Charging device

Abstract

To provide a charger which can suppress the enlargement even when there are many input sources or output destinations of power.SOLUTION: A charger A1 charges a storage battery 91 of an electric mobile object 2 which moves by driving an electric motor by power of the storage battery 91 and comprises: a DC power supply unit 2 which outputs DC power; a plurality of charging cables 6 which are connected with the electric mobile object 2 to supply the DC power to be output by the DC power supply unit 2 to the electric mobile object 2; and a switching unit 1 which switches output destinations of the DC power output by the DC power supply unit 2. The switching unit 1 comprises: an electrode plate 15 which has a plurality of output conductors 11 arranged at intervals and insulators 12 arranged between the respective output conductors 11; and sliders 13 which slide on the electrode plate 15 to move in an arrangement direction of the plurality of output conductors 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device for charging electric vehicles and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of electric vehicles, the development of charging devices for charging the batteries of electric vehicles has been progressing. Also, various charging devices have been developed. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a charging device. The charging device includes three DC power supply units, three power transmission means, and a matrix switcher including 3×3 contacts for arbitrarily connecting each DC power supply unit and each power transmission means. By turning on the contacts of the matrix switcher according to a predetermined rule, the charging device can simultaneously charge a plurality of electric vehicles and can improve the utilization rate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the charging device of Patent Document 1, since switches need to be arranged at the intersections of the output circuits of each DC power supply unit and each power transmission means, when the number of DC power supply units or power transmission means increases, the number of switches increases. For example, when there are 10 DC power supply units and 6 power transmission means, 60 switches are required. Further, when both the positive and negative terminals of the DC power supply unit are cut off to avoid leakage current, 120 switches are required. Therefore, the switching circuit (matrix switcher) becomes complicated and large-sized, the wiring also becomes complicated, and the charging device becomes large-sized.

[0005] This invention was conceived under the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a charging device that can suppress increasing size even when there are many power input sources or output destinations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following technical means.

[0007] A charging device provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a charging device for charging a storage battery of an electric mobile body that moves by driving an electric motor with the power of the storage battery, comprising: a DC power supply unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of charging cables connected to the electric mobile body that supply the DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the electric mobile body; and a switching unit that switches the output destination of the DC power output by the DC power supply unit, wherein the switching unit comprises an electrode plate having a plurality of output conductors arranged at intervals and an insulator disposed between each of the output conductors; and a slider that slides on the electrode plate and moves in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of output conductors.

[0008] Furthermore, "electric mobile vehicles" refer to mobile vehicles that move by driving an electric motor with power from a storage battery, and include not only so-called electric vehicles but also hybrid vehicles. In addition, "electric mobile vehicles" include not only so-called automobiles but also other vehicles such as motorcycles, ships, and airplanes, as well as unmanned mobile vehicles such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the DC power supply unit comprises a plurality of units that output DC power, and the switching unit individually switches the output destination of the DC power output by the plurality of units.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of output conductors is electrically connected to one of the plurality of units, and the slider is electrically connected to one of the plurality of charging cables.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of units is provided with a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and each of the output conductors is electrically connected to the positive terminal. The switching unit comprises a second electrode plate having a plurality of second output conductors arranged at intervals and a second insulator disposed between each of the second output conductors, and a second slider that slides on the second electrode plate and moves in a second arrangement direction of the plurality of second output conductors, and each of the plurality of second output conductors is electrically connected to the negative terminal of any of the plurality of units.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a control unit that controls the switching unit and the DC power supply unit, wherein the plurality of units include a first unit and a second unit, and when the control unit switches from a state in which the output from the first unit is output via the slider and the second slider to a state in which the output from the second unit is output via the slider and the second slider, it first stops the output of the first unit, then moves the slider to a position adjacent to the output conductor connected to the first unit of the insulator, moves the second slider to a position adjacent to the second output conductor connected to the first unit of the second insulator, then moves the slider to a position adjacent to the output conductor connected to the second unit of the insulator, then moves the second slider to the second output conductor connected to the second unit, then moves the slider to the output conductor connected to the second unit, and then starts the output of the second unit.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of output conductors is electrically connected to one of the plurality of charging cables, and the slider is electrically connected to one of the plurality of units.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit further comprises a moving device for moving the slider, and a cooling fan that moves together with the slider and blows air toward the position on the electrode plate where the slider makes contact, wherein the cooling fan blows air only when the slider is energized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the switching unit moves a slider on an electrode plate and connects the slider to the output conductor of the electrode plate, thereby switching the connection between the power input source and the output destination. Therefore, compared to the case in which a matrix switcher is used as the switching unit, the charging device according to the present invention can suppress the increase in size even when there are many power input sources or output destinations.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a charging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a plan view showing an example of a mobile device, and (b) is a cross-sectional view along line BB in (a). [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates an example of control processing performed by the control unit, specifically the process of switching the unit that supplies power to a particular power line. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a mobile device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8]A flowchart for explaining an example of the control process performed by the control unit, which is an example of a process for switching a unit that supplies power to a certain power line. [Figure 9] A diagram for explaining the position of the slider in each step of the control process shown in FIG. 8.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a charging device A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] The charging device A1 is a facility arranged in a parking lot of a facility or the like for charging an electric vehicle 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 a so-called electric vehicle having only an electric motor as a power source but also a hybrid vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. The charging device A1 is a so-called rapid charging device. The charging device A1 includes a switching unit 1, a DC power supply unit 2, a communication unit 3, a control unit 4, a plurality of power lines 5, and a plurality of charging cables 6.

[0021] The DC power supply unit 2 is configured to output DC power in response to commands from the control unit 4. The DC power supply unit 2 comprises a plurality of units 21. Each unit 21 converts AC power input from the power system into DC power and outputs it. Each unit 21 comprises, for example, a converter and a smoothing circuit. The converter converts AC power input from the power system into DC power in response to commands from the control unit 4. The smoothing circuit smooths the DC power output by the converter and outputs it. The specific configuration of the units 21 is not limited; they just need to be able to output DC power. Each unit 21 is started and stopped individually in response to commands from the control unit 4. The output power of each unit 21 is also individually controlled by the control unit 4. In this embodiment, the DC power supply unit 2 comprises n units 21 (21-1 to 21-n), for example, 10 units. Each unit 21 can output, for example, a maximum of 20 kW of power.

[0022] The switching unit 1, in response to a command from the control unit 4, individually switches the output destination of the DC power output by each unit 21 of the DC power supply unit 2. The switching unit 1 comprises a plurality of output conductors 11, an insulator 12, a plurality of sliders 13, and a plurality of moving devices 14.

[0023] The multiple output conductors 11 are electrically conductive and consist of metals such as Cu, Al, or alloys containing these materials. The constituent material of the output conductors 11 is not limited. Each of the multiple output conductors 11 is electrically connected to one of the units 21-1 to 21-n. That is, there are n output conductors 11. The output conductors 11 connected to units 21-1 to 21-n may be referred to as output conductors 11-1 to 11-n. Each output conductor 11 is a long rectangular plate extending in a first direction in a plan view, and is arranged at equal intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The insulator 12 is an electrical insulator and consists of synthetic resin, for example. The constituent material of the insulator 12 is not limited. The insulator 12 is arranged to fill the spaces between the multiple output conductors 11. Although omitted in Figure 1, the insulator 12 is also located outside of output conductors 11-1 and 11-n (see Figure 2(b) described later). In Figure 1, the insulator 12 is hatched. The multiple output conductors 11 and the insulator 12 are all flush with each other and arranged without gaps, forming a single electrode plate 15. The electrode plate 15 can be formed, for example, by arranging multiple output conductors 11 with their surfaces facing downwards at equal intervals and solidifying them with synthetic resin. The method of forming the electrode plate 15 is not limited. For example, the electrode plate 15 may be formed by arranging multiple rectangular plate-shaped insulating plates and multiple output conductors 11 alternately in a second direction in a plan view.

[0024] Multiple sliders 13 are arranged to slide in a second direction while in contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15. In this embodiment, carbon brushes, which have excellent sliding properties and excellent conductivity and thermal conductivity, are used as sliders 13. However, the sliders 13 are not limited to carbon brushes. In this embodiment, the charging device A1 has m (e.g., 6) power lines 5 (5-1 to 5-m). Three sliders 13 (13a, 13b, 13c) are electrically connected to each power line 5. Note that the three sliders 13a, 13b, and 13c connected to power line 5-1 may be described as sliders 13a-1, 13b-1, and 13c-1. Similarly, sliders 13a, 13b, and 13c connected to other power lines 5 may be described in the same way. Note that the number of sliders 13 connected to each power line 5 is not limited to three. In this embodiment, since the maximum output power of each unit 21 is 20kW and the maximum power that the electric vehicle 9 can charge is 60kW or less, the number of sliders 13 connected to each power line 5 is set to 3.

[0025] Each slider 13 is moved by a moving device 14. When a slider 13 is in contact with an output conductor 11, it conducts electricity to the unit 21 connected to the output conductor 11. As a result, the power output by the unit 21 is supplied to the power line 5 to which the slider 13 is connected. On the other hand, when the slider 13 is not in contact with the output conductor 11 and is on the insulator 12, it is disconnected from all units 21. Therefore, no power is supplied to the power line 5 via the slider 13. For example, in Figure 1, power line 5-1 is supplied with power from units 21-1 and 21-n and can output a maximum of 40kW of power. Power line 5-2 is supplied with power only from unit 21-2 and can output a maximum of 20kW of power. Power line 5-m is not connected to any unit 21 and therefore cannot output power.

[0026] Each of the multiple moving devices 14 is configured to move a slider 13. Each moving device 14 moves one slider 13 in the second direction while pressing it against the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15, in accordance with a command from the control unit 4. Note that the moving devices 14 are not shown in Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the moving device 14. Figure 2(a) is a plan view of the moving device 14, and Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 2(a). The moving device 14 comprises a pair of mounting parts 141, a collar 142, a screw shaft 143, a motor 144, a slider 145, a pair of guides 146, a housing 147, a spring 148, a spring retainer 149, and a terminal fixing plate 140.

[0028] A pair of mounting parts 141 are fixed to both ends of the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15 in the second direction. A collar 142 having a through hole is attached to one of the mounting parts 141 (the left mounting part 141 in Figure 2). A screw shaft 143 has a screw groove formed therein and is inserted through the through hole in the collar 142. The screw shaft 143 is rotatably supported around an axis extending in the second direction. The motor 144, although simplified in this description, is fixed to the electrode plate 15 or the like and transmits the rotational force of the rotating shaft to the screw shaft 143. The motor 144 is, for example, a servo motor and can accurately control its position (rotation angle). Note that the motor 144 is not limited to a servo motor. The slider 145 has a through hole with a screw groove formed inside, and the screw shaft 143 is inserted through this through hole. Although not shown in Figure 2, multiple balls are positioned between the through-hole of the slider 145 and the screw shaft 143, and the slider 145 and the screw shaft 143 constitute a so-called ball screw mechanism. The slider 145 moves in a second direction in response to the rotation of the screw shaft 143.

[0029] Each of the pair of guides 146 extends in a second direction and is fixed at both ends to a pair of mounting parts 141. Each guide 146 is inserted through a through hole provided in the slider 145. The pair of guides 146 restrain the movement of the slider 145 to prevent it from rolling around the axis extending in the second direction due to the rotation of the screw shaft 143. In response to the rotation of the screw shaft 143, the slider 145 moves in the second direction while being prevented from rolling by the pair of guides 146. As a result, the position of the slider 145 in the second direction can be controlled by controlling the drive of the motor 144. Note that the position control configuration for controlling the position of the slider 145 is not limited to the above. For example, the position control configuration may include a DC motor and a proximity sensor, and the DC motor may be controlled based on the position detected by the proximity sensor, or a so-called linear guide configuration may be used.

[0030] The housing 147 is fixed to the slider 145 and moves with the movement of the slider 145. The housing 147 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped and houses the slider 13 inside. The side plate located on one side of the housing 147 in the second direction (left side in Figure 2) is fixed to the slider 145. A through hole is formed in the bottom plate on the lower side of the housing 147 in the height direction (lower side in Figure 2). The tip of the slider 13 protrudes from the through hole in the bottom plate. The spring retainer 149 has a spring 148 attached to it and is fixed to the housing 147 from above. The slider 13 is pressed downward by the spring 148. The other side of the housing 147 in the second direction (right side in Figure 2) is open and has a terminal fixing plate 140 fixed to it. The slider 13 is enclosed within the housing 147 by three side plates and a terminal fixing plate 140, and is restrained inside the housing 147 by a spring 148 pressing it against a through-hole in the bottom plate. The terminal fixing plate 140 has its central portion in the first direction separated from both ends and bent outwards. The bent portion is to which a lead 131 electrically connected to the slider 13 is fixed, and functions as a relay terminal block that connects the lead 131 to the power line 5 to ensure electrical conductivity.

[0031] The slider 13 is confined inside the housing 147 and moves with the movement of the slider 145. As a result, the slider 13 moves in a second direction in accordance with the rotation of the screw shaft 143. The tip of the slider 13 protrudes from a through hole in the bottom plate and is pressed downward by a spring 148. This maintains that the slider 13 is in constant contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15. Furthermore, as described above, the slider 145 is prevented from rolling by a pair of guides 146. As a result, the slider 13 is pressed perpendicularly to the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15. Therefore, the slider 13 can move in the second direction while maintaining contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15. In addition, the position of the slider 13 in the second direction is controlled by controlling the drive of the motor 144.

[0032] The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicle 9. The communication unit 3 communicates with the electric vehicle 9 connected to the charging cable 6 via communication lines arranged in each charging cable 6. The communication unit 3 communicates with each electric vehicle 9 according to, for example, the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication standard. The communication standard is not limited. The communication unit 3 receives information from each electric vehicle 9, such as the capacity of the battery 91, the current charge rate (SoC: State of Charge), and the command value of the charging power (charging current). The information transmitted and received between the communication unit 3 and each electric vehicle 9 is not limited.

[0033] Each charging cable 6 has a power line 5 and a communication line. Each charging cable 6 is connected to the electric vehicle 9 by connecting the charging connector 61 located at its end to the plug-in connector 92 of the electric vehicle 9. The electric vehicle 9, to which the charging cable 6 is connected, communicates with the communication unit 3 via the communication line. The electric vehicle 9 is also in a state where it can receive power from the DC power supply unit 2 via the power line 5, and the switching unit 1 connects one of the units 21 to the power line 5, and the unit 21 outputs power, thereby charging the storage battery 91.

[0034] The control unit 4 is configured to control the charging device A1 and is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 4 includes a power control unit 41 and a switching control unit 42. The power control unit 41 individually controls the output power of each unit 21 of the DC power supply unit 2. The switching control unit 42 controls the output destination of each unit 21. By controlling the motor 144 of each moving device 14, the switching control unit 42 slides the corresponding slider 13 on the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15 and moves it to a desired position in the second direction. As a result, the switching control unit 42 switches the connection between each unit 21 and each power line 5.

[0035] The control unit 4 obtains information about the electric vehicle 9 by communicating with it via the communication unit 3. Based on the various information, the control unit 4 controls the switching of the output destination of each unit 21 and the output power of each unit 21. The various information includes information obtained through communication, information input from an operation unit (not shown), current operating information of each unit 21 (whether it is operating or not, and if operating, the output power value), connection information of the switching unit 1, and pre-set rules. The control unit 4 does not limit what information to use and what kind of control to perform. For example, when an electric vehicle 9 is connected to a charging cable 6, the control unit 4 obtains a command value for charging power from the electric vehicle 9. If the stopped units 21 can output power according to the command value, the control unit 4 connects these units 21 to the power lines 5 arranged on the charging cable 6 and controls them so that the total output of these units 21 becomes the command value, thereby performing charging. If the stopped units 21 do not have enough output power, the control unit 4 starts charging with the power that can be output. Furthermore, when charging of another electric vehicle 9 is complete and the output of the corresponding unit 21 is no longer needed, or when the charge level of the battery 91 of another electric vehicle 9 increases and the output power decreases, making the output of some units 21 unnecessary, the control unit 4 may add output from those units 21. Also, if the output of the stopped units 21 is insufficient, the control unit 4 may switch the output destination of some units 21 that are supplying power to other electric vehicles 9 with lower priority.

[0036] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process performed by the control unit 4, and is an example of a process that switches a unit 21 that supplies power to a certain power line 5.

[0037] First, the unit 21 before switching is stopped (S1). If the unit 21 after switching is operating, the unit 21 after switching is also stopped. Next, it is determined whether there is a slider 13 in contact with the output conductor 11 located between the output conductor 11 connected to the unit 21 before switching and the output conductor 11 connected to the unit 21 after switching (S2). If there is a slider 13 located in between (S2:YES), the slider 13 is moved to the insulator 12 (S3), and the process proceeds to step S4. Specifically, the output of the unit 21 connected to the output conductor 11 in contact with the slider 13 is stopped, and then the slider 13 is moved to the insulator 12. On the other hand, if there is no slider 13 located in between (S2:NO), the process proceeds directly to step S4. For example, when switching the unit 21 that supplies power to the power line 5-1 shown in Figure 1 from unit 21-1 to unit 21-3 (not shown in Figure 1), the process is carried out as follows. First, the slider 13a-2 is in contact with output conductor 11-2, which is located between output conductor 11-1 and output conductor 11-3 (not shown in Figure 1), so the output of unit 21-2 connected to output conductor 11-2 is stopped. Next, the slider 13a-2 moves to the insulator 12.

[0038] Next, the slider 13 connected to the power line 5 is moved from the output conductor 11 connected to the unit 21 before switching to the output conductor 11 connected to the unit 21 after switching (S4). In the previous example, the slider 13a-1 is moved from the output conductor 11-1 to the output conductor 11-3. At this time, the slider 13a-1 passes through the output conductor 11-2, but since the slider 13a-2 is retracted into the insulator 12, the power line 5-1 and the power line 5-2 do not conduct through the output conductor 11-2. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the power line 5-1 and the rechargeable battery 91 of the electric vehicle 9 connected to the power line 5-2 are not connected in parallel, and no circulating current flows.

[0039] Next, the slider 13, which was retracted into the insulator 12 in step S3, is returned to its original position (S5). Then, the output of the switched-out unit 21 and the unit 21 that was stopped in step S3 is started (S6), and the control process ends. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 is just one example, and the control process performed by the control unit 4 is not limited to that described above.

[0040] Next, the operation and effects of the charging device A1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the switching unit 1 comprises an electrode plate 15, a plurality of sliders 13, and a plurality of moving devices 14. The electrode plate 15 comprises a plurality of output conductors 11 and an insulator 12. Each slider 13 is arranged to slide in a second direction while in contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15, and when in contact with an output conductor 11, it provides electrical conductivity to the unit 21 connected to the output conductor 11. Therefore, each slider 13 can be electrically connected to all units 21. If there are 10 units 21 and 6 power lines 5, using a matrix switcher as the switching unit would require 60 switches, making the matrix switcher complex and large, the wiring complex, and the charging device large. On the other hand, the switching unit 1 only requires one electrode plate 15, 18 (=3 × 6) sliders 13, and 18 moving devices 14 to move each slider 13, so the structure is not complex and the wiring is simple. This helps to prevent the charging device A1 from becoming too large.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the DC power supply unit 2 is equipped with multiple units 21. Therefore, the charging device A1 can supply power to multiple charging cables 6 simultaneously by switching the connection between each unit 21 and each power line 5 using the switching unit 1. In addition, the charging device A1 can control the power supplied to each charging cable 6 by controlling the switching of connections and controlling the output of each unit 21.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the moving device 14 rotates the screw shaft 143 with the motor 144, moving the slider 145 in the second direction. The slider 13 is confined inside the housing 147 fixed to the slider 145. As a result, the charging device A1 can control the position of the slider 13 in the second direction by controlling the drive of the motor 144.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the slider 13 has its tip protruding from a through hole in the bottom plate of the housing 147 and is pressed downward by a spring 148. This ensures that the slider 13 is always in contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15. The slider 145 is also prevented from rolling by a pair of guides 146. This ensures that the slider 13 is pressed perpendicularly to the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15. Therefore, the charging device A1 can move the slider 13 in the second direction while maintaining proper contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 4 moves the slider 13, if there is a slider 13 that is in contact with an output conductor 11 located between the output conductor 11 of the source and the output conductor 11 of the destination, the slider 13 is moved to the insulator 12 for retraction before the slider 13 is moved. This prevents the charging device A1 from being in a parallel connection state where the rechargeable batteries 91 of multiple electric vehicles 9 are conducted by the same output conductor 11, thereby preventing the flow of circulating current.

[0046] In this embodiment, the case in which the charging device A1 charges an electric vehicle 9 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The charging device A1 may also charge a mobile device other than the electric vehicle 9. Other examples of such mobile devices include motorcycles (electric motorcycles, electric-assist bicycles), ships, airplanes and other vehicles, or unmanned mobile devices such as automated guided vehicles and drones.

[0047] [Variation] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the moving device 14, and is a partial enlargement of the figure corresponding to Figure 2. In Figure 4, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2(b)). The modified moving device 14 further includes a cooling fan 150. The cooling fan 150 is fixed to, for example, the slider 145 and is positioned to blow air toward the position where the slider 13 of the electrode plate 15 makes contact. The fixing position of the cooling fan 150 is not limited. The cooling fan 150 just needs to be fixed in a state where it can move together with the slider 13 and blow air toward the position where the slider 13 of the electrode plate 15 makes contact. Most of the heat generated in the switching section 1 is generated at the position where the slider 13 of the energized output conductor 11 makes contact. In this modified example, the cooling fan 150 cools this heat-generating area, resulting in a high cooling effect. Furthermore, while the cooling fan 150 may provide continuous airflow, it is preferable to provide airflow only when the slider 13 is energized in order to improve cooling efficiency.

[0048] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the charging device A2 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 5, only the DC power supply unit 2 and the switching unit 1 are shown, and the other parts are omitted. Also, in Figure 5, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The charging device A2 according to this embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that the output conductor 11 is connected to the power line 5 and the slider 13 is connected to the unit 21.

[0049] In the switching unit 1 of the charging device A2 according to the second embodiment, each of the multiple output conductors 11 extends in a second direction and is electrically connected to the power line 5. Each of the multiple sliders 13 is slidably arranged in a first direction and is electrically connected to the unit 21. Each unit 21 supplies power to the power line 5 connected to the output conductor 11 via the output conductor 11 to which the connected slider 13 is in contact. On the other hand, when the slider 13 is on the insulator 12, the unit 21 to which the slider 13 is connected cannot supply power. For example, in Figure 5, power line 5-1 is supplied with power from units 21-1 and 21-2 and can output a maximum power of 40kW. Power line 5-2 is supplied with power only from unit 21-n and can output a maximum power of 20kW. Power line 5-3 is supplied with power only from unit 21-3 and can output a maximum power of 20kW. Furthermore, since power line 5-m is not connected to any of the units 21, it cannot output power.

[0050] According to this embodiment, each slider 13 is arranged to slide in a first direction while in contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15, and when in contact with the output conductor 11, it is electrically connected to the power line 5 connected to the output conductor 11. Therefore, each slider 13 can be electrically connected to all power lines 5. When there are 10 units 21 and 6 power lines 5, the switching unit 1 according to this embodiment only requires one electrode plate 15, 10 sliders 13, and 10 moving devices 14 to move each slider 13, so the structure is not complex and the wiring is simple. As a result, the size of the charging device A2 can be suppressed. In addition, the charging device A2 has a configuration common to the charging device A1 and achieves the same effect as the charging device A1. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the switching unit 1 of the charging device A2 often requires fewer sliders 13 and moving devices 14 than the switching unit 1 of the charging device A1. In particular, the charging device A2 is advantageous when there are many power lines 5, that is, when there are many charging cables 6.

[0051] [Third Embodiment] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging device A3 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 6, only the DC power supply unit 2 and the switching unit 1 are shown, and the other parts are omitted. Also, in Figure 6, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the second embodiment. The charging device A3 according to this embodiment differs from the charging device A2 according to the second embodiment in that it has only one output line from the DC power supply unit 2.

[0052] The DC power supply unit 2 of the charging device A3 according to the third embodiment does not have multiple units 21, or the outputs of multiple units 21 are combined and output through a single output line. Therefore, the switching unit 1 has only one slider 13, and the slider 13 is electrically connected to the DC power supply unit 2. The DC power supply unit 2 supplies power to the power line 5 connected to the output conductor 11 via the output conductor 11 in contact with the connected slider 13. For example, in Figure 6, only the power line 5-3 connected to the output conductor 11-3 in contact with the slider 13 can output power.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the slider 13 is arranged to slide in a first direction while in contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15, and when in contact with the output conductor 11, it is electrically connected to the power line 5 connected to the output conductor 11. Therefore, each slider 13 can be electrically connected to all power lines 5. The switching unit 1 according to this embodiment only requires one electrode plate 15, one slider 13, and one moving device 14 for moving the slider 13, so the structure is not complex and the wiring is simple. As a result, the size of the charging device A3 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the charging device A3 has a configuration common to the charging device A1 and achieves the same effects as the charging device A1.

[0054] [Fourth Embodiment] Figures 7 to 9 are diagrams illustrating the charging device A4 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging device A4. Note that in Figure 7, only the DC power supply unit 2 and the switching unit 1 are shown, and the other parts are omitted. Also, in Figure 7, elements that are the same or similar as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of control processing performed by the control unit 4 of the charging device A4. This control processing is an example of switching the unit 21 that supplies power to a certain power line 5, 5'. Figure 8 is a flowchart of this control processing, and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the positions of the sliders 13, 13' at each step of this control processing. The charging device A4 according to this embodiment differs from the charging device A1 according to the first embodiment in that the switching unit 1 switches not only the positive terminal but also the negative terminal of each unit 21.

[0055] Each of the multiple units 21 of the DC power supply unit 2 is equipped with a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each of the output conductors 11-1 to 11-n of the electrode plate 15 of the switching unit 1 is connected to the positive terminal of each of the units 21-1 to 21-n. In other words, the electrode plate 15, the multiple sliders 13, and the multiple moving devices 14 are configured to switch the connection destination of the positive terminal of each unit 21. The switching unit 1 according to this embodiment further comprises an electrode plate 15', a multiple sliders 13', and a multiple moving devices 14', which are configured to switch the connection destination of the negative terminal of each unit 21.

[0056] The electrode plate 15' has the same configuration as electrode plate 15, with multiple output conductors 11' (11'-1 to 11'-n) arranged at the same intervals in the second direction, and an insulator 12' positioned to fill the spaces between the multiple output conductors 11. The surface 15'a of electrode plate 15' is also flush and gapless. Each output conductor 11'-1 to 11'-n is electrically connected to the negative terminal of unit 21-1 to 21-n. Each slider 13' has the same configuration as slider 13 and moves in the second direction by sliding on the surface 15'a of electrode plate 15'. The charging device A4 further comprises m (e.g., 6) power lines 5' (5'-1 to 5'-m). Each power line 5' has three sliders 13' (13'a, 13'b, 13'c) electrically connected to it. Each moving device 14' has the same configuration as moving device 14 and moves the slider 13' in the second direction. The position of the electrode plate 15' is not limited, and the orientation of the electrode plate 15' may be the same as that of electrode plate 15 (see Figure 7) or different. The direction of movement of each slider 13'a changes depending on the orientation of the electrode plate 15'.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, the process of switching the unit 21 that supplies power to a certain power line 5,5' is performed as follows.

[0058] First, the unit 21 before the switchover is stopped (S11). If the unit 21 after the switchover is operating, the unit 21 after the switchover is also stopped. Next, the slider 13 connected to the power line 5 is moved from the output conductor 11 connected to the unit 21 before the switchover to a position adjacent to the insulator 12, and the slider 13' connected to the power line 5' is moved from the output conductor 11' connected to the unit 21 before the switchover to a position adjacent to the insulator 12' (S12). Since the unit 21 before the switchover is stopped, there are no problems with the movement of the sliders 13 and 13'.

[0059] Next, the slider 13 is moved to a position on the insulator 12 adjacent to the output conductor 11 connected to the switched-out unit 21 (S13). Since the slider 13' is on the insulator 12', even if the slider 13 comes into contact with the energized output conductor 11 during movement, the rechargeable batteries 91 of each electric vehicle 9 will not be connected in parallel, and no circulating current will flow. Next, the slider 13' is moved to the output conductor 11' connected to the switched-out unit 21 (S14). Since the slider 13 is on the insulator 12, even if the slider 13' comes into contact with the energized output conductor 11' during movement, the rechargeable batteries 91 of each electric vehicle 9 will not be connected in parallel, and no circulating current will flow.

[0060] Next, the slider 13 is moved to the output conductor 11 connected to the switched-out unit 21 (S15). Then, the output of the switched-out unit 21 is started (S16), and the control process ends. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 8 is just one example, and the control process performed by the control unit 4 is not limited to that described above.

[0061] For example, the case where the unit supplying power to power lines 5-1 and 5'-1 shown in Figure 7 is switched from unit 21-1 to unit 21-4 (not shown in Figure 7) will be explained based on Figure 9.

[0062] Before switching, as shown in Figure 9(a), the slider 13a-1 connected to power line 5-1 is in contact with the output conductor 11-1, and the slider 13'a-1 connected to power line 5'-1 is in contact with the output conductor 11'-1. In this state, unit 21-1 is stopped (S11). Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), the slider 13a-1 is moved to the part of the insulator 12 adjacent to the output conductor 11-1 (on the right side in the figure), and the slider 13'a-1 is moved to the part of the insulator 12' adjacent to the output conductor 11'-1 (on the right side in the figure) (S12).

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), the slider 13a-1 is moved to the portion of the insulator 12 adjacent to the output conductor 11-4 (left side in the figure) (S13). Next, as shown in Figure 9(d), the slider 13'a-1 is moved to the output conductor 11'-4 (S14). Next, as shown in Figure 9(e), the slider 13a-1 is moved to the output conductor 11-4 (S15). After that, the output of unit 21-4 is started (S16).

[0064] In this embodiment as well, each slider 13 is arranged to slide in a second direction while in contact with the surface 15a of the electrode plate 15, and when in contact with the output conductor 11, it provides electrical conductivity to the unit 21 connected to the output conductor 11. Therefore, each slider 13 can be electrically connected to all units 21. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each slider 13' is arranged to slide in a second direction while in contact with the surface 15'a of the electrode plate 15', and when in contact with the output conductor 11', it provides electrical conductivity to the unit 21 connected to the output conductor 11'. Therefore, each slider 13' can be electrically connected to all units 21. If there are 10 units 21 and 6 power lines 5 and 5' each, using a matrix switcher as the switching unit would require 120 switches, making the matrix switcher complex and large, the wiring complex, and the charging device large. On the other hand, the switching unit 1 according to this embodiment only requires two electrode plates 15, 15', 18 (=3 × 6) sliders 13, 13', and 36 moving devices 14, 14' for moving each slider 13, 13', so the structure is not complex and the wiring is simple. As a result, the size of the charging device A4 can be kept down. Furthermore, the charging device A4 has the same configuration as the charging device A1 and achieves the same effect as the charging device A1. Moreover, according to this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, in the control of switching the unit 21, it is not necessary to move the sliders 13, 13' that are in contact with the output conductors 11, 11' between the source output conductors 11, 11' and the destination output conductors 11, 11' behind the insulators 12, 12' before moving the sliders 13, 13'.

[0065] The charging device according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the charging device according to the present invention can be modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] A1-A4: Charging device, 1: Switching unit, 11, 11': Output conductor, 12, 12': Insulator, 13, 13': Slider, 14, 14': Moving device, 15, 15': Electrode plate, 150: Cooling fan, 2: DC power supply unit, 21: Unit, 4: Control unit, 6: Charging cable, 9: Electric vehicle, 91: Storage battery

Claims

1. A charging device for charging the battery of an electric mobile vehicle that moves by driving an electric motor with the power of the battery, A DC power supply unit that outputs DC power, Multiple charging cables connected to the aforementioned mobile electric device, which supply DC power output by the DC power supply unit to the mobile electric device, A switching unit that switches the destination of the DC power output from the DC power supply unit, A control unit that controls the switching unit and the DC power supply unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned switching unit is An electrode plate having multiple output conductors arranged at intervals, and an insulator disposed between each of the output conductors, A slider that slides on the electrode plate and moves in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of output conductors, Equipped with, The control unit stops the power output to the output conductor on which the slider was located when the switching unit moves the slider. Charging device.

2. The DC power supply unit comprises a plurality of units that output DC power, The switching unit switches the output destination of the DC power output by each of the multiple units individually. The charging device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of output conductors is electrically connected to one of the plurality of units. The slider is electrically connected to one of the plurality of charging cables. The charging device according to claim 2.

4. Each of the aforementioned multiple units is equipped with a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each of the output conductors is electrically connected to the positive terminal. The aforementioned switching unit is A second electrode plate having a plurality of second output conductors arranged at intervals, and a second insulator disposed between each of the second output conductors, A second slider slides on the second electrode plate and moves in the second arrangement direction of the plurality of second output conductors, Equipped with, Each of the plurality of second output conductors is electrically connected to the negative terminal of any of the plurality of units. The charging device according to claim 3.

5. The system further comprises a control unit that controls the switching unit and the DC power supply unit, The plurality of units include a first unit and a second unit, When the control unit switches from a state in which the output from the first unit is output via the slider and the second slider to a state in which the output from the second unit is output via the slider and the second slider, First, the output of the first unit is stopped, Next, the slider is moved to a position adjacent to the output conductor connected to the first unit of the insulator, and the second slider is moved to a position adjacent to the second output conductor connected to the first unit of the second insulator. Next, the slider is moved to a position adjacent to the output conductor connected to the second unit of the insulator. Next, the second slider is moved to the second output conductor connected to the second unit, and then the slider is moved to the output conductor connected to the second unit. Next, the output of the second unit is started. The charging device according to claim 4.

6. Each of the aforementioned multiple output conductors is electrically connected to one of the aforementioned multiple charging cables. The slider is electrically connected to one of the plurality of units. The charging device according to claim 2.

7. The aforementioned switching unit is A moving device for moving the aforementioned slider, A cooling fan that moves together with the slider and can blow air toward the position on the electrode plate where the slider makes contact, Furthermore, The cooling fan blows air only when the slider is energized. A charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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