Charging facilities and mechanical parking equipment

Abstract

To make it possible to move a charging device from a storage position to a use position without direct manual operation when charging of an electric vehicle parked in a parking space is performed by the charging device.SOLUTION: A charging facility 10 includes a charging device 11, a driving device 12, an object detection device 13, and an actuating device 14. The charging device 11 is movable between a storage position below a passage surface 103 and a use position above the passage surface 103 . The driving device 12, when activated, moves the charging device 11 from the storage position to the use position. The object detection device 13 performs object detection in a set range R in a parking space S, and determines whether a vehicle 1 has stopped normally based on the result. The actuating device 14, when the object detection device 13 determines that the vehicle 1 is normally stopped within the set range R, activates the driving device if a predetermined action that a person can perform without touching the object is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging facility for charging an electric vehicle parked in a parking space provided in a mechanical parking system or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In mechanical parking systems, a pallet is provided as a parking space onto which a vehicle can enter for parking. A charging device may be provided on this pallet. The charging device can be moved through an opening formed on the top surface of the pallet between a storage position below the top surface and a usage position above the top surface. This opening can be opened and closed with a cover member. The charging device is also provided in a position that does not overlap vertically with a vehicle parked on the pallet.

[0003] When the charging device is not in use, it is moved to a storage position, and in this state, vehicles can enter or exit the pallet, so the charging device does not interfere with the vehicles. On the other hand, when charging an electric vehicle parked on the pallet, the charging device is moved to a usage position, and for example, the charging device and the electric vehicle are connected with a charging cable, and power is supplied from the charging device to the electric vehicle. Once power supply is complete, the charging device is moved to a storage position, and the opening on the top surface of the pallet is closed with a cover member. Such a configuration is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-101082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, moving a charging device from the storage position to the usage position as described above requires manual operation by a person, such as manually opening the cover member that covers the opening on the top surface of the pallet through which the charging device passes.

[0006] However, in mechanical parking devices, in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is desirable to be able to move the charging device from a lower position to an upper position without a person having to directly operate it with their hands.

[0007] The same applies to cases where a charging device that charges an electric vehicle parked in a parking space other than a mechanical parking device is moved from a storage position below the level of the passageway for vehicles or people to a usage position above that level. In other words, to prevent infection, it is desirable to be able to move the charging device from the storage position to the usage position without direct manual operation by a person.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a charging device to be moved from a storage position to a usage position without direct manual operation by a person when using the charging device to charge an electric vehicle parked in a parking space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the charging equipment according to the present invention comprises: a charging device that can charge an electric vehicle parked in a predetermined parking space and that can move between a storage position below a passageway through which vehicles or people can pass and a use position above the passageway; a drive device that, when activated, moves the charging device from the storage position to the use position; an object detection device that performs object detection within a set range in the parking space and determines whether the automobile has parked normally within the set range based on the result of the object detection; and an operating device that activates the drive device when it detects a predetermined action that can be performed by a person without touching an object when the object detection device determines that the automobile is parked normally within the set range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the charging equipment of the present invention, when a person using the charging equipment performs a predetermined action without touching an object while the vehicle is parked within the set range, the operating device activates the drive device, which then moves the charging equipment from the storage position to the usage position. Thus, the person can move the charging equipment from the storage position to the usage position without directly operating it with their hands.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the charging equipment of the present invention, when the object detection device detects that the vehicle is located within the above-mentioned set range, the activation device performs a predetermined operation, which causes the drive device to be activated by the activation device to move the charging device from the storage position to the use position. In other words, even if a person accidentally performs the predetermined operation when the vehicle is not located within the set range, the activation device will not activate the drive device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drive device from being accidentally activated when the vehicle is not located within the set range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a charging facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 2A-2A cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2A shows the charging device moved to the use position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an object detection device and an actuation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a charging facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, common parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0014] 1 is a plan view showing a charging facility 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The charging facility 10 is provided for charging an electric vehicle 1 parked in a predetermined parking space S.

[0015] [Parking space] In the example of Fig. 1, a parking space S is set in a mechanical parking device 100. That is, Fig. 1 is also a plan view of the entrance space of the mechanical parking device 100. The entrance space is a space surrounded by, for example, the wall 101 of the mechanical parking device 100. An entrance entrance E is provided in the entrance space through which a vehicle 1 enters from the mechanical parking device 100.

[0016] The mechanical parking device 100 includes a pallet 102. The pallet 102 is movable between an entry position in the entry space and a storage position located at a different location from the entry space. In FIG. 1, the pallet 102 is at the entry position. The space on the pallet 102 at the entry position is the parking space S. A vehicle 1 entering through an entrance E can enter the pallet 102 at the entry position.

[0017] The pallet 102 on which the automobile 1 is loaded is moved from the entry position to the storage position by the transport mechanism of the mechanical parking device 100, with the automobile 1 still loaded thereon. When retrieving, for example, the pallet 102 in the storage position is moved to the exit position by the transport mechanism, with the automobile 1 to be retrieved still loaded thereon. At the exit position, the automobile 1 leans off the pallet 102 and leaves the parking lot. Note that the exit position may also be the entry position. In other words, the entry position may also serve as the exit position. Furthermore, the entry position or exit position and the storage position may be set on different floors. In this case, the transport mechanism may include, for example, a lift that raises and lowers the pallet 102 between the entry position or exit position floor and the storage position floor.

[0018] The mechanical parking device 100 on which the pallet 102 is provided may be, for example, an elevator type, a horizontal circulation type, a two-tier type, or other parking device, but is not limited to these. Note that in the mechanical parking device 100, a pallet 102 that can be moved between an entrance position and the storage position and onto which the automobile 1 can be loaded is provided at each of the multiple storage positions, and some or all of these multiple pallets 102 may be pallets 102 on which the charging device 11 described below is provided.

[0019] However, according to the present invention, the parking space S does not have to be a space on the pallet 102 of the mechanical parking device 100, but may be any space set as a parking location for the automobile 1. Note that the parking space S may also be able to accommodate automobiles 1 that are not electric automobiles.

[0020] [First embodiment] Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A, charging equipment 10 includes charging device 11 (see Fig. 2A), driving device 12, object detection device 13, and operating device 14 (see Fig. 2A). Note that Fig. 2A shows an example of the configuration of charging device 11 and driving device 12.

[0021] The charging device 11 is capable of charging an electric vehicle 1 parked in a parking space S. A passageway 103 is provided in and around the parking space S, allowing passage of vehicles 1 or people. The charging device 11 is movable between a storage position below the passageway 103 and a use position above the passageway 103. This movement is achieved through an opening 103a formed in the passageway 103, as shown in FIG. 2B. The above-mentioned storage position and use position will hereinafter also be simply referred to as the storage position and use position, respectively. FIG. 2A shows the charging device 11 in the storage position. FIG. 2B shows the charging device 11 in FIG. 2A after being moved to the use position.

[0022] When the parking space S is a space on the pallet 102 as described above, the charging device 11 is provided on the pallet 102. In this case, the storage position is a position below the upper surface of the pallet 102, which is part of the above-mentioned passage surface 103, and the usage position is a position above the upper surface of the pallet 102.

[0023] For example, as shown in FIG. 2A , the charging device 11 may be a power supply connector (e.g., a connector insertion hole) for charging an electric vehicle 1 parked in a parking space S. The charging device 11 is connected to a predetermined power source (not shown) via wiring (not shown). The charging device 11 may be attached integrally to a cover member 104 having the power supply connector 11 attached to its underside. The cover member 104 may be a component of the charging equipment 10. The upper surface of the cover member 104 may form part of the passage surface 103 described above. When the charging device 11 is in the storage position, the cover member 104 closes the opening 103a. The opening 103a may be located on the path through which the vehicle 1 enters the parking space S.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2A, the cover member 104 may be attached to an appropriate structural part (for example, a component of the pallet 102) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis C, for example.

[0025] When actuated by the operating device 14, the driving device 12 moves the cover member 104 to open the opening 103a and also moves the charging device 11 from the storage position (FIG. 2A) to the use position (FIG. 2B). At this time, the cover member 104 and the charging device 11 may be moved together. In the example of FIG. 2A, the driving device 12 has a motor 12a, an expandable link 12b, and a guide mechanism 12c.

[0026] The motor 12a drives the extension link 12b to rotate around a rotation axis C1 passing through the base end of the extension link 12b. The motor 12a may be, for example, a servo motor 12a. The base end of the extension link 12b is extendable and is connected to the output shaft of the motor 12a. The tip end of the extension link 12b is connected to a guide mechanism 12c provided on the cover member 104. In this state, the tip end of the extension link 12b can move in a sliding direction relative to the cover member 104 and can rotate relative to the cover member 104 around a rotation axis C2 passing through the tip end. This sliding direction is along the surface of the cover member 104. The guide mechanism 12c guides the movement of the tip end of the extension link 12b in the sliding direction when the cover member 104 is opened or closed.

[0027] In this configuration, when the motor 12a rotates the expansion link 12b in the state shown in Fig. 2A, the expansion link 12b expands and the tip of the expansion link 12b is guided in the sliding direction by the guide mechanism 12c. As a result, the cover member 104 opens as shown in Fig. 2B. The driving device 12 may have another configuration for moving the charging device 11 from the storage position to the use position.

[0028] The object detection device 13 performs object detection within a set range R in the parking space S, and determines whether the automobile 1 has parked normally based on the result of the object detection. This set range R is set to be included in the parking space S. For example, the set range R may be the three-dimensional range occupied by a specific automobile 1 when the automobile 1 is parked in the parking space S, or the range occupied by an imaginary rectangular parallelepiped circumscribing the set range.

[0029] In addition, the above-mentioned opening 103a (i.e., charging device 11) may be provided in the parking space S at a position that is vertically shifted from the set range R (for example, at the vertical end of the parking space S). Here, the vertical direction is the up-and-down direction in FIG. 1, and corresponds to the vertical direction of the automobile 1 when the automobile 1 is parked in the set range R. Hereinafter, such a vertical direction will also be simply referred to as the vertical direction.

[0030] 3 is a block diagram showing the configurations of object detection device 13 and actuation device 14. Object detection device 13 performs object detection within a set range R in parking space S, and determines whether or not the automobile has parked normally within set range R based on the result of the object detection. If object detection device 13 determines that automobile 1 has parked normally within set range R, it outputs a normal stop signal indicating this to actuation device 14 (actuation unit 14b, described below). In this way, in a state in which object detection device 13 has determined that automobile 1 has parked normally within set range R (hereinafter referred to as a normal stop state), object detection device 13 may continue to output the normal stop signal to actuation device 14.

[0031] In this embodiment, object detection device 13 performs object detection within set range R, and also performs object detection within an area of ​​parking space S that is vertically shifted from set range R (hereinafter simply referred to as a shifted area). If the results of these object detections indicate that an object is present within set range R and that no object is present in the shifted area, object detection device 13 determines that automobile 1 has parked normally within set range R. In this case, object detection device 13 has first and second sensors 13a and 13b that perform object detection within set range R, a third sensor that performs object detection within the shifted area, and a determination unit 13d that determines whether automobile 1 has parked normally within set range R based on the detection results of first, second, and third sensors 13a, 13b, and 13c.

[0032] The first sensor 13a detects whether an object is present in a first region within the set range R. The second sensor 13b detects whether an object is present in a second region within the set range R. The first region and the second region are located at different vertical positions (e.g., spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction). In one example, the first region is located closer to one end of the set range R in the vertical direction than the center of the set range R, and the second region is located closer to the other end of the set range R in the vertical direction than the first region (e.g., near the center in the vertical direction).

[0033] The third sensor 13c detects whether or not an object is present in the deviation region on the passage surface 103 of the parking space S. The deviation region may be a region vertically adjacent to the set range R (for example, a region between the set range R and the opening 103a in the vertical direction), or may be a region that is at the same vertical position as the opening 103a and includes the area directly above the opening 103a. The range of the deviation region in the vertical direction may be the same as the range of the automobile 1 parked in the set range R, and may be, for example, a range from the passage surface 103 to a position 150 cm above the passage surface 103.

[0034] The first sensor 13a may continue to output a vehicle detection signal to the determination unit 13d while detecting the presence of an object in the first region. The second sensor 13b may continue to output a vehicle detection signal to the determination unit 13d while detecting the presence of an object in the second region. The third sensor 13c does not output a vehicle detection signal to the determination unit 13d while not detecting the presence of an object in the deviation region.

[0035] The first, second, and third sensors 13a, 13b, and 13c may be configured, for example, as follows.

[0036] In the example of FIG. 1, the first sensor 13a has a light-projecting unit 13a1 and a light-receiving unit (not shown). The light-projecting unit 13a1 and the light-receiving unit are arranged so as to sandwich the set range R from above and below. The light-projecting unit 13a1 continues to emit light toward the light-receiving unit. If the light-receiving unit does not receive light from the light-projecting unit 13a1, the first sensor 13a determines that an object is present in the first area and outputs a vehicle detection signal indicating this (FIG. 3). In this case, the light-projecting unit 13a1 may be provided on a structural unit (pallet 102 in FIG. 1) that forms the passage surface 103 in the parking space S, and the light-receiving unit may be attached to a structural unit located above the set range R.

[0037] The first sensor 13a may have other configurations. For example, the first sensor 13a is provided on a structural part (pallet 102 in FIG. 1) that forms the passage surface 103 in the parking space S, emits light from approximately the same height as the road surface or from below the road surface upward, and detects whether or not an object is present in the first area based on the reflected wave of the light. Such a first sensor 13a may have a laser range finder that emits laser light into the first area and measures the distance to the object based on the reflected light of the laser light, and detects whether or not an object is present in the first area based on the distance.

[0038] The second sensor 13b has, for example, a light-projecting unit 13b1 and a light-receiving unit 13b2. The light-projecting unit 13b1 and the light-receiving unit 13b2 are arranged horizontally or diagonally relative to the horizontal direction, sandwiching a set range R therebetween. The horizontal direction is the horizontal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the vertical direction (the same applies below). The light-projecting unit 13b1 continues to emit light toward the light-receiving unit 13b2. If the light-receiving unit 13b2 does not receive light from the light-projecting unit 13b1, the second sensor 13b determines that an object is present in the second area and outputs a vehicle detection signal indicating this to the determination unit 13d (FIG. 3). The second sensor 13b may have other configurations, such as a laser range finder.

[0039] The third sensor 13c has, for example, a light-projecting unit 13c1 and a light-receiving unit 13c2. The light-projecting unit 13c1 and the light-receiving unit 13c2 are arranged to sandwich the above-mentioned misalignment area in the horizontal direction or in a diagonal direction relative to the horizontal direction. The light-projecting unit 13c1 continues to emit light toward the light-receiving unit 13c2. When the light-receiving unit 13c2 receives light, the third sensor 13c determines that no object is present in the third area and does not output a vehicle detection signal to the determination unit 13d. The third sensor 13c may have other configurations, such as a laser range finder.

[0040] When the determination unit 13d receives a car detection signal from both the first and second sensors 13a, 13b, the determination unit 13d determines that an object is present within the set range R. When the determination unit 13d does not receive a car detection signal from the third sensor 13c, the determination unit 13d determines that no object is present within the set range R. Therefore, when the determination unit 13d receives a car detection signal from both the first and second sensors 13a, 13b but does not receive a car detection signal from the third sensor 13c (hereinafter referred to as a normal stop state), the determination unit 13d determines that the automobile 1 is normally stopped within the set range R. That is, the determination unit 13d outputs a normal stop signal indicating that the automobile 1 is normally stopped within the set range R to the actuation device 14 (actuation unit 14b). In the normal stop state, the determination unit 13d may continue to output the normal stop signal to the actuation device 14 (actuation unit 14b).

[0041] The third sensor 13c may be omitted. In this case, when the determination unit 13d receives a vehicle detection signal from both the first and second sensors 13a and 13b, it determines that the automobile 1 has stopped normally within the set range R, and outputs a normal stop signal to the actuation device 14 (actuation unit 14b).

[0042] When the object detection device 13 detects that the automobile 1 is located within the set range R (normally parked state), the actuation device 14 activates the drive device 12 upon detecting a predetermined action that can be performed by a person without touching an object. In the first embodiment, this predetermined action is an action in which a person presses the detection unit 14a, such as a switch, downward with their foot.

[0043] According to the first embodiment, the actuation device 14 has a detection unit 14a and an actuation unit 14b (see FIG. 3 described later). The detection unit 14a is provided on the passage surface 103 so that a person can push it downward with their foot. Alternatively, the detection unit 14a may be provided so that it is pushed when the cover member 104 is pushed downward. In this case, the detection unit 14a may be attached to the upper surface of the cover member 104, or may be disposed so as to be sandwiched between the cover member 104 and a structure fixed below it so as not to move. In the latter case, when the cover member 104 is pushed downward, the cover member 104 is pushed slightly downward, and the detection unit 14a is pushed downward by the cover member 104.

[0044] When the detector 14a is pressed downward, it outputs an activation signal to the actuator 14b. When the detector 14a is provided on the passage surface 103, it has a height that does not obstruct the passage of automobiles 1 or pedestrians. For example, the height of the detector 14a may be substantially the same as the height of the passage surface 103.

[0045] If the above-mentioned misaligned region is a region that is at the same vertical position as opening 103a and includes the region directly above opening 103a, detection unit 14a that is pushed downward by a person's foot is positioned outside the misaligned region.

[0046] When an activation signal is output from detection unit 14a while operation unit 14b is receiving a normal stop signal from object detection device 13 (normal stop state), operation unit 14b activates drive device 12. In other words, unless operation unit 14b has received a normal stop signal, operation unit 14b will not activate drive device 12 even if it receives an activation signal from detection unit 14a.

[0047] (Operation and effect of the first embodiment) According to the first embodiment described above, when the electric vehicle 1 stops within the set range R in the parking space S, the object detection device 13 outputs a normal stop signal to the actuation device 14 (actuation unit 14b). Next, when a person who has gotten out of the electric vehicle 1 performs a predetermined action without touching anything, the actuation device 14 activates the drive device 12 on the condition that the normal stop signal has been received. In the first embodiment, the predetermined action is an action in which the detection unit 14a provided on the passage surface 103 is pressed. Therefore, when the person presses the detection unit 14a with their foot, the actuation device 14 activates the drive device 12. As a result, the drive device 12 moves the charging device 11 from the storage position to the usage position.

[0048] In this way, charging device 11 can be moved from the storage position to the usage position without direct manual operation by a person. Furthermore, when automobile 1 is not located within set range R, even if the above-mentioned predetermined operation is performed by mistake, operating device 14 will not operate drive device 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent drive device 12 from malfunctioning.

[0049] Once the charging device 11 has been moved to the usage position as described above, for example, the power supply connector 11 at the usage position is connected to the electric vehicle 1 parked within the set range R by a charging cable. The charging cable may be one that is provided on the electric vehicle 1. As a result, power is supplied from the power source to the battery of the electric vehicle 1 via the power supply connector 11 and the charging cable.

[0050] When the charging device 11 is provided on the above-mentioned pallet 102, for example, the charging device 11 may be electrically connected to a contact terminal provided on the pallet 102. In this case, when the pallet 102 is transported to the storage position, the contact terminal comes into contact with a power supply terminal provided on the stationary structure of the parking device and connected to the power source. In this state, power is supplied from the power source to the battery of the electric vehicle 1 via the power supply terminal, contact terminal, power supply connector 11, and charging cable.

[0051] When charging at the storage position is completed, the pallet 102 is returned to the storage position, which also serves as the unloading position, and the vehicle 1 leaves the pallet 102, the charging device 11 may be returned from the use position to the storage position. For example, when a person again presses the detection unit 14a downward with their foot, the detection unit 14a outputs an activation signal to the activation unit 14b, which then activates the drive unit 12. As a result, the drive unit 12 moves the charging device 11 to the storage position. In this case, the activation unit 14b may also be configured to activate the drive unit 12 when it receives the normal stop signal described above.

[0052] Furthermore, the deviation region may be located between the set range R and the detection unit 14a in the vertical direction. In this case, even if the detection unit 14a is arranged close to the set range R in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent the object detection device 13 (third sensor 13c) from detecting the detection unit 14a as an object within the deviation region when the person pushes the detection unit 14a with their foot.

[0053] [Second embodiment] 4 is a plan view showing a charging facility 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Matters of the second embodiment that are not described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the actuation device 14 (detection unit 14a) is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the detection unit 14a detects a predetermined action that a person can perform without touching an object, similar to the first embodiment, but this predetermined action is different from that in the first embodiment. This predetermined action may be an action performed in the parking space S or in the vicinity of the parking space S (for example, a space surrounded by the wall 101 of the mechanical parking device 100).

[0055] In the example of FIG. 4, the predetermined action is an action of a person coming into detection area R1. This detection area R1 is located between the vertical center of set range R and charging device 11 (lid member 104 covering opening 103a). This positional relationship may be a vertical positional relationship, but if charging device 11 (lid member 104) is located in a position shifted horizontally from set range R, it may be a horizontal positional relationship. Such detection area R1 is an area that a person who gets out of the driver's seat of automobile 1 parked within set range R of parking space S passes through on the way to the position of charging device 11 (lid member 104).

[0056] In this case, the detection unit 14a detects that a person has entered the detection area R1 and outputs an activation signal indicating this to the activation unit 14b as shown in Fig. 3. The detection unit 14a may be, for example, a human presence sensor that detects that a person has entered the detection area R1 based on infrared rays emitted by the person. Alternatively, the detection unit 14a may be a sensor (for example, a sensor having a laser range finder) that, when it detects that an object has entered the detection area R1, determines that a person has entered the detection area R1 and outputs an activation signal to the activation unit 14b.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, when the detector 14a detects that a person has entered the detection area R1, the driver who has parked the electric vehicle 1 in the set range R passes through the detection area R1 when getting out of the vehicle 1 and walking to the location of the charging device 11. Therefore, the detector 14a detects that a person has entered the detection area R1. This causes the actuator 14b to operate the drive device 12, which then moves the charging device 11 to the usage position. In this way, the charging device 11 is automatically moved to the usage position.

[0058] (Another Configuration Example of the Detector 14a in the Second Embodiment) The detection unit 14a, which detects a predetermined action that a person can perform without touching an object without contact, may have the following other configuration example 1 or 2, but may also have a configuration other than these configuration examples 1 and 2 and the above-mentioned configuration example (the configuration example in the case of Figure 4). <Another configuration example 1> The predetermined action may be an action of bringing a part of a person's body (e.g., a hand) close to the detection unit 14a within a predetermined distance (e.g., within 30 cm) from the detection unit 14a. The detection unit 14a detects the approaching part of the person's body and outputs an activation signal to the activation unit 14b. In this case, the detection unit 14a may perform the above-mentioned detection based on, for example, infrared rays emitted from the approaching part of the person's body.

[0059] Such a detection unit 14a may be provided in the parking space S or in a space adjacent to the parking space S (for example, the internal space surrounded by the wall 101 described above).

[0060] <Other configuration example 2> The predetermined action may be a person making a predetermined sound. This sound may be, for example, clapping hands, speaking a predetermined word, or other sounds. Such a detector 14a may be provided in the parking space S or a space adjacent to the parking space S (for example, an interior space surrounded by the wall 101).

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the charging equipment 10 according to the first or second embodiment described above may not have all of the above-described features, and may have only some of the above-described features. In addition, the following modifications may be adopted. Features not described in the following modifications are the same as those described above.

[0062] (Example of change) In the first or second embodiment, the driving device 12 may have a telescopic cylinder filled with compressed fluid instead of the above-described configuration. In this case, the restoring force of the telescopic cylinder moves the charging device 11 from the storage position to the use position. In this case, the driving device 12 also has a locking unit (e.g., a lock pin) that is movable between a locked position, which fixes the charging device 11 in the storage position against the restoring force of the telescopic cylinder, and an unlocked position, which unlocks the charging device 11.

[0063] When the actuator 14b receives an activation signal from the detector 14a during the normal vehicle stop state, it moves the locking unit from the locked position to the unlocked position. This causes the actuator 14b to operate the telescopic cylinder. When activated, the telescopic cylinder expands due to the restoring force of the compressed fluid, thereby moving the charging device 11 from the stored position to the use position. At this time, the cover member 104 moves together with the charging device 11, opening the opening 103a.

[0064] It is noted that the cover member 104, which is in the position where the opening 103a is opened, may be pushed back with the foot to a position where the opening 103a is closed. This allows the charging device 11 to be returned to the storage position. When an appropriate sensor detects that the charging device 11 has returned to the storage position in this manner, the operating unit 14b may move the locking unit from the release position to the locking position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 automobile, 10 charging equipment, 11 charging device (power supply connector), 12 drive device, 12a motor, 12b telescopic link, 12c guide mechanism, 13 object detection device, 13a first sensor, 13a1 light-emitting unit, 13b second sensor, 13b1 light-emitting unit, 13b2 light-receiving unit, 13c third sensor, 13c1 light-emitting unit, 13c2 light-receiving unit, 13d judgment unit, 14 operating device, 14a detection unit, 14b operating unit, 100 mechanical parking device, 101 wall, 102 pallet, 103 passage surface, 103a opening, 104 cover member, R setting range, R1 detection area R, S parking space, E entrance

Claims

1. a charging device capable of charging an electric vehicle parked in a predetermined parking space, and movable through an opening in the passageway surface between a storage position below a passageway surface through which the electric vehicle or a person can pass and a use position above the passageway surface; a drive device that, when activated, moves the charging device from the storage position to the use position; An operating device that operates the drive device, The depth direction of the parking space along the direction in which the electric vehicle advances and enters the parking space is defined as the vertical direction, the parking space includes a range at the end in the longitudinal direction where the opening is located, a set range as a parking range for the electric vehicle, and a shifted area that is positioned between the set range and the range at the end in the longitudinal direction and is shifted from and adjacent to the set range, The charging facility includes: an object detection device that detects whether an object exists in the set range, and detects whether an object exists in the deviation area without detecting whether an object exists in the range of the end, and outputs a normal stop signal when an object exists in the set range but does not exist in the deviation area based on the results of each detection, the actuation device has a detection unit, The detection unit The device is provided on the passage surface in the range of the end portion in the vertical direction or on the upper surface of a cover member that closes the opening, and outputs an activation signal when pressed downward by a foot, or The cover member is configured to output an actuation signal when pressed downward by a foot, The operating device includes an operating unit that operates the drive device when the detection unit outputs the operating signal in a case where the normal stop signal is output from the object detection device.

2. the charging device is provided on the cover member, the detection unit is provided on the top surface of the lid member, or is provided so as to be pressed when the lid member is pressed downward with a foot, The charging facility according to claim 1 , wherein when the drive device is activated, the drive device moves the cover member to open the opening and moves the charging device from the storage position to the use position.

3. A mechanical parking device provided with the charging facility according to claim 1 or 2, a pallet that is moved between a storage position and a storage position and onto which the electric vehicle can ride when the pallet is in the storage position; A mechanical parking device, wherein the space on the pallet at the storage position is the parking space, the charging device is provided on the pallet, and the aisle surface is the top surface of the pallet.

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