Charger transport vehicle and trolley mounted on the charger transport vehicle

Abstract

The objective is to provide a charger transport vehicle that improves handling performance during use while suppressing tangling of power cables when storing unused power cables. [Solution] A charger transport vehicle X comprises a charger 1 capable of charging an electric vehicle EV and a trolley 2 capable of transporting the charger 1, wherein the charger 1 has a charger body 11, a power cable 12 capable of electrically connecting the charger body 11 to an external power source 3, and a charging cable 13 capable of electrically connecting the charger body 11 to an electric vehicle EV, and the trolley 2 has a trolley body 21 capable of fixing the charger body 11 and a power cable support part 22 capable of supporting the power cable 12, wherein the power cable support part 22 protrudes from the trolley body 21 and is provided in pairs or more at predetermined intervals from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger carrier used for charging an electric vehicle and a cart provided in the charger carrier.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=II]] Conventionally, chargers have been used as devices for charging batteries mounted on electric vehicles such as electric cars and electric motorcycles.

[0003] However, chargers have often been fixedly provided on the outer wall of a building or in a parking lot. Also, a space for arranging an electric vehicle has been required around the charger. Therefore, for example, in a narrow site such as a maintenance factory, there has been a problem that it is difficult to secure a space for arranging an electric vehicle around the charger.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, a charger carrier capable of transporting a charger around an electric vehicle has been proposed.

[0005] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a charger carrier including a cart and a charger. The charger has a charger main body and a power cable for electrically connecting the charger main body and an external power source. The cart has a storage basket for storing the power cable.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the charger transport vehicle described in Non-Patent Document 1 stores unused power cables in a storage basket, and when the power cables are wound up and stored, there is a risk that the power cables may become tangled and damaged. Furthermore, after the power cable was stored in the storage basket while tangled, it was necessary to untangle the cable before using it again.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a charger transport vehicle that can improve handling performance during use while suppressing tangling of power cables when storing unused power cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention, for solving the above problems, is a charger transport vehicle comprising a charger capable of charging an electric vehicle and a trolley capable of transporting the charger, wherein the charger comprises a charger body, a power cable capable of electrically connecting the charger body to an external power source, and a charging cable capable of electrically connecting the charger body to the electric vehicle, and the trolley comprises a trolley body capable of fixing the charger body and a power cable support portion capable of supporting the power cable, wherein the power cable support portions protrude from the trolley body and are provided in pairs or more at predetermined intervals from each other.

[0010] According to the present invention, the power cable support portion protrudes from the trolley body and is provided in pairs or more at predetermined intervals from each other, so that the power cable can be wound and supported in a figure-eight shape, preventing the power cable from becoming tangled when stored. Furthermore, because the power cable does not become tangled, it is possible to suppress damage to the power cable when winding it up.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of power cable support portions protrude rearward from the trolley body. This configuration allows the power cable, which is wound around the power cable support, to be undone as the trolley moves.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of power cable support portions are arranged parallel to each other and extend in a direction that brings them closer together as they approach their ends. This configuration makes it easy to untangle the power cable that has been wound around the power cable support as the trolley moves.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of power cable support sections are arranged substantially parallel to the ground. This configuration makes it easy to support the power cable in a figure-eight shape at each support point, regardless of the user's dominant hand or the connection point between the charger body and the power cable.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trolley further has a charging cable support portion capable of supporting the charging cable, the trolley body further has a mounting portion to which the charger body is fixed, the mounting portion includes a reference plane, the power cable support portion is provided in one of the two spaces divided by the reference plane, and the charging cable support portion is provided protruding from the trolley body into the other of the two divided spaces. This configuration spatially separates the power cable support section and the charging cable support section, thus preventing the charging cable from getting tangled with the power cable when winding it up.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power cable support portion and the charging cable support portion have tips that extend in the direction of elevation. This configuration prevents the power cable wound around the power cable support and the charging cable wound around the charging cable support from unraveling and being released to the outside when the trolley is subjected to an impact.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of power cable support portions and the charging cable support portion are arranged at different heights from each other. With such a configuration, when the power cable and the charging cable are respectively wound around the power cable support portion and the charging cable support portion, entanglement of the power cable and the charging cable is suppressed.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power cable support portion and the charging cable support portion are provided below the charger main body. With such a configuration, the center of gravity of the charger carrier becomes lower, so that the charger carrier can be moved more stably. Also, when winding or unwinding the power cable or the charging cable, it prevents the power cable or the charging cable from getting caught on the charger.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a trolley as described above.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charger carrier that can suppress entanglement of the power cable when storing the power cable that is not in use while enhancing the handling performance during use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a charger carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention from a certain angle. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a charger carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle. [Figure 3] It is an exploded view of a charger carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a perspective view of the charger main body and the trolley from a certain angle. [Figure 4] It is an exploded view of a charger carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the charger main body and the trolley. [Figure 5]This is an exploded view of a charger transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the charger body and trolley from a different angle. [Figure 6] This is an exploded view of a charger transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view of the charger body and the trolley. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view of a charger transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the charger body and the trolley from the rear. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating a method for using a charger transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The charger transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The embodiments shown below are examples of the present invention and are not limited to these embodiments. In these figures, the reference numeral X indicates a charger transport vehicle according to this embodiment.

[0022] <Structure> As shown in Figure 1, the charger transport vehicle X includes a charger 1 capable of charging an electric vehicle EV (see Figure 8) and a trolley 2 capable of transporting the charger 1.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the charger 1 includes a charger body 11, a power cable 12 that can electrically connect the charger body 11 to an external power source 3 (see Figure 8), and a charging cable 13 that can electrically connect the charger body 11 to an electric vehicle EV (see Figure 8).

[0024] The charger unit 11 converts the electricity supplied from the external power source 3 (see Figure 8) into a voltage, current, and output suitable for an electric vehicle (EV), and supplies power to the electric vehicle (EV) (see Figure 8).

[0025] The power cable 12 and the charging cable 13 are covered on the outside with insulating vinyl.

[0026] The length of the power cable 12 connected to the external power source 3 is formed to be longer than the length of the charging cable 13 connected to the electric vehicle EV. This makes it possible to place the charger unit 11 closer to the electric vehicle EV (see Figure 8), away from the external power source 3. In addition, because the charging cable 13 is relatively short, it is possible to reduce power transmission losses that occur when supplying power from the charger unit 11 to the electric vehicle EV, and to supply electricity optimized by the charger unit 11 to the electric vehicle EV.

[0027] The trolley 2 includes a trolley body 21 capable of fixing the charger body 11, a power cable support section 22 capable of supporting the power cable 12, and a pair of charging cable support sections 23 capable of supporting the charging cable 13.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trolley body 21 is provided with a mounting section 211 to which the charger body 11 is fixed, a gripping section 212 for the user to hold, and a plurality of wheels W.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the mounting portion 211 is formed in a plate shape and is provided with fixing holes 211h for fixing the charger body 11. This makes it possible to fix the charger body 11 to the mounting part 211 using fixing hardware such as screws (not shown) or bolts (not shown).

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the mounting portion 211 also includes a reference surface S in the plate-shaped surface portion of the mounting portion 211.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gripping portion 212 is provided in the other half of the space divided into two by the reference plane S (i.e., the space in which the charging cable support portion 23 protrudes), and is formed to surround the charger body 11. This makes it possible to move the trolley 2 by gripping and pulling the gripping part 212.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the gripping portion 212 is provided with a grip g. This prevents your hands from slipping when pulling the trolley 2.

[0033] The wheel W consists of two wheels WR provided in one of the spaces divided into two by the reference plane S (i.e., the space through which the power cable 12 protrudes) and two wheels WF provided in the other of the spaces divided into two by the reference plane S, with each wheel WR and each wheel WF being provided so as to be able to contact the ground. In this embodiment, a total of four wheels W are provided, but the number is not particularly limited.

[0034] The wheel WF is equipped with a stopper section B. This prevents the trolley 2 from moving unintentionally from its designated position. The stopper section B may be provided on wheel WR instead of wheel WF, or on both wheel WF and wheel WR.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the power cable support section 22 protrudes from the trolley body 21 into one of the two spaces (the rear space) that are divided by the reference plane S.

[0036] Furthermore, two power cable support sections 22 are provided.

[0037] In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 are provided at the same distance as the distance between the two wheels WR, WR when viewed from the rear.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 are positioned at the same height relative to the ground. As a result, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 are arranged in parallel.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 extend in a direction that brings them closer together as they approach their ends.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 each have their tips extending in the direction of elevation.

[0041] Furthermore, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 are provided approximately parallel to the ground.

[0042] Furthermore, the two power cable support sections 22, 22 are located below the charger body 11.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the charging cable support portion 23 protrudes from the trolley body 21 into the other half (the front space) of the space divided into two by the reference plane S.

[0044] Furthermore, two charging cable support sections 23 are provided.

[0045] Furthermore, similar to the power cable support section 22, the two charging cable support sections 23, 23 are provided at the same distance as the distance between the two wheels WF, WF when viewed from the front.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the tips of the two charging cable support parts 23, 23 extend in the direction of elevation.

[0047] Furthermore, the two charging cable support sections 23, 23 are located below the charger body 11.

[0048] The pair of charging cable support sections 23 are positioned so that their height is lower than the height of the pair of power cable support sections 22. As a result, the pair of charging cable support sections 23 and the pair of power cable support sections 22 are at different heights from each other.

[0049] <How to use> The method of using the charger transport vehicle X will be explained below with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 8.

[0050] When charging an electric vehicle (EV) using the charger transport vehicle X, as shown in Figure 8(a), the user first moves the charger transport vehicle X around the external power source 3 and electrically connects the power cable 12 to the external power source 3.

[0051] Next, the user grasps the gripping part 212 or grip g (see Figure 3) and pulls the charger transport vehicle X to move the charger transport vehicle X around the electric vehicle EV, and then uses the stopper part B (see Figure 3) to fix the wheel WF (see Figure 3). At this time, as the pair of power cable support parts 22 extend toward each other towards their ends, it becomes possible to release the power cable 12 supported by the pair of power cable support parts 22 as the charger transport vehicle X moves.

[0052] Next, the user electrically connects the charging cable 13 to the electric vehicle (EV), as shown in Figure 8(b).

[0053] Next, the user turns on the power to the charger unit 11 and charges the electric vehicle (EV).

[0054] This makes it possible to charge electric vehicles (EVs) using the charger transport vehicle X.

[0055] The above-described example of use is just one example; for instance, the charger transport vehicle X may be moved around the electric vehicle EV, the charging cable 13 may be electrically connected to the electric vehicle EV, and then the power cable 12 may be electrically connected to the external power source 3.

[0056] When storing the charger transport vehicle X in its designated location, the user first disconnects the electrical connections between the power cable 12 and the charging cable 13.

[0057] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the user wraps the power cable 12 around the two power cable support sections 22, 22 in a figure-eight shape.

[0058] In this way, the power cable 12 can be wound around and supported by the pair of power cable support parts 22 without becoming tangled.

[0059] Similarly, the user wraps the charging cable 13 around the two charging cable support parts 23, 23 in a figure-eight shape.

[0060] In this way, the charging cable 13 can be wound around and supported by the pair of charging cable support parts 23 without becoming tangled.

[0061] Next, the user grasps the gripping part 212 (see Figure 3) or grip g (see Figure 3) and pushes or pulls the charger transport vehicle X to move it to a predetermined position and store it.

[0062] The above embodiment is merely an example of how the cable may be used. For instance, the procedure could be to wind the charging cable 13 onto the charging cable support 23 first, and then wind the power cable 12 onto the power cable support 22.

[0063] <Effects> According to this embodiment, the power cable support section 22 protrudes from the trolley body 21 and is provided in pairs or more at predetermined intervals from each other, so that the power cable 12 can be wound up in a figure-eight shape and supported, preventing the power cable 12 from becoming tangled when stored. In addition, the power cable 12 does not get tangled when it is wound up, thus preventing damage to the power cable 12.

[0064] Furthermore, since the pair of power cable support sections 22 protrude rearward from the trolley body 21, the power cable 12 wound around the power cable support sections 22 can be unwound as the trolley 2 moves.

[0065] Furthermore, the pair of power cable support sections 22 are provided in parallel and extend in a direction that brings them closer together as they approach their ends, making it easier to untangle the power cable 12 wound around the power cable support sections 22 as the trolley 2 moves.

[0066] Furthermore, the mounting portion 211 includes the reference plane S, the power cable support portion 22 is provided in one of the two spaces (the rear space) divided by the reference plane S, and the charging cable support portion 23 is provided protruding from the other of the two spaces (the front space) divided from the trolley body 21, thereby preventing the charging cable 13 from getting tangled with the power cable 12 when it is wound up.

[0067] Furthermore, the power cable support section 22 and the charging cable support section 23 have their tips extending in the direction of elevation, which prevents the power cable 12 wound around the power cable support section 22 and the charging cable 13 wound around the charging cable support section 23 from unraveling and being released to the outside when the trolley 2 is subjected to an impact.

[0068] Furthermore, since the pair of power cable support sections 22 and the charging cable support section 23 are positioned at different heights, entanglement between the power cable 12 and the charging cable 13 is suppressed when winding them onto the power cable support section 22 and the charging cable support section 23, respectively.

[0069] Furthermore, since the power cable support section 22 and the charging cable support section 23 are located below the charger body 11, the center of gravity of the charger transport vehicle X is lowered, making it possible to move the charger transport vehicle X more stably. Furthermore, when winding up or unwinding the power cable 12 or charging cable 13, the power cable 12 or charging cable 13 is prevented from becoming entangled with the charger body 11.

[0070] <Example of changes> The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0071] For example, the power cable 12 and the charging cable 13 may be detachably attached to the charger body 11. This makes it easier to replace the power cable 12 or charging cable 13 if they become disconnected. Furthermore, winding up the power cable 12 and charging cable 13 after removal helps to prevent damage to them.

[0072] For example, there may be three or more power cable support sections 22. This allows the user to select the appropriate pair of power cable support units 22 and wind up the power cable 12, depending on the location where the charger transport vehicle X is stored, the user's dominant hand, and the connection position between the charger body 11 and the power cable 12.

[0073] Similarly, for example, there may be three or more charging cable support sections 23.

[0074] For example, only one charging cable support section 23 may be provided. This approach makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the bogie 2 and to make the bogie 2 lighter.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the charging cable support portion 23 may be hook-shaped. By doing this, the charging cable 13 can be more securely held by hooking it onto the bend of the hook on the charging cable support part 23. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] X Charger transport vehicle 1 charger 11 Charger body 12 Power Cables 13 Charging Cable 2 carts 21. Bogie body 211 Mounting part 211h fixing hole 212 Gripping part 22 Power cable support section 23 Charging cable support section 3 External power supply EV (Electric Vehicle) B Stopper part WF wheels WR Wheels S reference plane G Grip

Claims

1. A charger transport vehicle comprising a charger capable of charging electric vehicles and a trolley capable of transporting the charger, The charger comprises a charger body, a power cable capable of electrically connecting the charger body to an external power source, and a charging cable capable of electrically connecting the charger body to the electric vehicle. The trolley comprises a trolley body capable of fixing the charger body and a power cable support portion capable of supporting the power cable. The charger transport vehicle is provided with two or more power cable support sections that protrude from the trolley body and are spaced apart from each other.

2. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a pair of the power cable support portions protrudes rearward from the trolley body.

3. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the pair of power cable support sections are provided in parallel and extend in a direction that brings them closer together towards their ends.

4. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the pair of power cable support sections are arranged substantially parallel to the ground.

5. The trolley further has a charging cable support portion capable of supporting the charging cable, The trolley body has a mounting portion to which the charger body is fixed, The aforementioned mounting portion includes a reference surface, The power cable support portion is provided in one of the spaces divided into two by the reference plane. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the charging cable support portion is provided protruding from the trolley body to the other of the two divided spaces.

6. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the pair of power cable support sections and the charging cable support section are arranged at different heights from each other.

7. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the power cable support portion and the charging cable support portion have their tips extending in the direction of elevation.

8. The charger transport vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the power cable support portion and the charging cable support portion are provided below the charger body.

9. A trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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