Mobile charging device and mobile body

Abstract

In automating the charging of mobile devices, requiring high positioning accuracy for the plug device only on the charging device side results in an expensive and complex device. This invention provides a mobile device charging device that ensures reliable connection while easing the required positioning accuracy on the charging device side. [Solution] The mobile charging device 10 comprises a socket device 11 provided on the mobile body 40 and a plug guide portion 12 disposed on the mobile body 40 near the socket device 11. The socket device 11 is configured to charge the battery 42 of the mobile body 40 by connecting to the plug device 20 of the charging device 50. The plug guide portion 12 guides the plug device 20 toward the socket device 11 during charging. This ensures a reliable and smooth connection between the plug device 20 extended from the charging device 50 and the socket device 11.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device on a moving body used to automatically receive external power supply for a battery mounted on a moving body that can move by obtaining propulsion force from a motor.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, moving bodies that move by obtaining propulsion force from a motor, such as electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles, have become widely popular, and various studies and implementations have been made regarding autonomous driving. However, the power supply or charging of the batteries of these moving bodies is still often performed manually.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an invention for automatically disconnecting the power supply plug of an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle from a charging socket. However, the insertion of the power supply plug into the charging socket is not automated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to automate the charging of a moving body, it is necessary to position and insert a plug device, which is a power supply plug, with high accuracy in millimeters to the position of the charging socket on the moving body side by a mechanism such as a robotic arm provided on the charging device side. However, in order to realize such high positioning accuracy only on the charging device side, high-precision sensors, actuators, and control systems are required, and the device becomes expensive and complex, so there is a problem that it is difficult to put into practical use.

[0006] Furthermore, due to variations in the stopping position of the mobile vehicle and differences in the position and height of the charging socket for each vehicle model, it was not easy for the charging device alone to accurately align and connect the plug device to the charging socket. If no guidance means were provided on the mobile vehicle side, excessive positioning precision would be required on the charging device side, leading to increased costs and complexity of the device.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a mobile charging device that enables reliable and smooth connection between a plug device and a socket device while relaxing the positioning accuracy required on the charging device side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a socket device and a plug guide, wherein the socket device is provided on the mobile body and is configured to charge a battery mounted on the mobile body by connecting to the plug device of the charging device, and the plug guide is disposed on the mobile body near the socket device. The plug device is configured to be held, and the movable body moves inward from the outside while holding the plug device, The present invention is characterized by being configured to guide the plug device toward the socket device during charging. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the plug guide portion guides the plug device toward the socket device in the vicinity of the socket device, thereby ensuring a reliable and smooth connection between the plug device and the socket device when the plug device is extended from the charging device. Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is configured to be able to receive the plug device, and is configured to guide the plug device toward the socket device during charging by moving from the outside to the inside of the mobile body while the plug device is received.

[0009] Furthermore, the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a guide drive unit, the guide drive unit being configured to extend and retract the plug guide unit toward the outside from the mobile body. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the guide drive unit makes it possible to extend and retract the plug guide unit toward the outside from the mobile body, so that the plug guide unit can be deployed to the outside of the mobile body only when charging and stored inside the mobile body when not charging, thereby ensuring aerodynamic performance and dustproof and waterproof performance during operation.

[0010] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is characterized by having a lower contact portion that abuts against the lower surface of the plug device and a side contact portion that abuts against the side surface of the plug device. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by having a lower contact portion that abuts against the lower surface of the plug device and a side contact portion that abuts against the side surface of the plug device, the plug device can be supported from both downward and sideways directions to stabilize its position, and the connection of the plug device to the socket device can be reliably made.

[0011] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug device has a first lower surface that is inclined downward toward one side in the width direction and a second lower surface that is inclined downward toward the other side in the width direction, and the lower surface contact portion has a first lower surface contact portion configured to contact the first lower surface of the plug device and a second lower surface contact portion configured to contact the second lower surface of the plug device. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the first lower surface and the second lower surface of the plug device are inclined downward in the width direction, and the corresponding first lower surface contact portion and the second lower surface contact portion come into contact with each other, so that even if there is some misalignment of the plug device, the plug device can slide along the inclined surface to the center position and be automatically positioned.

[0012] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is characterized by having an opening between the first lower contact portion and the second lower contact portion. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the plug guide portion having an opening between the first lower contact portion and the second lower contact portion allows foreign matter and liquids such as rainwater that have entered the plug guide portion to be discharged to the outside through the opening, and also functions as a margin space to absorb manufacturing errors of the plug device.

[0013] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is configured to attract the plug device by magnetic force. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the plug guide portion attracts the plug device by magnetic force, thereby securely holding the plug device without the need for a mechanical latch mechanism. In addition, if excessive tension is applied, it can be mechanically released against the magnetic force, thus preventing damage such as snagging on the cable.

[0014] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic material is provided on the plug guide side, and a non-magnetic material is provided on the plug device side. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by providing a non-magnetic material such as iron on the plug device side, it is possible to prevent the plug device, which is extended from the charging device and moves, from inadvertently coming into close contact with a vehicle body or the like made of iron due to magnetic force.

[0015] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug device is provided with a first magnetic force portion on the plug device side and a second magnetic force portion on the plug device side on the first lower surface and the second lower surface of the plug device, and the plug guide portion is provided with a first magnetic force portion on the plug guide portion and a second magnetic force portion on the plug guide portion that attract the first magnetic force portion on the plug device side and the second magnetic force portion on the plug device side on the first lower surface contact portion and the second magnetic force portion on the plug guide portion.According to the mobile charging device according to the present invention, magnetic force portions are provided on both the first and second lower surfaces of the plug device, and magnetic force portions are also provided on both the first and second lower surface contact portions of the corresponding plug guide portion, so that the plug device can be reliably attracted to the plug guide portion regardless of the orientation in which it is attached, and the degree of freedom in the attachment direction is improved.

[0016] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug device has a first side surface and a second side surface, a plug-side terminal portion is disposed on only one of the first side surface and the second side surface, a plug device-side magnetic portion is disposed on either the first lower surface and the second lower surface of the plug device, and a plug guide-side magnetic portion is disposed on either the first lower surface contact portion and the second lower surface contact portion of the plug guide portion. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by distributing the magnetic portion on only one of the first lower surface and the second lower surface of the plug device, and distributing the magnetic portion on either the first lower surface contact portion and the second lower surface contact portion of the corresponding plug guide portion, even if the plug-side terminal portion of the plug device is disposed on only one of the first side surface or the second side surface, the plug-side terminal portion can be positioned facing the socket side, thereby ensuring a reliable electrical connection.

[0017] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is characterized by being configured as a substantially case-shaped member with an open top surface. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by configuring the plug guide portion as a substantially case-shaped member with an open top surface, the plug device extended from the charging device can be easily received through the opening on the top surface, and the plug device can be securely held from the surroundings after being received.

[0018] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is disposed in a guide storage portion formed in the vehicle body of the mobile vehicle, and a packing member is disposed between the plug guide portion and the guide storage portion. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the plug guide portion is disposed in a guide storage portion formed in the vehicle body of the mobile vehicle, and a packing member is disposed between the two, thereby preventing rainwater and foreign matter from entering the vehicle body of the mobile vehicle, while allowing the plug guide portion to extend and retract to the outside of the mobile vehicle.

[0019] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is configured to extend and retract in the direction of the mobile body's outward projection, by a telescopic structure in which a plurality of hollow members of different diameters are combined in a nested manner. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, since the plug guide portion has a telescopic structure in which a plurality of hollow members are combined in a nested manner, it can be stored in the limited space inside the vehicle when retracted, and the plug guide portion can reach further when extended, thereby expanding the tolerance range for positional accuracy on the charging device side.

[0020] Further, in the mobile body side charging device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a transmitter that generates a signal capable of specifying the position of the plug guide portion is provided in or near the plug guide portion. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, by providing a transmitter in the plug guide portion, the charging device side can detect the position of the plug guide portion with high accuracy, and the accuracy of alignment between the plug device inserted from the charging device and the plug guide portion can be improved.

[0021] Further, in the mobile body side charging device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter is configured to be communicable with the charging device by electromagnetic communication means. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, since the transmitter can communicate with the charging device by electromagnetic communication means, it does not require visible light or the like, and can surely transmit and receive position information even at night or in bad weather, and can surely advance the automatic charging sequence.

[0022] Further, in the mobile body side charging device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an adjuster configured to correct at least one of the orientation and position of the plug device is provided near the socket device. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, by providing an adjuster for correcting at least one of the orientation and position of the plug device near the socket device, the final adjustment of the alignment between the terminals of the socket device and the terminals of the plug device of the charging device can be performed, preventing forced insertion and realizing a reliable electrical connection.

[0023] Further, in the mobile body side charging device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the adjuster has a wall portion that slopes outward in the width direction or the vertical direction. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, since the adjuster has a wall portion that slopes outward, the plug device can be naturally guided to the central position of the socket device, and reliable position correction can be performed with a simple structure.

[0024] In addition, in the mobile body side charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is characterized by having a through portion that penetrates a cord portion connected to the plug device. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, since the plug guide portion has a through portion that penetrates the cord portion, even when the cord portion is pulled out to the outside of the plug guide portion, rainwater and foreign matter can be suppressed from entering through the gap between the plug guide portion and the cord portion.

[0025] In addition, in the mobile body side charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a waterproof seal member is disposed in the through portion, which is a characteristic. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, by disposing a waterproof seal member in the through portion, even when the cord portion is pulled out to the outside of the guide storage portion, rainwater and foreign matter can be reliably prevented from entering the inside of the guide storage portion, and airtightness can be ensured.

[0026] In addition, in the mobile body side charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile body is characterized by being any one of a vehicle, a train, and a drone. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, since the mobile body is any one of a vehicle, a train, and a drone, a universal automatic charging system corresponding to various mobile bodies can be provided.

[0027] In addition, in the mobile body side charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the plug device is housed in the plug guide portion, the plug device is configured to be supported. According to the mobile body side charging device of the present invention, since the plug device is supported in a state of being housed in the plug guide portion, even when vibrations or the like occur during traveling, the plug device can be stably held at a predetermined position inside the plug guide portion, and rattling and dropping can be prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a resistance detection unit, the resistance detection unit being characterized by detecting a resistance above a certain level while the plug guide unit is guiding the plug device toward the socket device. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by detecting a resistance above a certain level during guidance, abnormalities such as the inclusion of foreign matter can be identified early, and damage to the plug device and socket device due to the continuation of excessive guidance can be prevented.

[0029] Furthermore, the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a side magnetic force portion is provided on the outer surface of the plug guide portion. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by providing a side magnetic force portion on the outer surface of the plug guide portion, the magnetic force of the side magnetic force portion can stabilize the orientation of the plug device or guide the plug device in a predetermined direction when detached, thereby ensuring reliable attachment and detachment.

[0030] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide portion is rotatably disposed relative to the main body of the mobile device. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, since the plug guide portion is rotatably disposed relative to the main body of the mobile device, the plug device can be attached and detached by an opening and closing operation by rotation, and in the closed state, the plug guide portion functions as a lid to ensure dustproof and waterproof properties.

[0031] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug device has a plug body, and the thickness of the plug body in the inward and outward directions is set to a thickness such that the plug device does not tip over even when the magnetic attraction is released. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by setting the thickness of the plug body in the inward and outward directions to a thickness such that it does not tip over even when the magnetic force is released, the plug device maintains an upright position even when the magnetic force is released, making it easier to handle the plug device after charging is complete.

[0032] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging is characterized by either contact-type charging, in which the plug device and the socket device are in contact to exchange power, or non-contact-type charging, in which the plug device and the socket device are not in contact to exchange power. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by having either contact-type or non-contact-type charging, reliable power supply by contact-type charging and improved waterproofness and durability by non-contact-type charging can be selected according to the application.

[0033] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide drive unit is characterized in that, when the plug guide portion is protruding to the outside of the mobile body, the plug guide portion is displaced in at least one of the vertical, horizontal, and inward / outward directions. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by displacing the plug guide portion in the vertical, horizontal, and inward / outward directions while it is protruding outside the vehicle, the position of the plug guide portion can be precisely aligned with the plug device on the charging device side, making it easier to receive and insert the plug device.

[0034] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide drive unit is characterized in that it displaces the inclination angle of the plug guide with respect to the longitudinal direction when the plug guide is protruding to the outside of the mobile body. According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, by changing the inclination angle when the plug guide is protruding outside the vehicle, the inclination angle of the plug guide can be adjusted to an appropriate angle even when the mobile body is parked at an angle, making it easier to receive and insert the plug device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the mobile charging device of the present invention, the plug guide guides the plug device toward the socket device. This allows for smooth connection between the plug device and the socket device while easing the positioning accuracy required on the charging device side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This figure shows a mobile body-side charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view of a mobile body equipped with the mobile body-side charging device. [Figure 2A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the assembled state of the socket device and plug guide. [Figure 2B] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view showing the socket device and plug guide section. [Figure 3A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the plug guide portion housed in the socket housing portion. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3A showing a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] These figures show a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are perspective views, plan views, and cross-sectional views of its plug guide section. [Figure 5] These figures show a plug device used in a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are perspective views, front views, rear views, and bottom views thereof. [Figure 6] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the plug device housed in the plug guide section. [Figure 7A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the plug device housed in the plug guide section. [Figure 7B] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing the plug device housed in the plug guide section. [Figure 8A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the plug device connected to the socket device. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8A showing a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]These figures show modified examples of plug devices used in a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are perspective views, front views, rear views, and bottom views thereof. [Figure 10A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the first stage in the process of housing the plug device in the plug guide section. [Figure 10B] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the second stage of the process of housing the plug device in the plug guide section. [Figure 10C] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the third stage in the process of housing the plug device in the plug guide section. [Figure 11A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the plug device connected to the socket device. [Figure 11B] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing the plug device connected to the socket device. [Figure 12A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view showing a plug guide section equipped with a packing member, etc. [Figure 12B] This is a perspective view showing a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the plug guide portion equipped with a packing member housed in the guide storage portion. [Figure 13A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a socket housing portion on which an adjuster is provided. [Figure 13B] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13A. [Figure 14A] This is a diagram showing a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a plug guide portion equipped with a through-hole and a waterproof sealing member. [Figure 14B] This is a perspective view showing a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the plug guide section, which includes a through-hole, is housed in the guide storage section. [Figure 15] This figure shows a mobile body charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the state in which the mobile body is being charged by the charging device. [Figure 16] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart illustrating the charging method. [Figure 17A] This figure shows a plug device used in a mobile charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view thereof. [Figure 17B] This figure shows a plug device used in a mobile charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a view of it from the tip side. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing a socket device for a mobile charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view thereof. [Figure 19A] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the process by which a plug device enters a socket device. [Figure 19B] This figure shows a mobile charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a plug device is connected to a socket device. [Figure 20] This figure shows a modified example of a plug device used in a mobile charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view of a plug device equipped with an adapter. [Figure 21] This figure shows a vehicle body of a mobile body equipped with a plug device used in a mobile body charging device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows the configuration of a plug device used in a mobile charging device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] The mobile body charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The arrows in each figure indicate the inward and outward directions in the front-rear direction, up-down direction, and vehicle width direction of the mobile body, respectively. Here, "outward" can be interpreted as the direction away from the mobile body 40, and "inward" can be interpreted as the direction approaching the mobile body 40.

[0038] Figure 1 is a side view showing a mobile body 40 equipped with a mobile body-side charging device 10. As shown in Figure 1, the mobile body-side charging device 10 is mounted on the mobile body 40. The mobile body 40 comprises a vehicle body 41 and a battery 42 mounted on the vehicle body 41, and moves by obtaining propulsion from a motor. The mobile body 40 can be any vehicle equipped with a battery and a motor. For example, the mobile body 40 may be a vehicle, a train, or an unmanned aerial vehicle. By the mobile body 40 being a vehicle, a train, or an unmanned aerial vehicle, an automatic charging system compatible with various types of mobile bodies 40 can be provided in a general-purpose manner. The mobile body-side charging device 10 is a device provided on the mobile body 40 and is used to automatically receive power from the charging device 50 (described later) to the battery 42.

[0039] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing the socket device 11 with the plug guide portion 12 extended to the outside. Figure 2B is a perspective view showing the plug guide portion 12 separated from the socket housing portion 118.

[0040] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the mobile charging device 10 mainly comprises a socket device 11 and a plug guide 12. The socket device 11 is provided on the vehicle body 41 of the mobile unit 40. The socket device 11 is configured to charge the battery 42 mounted on the mobile unit 40 by connecting to the plug device 20 of the charging device 50, which will be described later.

[0041] The socket device 11 includes a socket body 111 and a socket-side terminal 114 provided on the socket body 111 and electrically connected to the plug device 20. The socket body 111 is housed in a socket housing 118 formed in the vehicle body 41.

[0042] The socket housing 118 is a region in which the body 41 of the aforementioned mobile body 40 is partially recessed. When viewed from the outside, the socket housing 118 has a roughly rectangular shape. As shown in Figure 2B, the socket housing 118 is provided with a guide storage section 26 and a socket body section 111.

[0043] The plug guide section 12 is disposed on a movable body 40 near the socket device 11 and is configured to guide the plug device 20 toward the socket device 11 during charging. The plug guide section 12 may be configured to extend and retract in the direction of the movable body 40 protruding out of the vehicle by a telescopic structure 124 which is made up of multiple hollow members of different sizes nested together. This allows the plug guide section 12 to fit into the limited space inside the vehicle when stored and to reach further when extended, thereby expanding the tolerance range for positional accuracy on the charging device 50 side. A bellows structure may be used instead of the telescopic structure 124. Furthermore, the plug guide section 12 may be simply a roughly dish-shaped structure without an extendable or retractable structure. The detailed structure of the plug guide section 12 will be described later with reference to Figure 4, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, the plug guide section 12 or its vicinity is equipped with a transmitter 125 that generates a signal capable of identifying the position of the plug guide section 12. By equipping the plug guide section 12 with a transmitter 125, the charging device 50, which will be described later, can detect the position of the plug guide section 12 with high precision, thereby improving the accuracy of alignment between the plug device 20 and the plug guide section 12. The transmitter 125 may also function as a mobile device-side communication unit 18, which will be described later. In this case, the transmitter 125 communicates with the charging device 50, which will be described later, by electromagnetic communication means.

[0045] The guide storage section 26 is located inside the vehicle body 41, on the inside side of the socket storage section 118. The guide storage section 26 is a storage section having a space for housing the plug guide section 12. The guide storage section 26 has a shape that conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the plug guide section 12.

[0046] Here, the forward and backward movement of the plug guide section 12 along the inward and outward directions may be performed by manual operation by the user, or it may be performed by the guide drive section 13, which will be described later.

[0047] Furthermore, the socket device 11 and plug guide section 12, etc., that constitute the mobile charging device 10 can also be configured as modules that can be retrofitted to the vehicle body 41.

[0048] Figure 3A shows the plug guide section 12 in the state where it is housed in the guide storage section 26. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view along the A-A cross-section line in Figure 3A.

[0049] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, in the retracted state of the plug guide portion 12, most of the plug guide portion 12 is housed in the guide housing portion 26 in the inward and outward directions, and only the outer end of the plug guide portion 12 is housed in the socket housing portion 118.

[0050] Referring to Figure 3B, a guide drive unit 13 is disposed inside the movable body 40, near the socket housing 118. The guide drive unit 13 is equipped with an actuator such as a motor and is configured to extend and retract the plug guide 12 from the movable body 40 along the inward and outward directions. When extending the plug guide 12 outward, the guide drive unit 13 extends the plug guide 12 outward. Conversely, when retracting the plug guide 12, the guide drive unit 13 retracts the plug guide 12 inward. The guide drive unit 13 can extend and retract the plug guide 12 by operating the telescopic structure 124 of the plug guide 12 described above.

[0051] Referring further to Figure 3B, a side magnetic section 128 is provided on the inner side of the rear surface of the plug guide section 12. The side magnetic section 128 is a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material and can be attracted to the plug device 20, which will be described later. By providing the side magnetic section 128, when the plug guide section 12 is extended outward after charging is complete, the side magnetic section 128 and the attracted plug device 20 can be smoothly moved outward.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the plug guide section 12. In Figure 4, the upper part shows a perspective view of the plug guide section 12, the lower left shows a bottom view of the plug guide section 12, and the lower right shows a cross-sectional view along the BB cross-section line of the perspective view.

[0053] The plug guide portion 12 is configured as a substantially case-shaped member with a longitudinal direction along the inward and outward direction and an open top surface. This allows the plug device 20, which will be described later, to be easily received through the opening on the top surface, and the plug device 20 can be securely held from the surroundings after it has been received.

[0054] The plug guide portion 12 has a lower contact portion 121 that abuts against the lower surface of the plug device 20, and a pair of side contact portions 122 that abut against the side surfaces of the plug device 20. This allows the plug device 20 to be supported from both downward and sideways directions, thereby stabilizing its position.

[0055] The lower contact portion 121 has a first lower contact portion 1211, a second lower contact portion 1212, and an opening 123. The first lower contact portion 1211 is a surface-like portion that slopes downward toward the inside (rear in this case) in the left-right direction. The second lower contact portion 1212 is a surface-like portion that slopes downward toward the inside (forward in this case) in the left-right direction.

[0056] The opening 123 is formed between the first lower contact portion 1211 and the second lower contact portion 1212. The opening 123 has a shape in which the top of the bottom surface of the plug guide portion 12 is cut off. This allows foreign matter and liquids such as rainwater that have entered the plug guide portion 12 to be discharged to the outside through the opening 123, and prevents foreign matter from falling in and accumulating. The opening 123 also functions as a margin to absorb manufacturing errors in the plug device 20.

[0057] A plug guide side first magnetic part 12111 is provided on the upper side of the first lower contact part 1211. The plug guide side first magnetic part 12111 is provided at the outer end of the first lower contact part 1211.

[0058] A second magnetic part 12121 on the plug guide side is provided on the upper side of the second lower contact portion 1212. The second magnetic part 12121 on the plug guide side is provided at the outer end of the second lower contact portion 1212.

[0059] Furthermore, the first magnetic force portion 12111 and the second magnetic force portion 12121 on the plug guide side are arranged at the outer end inside the plug guide portion 12. In this way, the magnetic force of the first magnetic force portion 12111 and the second magnetic force portion 12121 on the plug guide side can attract the plug device 20, which will be described later, to the outer end inside the plug guide portion 12.

[0060] The first magnetic force section 12111 and the second magnetic force section 12121 on the plug guide side can be made of either a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material. The magnetic material can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The non-magnetic material can be a metal such as iron. The electromagnetic permanent magnet switches its magnetic state by switching the pulse current on and off. The electromagnetic permanent magnet maintains its magnetic force without continuous current flow.

[0061] Furthermore, the first magnetic force portion 12111 and the second magnetic force portion 12121 on the plug guide side can also be arranged along the length direction of the lower contact portion 121 in both the inward and outward directions, covering almost the entire area. This expands the area over which the plug device 20 can be attracted. Alternatively, the first magnetic force portion 12111 and the second magnetic force portion 12121 on the plug guide side can also be arranged only at the outer end of the plug guide portion 12.

[0062] Furthermore, when the plug guide section 12 is pulled into the vehicle body 41, the magnetic force of the first magnetic section 12111 and the second magnetic section 12121 on the plug guide section side can be deactivated, and the plug device 20 can be forcibly connected to the socket device 11, which will be described later.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the plug device 20. In Figure 5, the upper section shows a perspective view of the plug device 20, the left side of the middle section shows a view of the plug device 20 from the outside, the right side of the middle section shows a view of the plug device 20 from the inside, and the lower section shows a view of the plug device 20 from below.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the plug device 20 has a plug body 21. When viewed from the outside, the plug body 21 has a roughly pentagonal shape with its corners pointing downwards. The plug body 21 has a first lower surface 201 and a second lower surface 202. The first lower surface 201 is inclined so that it is located lower as it approaches the center of the plug body 21 in the width direction. The second lower surface 202 is also inclined so that it is located lower as it approaches the center of the plug body 21 in the width direction.

[0065] The lower contact portion 121 of the plug guide portion 12, as described above, has a first lower contact portion 1211 configured to contact the first lower surface 201 of the plug device 20, and a second lower contact portion 1212 configured to contact the second lower surface 202 of the plug device 20. With this configuration, even if there is some misalignment of the plug device 20, the plug device 20 can slide along the inclined surface to the center position and be automatically positioned.

[0066] The first lower surface 201 and the second lower surface 202 of the plug device 20 are provided with a plug device-side first magnetic force section 203 and a plug device-side second magnetic force section 204. Similar to the plug guide-side first magnetic force section 12111 and plug guide-side second magnetic force section 12121 described above, a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material is used for the plug device-side first magnetic force section 203 and plug device-side second magnetic force section 204. A non-magnetic material such as iron is preferred for the plug device-side first magnetic force section 203 and plug device-side second magnetic force section 204. This prevents the plug device 20, which is extended from the charging device 50 and moves, from inadvertently coming into contact with the vehicle body 41 or the like due to magnetic force. Alternatively, the magnetic material may be an electromagnet so that no magnetic force is generated except when necessary.

[0067] With the configuration described above, the plug guide section 12 is configured to attract the plug device 20 by magnetic force. This ensures that the plug device 20 is held securely without the need for a mechanical latch mechanism, and can also be mechanically released against magnetic force if excessive tension is applied, thereby preventing damage from snagging on the cord section 17, etc., which will be described later.

[0068] The plug device 20 has a first side surface 205 and a second side surface 206. The first side surface 205 is the side surface facing outwards, and the second side surface 206 is the side surface facing inwards. A plug-side first terminal portion 231 is provided on the first side surface 205, and a plug-side second terminal portion 232 is provided on the second side surface 206.

[0069] In this way, by providing terminals in pairs on the side of the plug device 20, the plug device 20 can be configured to fit with the socket device 11 regardless of the orientation in which it is placed in the plug guide 12.

[0070] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the plug device 20 housed in the plug guide section 12, and Figure 7A is a perspective view showing the plug device 20 housed in the plug guide section 12. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the CC section of Figure 7A.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, when connecting the plug device 20 and the socket device 11, the plug guide portion 12 is pulled outwards, and the plug device 20 is inserted from above into the outer end of the plug guide portion 12.

[0072] Furthermore, with the plug guide portion 12 protruding from the outside of the movable body 40, the plug guide portion 12 may be displaced, vibrated, or oscillated in at least one of the vertical, horizontal, and inward / outward directions. This allows the plug guide portion 12 to finely adjust its position to receive the plug device 20 extended from the charging device 50, which will be described later. Thus, insertion of the plug device 20 into the plug guide portion 12 becomes easier. This displacement can be performed by the guide drive unit 13, which will be described later, or by a dedicated displacement means.

[0073] Furthermore, in the mobile charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide drive unit is characterized in that it displaces the inclination angle of the plug guide with respect to the longitudinal direction when the plug guide is protruding to the outside of the mobile body. By changing the inclination angle when the plug guide is protruding outside the vehicle, the inclination angle of the plug guide is adjusted to an appropriate angle even when the mobile body is parked at an angle. This displacement can be performed by the guide drive unit 13 described later or by a dedicated displacement means.

[0074] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, as described above, the first lower surface 201 and the second lower surface 202 of the plug device 20 are provided with the plug device side first magnetic force portion 203 and the plug device side second magnetic force portion 204. On the other hand, the first lower surface contact portion 1211 and the second lower surface contact portion 1212 of the plug guide portion 12 are provided with the plug guide portion side first magnetic force portion 12111 and the plug guide portion side second magnetic force portion 12121, which attract the plug device side first magnetic force portion 203 and the plug device side second magnetic force portion 204, respectively. By providing magnetic force portions on both lower surfaces of the plug device 20 and both lower surface contact portions of the plug guide portion 12, the plug device 20 can be reliably attracted to the plug guide portion 12 regardless of the orientation in which it is attached, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the attachment direction.

[0075] Referring to Figure 7B, the magnetic parts arranged on the plug device 20 and the plug guide section 12 are configured such that the plug device 20 and the plug guide section 12 are attracted to each other by magnetic force. That is, the polarity of the magnetic part on the plug device 20 side and the polarity of the magnetic part on the plug guide section 12 side are opposite. For example, if the plug device side first magnetic part 203 of the plug device 20 is a north pole magnet, then the plug guide section side first magnetic part 12111 of the plug guide section 12 is a south pole magnet. In this way, the plug device 20 can be attracted to a predetermined location on the plug guide section 12. Also, as mentioned above, by making the plug device side first magnetic part 203 and plug device side second magnetic part 204 a non-magnetic material such as iron, and the plug guide section side first magnetic part 12111 and plug guide section side second magnetic part 12121 a magnet, the plug device 20 can also be attracted to a predetermined location on the plug guide section 12 by magnetic force.

[0076] Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the plug device 20 with the plug guide section 12, to which it is fixed, housed in the guide storage section 26. Figure 8A is also a perspective view showing the plug device 20 connected to the socket device 11. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the DD cross-section line of Figure 8A.

[0077] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, when the drive force of the guide drive unit 13 causes the plug guide unit 12 to be retracted into the guide storage unit 26, the plug device 20 is positioned inside the socket housing unit 118. In this state, the cord unit 17 connected to the plug device 20 is led out to the outside through the gap formed between the opening of the plug guide unit 12 and the upper end of the socket housing unit 118.

[0078] Referring to Figure 8B, in this configuration, the plug device 20 and the socket device 11 are electrically connected. Specifically, the socket-side terminal portion 114 of the socket device 11 and the plug-side second terminal portion 232 of the plug device 20 are electrically connected. In this configuration, the terminal portion of the plug-side second terminal portion 232 that protrudes inward may be inserted into the socket-side terminal portion 114, which is the receiving terminal portion of the socket device 11.

[0079] As described above, when charging, the socket device 11 and the plug device 20 are housed inside the socket housing 118. Therefore, in principle, there is no need to apply waterproofing measures to the connection between the socket device 11 and the plug device 20. As a result, the connection between the socket device 11 and the plug device 20 can be made loose, and the socket device 11 and the plug device 20 can be easily separated with a small detachment force. In addition, the socket device 11 and the plug device 20 can be easily connected with a small pushing force from the plug guide part 12.

[0080] Other forms of the plug device 20 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11B. In the other forms shown in Figure 9, the upper section shows a perspective view of the plug device 20, the left side of the middle section shows a view of the plug device 20 from the outside, the right side of the middle section shows a view of the plug device 20 from the inside, and the lower section shows a view of the plug device 20 from below. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the process of the plug device 20 being housed in the plug guide section 12 sequentially, Figure 11A is a perspective view showing the plug device 20 connected to the socket device 11, and Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view at the EE cross-section line of Figure 11A.

[0081] The basic configuration of the plug device 20 shown in Figure 9 is the same as that shown in Figure 5, but the configuration of the plug-side terminal section 23 and the magnetic section is different.

[0082] In this configuration, the second terminal portion 232 on the plug side is provided only on the second side surface 206 of the plug body 21, and no terminal portion is provided on the first side surface 205. Furthermore, focusing on the lower surface of the plug body 21, the magnetic portion 207 on the plug device side is provided only on the second lower surface 202, and no magnetic portion is provided on the first lower surface 201. This simplifies the configuration of the plug device 20 and reduces costs.

[0083] Here, referring to Figure 9, the magnetic element may be placed only on the first lower surface 201 of the plug device 20, or referring to Figure 10A, the magnetic element may be placed only on the second lower contact portion 1212. The same effect can be achieved with such a configuration.

[0084] Referring to Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, a method for housing the plug device 20 with the above configuration into the plug guide section 12 will be explained. Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C are sequential views of this state from the outside.

[0085] Referring to Figure 10A, the configuration of the plug guide section 12 in other forms will be explained. The configuration of the plug guide section 12 shown in Figure 10A is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 4, except that the plug guide section side magnetic force section 126 is provided only on the first lower contact section 1211, and the second lower contact section 1212 does not have a magnetic force section.

[0086] In the plug guide section 12, the plug guide section side magnetic section 126 is arranged on the upper side of the first lower contact section 1211. Here, since the plug device side magnetic section 207 of the plug device 20 faces backward, in this state, the plug side second terminal section 232 of the plug device 20 also faces outward, making connection with the socket device 11 difficult.

[0087] Referring to Figure 10B, when the plug device 20 is housed inside the plug guide section 12, the plug device side magnetic section 207 of the plug device 20 and the plug guide section side magnetic section 126 of the plug guide section 12 approach each other. As a result, the plug device side magnetic section 207 and the first lower contact section 1211 attract each other by magnetic force. Consequently, when viewed from above, the plug device 20 rotates approximately 180 degrees. Therefore, inside the plug guide section 12, the plug device side magnetic section 207 of the plug device 20 is positioned directly above the first lower contact section 1211 of the plug guide section 12. Also, the plug side second terminal section 232 of the plug device 20 faces inward. When the plug device 20 descends into the plug guide section 12, an attractive force is generated between the plug device side magnetic section 207 and the plug guide section side magnetic section 126. The magnetic force portion 207 on the plug device side is positioned eccentrically from the center in the width direction of the plug device 20. Therefore, the attractive force generates a moment that rotates the plug device 20 around an axis along the vertical direction. The plug device 20 rotates while being guided by the lower contact portion 121, so that the plug-side second terminal portion 232 faces the socket device 11.

[0088] Referring to Figure 10C, when the plug device 20 is lowered further, the plug device side magnetic portion 207 of the plug device 20 and the plug guide side magnetic portion 126 of the plug guide portion 12 are attracted to each other by magnetic force. As a result, the plug device 20 is positioned at the outer end inside the plug guide portion 12, and the plug side second terminal portion 232 faces inward, towards the side of the movable body 40.

[0089] Referring to Figure 11A, the plug guide section 12 is pulled into the vehicle body 41 by the driving force of the guide drive section 13, thereby housing the plug device 20 inside the socket housing section 118.

[0090] Referring to Figure 11B, since the plug-side second terminal portion 232 of the plug device 20 faces inward, the socket-side terminal portion 114 of the socket device 11 and the plug-side second terminal portion 232 of the plug device 20 are electrically connected. In this state, the battery 42 of the mobile body 40 can be charged.

[0091] The plug guide portion 12 with the packing member 15 will be described with reference to Figures 12A and 12B. Figure 12A is an exploded perspective view showing the plug guide portion 12 with the packing member 15 and the socket housing portion 118. Figure 12B is a perspective view showing the plug guide portion 12 housed in the socket housing portion 118 and its vicinity.

[0092] Referring to Figure 12A, a packing member 15 is provided at the outer end of the plug guide portion 12. The packing member 15 is positioned to extend outward from the plug guide portion 12. When viewed from the outside, the packing member 15 has a rectangular shape that conforms to the outer edge shape of the socket housing portion 118 and is the same size as the socket housing portion 118. In this way, as will be described later, the gap between the outer end of the plug guide portion 12 and the socket housing portion 118 can be covered by the packing member 15. As the material for the packing member 15, a flexible plate-like material, such as a rubber sheet or a flexible resin sheet, can be used.

[0093] Referring to Figure 12B, when the plug guide section 12 is pulled into the vehicle body 41 by the driving force of the aforementioned guide drive section 13, the gap between the socket housing section 118 and the plug guide section 12 is covered by the packing member 15. This prevents rainwater and foreign matter from entering the socket housing section 118. Although not shown here, when the plug device 20 is housed in the plug guide section 12, the cord section 17 connected to the plug device 20 is led out to the outside from the point where the packing member 15 elastically deforms between the socket housing section 118 and the packing member 15.

[0094] The configuration of the socket device 11 with the adjuster 16 will be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. Figure 13A is an external view of the socket device 11 with the adjuster 16. Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view along the FF cutting line of Figure 13A.

[0095] Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, the adjuster 16 is a component positioned inside the socket housing 118, surrounding the socket body 111. As shown in Figure 13B, the adjuster 16 has a wall portion 161 that slopes outward as it moves away from the socket body 111 in the width direction or vertical direction. Although Figure 13B only shows a cross-section of the adjuster 16 in the vertical direction, the wall portion 161 slopes similarly in the cross-section in the front-to-back direction. This allows for final adjustment of the alignment between the terminals of the socket device 11 and the terminals of the plug device 20, preventing forced insertion and ensuring a reliable electrical connection.

[0096] The configuration of the plug guide section 12 having the through-hole 141 will be described with reference to Figures 14A and 14B. Figure 14A is a perspective view showing the plug guide section 12 having the through-hole 141. Figure 14B is a perspective view showing the plug guide section 12 having the above configuration housed in the socket housing section 118.

[0097] Referring to Figure 14A, a through-hole 141 is formed on the outward-facing side surface of the plug guide portion 12. The through-hole 141 is a portion cut out in a roughly rectangular shape at the upper end of the outer surface of the plug guide portion 12, approximately in the center in the front-rear direction. A waterproof sealing member 1411 is provided in the through-hole 141. The waterproof sealing member 1411 is a sheet-like member provided to cover the through-hole 141 from the outside. The waterproof sealing member 1411 is made of a flexible and waterproof material, such as a sheet of rubber or synthetic resin.

[0098] Referring to Figure 14B, when the plug device 20 is housed in the plug guide section 12 and the plug guide section 12 is pulled into the vehicle body 41, the plug device 20 is housed inside the socket housing section 118. In this case, the upper end of the plug guide section 12 is close to the upper end of the socket housing section 118. Furthermore, the cord section 17 is led out to the outside through the through section 141. At this time, the waterproof sealing member 1411 elastically deforms, creating a gap for the cord section 17 to be led out to the outside. In this way, the gap for leading out the cord section 17 to the outside can be reduced, and moisture and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the interior through the upper opening of the plug guide section 12.

[0099] Based on Figure 15 and referring to the figures described above, the configuration of the charging system 30, which charges the mobile body 40 using the charging device 50 and the aforementioned socket device 11, will be explained.

[0100] The charging system 30 is a system that charges the battery 42 of the mobile body 40 by supplying power to the mobile body 40 from the charging device 50.

[0101] The mobile unit 40 mainly comprises a socket device 11 and a mobile unit-side communication unit 18. The basic configuration of the mobile unit 40 is as described above with reference to Figure 1, etc. The mobile unit-side communication unit 18 is a component that transmits location information of the mobile unit 40 and information regarding the battery 42 to the charging device-side communication unit 51 of the charging device 50 using a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0102] The charging device 50 mainly comprises a plug device 20 and a charging device-side communication unit 51 that communicates with the mobile device-side communication unit 18. The charging device 50 is equipment installed in a house or the like for charging the mobile device 40. Specifically, the charging device 50 includes a cord support unit 27, an arm support unit 29, a cord support arm unit 28, a cord unit 17, a plug device 20, and a charging device-side communication unit 51, etc.

[0103] The cord section 17 is, for example, a wire, which is a path through which power is supplied when connected to an external power source.

[0104] The cord support section 27 is a device that is provided with the cord section 17 wound around it, and is positioned, for example, above the mobile body 40.

[0105] The cord support arm 28 houses the cord section 17 and is a device that supports the plug device 20 while adjusting its position. The cord section 17 extends from the lower end of the cord support arm 28, and the plug device 20 is connected to the lower end of the cord section 17. The cord support arm 28 has, for example, a telescopic structure and is configured to be extendable and retractable. By extending the cord support arm 28, the plug device 20 can be brought closer to the mobile body 40. On the other hand, by retracting the cord support arm 28, the plug device 20 can be moved away from the mobile body 40.

[0106] The arm support portion 29 is a component that rotatably supports the upper end of the cord support arm portion 28. The arm support portion 29 rotatably supports the cord support arm portion 28. In other words, the arm support portion 29 is a component that pivotally supports the cord support arm portion 28.

[0107] The extension and retraction of the cord support arm 28 and the rotation of the arm support 29 are controlled by actuators (not shown here) based on instructions from the calculation control unit 45.

[0108] The plug device 20 is a device that connects to the socket device 11 of the mobile body 40, and its specific configuration is as described with reference to Figure 5, etc.

[0109] The charging device side communication unit 51 is a component that communicates with the mobile device side communication unit 18 of the mobile device 40 using communication standards such as Bluetooth as described above.

[0110] The arithmetic control unit 45 is, for example, a CPU and is a device that controls the overall operation of the charging system 30. The arithmetic control unit 45 may be located in either or both of the mobile body 40 and the charging device 50, or it may be located outside of the mobile body 40 and the charging device 50, or it may be configured as a distributed network. The arithmetic control unit 45 may include a processor and a storage medium for storing a program executed by the processor. The program includes instructions that cause the arithmetic control unit 45 to execute each step shown in Figure 16.

[0111] Here, the charging system 30 can also be configured to support the plug device 20 while the mobile body 40 is being charged, or when the plug guide 12 pulls the plug device 20 into the vehicle body 41. Support of the plug device 20 can be achieved by applying tension or support force upward to the plug device 20 using an arm support 29 or a cord support arm 28, etc. This reduces the support force, driving force, and weight load on the plug guide 12 side, enabling miniaturization, weight reduction, and power saving of the mobile body charging device 10.

[0112] Furthermore, the mobile charging device 10 may also be provided with a means to detect the resistance acting on the plug guide 12 when the plug guide 12 returns to the interior of the vehicle body 41 using a resistance detection unit, and to stop the retraction operation of the plug guide 12 if the resistance exceeds a threshold. Such a means can be realized, for example, by detecting the driving status of the motor that drives the plug guide 12 using a calculation control unit 45. Such a situation occurs, for example, when foreign matter such as a stone gets into the bottom surface of the plug guide 12, as shown in Figure 4, and the movement of the plug guide 12 is obstructed by such foreign matter.

[0113] Furthermore, increased resistance and other errors in the plug guide section 12 can be notified via communication to an application on a smartphone or other device owned by the user of the mobile device 40. In this way, the user can become aware of any abnormalities in the plug guide section 12, and by removing any foreign objects, the user can ensure that the plug guide section 12 moves forward and backward smoothly.

[0114] Here, the mobile unit 40's mobile unit-side communication unit 18 can be used as a transmitter, and the charging device 50's charging device-side communication unit 51 can be used as a receiver.

[0115] Furthermore, the charging device 50 may be equipped with multiple cord sections and plug devices. By providing the charging device 50 with multiple cord sections and plug devices, multiple mobile devices can be placed around the charging device 50 and multiple devices can be charged simultaneously. In this case, even if the charging device is equipped with multiple cord support arms... Yo stone, person Tsu The cord support arm may be rotatably supported by the charging device.

[0116] Referring to Figure 16, and also referring to the figures mentioned above, we will now explain how to charge the mobile unit 40.

[0117] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a charging method for the battery 42 of the mobile unit 40. Based on Figure 16, and referring to the figures mentioned above, the procedure for charging the battery 42 of the mobile unit 40 using the charging device 50 of the charging system 30 will be explained. Each of the following steps is performed by the arithmetic control unit 45, which controls the overall operation of the charging system 30.

[0118] In step S10, the calculation control unit 45 moves the mobile body 40 to the charging device 50 in response to the battery 42's remaining charge falling below a predetermined value. Specifically, when the remaining charge value of the battery 42 shown in Figure 1 falls below a preset first remaining charge value, the calculation control unit 45 detects a nearby charging device 50 through communication between the mobile body-side communication unit 18 and the charging device-side communication unit 51 shown in Figure 15. The calculation control unit 45 then moves the mobile body 40 to, for example, the location of the nearest charging device 50.

[0119] In step S11, the calculation control unit 45 controls the guide drive unit 13 to extend the plug guide unit 12 out of the vehicle. Specifically, the calculation control unit 45 uses the driving force of the guide drive unit 13 shown in Figure 3B to extend the plug guide unit 12 from the guide storage unit 26 toward the outside of the movable body 40, causing it to protrude out of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2A. At this time, the calculation control unit 45 causes the transmitter 125 shown in Figure 2A to transmit a signal that can identify the position of the plug guide unit 12.

[0120] In step S12, the calculation control unit 45 moves the plug device 20 toward the plug guide unit 12. Specifically, the calculation control unit 45 detects the position of the plug guide unit 12 based on the signal from the transmitter 125 shown in Figure 2A. Then, the calculation control unit 45 moves the plug device 20 shown in Figure 5 toward the plug guide unit 12 by extending the cord support arm 28 shown in Figure 15 and rotating the arm support 29. This movement of the plug device 20 is performed from above the plug guide unit 12, as shown in Figure 6.

[0121] In step S13, the calculation control unit 45 determines whether the plug device 20 has been attracted to the plug guide 12. Specifically, the calculation control unit 45 determines whether the plug device 20 has been attracted to a predetermined location on the plug guide 12 by the magnetic force of the magnetic parts arranged on the plug device 20 and the plug guide 12 as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The process by which the plug device 20 is attracted to the plug guide 12 is as shown in Figures 10A to 10C. If it is determined that it has been attracted (YES), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that it has not been attracted (NO), the process returns to step S12, and the calculation control unit 45 repeats the operation of moving the plug device 20 toward the plug guide 12. Such determination can be made by imaging means such as a camera arranged near the charging device 50, or by sensors arranged inside the plug guide 12. The sensors are, for example, magnetic sensors, proximity sensors, load sensors, or contact sensors.

[0122] In step S14, the calculation control unit 45 controls the guide drive unit 13 to store the plug guide unit 12 in the guide storage unit 26, thereby connecting the socket device 11 and the plug device 20. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3A, the calculation control unit 45 pulls the plug guide unit 12 into the guide storage unit 26 and houses the plug device 20 inside the socket housing unit 118. As a result, as shown in Figure 8B, the socket-side terminal portion 114 of the socket device 11 and the plug-side terminal portion 23 of the plug device 20 are electrically connected.

[0123] In step S15, the arithmetic control unit 45 charges the battery 42 by supplying power to the mobile body 40 from the charging device 50 shown in Figure 15.

[0124] In step S16, the arithmetic control unit 45 determines whether charging is complete or not. Specifically, the arithmetic control unit 45 determines whether the remaining charge value of the battery 42 shown in Figure 1 has become greater than a preset second remaining charge value. Here, the second remaining charge value is a value higher than the first remaining charge value mentioned above. If it is determined that charging is complete (YES), the process proceeds to step S17. If it is determined that charging is not complete (NO), the process returns to step S15, and the arithmetic control unit 45 continues charging.

[0125] In step S17, the calculation control unit 45 controls the guide drive unit 13 to extend the plug guide unit 12 out of the vehicle. Specifically, the calculation control unit 45 uses the driving force of the guide drive unit 13 shown in Figure 3B to extend the plug guide unit 12 again from the guide storage unit 26 toward the outside of the movable body 40, causing it to protrude out of the vehicle as shown in Figure 2A. This disconnects the socket device 11 and the plug device 20.

[0126] In step S18, the calculation control unit 45 retrieves the plug device 20. Specifically, the calculation control unit 45 detaches the plug device 20 from the plug guide unit 12 and retrieves it by winding the cord section 17 shown in Figure 15 and contracting the cord support arm section 28. After that, the calculation control unit 45 stores the plug guide unit 12 in the guide storage section 26 as shown in Figure 3A, and ends the series of charging sequences.

[0127] The above is a description of charging the mobile unit 40 using the charging device 50.

[0128] In the following second embodiment, a configuration in which the plug device 20 and the socket device 11 are connected by magnetic force will be described. In both embodiments, functionally corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0129] The plug device 20 shown in Figures 17A and 17B mainly comprises a plug body 21, a plug-side suction part 22, and a plug-side terminal part 23.

[0130] As shown in Figure 17A, the plug-side suction portion 22 and the plug-side terminal portion 23 are provided at the tip of the plug body portion 21.

[0131] The plug-side terminal portion 23 is electrically connected to the socket device 11. This allows the plug device 20 to be held magnetically attached to the socket device 11 while simultaneously achieving electrical connection between the two. The plug-side terminal portion 23 may be a convex terminal that protrudes inward.

[0132] The plug-side suction parts 22 are arranged in pairs, one above the plug-side terminal part 23. As described later, the plug-side suction parts 22 magnetically attract the plug device 20 to the socket device 11. The plug-side suction parts 22 may be arranged so as to surround the plug-side terminal part 23. This distributes the suction force around the terminal part, allowing the plug device 20 to be held stably. The plug-side suction parts 22 may be configured to generate magnetic force when power is applied. This prevents magnetic force from being generated when power is not applied, thus preventing unnecessary attraction. In addition, power consumption can be kept to only when necessary. Furthermore, the plug-side suction parts 22 may be configured to neutralize the magnetic force when a certain level of tension is applied to the power supply path. This allows the plug device 20 to be safely detached in the event of an abnormality such as a person or object getting caught in the cable. Thus, damage to the plug device 20 and the socket device 11 can be prevented.

[0133] The concave portion 25 is provided on the inner tip of the plug device 20. The concave portion 25 is a part of the inner end face of the plug body 21 that is recessed outwards in the middle of the vertical direction. As will be described later, the concave portion 25 fits with the convex portion 117 of the socket device 11. This mechanically assists in the alignment of the plug device 20 and the socket device 11, enabling a reliable electrical connection.

[0134] An embodiment of the socket device 11 will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the socket device 11.

[0135] The socket device 11 mainly comprises a socket-side suction part 112, a guide part 113, a rotation direction adjustment part 115, and a socket moving part 116. The socket device 11 is attached to the body 41 of the mobile body 40 and is electrically connected to the plug device 20 to charge the battery 42 of the mobile body 40. The socket device 11 is also located at the back of the socket housing part 118. The socket housing part 118 is covered by a lid (not shown here) when not charging.

[0136] The socket-side suction part 112 is a magnetic part located at the rear of the socket device 11 and is configured to attract the plug-side suction part 22 of the plug device 20 by magnetic force. Specifically, the socket-side suction part 112 is a magnet with the opposite polarity to the plug-side suction part 22. Note that one of the socket-side suction part 112 and the plug-side suction part 22 may be a magnet and the other a non-magnetic material such as iron. Specifically, the socket-side suction part 112 can be a magnet and the plug-side suction part 22 can be a non-magnetic material. In this case, it is possible to prevent the moving plug device 20 from inadvertently magnetizing onto the vehicle body 41, etc.

[0137] The guide portion 113 is connected to the outside of the socket body portion 111 and has a funnel shape that widens towards the outer entrance. That is, the inner diameter of the guide portion 113 decreases along the direction in which the plug device 20 enters. As a result, even if the plug device 20 is misaligned, it can be naturally guided to the center position along the inner wall. Therefore, automatic positioning can be performed.

[0138] The rotation direction adjustment section 115 is located inside the guide section 113. The rotation direction adjustment section 115 aligns the rotational position of the plug-side terminal section 23 and the socket-side terminal section 114. A specific example of the rotation direction adjustment section 115 is, for example, a groove or wall configured to rotate the tip of the plug device 20 described above. The rotation direction adjustment section 115 may rotate the plug device 20 within a 360-degree range. This makes it possible to accommodate multiple standards with different numbers and arrangement angles of terminals.

[0139] The convex portion 117 is a part of the inner bottom surface of the guide portion 113 that protrudes outward in part. The convex shape of the convex portion 117 corresponds to the concave shape of the concave portion 25 of the plug device 20 described above. That is, the convex portion 117 of the socket device 11 is shaped to fit into the concave portion 25 of the plug device 20. For example, the convex portion 117 of the socket device 11 protrudes in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the concave portion 25 of the plug device 20 is recessed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. This assists in mechanical alignment with the plug device 20 and enables reliable electrical connection.

[0140] The socket retraction unit 116 is located inside the socket body 111. After charging is complete, the socket retraction unit 116 pushes the plug device 20 outward, moving it away from the vehicle body 41.

[0141] Next, with reference to Figures 19A and 19B, the process of connecting the plug device 20 to the socket device 11 will be described. Figures 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views showing the connection process sequentially.

[0142] As shown in Figure 19A, the plug device 20 enters the guide section 113 from the outside. The entry of the plug device 20 into the guide section 113 may be done manually by the user, or by a machine such as the cord support arm section 28 shown in Figure 15.

[0143] The tip of the plug device 20 moves toward the socket-side terminal portion 114 while being guided by the side of the guide portion 113. At this time, the angle of the tip of the plug device 20 is corrected by the rotation direction adjustment portion 115 so that the position of the plug device 20 in the rotation direction is such that it can contact and engage with the socket-side terminal portion 114 and the convex portion 117.

[0144] Referring to Figure 19B, when the plug device 20 is moved inward along the guide portion 113, the tip of the plug device 20 comes into contact with the back side of the socket body portion 111. In this state, the concave portion 25 of the plug device 20 and the convex portion 117 of the socket device 11 engage. This engagement ensures that the positions of the plug device 20 and the socket device 11 are precisely aligned.

[0145] Therefore, the plug-side suction portion 22 of the plug device 20 is attracted to the socket-side suction portion 112 of the socket device 11 by magnetic force. Also, the plug-side terminal portion 23 of the plug device 20 is connected to the socket-side terminal portion 114 of the socket device 11. In this state, the battery 42 of the mobile unit 40 is charged.

[0146] Once charging is complete, the plug device 20 is withdrawn from the socket device 11. For example, the socket moving part 116, which is an actuator, can also detach the plug device 20 from the socket device 11 by pushing the tip of the plug device 20 outwards.

[0147] Figure 20 shows the case in which the above-described embodiment is realized in the form of an adapter 24.

[0148] Here, an adapter 24 is attached to the tip of the plug device 20. The plug device 20 is a commercially available, general-purpose device. The adapter 24 is fixed to the tip of the plug device 20 and is electrically connected to the electrode formed on the tip of the plug device 20.

[0149] The adapter 24 has a plug-side suction portion 22, a plug-side terminal portion 23, and a recessed portion 25 at the inner end of its main body. The shape and function of each part are the same as described with reference to Figures 17 to 19.

[0150] By using adapter 24, existing standard charging plugs can be made compatible with this embodiment. Therefore, users can connect and charge using the socket device 11 shown in Figure 18 by applying adapter 24, without having to purchase a new charging cable.

[0151] Refer to Figure 21 to describe the configuration of the mobile-side charging device 10 in yet another form.

[0152] In this configuration, the mobile charging device 10 is equipped with a rotating part 19 that performs rotational driving of the plug guide part 12, etc. That is, in the above-described configurations, the plug guide part 12 attached and detached the plug device 20 by sliding, whereas here, the mobile charging device 10 attached and detached the plug device 20 by rotational movement, etc.

[0153] The plug guide portion 12 is attached to the vehicle body 41 via a rotating portion 19 and is configured to cover the socket housing portion 118 when closed. Figure 21 shows the plug guide portion 12 in the open state. In other words, here the plug guide portion 12 also functions as a cover portion that covers the socket housing portion 118.

[0154] The guide-side magnetic section 129 is positioned on the surface of the plug guide section 12 that faces inward towards the vehicle body 41 when closed. The guide-side magnetic section 129 is the part that attracts the plug device 20 by magnetic force. A wide range of materials can be used for the guide-side magnetic section 129, including magnetic materials and non-magnetic materials.

[0155] The rotating unit 19, equipped with an actuator (not shown here), is a component that drives the rotational movement of the plug guide unit 12. When the rotating unit 19 rotates the plug guide unit 12 in a first direction, the plug guide unit 12 moves from a closed state to an open state. Then, with the aforementioned plug device 20 attached to the guide unit side magnetic force unit 129, the rotating unit 19 rotates the plug guide unit 12 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, causing the plug guide unit 12 to move from an open state to a closed state.

[0156] In addition to rotational drive, the rotating part 19 may also be equipped with a link mechanism that moves the plug guide part 12 along the inward and outward directions. In this case, the rotating part 19 moves the plug guide part 12, to which the plug device 20 is attracted, from the open state to the closed state by rotational drive, and then pushes it inward. In this way, electrical connection can be reliably made between the plug device 20 and the socket device 11. To move the plug guide part 12 from the closed state to the open state, the reverse operation is performed compared to moving the plug guide part 12 from the open state to the closed state.

[0157] Referring to Figure 22, the configuration of the plug device 20 in yet another form will be described. In this configuration, the inner portion of the cord section 17 is branched into two, with a general-purpose plug device 31 connected to one side of the cord section 17 and the plug device 20 connected to the other side of the cord section 17. With this configuration, charging can be performed using the plug device 20 for a mobile body 40 equipped with a mobile body-side charging device 10 as shown in Figure 2A, etc. On the other hand, in the case of a general electric vehicle, etc., that is not equipped with a mobile body-side charging device 10, charging can be performed using the general-purpose plug device 31.

[0158] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0159] The following shows a modified version of the above embodiment.

[0160] Referring to Figure 15, the cord support arm portion 28 of the charging device 50 may be equipped with a sensor for detecting the plug guide portion 12. This sensor can be an obstacle sensor, radar, laser, or camera. Alternatively, a magnetic field sensor may be provided to detect changes in the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic portion of the plug guide portion 12. This allows the charging device 50 to detect the presence and position of the plug guide portion 12.

[0161] Referring to Figure 20, the adapter 24 may be equipped with an extension cord and configured as a bifurcated unit. In this case, one end of the adapter 24 is a plug device 20, and the other end is a power supply plug of a different standard. This allows mobile units 40 compatible with this configuration to be charged automatically, while mobile units that are not compatible can be charged as before. Thus, both automatic and manual charging can be achieved with a single charging device 50.

[0162] Referring to Figure 15, the cord support arm 28 may be installed separately from the main body of the charging device 50. When installed separately, the cord support arm 28 can be made relatively long. This extends the reach of the plug device 20.

[0163] Referring to Figure 15, the charging device 50 may disconnect the magnetic force of the magnetic part when disconnecting the socket device 11 and the plug device 20. If the magnetic part is an electromagnet, the magnetic force can be disconnected by stopping the power supply. This allows the plug device 20 to be smoothly separated from the socket device 11. The separated plug device 20 is recovered by the motor of the charging device 50 winding up the cord 17.

[0164] The cord support section 27 of the charging device 50 may be configured as a drum device for winding the cord section 17. This drum device incorporates a motor and retrieves the plug device 20 by winding the cord section 17.

[0165] Referring to Figure 4, the valley-shaped cross-sectional shape formed by the first lower contact portion 1211 and the second lower contact portion 1212 is not limited to a V-shape. The cross-sectional shape may be U-shaped, arc-shaped, or mortar-shaped. This allows the plug device 20 to slide smoothly into the center according to the shape of the lower surface of the plug device 20.

[0166] The inclination angles of the first lower contact portion 1211 and the second lower contact portion 1212 with respect to the horizontal plane may be the same or different. By making the inclination angles different, the plug device 20 can be guided to a predetermined position.

[0167] Referring to Figure 4, the opening 123 is formed as a single slit extending in the inward and outward directions. Alternatively, the opening 123 may be formed as a plurality of holes spaced apart in the inward and outward directions. Furthermore, the plug guide portion 12 may be configured without the opening 123.

[0168] Referring to Figure 4, the pair of side contact portions 122 are not limited to vertically upright surfaces. The side contact portions 122 may also be tapered surfaces that widen outward toward upward. This makes it easier to receive the plug device 20 through the opening on the top surface.

[0169] Referring to Figure 4, the opening on the upper surface of the plug guide portion 12 is not limited to a rectangular shape in plan view. The opening may also be trapezoidal, widening outwards in plan view. This expands the tolerance range for positional misalignment on the charging device 50 side.

[0170] The material of the plug guide portion 12 is not particularly limited. The plug guide portion 12 can be made of metal, resin, or a composite material thereof.

[0171] Referring to Figure 5, the plug body 21 has a thickness in both its inward and outward directions. This thickness is set to be such that the plug device 20 does not tip over even when the magnetic attraction by the plug device side magnetic part 207 is released. As a result, the plug device 20 maintains an upright position even when the magnetic force is released. The operator can easily handle the plug device 20 after charging is complete.

[0172] Referring to Figure 8B, charging is not limited to contact charging. The plug device 20 and the socket device 11 may perform contact charging, where they make contact with each other to exchange power. Alternatively, the plug device 20 and the socket device 11 may perform non-contact charging, where they do not make contact with each other to exchange power. Non-contact charging exchanges power by electromagnetic induction. When non-contact charging is used, a gap may exist between the plug device 20 and the socket device 11. This can improve the waterproofness of the plug device 20 and the socket device 11.

[0173] The inventions that can be understood from the embodiments described above, along with their effects, are described below.

[0174] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a plug body, a plug-side adsorption portion provided on the plug body, and a plug-side terminal portion provided on the plug body, wherein the plug-side adsorption portion magnetically attracts the plug device to the socket device, and the plug-side terminal portion electrically connects to the socket device. According to the present invention, the plug device can be magnetically attracted and held to the socket device by the plug-side adsorption portion, and an electrical connection with the socket device can be achieved by the plug-side terminal portion.

[0175] Furthermore, in the plug device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plug-side suction portion is provided so as to surround the plug-side terminal portion. According to the plug device of the present invention, by providing the plug-side suction portion so as to surround the plug-side terminal portion, the suction force can be distributed throughout the entire area around the terminal portion, allowing for stable holding and maintaining the terminal connection position at the center.

[0176] Furthermore, in the plug device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plug device is characterized by being a removable adapter. According to the plug device of the present invention, since the plug device is configured as a removable adapter, it can be attached to and used with existing standard charging plugs, and the functions of the present invention can be retrofitted while utilizing existing infrastructure.

[0177] Furthermore, in the plug device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plug-side adsorption part is characterized in that it generates magnetic force when an electric current is applied. According to the plug device of the present invention, since the plug-side adsorption part is configured to generate magnetic force when an electric current is applied, it is possible to prevent unnecessary adsorption by not generating magnetic force when no electric current is applied, and power consumption can be reduced to only when necessary.

[0178] Furthermore, in the plug device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plug-side suction part is characterized in that it neutralizes the magnetic force when a certain level of tension or more is applied to the current-carrying path. According to the plug device of the present invention, by neutralizing the magnetic force when a certain level of tension or more is applied to the current-carrying path, the plug device can be safely detached in the event of an abnormality such as a person or object getting caught on the cable, thereby preventing damage to the plug device and socket device.

[0179] Furthermore, in the plug device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the socket device and the plug device are configured to be aligned by fitting, and each has either a concave portion or a convex portion for the purpose of alignment. According to the plug device of the present invention, by configuring the alignment using a fitting structure with a concave portion or a convex portion, the alignment of the plug device and the socket device can be mechanically assisted, and a reliable electrical connection can be achieved.

[0180] Furthermore, the plug device according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having the aforementioned concave portion. According to the plug device of the present invention, by providing a concave portion on the plug device side, it is possible to engage it with the convex portion on the socket device side to ensure secure mounting in a predetermined position.

[0181] An embodiment of the present invention is a socket device that is attached to a mobile body and electrically connected to a plug device for charging the battery of the mobile body, and comprises a socket body, a socket-side adsorption part provided on the socket body, a guide part provided on the socket body, and a socket-side terminal part provided on the socket body, wherein the socket-side adsorption part is attracted to the plug device by magnetic force, the guide part guides the plug device toward the socket-side terminal part, and the socket-side terminal part is electrically connected to the plug device. According to the socket device of the present invention, the plug device can be attracted by magnetic force by the socket-side adsorption part, and the plug device can be guided toward the socket-side terminal part by the guide part, thus enabling automatic connection without human intervention.

[0182] Furthermore, in the socket device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion is characterized in that its inner diameter decreases along the direction in which the plug device enters. According to the socket device of the present invention, because the inner diameter of the guide portion decreases along the direction in which the plug device enters, even if there is some misalignment of the plug device, it can be naturally guided along the inner wall to the center position, and automatic positioning can be performed.

[0183] Furthermore, the socket device according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further having a rotation direction adjustment unit that aligns the rotational positions of the plug-side terminal portion and the socket-side terminal portion of the plug device. According to the socket device of the present invention, by having a rotation direction adjustment unit that aligns the rotational positions of the plug-side terminal portion and the socket-side terminal portion, it can accommodate multiple plug devices with different terminal arrangement standards, thereby improving versatility.

[0184] Furthermore, the socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further having a socket moving part that moves the socket body outward from the vehicle body of the mobile vehicle before charging. According to the socket device of the present invention, by having a socket moving part that moves the socket body outward from the vehicle body of the mobile vehicle before charging, the socket can be configured to be exposed only during charging, thereby ensuring dustproof performance and aerodynamic performance during driving.

[0185] Furthermore, in the socket device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the socket device and the plug device are configured to be aligned by fitting, and each has either a concave portion or a convex portion for the purpose of alignment. According to the socket device of the present invention, by providing a concave portion or a convex portion for fitting on the socket device side, mechanical alignment with the plug device can be assisted, and a reliable electrical connection can be achieved.

[0186] Furthermore, the socket device according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having the convex portion. According to the socket device of the present invention, by providing a convex portion on the socket device side, it is possible to engage it with the concave portion on the plug device side to ensure secure attachment.

[0187] An embodiment of the present invention provides a charging system that charges the battery of a mobile body by supplying power from a charging device to the mobile body, wherein the mobile body comprises a socket device and a mobile body-side communication unit, the charging device comprises a plug device and a charging device-side communication unit that communicates with the mobile body-side communication unit, and the charging device charges the battery by bringing the plug device close to the socket device when the charging conditions for charging the mobile body are met, and the mobile body connects the socket device and the plug device. According to the charging system of the present invention, when the charging conditions are met, the charging device automatically brings the plug device close to the socket device and connects them, thereby automatically charging the battery of the mobile body without human intervention.

[0188] Furthermore, in the charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging condition is characterized in that the remaining charge value of the battery is less than a preset first remaining charge value. According to the charging system of the present invention, the charging sequence is automatically started when the remaining charge value of the battery falls below the first remaining charge value, so that the driver can perform appropriate charging management without being aware of the charging timing.

[0189] Furthermore, in the charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the charging conditions are met, the mobile body detects the charging device located near the mobile body, moves to the nearest charging device, and receives power from the charging device. According to the charging system of the present invention, when the charging conditions are met, the mobile body automatically detects the nearest charging device and moves to it, thereby eliminating the need for the driver to search for a charging device and enabling efficient charging.

[0190] Furthermore, in the charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging device has a cord portion that is connected to and wound up and stored with the plug device, and the charging device is characterized in that, when connecting the socket device and the plug device, it lowers the plug device by unwinding the cord portion. According to the charging system of the present invention, by unwinding the wound-up and stored cord portion and lowering the plug device, the installation space of the charging device can be reduced while ensuring that the plug device reaches a predetermined position.

[0191] Furthermore, in the charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the remaining charge value of the battery becomes greater than a preset second remaining charge value due to charging, the connection between the socket device and the plug device is released and the cord is wound up. According to the charging system of the present invention, when the remaining charge value of the battery exceeds the second remaining charge value, the connection between the socket device and the plug device is released and the cord is wound up, so that it can be automatically returned to its original stored state after charging is complete, and readyness for the next use can be ensured.

[0192] Furthermore, in the charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the socket device and the plug device are attracted to each other by magnetic force. According to the charging system of the present invention, the socket device and the plug device are attracted to each other by magnetic force, thereby enabling a reliable connection without the need for a mechanical latch mechanism, and also allowing for mechanical separation against magnetic force in the event of excessive tension.

[0193] Furthermore, in the charging system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plug guide can also be operated manually. This allows for a gradual introduction from manual to automatic operation. For example, in the first stage, a manual plug guide is attached to the mobile body, and in the second stage, an automatic plug guide is attached to the mobile body. In the second stage, only the opening and closing of the plug guide is automated. At this time, the plug guide is modularized, and a common unit housing space and electrical and communication connection interfaces are provided on the mobile body side. -If the face is pre-installed, the transition from the first to the second stage can be achieved simply by replacing the unit. Then, when the charging device is automated, the transition moves to the third stage of fully automatic charging. At this point, if the drive unit and transmitter are pre-installed on the plug guide side at the second stage, the mobile unit can transition to the third stage through a software update without needing to replace the plug guide. This step-by-step transition makes it rational to separate the development of the mobile unit from the development of the charging equipment, including the plug guide. Furthermore, since the same vehicle can be used to transition from the first to the third stage, the burden on the user is reduced, and the options available are increased. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0194] 10 Mobile side charging device 11 Socket device 111 Socket body 112 Socket-side suction part 113 Information Department 114 Socket-side terminal section 115 Rotation direction adjustment section 116 Socket movement part 117 Convex part 118 Socket housing 12 Plug guide section 121 Bottom contact part 1211 1st bottom contact part 12111 Plug guide side first magnetic part 1212 2nd bottom contact part 12121 Plug guide side second magnetic part 122 Side contact area 123 Opening 124 Telescopic structure 125 Transmitter 126 Plug guide side magnetic part 13 Guide drive unit 141 Penetration 1411 Waterproof sealing material 15 Packing material 16 adjuster 161 Wall 17. Code section 18 Mobile device side communication unit 20 Plugging device 201 1st bottom surface 202 2nd bottom surface 203 Plug device side first magnetic part 204 Plug device side second magnetic part 205 First aspect 206 Second aspect 207 Plug device side magnetic part 21 Plug body 22 Plug-side suction part 23 Plug-side terminal section 231 Plug side first terminal section 232 Plug side second terminal section 24 adapters 25 Concave part 26 Information and Storage Section 27 Cord support section 28 Cord support arm section 29 Arm support section 30 Charging Systems 40 Mobile Units 41 Car body 42 Batteries 45. Arithmetic Control Unit 50 Charging device 51 Charging device side communication unit

Claims

1. It comprises a socket device and a plug guide, The socket device is provided on the mobile body and is configured to charge the battery mounted on the mobile body by connecting to the plug device of the charging device. The plug guide portion is disposed on the movable body near the socket device, is configured to hold the plug device, and is configured to guide the plug device toward the socket device during charging by moving from the outside to the inside of the movable body while holding the plug device.

2. comprising a socket device and a plug guide, The socket device is provided on the mobile body and is configured to charge the battery mounted on the mobile body by connecting to the plug device of the charging device. The plug guide portion is disposed on the mobile body near the socket device, is configured to be able to receive the plug device, and is configured to guide the plug device toward the socket device during charging by moving from the outside to the inside of the mobile body while the plug device is received.

3. It further comprises a guide drive unit, The mobile body side charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide drive unit is configured to extend and retract the plug guide unit in an inward and outward direction from the mobile body.

4. comprising a socket device and a plug guide, The socket device is provided on the mobile body and is configured to charge the battery mounted on the mobile body by connecting to the plug device of the charging device. The plug guide portion is disposed on the mobile body near the socket device and is configured to move the plug device toward the socket device during charging, and is characterized by having a lower contact portion that contacts the lower surface of the plug device and a side contact portion that contacts the side surface of the plug device.

5. The mobile body charging device according to claim 4, wherein the plug device has a first lower surface that is inclined downward toward one side in the width direction and a second lower surface that is inclined downward toward the other side in the width direction, and the lower surface contact portion has a first lower surface contact portion configured to contact the first lower surface of the plug device and a second lower surface contact portion configured to contact the second lower surface of the plug device.

6. The mobile body charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that the plug guide portion has an opening between the first lower contact portion and the second lower contact portion.

7. The mobile charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug guide portion is configured to attract the plug device by magnetic force.

8. A magnetic material is provided on the plug guide side. The mobile body charging device according to claim 7, characterized in that a magnetic material is provided on the plug device side.

9. The first lower surface and the second lower surface of the plug device are provided with a first magnetic field section on the plug device side and a second magnetic field section on the plug device side, The mobile body charging device according to claim 5, wherein the first lower contact portion and the second lower contact portion of the plug guide portion are provided with a plug guide portion side first magnetic portion and a plug guide portion side second magnetic portion that attract the plug device side first magnetic portion and the plug device side second magnetic portion.

10. The plug device has a first side and a second side, The plug-side terminal portion is provided on only one of the first side and the second side. The mobile body charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that a plug device side magnetic force portion is disposed on either the first lower surface or the second lower surface of the plug device, and a plug guide portion side magnetic force portion is disposed on either the first lower surface contact portion or the second lower surface contact portion of the plug guide portion.

11. The mobile body charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug guide portion is configured as a substantially case-shaped member with an open top surface.

12. The mobile body charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug guide portion is disposed in a guide storage portion formed in the body of the mobile body, and a packing member is disposed between the plug guide portion and the guide storage portion.

13. comprising a socket device and a plug guide, The socket device is provided on the mobile body and is configured to charge the battery mounted on the mobile body by connecting to the plug device of the charging device. The plug guide portion is disposed on the mobile body near the socket device and is configured to guide the plug device toward the socket device during charging. The mobile body-side charging device is characterized in that it is configured to extend and retract in the direction of the mobile body's outward projection by a telescopic structure formed by combining a plurality of hollow members in a nested manner.

14. The mobile charging device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a transmitter that generates a signal capable of identifying the position of the plug guide portion, located in or near the plug guide portion.

15. The mobile-side charging device according to claim 14, characterized in that the transmitter is configured to communicate with the charging device by electromagnetic communication means.

16. The mobile charging device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an adjuster near the socket device configured to correct at least one of the orientation and position of the plug device.

17. The mobile body charging device according to claim 16, characterized in that the adjuster has a wall portion that is inclined outward in the width direction or the vertical direction.

18. The mobile charging device according to claim 12, characterized in that the plug guide portion has a through portion for passing through the cord portion connected to the plug device.

19. The mobile body charging device according to claim 18, characterized in that a waterproof sealing member is provided in the aforementioned penetration portion.

20. The mobile body charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mobile body is a vehicle, a train, or an unmanned aerial vehicle.

21. The mobile body charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug device is configured to be supported when it is housed in the plug guide portion.

22. It further comprises a resistance detection unit, The mobile charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the resistance detection unit detects a resistance above a certain level while the plug guide unit is guiding the plug device toward the socket device.

23. The mobile body charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a side magnetic field is provided on the outer surface of the plug guide portion.

24. The mobile body side charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug guide portion is rotatably disposed with respect to the main body of the mobile body.

25. The mobile charging device according to claim 7, wherein the plug device has a plug body, and the thickness of the plug body in the inward and outward directions is set to a thickness such that the plug device does not tip over even when the magnetic attraction is released.

26. The mobile body charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the charging is a contact-type charging in which the plug device and the socket device are in contact to exchange power, or a non-contact type charging in which the plug device and the socket device are not in contact to exchange power.

27. The mobile body side charging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide drive unit displaces the plug guide in at least one of the vertical direction, width direction, and inward / outward direction when the plug guide protrudes to the outside of the mobile body.

28. The mobile body side charging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide drive unit displaces the inclination angle of the plug guide with respect to the longitudinal direction when the plug guide protrudes to the outside of the mobile body.

29. The mobile body side charging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug guide portion is configured as a module that can be retrofitted to the mobile body.

30. The mobile body side charging device according to claim 29, characterized in that the plug guide portion is detachably housed in a common housing space provided in advance on the mobile body.

31. A mobile body characterized by comprising a mobile body-side charging device as described in Claim 1 or Claim 2.

Images