charger

Abstract

To provide a charger for which operability is improved.SOLUTION: A charger A1 for charging a storage battery 91 for a moving body 9 moved by driving a motor by power of the storage battery 91 comprises a DC power supply part 2 for outputting DC power, a housing 7 for storing the DC power supply part 2 therein, and operation panels 41, 42 operated by an operator. The DC power supply part 2 comprises a plurality of DC conversion units 21, 22 each for converting AC power inputted from outside into the DC power, and the plurality of DC conversion units 21, 22 are arrayed along a right-left direction. The operation panel 41 is arranged on a first face 74 so as to face a front side in a front-rear direction of the housing 7, and the operation panel 42 is arranged on a second face 75 so as to face a rear side in the front-rear direction of the housing 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles, the development of charging devices for charging electric vehicle storage batteries has progressed. Patent Document 1 discloses a quick charging device equipped with multiple power plugs. This quick charging device selects a power plug according to a predetermined selection rule and supplies power. Charging devices have also been developed that enable simultaneous charging using multiple power plugs by configuring the DC power supply section with multiple DC conversion units and assigning a DC conversion unit to each power plug. These quick charging devices are equipped with a display device equipped with a display and operation buttons. The operator operates the operation buttons while looking at the display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-15876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The rapid charging device described in Patent Document 1 has only one display device, so if multiple parking spaces are located on opposite sides of the charging device, if the operator parks in a parking space on the side where the display device is not located, the operator will have to go around to the other side to operate the charging device.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in light of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a charging device with improved operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical means.

[0007] The charging device provided by the present invention is a charging device that charges the storage battery of an electric vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with the power of the storage battery, and includes a DC power supply unit that outputs DC power, a housing that houses the DC power supply unit, and a first operation panel and a second operation panel that are operated by an operator, wherein the DC power supply unit includes a plurality of DC conversion units that convert AC power input from outside into DC power, and the plurality of DC conversion units are arranged along a first direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, the first operation panel is arranged on a first surface of the housing that faces one side of a second direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction, and the second operation panel is arranged on a second surface of the housing that faces the other side of the second direction.

[0008] An "electric vehicle" is a vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with power from a storage battery, and includes not only so-called electric vehicles but also hybrid vehicles, etc. Also, "electric vehicles" include not only so-called automobiles, but also other vehicles such as motorcycles, ships, and airplanes, as well as unmanned vehicles such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric vehicle further includes a charging connector connected to the electric vehicle and supplying the DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the electric vehicle, and a second charging connector connected to another electric vehicle and supplying the DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the other electric vehicle, wherein the first operation panel accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle to which the charging connector is connected, and the second operation panel accepts operations for charging the other electric vehicle to which the second charging connector is connected.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric vehicle further includes a charging connector that is connected to the electric vehicle and supplies DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the electric vehicle, and both the first operation panel and the second operation panel accept operations for charging the electric vehicle to which the charging connector is connected.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a third operation panel and a fourth operation panel operated by the operator, the third operation panel being arranged on the first surface of the housing, and the fourth operation panel being arranged on the second surface of the housing.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a third operation panel and a fourth operation panel operated by the operator, the third operation panel being arranged on a third surface of the housing facing one side of the first direction, and the fourth operation panel being arranged on a fourth surface of the housing facing the other side of the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the charging device according to the present invention, the first operation panel is disposed on a first surface of the housing, and the second operation panel is disposed on a second surface facing the opposite side from the first surface in the second direction. Therefore, the operator can operate the first operation panel when parked in a parking space on the first surface side of the housing, and can operate the second operation panel when parked in a parking space on the second surface side of the housing. In this way, the charging device according to the present invention has improved operability compared to a charging device having only one operation panel.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device according to the first embodiment, (b) is a front view of the charging device, and (c) is a rear view of the charging device. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a charging device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10(a) is a front view of a charging device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a rear view of the charging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a charging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10(a) is a front view of a charging device according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a rear view of the charging device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a charging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view of a charging device according to a fourth embodiment as seen from the front side, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view of the charging device as seen from the rear side. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a charging device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining a charging device A1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device A1. FIG. 1(b) is a front view of the charging device A1. FIG. 1(c) is a rear view of the charging device A1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the charging device A1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, when the charging device A1 is installed, the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction, with one side of the up-down direction being the upper side and the other side being the lower side. Also, a left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is defined, with one side of the left-right direction being the left side and the other side being the right side. A front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction is defined, with one side of the front-rear direction being the front side and the other side being the rear side. The same applies to the following figures.

[0018] The charging device A1 is a facility for charging electric vehicles 9. The electric vehicle 9 is a vehicle equipped with an electric motor as a power source and a storage battery 91 that supplies power to the electric motor, and includes not only so-called electric vehicles powered only by an electric motor, but also hybrid vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine. The charging device A1 is a so-called quick charger, and is capable of charging two electric vehicles 9 simultaneously. The charging device A1 includes a DC power supply unit 2, a communication unit 3, operation panels 41 and 42, a control unit 5, power lines 21a and 22a, communication lines 31a and 32a, charging cables 61 and 62, and a housing 7.

[0019] The DC power supply unit 2 is configured to output DC power in response to a command from the control unit 5. The DC power supply unit 2 converts AC power input from the power grid into DC power and outputs it. In this embodiment, the DC power supply unit 2 includes two DC conversion units 21 and 22. The DC conversion units 21 and 22 include, for example, a converter and a smoothing circuit. The converter converts AC power input from the power grid into DC power in response to a command from the control unit 5. The smoothing circuit smoothes the DC power output by the converter and outputs it. The specific configuration of the DC conversion units 21 and 22 is not limited as long as they can output DC power. For example, the DC conversion units 21 and 22 may include a transformer that boosts the AC voltage input from the power grid.

[0020] The DC power supply unit 2 may include a plurality of DC conversion units 21 (22) connected in parallel, and may combine the outputs of the DC conversion units 21 (22) before outputting the combined output. The DC power supply unit 2 may also include another DC conversion unit, and may combine the output of that DC conversion unit with the output of the DC conversion unit 21 or 22 before outputting the combined output.

[0021] The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9. The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9 connected to the charging cable 61 via a communication line 31a arranged on the charging cable 61, and with the electric vehicles 9 connected to the charging cable 62 via a communication line 32a arranged on the charging cable 62. The communication unit 3 communicates with each electric vehicle 9 according to, for example, the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication standard. Note that the communication standard is not limited. The communication unit 3 receives charging information from the electric vehicles 9, such as the capacity of the storage battery 91, the current charging rate (SoC: State of Charge), and the required power value. The required power value is the power value that the electric vehicle 9 requests the charging device A1 to charge the storage battery 91. Note that the information exchanged between the communication unit 3 and each electric vehicle 9 is not limited. Furthermore, the communication method between the communication unit 3 and the electric vehicles 9 is not limited, and may be, for example, wireless communication. The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicles 9 according to a method according to the standard of the charging method, and exchanges charging information according to the standard.

[0022] The charging cable 61 has a power line 21a and a communication line 31a arranged inside it, and a charging connector 61a arranged at the end. The charging cable 61 is attached to the housing 7. The charging connector 61a is connected to a plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9, thereby connecting the charging device A1 to the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9 to which the charging connector 61a is connected communicates with the communication unit 3 via the communication line 31a and the charging connector 61a. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 9 has its storage battery 91 charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 21 of the DC power supply unit 2 via the power line 21a and the charging connector 61a.

[0023] Charging connector 61a includes a main body and a connector. The main body is a portion that is held by a user and has a handle formed therein. Power line 21a and communication line 31a are disposed inside the main body. The connector is a cylindrical member made of, for example, metal, disposed at the tip of the main body and is connected to plug-in connector 92 of electric vehicle 9. Although not shown, a power terminal that is electrically connected to power line 21a, a signal terminal that is electrically connected to communication line 31a, and the like are disposed inside the connector. Charging connector 61a includes a mechanism for locking charging connector 61a to plug-in connector 92, a button for detachment, and the like, but these are not shown. Note that the configuration of charging connector 61a is not limited to this.

[0024] Power line 22a and communication line 32a are arranged inside charging cable 62, and charging connector 62a is arranged at the tip. Charging cable 62 is attached to housing 7. Charging connector 62a is connected to plug-in connector 92 of electric vehicle 9, thereby connecting charging device A1 to electric vehicle 9. Electric vehicle 9 connected to charging connector 62a communicates with communication unit 3 via communication line 32a and charging connector 62a. Furthermore, electric vehicle 9 has storage battery 91 charged by DC power supplied from DC conversion unit 22 of DC power supply unit 2 via power line 22a and charging connector 62a. The structure of charging connector 62a is similar to that of charging connector 61a.

[0025] The operation panels 41, 42 each include an operation unit operated by an operator and a display unit that displays various information in response to commands from the control unit 5. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays operation instructions, precautions, and warnings. The operation unit includes multiple operation means and outputs operation of each operation means by the operator as an operation signal to the control unit 5. The operation means include a start button for instructing the start of charging, a stop button for stopping charging, an emergency stop button, and operation buttons for selection and input. In this embodiment, the operation panels 41, 42 are so-called touch panels, and the operation means serving as the operation unit are arranged on the display screen of a liquid crystal display serving as the display unit. Note that the operation panels 41, 42 may each include a display device (such as a display) serving as the display unit and operation means (such as operation buttons) serving as the operation unit separately. The operation panel 41 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging cable 61 (charging connector 61a) is connected and displays information for the charging. The operation panel 42 receives operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging cable 62 (charging connector 62a) is connected, and displays information for the charging.

[0026] The control unit 5 is configured to control the charging device A1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 5 controls the output power of the DC power supply unit 2 based on various information. The control unit 5 also controls communication by the communication unit 3. The control unit 5 acquires information received by the communication unit 3 and transmits information via the communication unit 3. The control unit 5 also receives operation signals from the operation units of the operation panels 41 and 42 and causes the display unit to display various information.

[0027] The housing 7 accommodates the DC power supply unit 2, the communication unit 3, and the control unit 5 inside. The DC conversion units 21 and 22 of the DC power supply unit 2 are arranged in the left-right direction inside the housing 7. The housing 7 has a first surface 74 facing the front in the front-to-rear direction, a second surface 75 facing the rear in the front-to-rear direction, a third surface 76 facing the right in the left-to-right direction, and a fourth surface 77 facing the left in the left-to-right direction. The operation panel 41 is disposed above the first surface 74. The operation panel 42 is disposed above the second surface 75. The housing 7 also has holders 711 and 712 and holders 721 and 722.

[0028] Holder 711 is a component that houses and holds charging connector 61a. In the illustrated example, holder 711 is disposed on first surface 74 of housing 7. Charging connector 61a is housed and held in holder 711 when not in use. Holder 711 includes a fitting recess and a latch portion. The fitting recess is formed so that at least a portion (tip portion) of charging connector 61a can be fitted therein, and unused charging connector 61a is fitted into it. The latch portion holds charging connector 61a when fitted into the fitting recess. The elastic force of an internal spring biases the latch portion so that it protrudes from the inner surface of the fitting recess. When charging connector 61a is inserted into the fitting recess, the latch portion engages with a recess formed in the body of charging connector 61a. Thus, charging connector 61a is held in holder 711. Note that the configuration of holder 711 is not limited to that described above. Furthermore, the position where the holder 711 is arranged is not limited, and may be, for example, the third surface 76 of the housing 7.

[0029] The holder 721 is a portion that holds the charging cable 61. The holder 721 is, for example, a hook, and in the illustrated example, protrudes from the third surface 76 of the housing 7. The holder 721 hooks and holds the charging cable 61 (charging connector 61a) that is wound in a loop when the charging cable 61 is not in use. The configuration and arrangement position of the holder 721 are not limited.

[0030] Holder 712 is a component that houses and holds charging connector 62a. In the illustrated example, holder 712 is disposed on second surface 75 of housing 7. Charging connector 62a is housed in and held in holder 712 when not in use. Holder 712 has the same structure as holder 711. The configuration and arrangement position of holder 712 are not limited. Holder 712 may be disposed on fourth surface 77 of housing 7, for example. Holder 722 is a component that holds charging cable 62. Like holder 721, holder 722 has a hook structure, for example, and protrudes from fourth surface 77 of housing 7 in the illustrated example. Holder 722 hooks and holds charging cable 62 (charging connector 62a) in a looped state when charging cable 62 is not in use. The configuration and arrangement position of holder 722 are not limited.

[0031] The charging device A1 is disposed between two parking spaces P1 and P2. FIG. 2(a) shows an example in which the rectangular parking spaces P1 and P2 are arranged side by side in the long-side direction. FIG. 2(b) shows an example in which the rectangular parking spaces P1 and P2 are arranged side by side in the short-side direction. The charging device A1 is disposed with its first surface 74 facing the parking space P1 and its second surface 75 facing the parking space P2. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in the parking space P1, the operator removes the charging connector 61a from the holder 711 disposed on the first surface 74 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations on the operation panel 41 disposed on the first surface 74. On the other hand, when the electric vehicle 9 is parked in the parking space P2, the operator removes the charging connector 62a from the holder 712 disposed on the second surface 75 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations on the operation panel 42 disposed on the second surface 75. The arrangement of the charging device A1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] Next, the operation and effects of the charging device A1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the charging device A1 is equipped with operation panels 41 and 42. The operation panel 41 is disposed on a first surface 74 facing the front side of the housing 7. The operation panel 42 is disposed on a second surface 75 facing the rear side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator can operate the operation panel 41 when parked in parking space P1 on the first surface 74 side of the housing 7, and can operate the operation panel 42 when parked in parking space P2 on the second surface 75 side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator does not need to go around to the opposite side to operate the operation panel. In this way, the operability of the charging device A1 is improved compared to when only one operation panel is disposed.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operation panel 41 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging connector 61a is connected. The operation panel 42 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 to which the charging connector 62a is connected. Therefore, the charging device A1 can be operated by multiple operators at the same time. Because the operation panels 41 and 42 are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 7, each operator is less likely to interfere with the other's operations. In this way, the operability of the charging device A1 is improved.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, holder 711 that accommodates charging connector 61a is disposed on first surface 74. Holder 712 that accommodates charging connector 62a is disposed on second surface 75. Therefore, when electric vehicle 9 is parked in parking space P1, the operator can easily remove charging connector 61a from holder 711 and operate operation panel 41. When electric vehicle 9 is parked in parking space P2, the operator can easily remove charging connector 62a from holder 712 and operate operation panel 42. In this way, the operability of charging device A1 is improved.

[0036] In this embodiment, the charging device A1 is described as being capable of simultaneously charging a plurality of electric vehicles 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. The charging device A1 may be configured to switch the output destination of the DC power supply unit 2.

[0037] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the charging device A1 charges the electric vehicle 9 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The charging device A1 may charge a moving body other than the electric vehicle 9. Other examples of the moving body include other vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles (electric motorcycles, electrically assisted bicycles), ships, and airplanes, as well as unmanned moving bodies such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0038] Second Embodiment 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a charging device A2 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3(a) is a front view of the charging device A2. FIG. 3(b) is a rear view of the charging device A2. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the charging device A2. In FIGS. 3 and 4, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The charging device A2 according to the second embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include a charging cable 62.

[0039] In this embodiment, charging device A2 does not include charging cable 62. Both DC conversion units 21, 22 of DC power supply unit 2 supply power to electric vehicle 9 connected to charging cable 61 (charging connector 61a). Both operation panels 41, 42 accept operations for charging electric vehicle 9 connected to charging cable 61 and display information for the charging. That is, when charging electric vehicle 9, the operator can use operation panel 41 or operation panel 42. Also, in this embodiment, holder 711 for accommodating charging connector 61a is disposed on third surface 76 of housing 7.

[0040] 4, when the operator parks the electric vehicle 9 in parking space P1 on the first surface 74 side of the charging device A2, the operator can operate the operation panel 41 arranged on the first surface 74. On the other hand, when the operator parks the electric vehicle 9 in parking space P2 on the second surface 75 side of the charging device A2, the operator can operate the operation panel 42 arranged on the second surface 75. Because the charging connector 61a is accommodated in a holder 711 arranged on the third surface 76, the operator can easily remove the charging connector 61a from the holder 711 whether the operator parks the electric vehicle 9 in parking space P1 or parking space P2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the charging device A2 also includes operation panels 41 and 42. The operation panel 41 is disposed on the first surface 74 facing the front side of the housing 7. The operation panel 42 is disposed on the second surface 75 facing the rear side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator can operate the operation panel 41 when parked in the parking space P1 on the first surface 74 side of the housing 7, and can operate the operation panel 42 when parked in the parking space P2 on the second surface 75 side of the housing 7. The operator does not need to go around to the opposite side to operate the operation panel. In this way, the charging device A2 has improved operability compared to when only one operation panel is disposed.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, operation panel 41 and operation panel 42 accept operations for charging electric vehicle 9 to which charging connector 62a is connected. Therefore, when charging electric vehicle 9, the operator can use operation panel 41 or operation panel 42. Because operation panels 41 and 42 are arranged on opposite sides of housing 7, the operator can easily operate them regardless of whether electric vehicle 9 is parked on either side of charging device A2. In this way, operability of charging device A2 is improved.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the holder 711 that houses the charging connector 61a is disposed on the third surface 76 of the housing 7. This allows the operator to easily remove the charging connector 61a from the holder 711 whether the vehicle is parked in the parking space P1 or the parking space P2. In this way, the charging device A2 has improved operability. Furthermore, the charging device A2 has a common configuration with the charging device A1, and thus achieves the same effects as the charging device A1.

[0044] Third Embodiment 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a charging device A3 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a front view of the charging device A3. FIG. 5(b) is a rear view of the charging device A3. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the charging device A3. In FIGS. 5 and 6, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The charging device A3 according to the third embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes operation panels 43 and 44.

[0045] In this embodiment, the DC power supply unit 2 further includes DC conversion units 23 and 24. The DC conversion units 23 and 24 have the same configuration as the DC conversion units 21 and 22. The DC conversion units 21 to 24 are arranged in the left-right direction inside the housing 7. The charging device A3 also includes charging cables 63 and 64. The charging cables 63 and 64 have the same configuration as the charging cables 61 and 62, and have charging connectors 63a and 64a disposed at their ends, respectively. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging connector 63a has its storage battery 91 charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 23. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging connector 64a has its storage battery 91 charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 24. In other words, the charging device A4 can charge four electric vehicles 9 simultaneously.

[0046] The charging device A3 further includes operation panels 43 and 44. The operation panels 43 and 44 have the same configuration as the operation panels 41 and 42. The operation panel 43 receives operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 63 (charging connector 63a) and displays information for the charging. The operation panel 44 receives operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 64 (charging connector 64a) and displays information for the charging. The operation panel 43 is disposed above the first surface 74. In this embodiment, the operation panel 41 is disposed on the right side in the left-right direction, and the operation panel 43 is disposed on the left side in the left-right direction. The operation panel 44 is disposed above the second surface 75. In this embodiment, the operation panel 42 is disposed on the left side in the left-right direction (to the right as one faces the second surface 75), and the operation panel 44 is disposed on the right side in the left-right direction (to the left as one faces the second surface 75).

[0047] The housing 7 of the charging device A3 further includes holders 713 and 714 and retainers 723 and 724. The holders 713 and 714 have the same configuration as the holders 711 and 712. The holder 713 accommodates and holds the charging connector 63a and is disposed on a first surface 74 of the housing 7. In this embodiment, the holder 711 is disposed on the right side in the left-right direction, and the holder 713 is disposed on the left side in the left-right direction. The holder 714 accommodates and holds the charging connector 64a and is disposed on a second surface 75 of the housing 7. In this embodiment, the holder 712 is disposed on the left side in the left-right direction (to the right as one faces the second surface 75), and the holder 714 is disposed on the right side in the left-right direction (to the left as one faces the second surface 75). The positions of the holders 711 to 714 are not limited. The retainers 723 and 724 have the same configuration as the holders 721 and 722. Holder 723 protrudes from the fourth surface 77 of housing 7. Holder 724 protrudes from the third surface 76 of housing 7. The positions at which holders 721 to 724 are arranged are not limited.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6 , the charging device A3 is disposed between two parking spaces P1, P3 and two parking spaces P2, P4. The charging device A3 is disposed with its first surface 74 facing the parking spaces P1, P3 and its second surface 75 facing the parking spaces P2, P4. The parking space P3 is disposed to the left of the parking space P1. The parking space P4 is disposed to the right of the parking space P2. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in the parking space P1, the operator removes the charging connector 61a from the holder 711 disposed on the right side of the first surface 74 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations using the operation panel 41 disposed on the right side of the first surface 74. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in the parking space P3, the operator removes the charging connector 63a from the holder 713 disposed on the left side of the first surface 74 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations using the operation panel 43 disposed on the left side of the first surface 74. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in parking space P2, the operator removes the charging connector 62a from the holder 712 located on the left side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (to the right as one faces the second surface 75) and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations on the operation panel 42 located on the left side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (to the right as one faces the second surface 75). When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in parking space P4, the operator removes the charging connector 64a from the holder 714 located on the right side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (to the left as one faces the second surface 75) and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations on the operation panel 44 located on the right side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (to the left as one faces the second surface 75). The arrangement of the charging device A3 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] In this embodiment, the charging device A3 also includes operation panels 41 and 42. The operation panel 41 is disposed on a first surface 74 facing the front side of the housing 7. The operation panel 42 is disposed on a second surface 75 facing the rear side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator can operate the operation panel 41 when parked in a parking space on the first surface 74 side of the housing 7, and can operate the operation panel 42 when parked in a parking space on the second surface 75 side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator does not need to go around to the opposite side to operate the operation panel. In this way, the charging device A3 has improved operability compared to a case where only one operation panel is disposed.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the charging device A3 further includes charging cables 63, 64 and operation panels 43, 44, and the DC power supply unit 2 includes DC conversion units 23, 24. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 63 is charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 23. The operation panel 43 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 63 and displays information for the charging. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 64 is charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 24. The operation panel 44 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 64 and displays information for the charging. As a result, the charging device A3 can charge four electric vehicles 9 simultaneously. Furthermore, since the charging device A3 includes four operation panels 41 to 44, four operators can operate the device simultaneously.

[0051] Because the holder 711 that accommodates the charging connector 61a and the operation panel 41 are arranged on the right side of the first surface 74, it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in parking space P1 that is located on the right side of the first surface 74 of the charging device A3. Because the holder 713 that accommodates the charging connector 63a and the operation panel 43 are arranged on the left side of the first surface 74, it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in parking space P3 that is located on the left side of the first surface 74 of the charging device A3. Because the holder 712 that accommodates the charging connector 62a and the operation panel 42 are arranged on the left side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (to the right as you face the second surface 75), it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in parking space P2 that is located on the left side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (to the right as you face the second surface 75) of the charging device A3. The holder 714 that houses the charging connector 64a and the operation panel 44 are located on the right side of the second surface 75 in the left-right direction (left as one faces the second surface 75), making the charging device A3 suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in a parking space P4 located on the right side of the second surface 75 of the charging device A3 in the left-right direction (left as one faces the second surface 75). In this way, the charging device A3 has improved operability. Furthermore, the charging device A3 has a configuration in common with the charging device A1, and thus achieves the same effects as the charging device A1.

[0052] [Fourth embodiment] 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining a charging device A4 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the charging device A4 as seen from the front side. FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of the charging device A4 as seen from the rear side. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the charging device A4. In FIGS. 7 and 8, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The charging device A4 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes operation panels 43 and 44.

[0053] In this embodiment, although not shown, the DC power supply unit 2 further includes DC conversion units 23 and 24, similar to the charging device A3 of the third embodiment. Furthermore, the charging device A4 further includes charging cables 63 and 64 (charging connectors 63a and 64a) and operation panels 43 and 44, similar to the charging device A3 of the third embodiment. In other words, the charging device A4 can charge four electric vehicles 9 simultaneously. The operation panel 43 is located above the fourth surface 77. The operation panel 44 is located above the third surface 76.

[0054] Furthermore, in the charging device A4, like the charging device A3 of the third embodiment, the housing 7 further includes holders 713, 714 and retainers 723, 724. The holder 713 is disposed on the fourth surface 77 of the housing 7. The holder 714 is disposed on the third surface 76 of the housing 7. The positions of the holders 711 to 714 are not limited. The retainer 721 protrudes from the first surface 74 of the housing 7. The retainer 722 protrudes from the second surface 75 of the housing 7. The retainer 723 protrudes from the fourth surface 77 of the housing 7. The retainer 724 protrudes from the third surface 76 of the housing 7. The positions of the holders 721 to 724 are not limited.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8 , the charging device A4 is disposed between two parking spaces P1, P3 and two parking spaces P2, P4. The charging device A4 is disposed with its first surface 74 facing the parking spaces P1, P3 and its second surface 75 facing the parking spaces P2, P4. The parking space P3 is disposed to the left of the parking space P1. The parking space P4 is disposed to the right of the parking space P2. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in the parking space P1, the operator removes the charging connector 61a from the holder 711 disposed on the first surface 74 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations using the operation panel 41 disposed on the first surface 74. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in the parking space P3, the operator removes the charging connector 63a from the holder 713 disposed on the fourth surface 77 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations using the operation panel 43 disposed on the fourth surface 77. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in parking space P2, the operator removes the charging connector 62a from the holder 712 arranged on the second surface 75 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations on the operation panel 42 arranged on the second surface 75. When the electric vehicle 9 is parked in parking space P4, the operator removes the charging connector 64a from the holder 714 arranged on the third surface 76 and connects it to the plug-in connector 92. The operator then performs operations on the operation panel 44 arranged on the third surface 76. The arrangement of the charging device A4 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8.

[0056] In this embodiment, the charging device A4 also includes operation panels 41 and 42. The operation panel 41 is disposed on a first surface 74 facing the front side of the housing 7. The operation panel 42 is disposed on a second surface 75 facing the rear side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator can operate the operation panel 41 when parked in a parking space on the first surface 74 side of the housing 7, and can operate the operation panel 42 when parked in a parking space on the second surface 75 side of the housing 7. Therefore, the operator does not need to go around to the opposite side to operate the operation panel. In this way, the charging device A4 has improved operability compared to when only one operation panel is disposed.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the charging device A4 further includes charging cables 63, 64 and operation panels 43, 44, and the DC power supply unit 2 includes DC conversion units 23, 24. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 63 is charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 23. The operation panel 43 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 63 and displays information for the charging. The electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 64 is charged by DC power supplied from the DC conversion unit 24. The operation panel 44 accepts operations for charging the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 64 and displays information for the charging. As a result, the charging device A4 can charge four electric vehicles 9 simultaneously. Furthermore, the charging device A3 includes four operation panels 41 to 44, allowing four operators to operate the device simultaneously.

[0058] Because the holder 711 that accommodates the charging connector 61a and the operation panel 41 are arranged on the first surface 74, it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in parking space P1 located to the right of the first surface 74 of the charging device A3. Because the holder 713 that accommodates the charging connector 63a and the operation panel 43 are arranged on the fourth surface 77, it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in parking space P3 located to the left of the first surface 74 of the charging device A4. Because the holder 712 that accommodates the charging connector 62a and the operation panel 42 are arranged on the second surface 75, it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in parking space P2 located to the left in the left-right direction of the second surface 75 of the charging device A4 (to the right as you face the second surface 75). Since the holder 714 that houses the charging connector 64a and the operation panel 44 are arranged on the third surface 76, it is suitable for charging an electric vehicle 9 parked in a parking space P4 located on the right side of the second surface 75 of the charging device A4 (to the left as you face the second surface 75). Also, since the operation panels 41 to 44 are arranged on different surfaces of the housing 7, operators are less likely to interfere with each other's operations. In this way, the charging device A4 has improved operability. Furthermore, the charging device A4 has a configuration in common with the charging device A1, and therefore achieves the same effects as the charging device A1.

[0059] The charging device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the specific configuration of each part of the charging device according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] A1 to A4: charging device, 2: DC power supply unit, 21 to 24: DC conversion unit, 41 to 44: operation panel, 61a, 62a, 63a, 64a: charging connector, 7: housing, 74: first surface, 75: second surface, 76: third surface, 77: fourth surface, 9: electric vehicle, 91: storage battery

Claims

1. A charging device that charges a storage battery of an electric vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with power from the storage battery, a DC power supply unit that outputs DC power; a housing that houses the DC power supply unit; a first operation panel and a second operation panel operated by an operator; It is equipped with the DC power supply unit includes a plurality of DC conversion units that convert AC power input from an external source into DC power; the plurality of DC conversion units are arranged along a first direction perpendicular to a vertical direction, the first operation panel is disposed on a first surface of the housing that faces one side in a second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction, the second operation panel is disposed on a second surface of the housing facing the other side in the second direction; Charging device.

2. a charging connector connected to the electric vehicle and configured to supply DC power output from the DC power supply unit to the electric vehicle; a second charging connector connected to another electric vehicle and configured to supply DC power output from the DC power supply unit to the other electric vehicle; Furthermore, the first operation panel accepts an operation for charging the electric vehicle to which the charging connector is connected, the second operation panel accepts an operation for charging the other electric vehicle to which the second charging connector is connected; The charging device according to claim 1 .

3. a charging connector connected to the electric vehicle and supplying the DC power output from the DC power supply unit to the electric vehicle; the first operation panel and the second operation panel both accept operations for charging the electric vehicle to which the charging connector is connected; The charging device according to claim 1 .

4. further comprising a third operation panel and a fourth operation panel operated by the operator, the third operation panel is disposed on the first surface of the housing, the fourth operation panel is disposed on the second surface of the housing; The charging device according to claim 1 .

5. further comprising a third operation panel and a fourth operation panel operated by the operator, the third operation panel is disposed on a third surface of the housing facing one side in the first direction, the fourth operation panel is disposed on a fourth surface of the housing facing the other side in the first direction; The charging device according to claim 1 .

Images