charging cable 21. Furthermore, the charging device 4 selectively charges the storage batteries of parked electric freight vehicles 5. Therefore, it is possible to charge the necessary electric freight vehicles 5 without increasing the number of charging devices 4 installed. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the movement of trucks and the like, and a reduction in storage space for luggage or cargo, which would be caused by increasing the number of charging devices 4 installed.

[0089] When the multiple charging cable winding devices 2 include a first charging cable winding device 2a and a second charging cable winding device 2b, the charging device 4 charges the storage battery of either the first electric freight vehicle 5a or the second electric freight vehicle 5b, thereby enabling efficient charging of the electric freight vehicles 5 parked at the truck berth 8 for loading and unloading cargo or luggage.

[0090] The charging cable reeling device 2 is installed in an area adjacent to the platform 3 on the truck berth 8, so when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked at the truck berth 8, the charging cable reeling device 2 moves under the electric freight vehicle 5. This prevents contact between the charging cable reeling device 2 and the electric freight vehicle 5 even when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked at the truck berth 8.

[0091] The charging cable winding device 2 is installed in a space provided below the floor of the platform 3, so that contact between the charging cable winding device 2 and the electric freight vehicle 5 can be avoided when the electric freight vehicle 5 is parked in the truck berth 8.

[0092] The charging device 4 includes a power converter 41 that converts AC power into DC power, and receives power from a power grid that supplies AC power. This allows the electric freight vehicle 5 to be efficiently charged even during the relatively short time that the vehicle is parked at the truck berth 8 for loading and unloading cargo.

[0093] Even if charging cable 21 is a thick cable with a diameter φ of 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, by using a flexible cable with an allowable bending radius R of charging cable 21 that is 4 times or more and 10 times or less the diameter φ, charging cable 21 can be wound up by charging cable winding device 2. By installing such charging cable winding device 2 in the area below platform 3, charging cable 21 can be easily stored.

[0094] Within the range of the above-mentioned formula (1), the height of the charging cable winding device 2 can be kept to a height (for example, 1 m or less) that allows it to be placed in the space under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5, thereby reducing the risk of the charging cable 21 coming into contact with components under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5. This allows the charging cable winding device 2 to be placed in a relatively low position, for example, on the ground below the bed of the electric freight vehicle 5. Furthermore, because the diameter d of the winding drum 31 is at least twice the allowable bending radius R, the charging cable 21 will not be bent at a bending radius smaller than the allowable bending radius. This reduces the risk of the charging cable 21 being damaged.

[0095] Within the range of the above-described formula (2), the hoisting drum 31 has walls of at least height φ in the radial direction at both end portions thereof. This reduces the risk of the wound charging cable 21 coming off the charging cable winding device 2. Furthermore, the diameter D of the side plate 22 is equal to or less than the height H from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components provided under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5, thereby reducing the risk of the side plate 22 coming into contact with the component under the bed behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle 5.

[0096] Since the charging device 4 is installed in a location that does not interfere with the movement of the electric freight vehicles 5 parked at the truck berth 8, the risk of the charging device 4 coming into contact with the electric freight vehicles 5 can be reduced.

[0097] <Embodiment 2> Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging system 1. A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The charging system of the second embodiment switches the charging cable winding device 2 that supplies power for charging according to a predetermined sequence. The charging device 4 includes a charging control device 44, which controls the operation described below. First, the configuration of the charging control device 44 will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0098] The charging control device 44 includes a control unit 44a, a memory 44b, an input / output interface 44c (hereinafter referred to as input / output I / F 64), and a communication unit 44d. The control unit 44a, the memory 44b, the input / output I / F 44c, and the communication unit 44d are electrically connected to each other via an internal bus 44e so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0099] The control unit 44a includes a circuit configuration such as a processor. Specifically, the control unit 44a includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The processor included in the control unit 44a may be a graphics processing unit (GPU). In this case, the control unit 44a reads out a computer program stored in the memory 44b and executes various calculations and controls.

[0100] The memory 44b includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory, and stores various types of data. The volatile memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The nonvolatile memory includes, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0101] The input / output I / F 44c is an interface for communicating with the power conversion device 41 and the switching device 42. The input / output I / F 64 transmits data including information for controlling the power conversion device 41 and the switching device 42. The input / output I / F 64 receives data including information indicating the states of the power conversion device 41 and the switching device 42, etc.

[0102] The communication unit 44d is a communication interface that is connected to a control device (hereinafter referred to as an on-board control device) that controls the electric freight vehicle 5 via the power cable 7 and the charging cable 21 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Therefore, the communication unit 44d can receive operation information, which will be described later, from the on-board control device.

[0103] Next, the operation of the charge control device will be described.

[0104] <Step S01> The charging control device 44 determines whether a new electric freight vehicle 5 has parked in the parking space 6 of the truck berth 8. When a new electric freight vehicle 5 has parked in the parking space 6 of the truck berth 8, the plug 24 of the charging cable winding device 2 is connected to the storage battery of the electric freight vehicle 5. When the plug 24 is connected to the storage battery, the charging control device 44 starts communication with a control device (hereinafter referred to as an on-board control device) that controls the electric freight vehicle 5. The communication is performed, for example, via a communication cable including the power cable 7 and the charging cable 21. The charging control device 44 monitors communication between the charging control device 44 and the on-board control device. When the charging control device 44 detects the start of communication, it determines that a new vehicle has parked, and proceeds to step S02. On the other hand, when the charging control device 44 does not detect the start of communication, it determines that a new vehicle has parked, and returns to step S01 to monitor communication between the charging control device 44 and the battery control device.

[0105] <Step S02> Next, the charge control device acquires operation information from the on-board control device. The operation information includes, for example, information indicating the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery, the distance traveled for the next cargo transport, the time of arrival at the truck berth 8, and the scheduled time of departure from the truck berth 8. The operation information may be acquired from an external server. After acquiring the operation information, the charge control device proceeds to step S03.

[0106] <Step S03> The charging control device 44 calculates an evaluation value for each electric freight vehicle 5 based on the acquired operation information. The evaluation value is calculated using a predetermined calculation formula based on, for example, the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery, the distance traveled for the next freight transport, the difference between the current time and the time of arrival at the truck berth 8, and the difference between the current time and the scheduled time of departure from the truck berth 8. The calculation formula calculates an evaluation value with a higher priority, for example, as the numerical value increases. The calculation formula is created by, for example, evaluating past freight transports and assigning evaluation values ​​to them, and using these as learning data through machine learning. The calculated evaluation value is associated with information identifying the electric freight vehicle 5 (hereinafter referred to as electric freight vehicle ID) and stored in memory 44b. After calculating the evaluation value, the charging control device 44 proceeds to step S04.

[0107] <Step S04> The charging control device 44 rearranges the evaluation values ​​and electric freight vehicle IDs in descending order of priority. After the rearrangement is completed, the charging control device 44 proceeds to step S05.

[0108] <Step S05> The charging control device 44 controls the switching device 42 to connect the DC / DC converter 4b to the charging cable winding device 2 connected to the electric freight vehicle 5 with the highest priority. After connecting the DC / DC converter 4b, the charging control device 44 returns to step S01 and determines whether or not a new parking has occurred.

[0109] <Summary> The charging control device 44 determines priorities based on operation information indicating various operating conditions of the electric freight vehicle 5 and connects the DC / DC converter 4b to the charging cable winding device 2 in descending order of priority, so that the charging device 4 can efficiently charge the electric freight vehicle 5 parked in the truck berth 8.

[0110] <Embodiment 3> 3. Details of the Third Embodiment of the Present Disclosure A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The charging system of embodiment 3 differs from the charging system of embodiment 1 in that a charging cable winding device 2 is further arranged in a waiting space 71 for freight vehicles located in a location separate from the truck berth 8 or in a location adjacent to the waiting space 71.

[0111] The waiting space 71 is a space where an electric freight vehicle 5 that cannot be parked in the parking space 6 because the parking space 6 is occupied by an electric freight vehicle 5 that is loading or unloading cargo is parked.

[0112] The electric freight vehicle 5 is operated based on, for example, an operation plan. The operation plan includes information indicating the time to load cargo, the time of departure, the time of arrival, and the time to unload cargo, and is created based on the shipper's requests and other conditions. Loading and unloading plans at warehouses, truck yards, etc. are created based on the operation plans of each freight vehicle. The loading and unloading plan includes information indicating which freight vehicle will load and unload cargo at what time, in which parking space.

[0113] However, due to traffic congestion and other circumstances, there may occur a situation where the electric freight vehicle 5 does not arrive at the warehouse or truck yard according to the operation plan. As a result, there may occur a case where the electric freight vehicle 5 that has arrived at the warehouse or truck yard cannot park in the parking space 6 and has to wait in the waiting space 71.

[0114] In the charging system of the present disclosure, a charging cable winding device 2 is placed in the waiting space 71 or a location adjacent to the waiting space 71. This allows the power storage device of the electric freight vehicle 5 to be charged while the electric freight vehicle 5 is waiting in the waiting space 71. This allows for longer charging time than when charging is only done in the parking space 6.

[0115] In Figure 7, the charging cable winding device 2 installed in the waiting space 71 is connected to a charging device 4 installed at the right end of the platform 3, but this is not limited to this and may be connected to a charging device installed near the waiting space 71, for example.

[0116] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope of equivalents to the configurations described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 Charging System 2 Charging cable winder 2a First charging cable winding device 2b Second charging cable winding device 3. Platform 3a Floor surface 3b side 3c Eaves 4 Charging device 4a inverter 4b DC / DC Converter 5 Electric truck 5a The first electric freight vehicle 5b Second electric freight vehicle 6 Parking spaces 7 Power Cables 8 Truck berth 8a First truck berth 8b Second truck berth 21 Charging cable 22 Side panel 23 Support member 24 plugs 31 Winding drum 41 Power conversion device 42 Switching Device 43 Power system 44 Charging control device 44a Control section 44b Memory 44c Input / Output Interface (Input / Output I / F) 44d Communications Department 71 Waiting space d Diameter of the winding drum W Width of the winding drum D Diameter of side panel φ Charging cable diameter R Allowable bending radius of the charging cable Hp Platform floor height Hcb cargo truck floor height H: The height from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components installed under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of a freight vehicle. HD charging cable winder height Hs: The height at which the support member supports the hoisting drum away from the ground. S Overall outer diameter of the charging cable wound around the winding drum

Claims

1. a plurality of charging cable winding devices each installed in an area under the platform adjacent to the truck berth, the charging cable being wound up; a charging device connected to the plurality of charging cable winding devices and configured to selectively charge storage batteries of electric freight vehicles parked at the truck berth via the charging cables.

2. the plurality of charging cable winding devices include a first charging cable winding device and a second charging cable winding device; the first charging cable winding device is installed in an area under a platform adjacent to a first truck berth; the second charging cable winding device is installed in an area under the platform adjacent to a second truck berth; the charging cable of the first charging cable winding device is connected to a first electric freight vehicle parked at the first truck berth; the charging cable of the second charging cable winding device is connected to a second electric freight vehicle parked at the second truck berth; The charging system according to claim 1 , wherein the charging device charges a storage battery of either the first electric freight vehicle or the second electric freight vehicle.

3. the first charging cable winding device is installed in an area of ​​the first truck berth adjacent to the platform; The charging system according to claim 2 , wherein the second charging cable winding device is installed in an area adjacent to the platform of the second truck berth.

4. The charging system according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first charging cable winding device and the second charging cable winding device is installed in a space provided below a floor surface of the platform.

5. The charging device is a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power; 5. The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching device that selects, from the plurality of charging cable winding devices, the charging cable winding device that supplies the DC power converted by the power conversion device.

6. The charging cable winding device a winding drum for winding the charging cable; a support member that rotatably supports the winding drum, 5. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the diameter φ of the charging cable is 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and the allowable bending radius R of the charging cable is 4 times or more and 10 times or less the diameter φ.

7. When the height from the ground to the component closest to the ground among the components provided under the loading platform behind the rear wheels of the electric freight vehicle is H, The charging system according to claim 6, wherein the diameter d of the winding drum is within the range of the following formula (1): 2R≦d≦H-2φ...(1)

8. The charging cable winding device further includes a pair of side plates provided on both side ends of the winding drum, The charging system according to claim 7 , wherein the diameter D of the side plate is within the range of the following formula (2): d+2φ≦D≦H...(2)

9. 5. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is installed in a location that does not interfere with the movement of the electric freight vehicle parked at the truck berth.

10. 5. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the charging device switches the charging cable winding device that supplies power for charging in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

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